Connecting Generations: Bridging the Gap in Malaysia

Comprehension and inclusiveness can significantly help close the gap between different age groups, which is the aim of Sunway’s "human library" pilot initiative.

This initiative gathers individuals with varied backgrounds who serve as "books" for others to "borrow," thereby gaining insights into their knowledge and experiences.

The project participants included residents of Sunway Sanctuary along with volunteers from Sunway University’s Jeffrey Sachs Centre (JSC) on Sustainable Development who came together not long ago for a rewarding event.

The attendees gathered at Sunway Sanctuary, an esteemed retirement community operated by the Sunway Healthcare Group located in Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Among those present were 10 locals, 20 university participants made up of both current students and graduates, along with 10 employees from Sunway Sanctuary and JSC.

They made their way to the Sunway Lagoon Wildlife Park within the adjacent Sunway Lagoon amusement park.

The initiative aimed to connect students with residents for a day trip followed by a human library session.

The outing proved rewarding for the residents as they received tailored assistance, whereas for the students, the journey cultivated empathy and enhanced their caring abilities.

The excursion was also aimed at evaluating and enhancing the wheelchair accessibility features of Sunway Lagoon, along with fostering intergenerational learning via storytelling and reflection sessions.

The idea of the Human Library originated in Denmark back in 2000 with the aim of promoting human rights, fostering social cohesion, and building empathy.

Although JSC predominantly concentrates on environmental concerns such as climate resilience and carbon management, the center recognized that genuine sustainability should also encompass social well-being.

This led them to explore topics like ageing, purpose and community.

Collaborating with Sunway Sanctuary has enabled JSC to implement these concepts, according to the centre.

The head of JSC and associate professor Dr Chen Jit Ern mentioned that caring is integral to their aims for sustainability.

He mentioned that JSC employees wished for the students to explore urban environments alongside elderly individuals, encompassing those who use wheelchairs.

He mentioned that during the journey, they identified shortcomings related to accessibility features such as ramps and weather shelters. He also provided suggestions for enhancing these aspects within the Sunway environment.

“The coordination to run this outing was a challenge but we will continue to do something every year,” he pledged.

Vivien Lim, the sales and marketing director at Sunway Sanctuary, mentioned that they had considered implementing the human library concept a few years back.

"As we expand within the senior living sector, we must enhance our operational strategies and take into account the specific requirements of both our residents and their activities," she clarified.

For Anisa Mirza Khan, aged 78, the excursion was like finding something old yet new again.

“She mentioned, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia, ‘I haven’t visited a zoo in ages.’”

"Animals possess emotions, which become evident when we take a moment to observe them; this journey reaffirmed that belief for me," said the former English instructor who relocated from Singapore and decided to reside in Sunway Sanctuary, dedicating her time nowadays to writing poetry and introspection.

“I’m an active person at heart.

“The young people on this trip were so helpful,” Anisa added.

Roziatul Akmam Osman, aged 58, who works as an accountant and often visits the place, mentioned that she had come across the concept of a human library some time back and proposed the idea to the general manager of Sunway Sanctuary.

“After two years, it’s now a reality,” said Roziatul, who added that the facility’s hydrotherapy was helping her build core strength.

For Deanna Goh, aged 82, the zoo was not her preferred attraction.

“She openly admitted her preference for shopping,” noting that she was grateful for the students' kindness.

Following an injury from a fall and an arm fracture last year, Goh relocated to Sunway Sanctuary to receive dialysis treatment and attentive care.

The desire for human connection was something that student Yap Wai Lek, aged 25, wished to develop as well.

"Sustainability revolves around people, planet, and profits. However, individuals frequently end up being overlooked," he stated, elaborating that the human library demonstrated what true inclusiveness signifies beyond just theoretical concepts.

Fellow volunteer and PhD candidate Idris Mohammad Hoppie supported this view, pointing out that although the government has concepts for sustainability, much of their workforce lacks the necessary training to implement these plans successfully.

"So, such community-led projects form genuine ecosystems," he stated.

Yong Joon Yee, aged 28, who is an ecologist and a graduate of Life Sciences, referred to the experience as "a hands-on reality check".

Policies and initiatives can often seem intangible.

"But here, you encounter the people, and along with their surroundings, they must be an integral part," Yong stated.

Towards the conclusion of the visit, an hour-long Human Library event took place with the participation of both the volunteers and the locals, during which the latter recounted their life stories.