Book launch of Asset Based Community Development: From Opportunities To Strengths by Dr Saiful Bahri
Guest of Honour: Tan Sri Dr Mohd Yusof Noor
Date: 21 August 2009
Time: 3pm - 5:30pm
Venue: Harrods. KLCC

The event opened in characteristic style and grace. English afternoon tea at Harrods, KlCC – marking the release of Dr. Saiful’s new book – Asset Based Community Development: From Opportunities to Strengths.

Settling around teacakes and scones, guests enjoyed jovial conversation while awaiting the welcoming address.

ABCD is an innovative strategy for grassroots community empowerment that OXCEL is pioneering here in Malaysia. It has received wide acclaim in both Australia and North America and now forms the basis of a FELDA-OXCEL community development project.

Beginning with a prayer from Mr. Ashraf Addulaimi the event begun leading to a warm and heartfelt address from Dato’ Zulkifli Bin Mohamad, OXCEL Advisor and Menara Kuala Lumpur CEO.

The stand then went to Dr. Christopher Hill –Director of the Uni. Nottingham Graduate School, Malaysia Campus. Chairing his own development agency, Dr. Christopher is indeed well placed to share his experiences in utilising the concepts of Asset Based Community Development strategy.

After another round of tea and cakes, guests heard a closing message by Tan Sri Dr. Mohd Yusof Noor; explaining the bond of partnership between OXCEL and FELDA, their current platform and future potential. Tan Sri then signed the book launch plaque, and in doing so officially launched the book which will be distributed to the communities of FELDA.

The event was witnessed by Tan Sri Lim Ewe Jin, Dato Luciano Mirri, Dato Shah Rezza, Dato Radzwan Marzuki, Dr Mohd Jamil Sulaiman, Prof Dr Mohamed Nizam, Prof Dr Peter Shephard, En Abidin Abd. Rahman, Mohamad Ibrahim, Saud Bandar al Duwaish, Nizal Mohamad, Maria Rufina, Timothy Law and Marco Robinson to name a few.

The event was a resounding success with all parties receiving copies of the highly anticipated book.

Ending with charm and elegance synonymous with the surroundings, guests queued patiently for author signatures while discussing the intriguing potential of this new and inventive strategy of social empowerment.