About Us
Vision
SOLS Foundation envisions a world where low socioeconomic status individuals are able to move out of poverty and reach stable middle-class outcomes while contributing to the nation's development.
Mission
Our mission is to serve, educate & empower the bottom 40% of the population with FREE education, personal development, employment support and energy access for rural Orang Asli and Orang Asal (indigenous) communities.
Who We Are
SOLS Foundation is a leading in-person and online education provider for the poor.
Starting out as experts in teaching English to those with zero or very basic English proficiency, we have since branched out to encompass Employable English skills for school, university, business purposes as well as becoming a job preparation, digital education provider and energy access for rural Orang Asli / asal community.
Through various education, energy access, social empowerment programmes, an online education platform: Progressive Web app and android app targeted for the bottom 40% of the population, SOLS Foundation works unconditionally towards transforming underserved communities to become aware of their true potential, break the cycle of poverty and move towards middle-class society.
SOLS Foundation provides free education, vocational, energy access and social empowerment programmes to communities with a strong focus in Malaysia and Indonesia.
- Over 800,000 students in 7 countries over the last 24 years.
- Over 40 full-time team members from more than 5 countries.
In addition to providing services to those in need, our track record includes providing English training, Digital Skills, NGO transformation & crowdfunding programmes to government ministries, agencies, private and public corporations, as well as universities and schools.
Over the years SOLS has implemented nationwide programs and pioneered solutions in Education, Renewable Energy, Technology for NGOs and Community Mental Health.
SOLS Foundation is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization, registered in Malaysia with registration number 200801009737 (811025T).
SOLS Foundation supports the Sustainable Development Goals
Our History
Formerly known as SOLS 24/7, the foundation was founded in 2000 in Cambodia by Teacher Raj Ridvan Singh, his father and brother, and was quickly developed into one of the largest non-formal education providers in the country at that time.
This marked the beginning of the non-governmental organization’s revolutionary education system and mission to provide service to humanity. Following the success in Cambodia, Teacher Raj travelled to Timor Leste in 2005 to set up SOLS 24/7 Timor Leste in a period of heightened civil unrest. His team was forced to evacuate the country but returned in 2006 to open the first main training centre in Dili.
After the success in Timor Leste, SOLS 24/7 Foundation was set up by Teacher Raj and began operations in his hometown of Malacca in 2007, before moving its first SOLS Solar Academy (previously: Youth Development Centre) and Headquarters to Kuala Lumpur in 2011. In 2014, Teacher Raj was the only remaining founder in SOLS 24/7.
Together with his team, they have conducted extensive research to create programmes that would benefit B40 and B20 communities. Coupled with learnings from the pandemic, they have sought to transform and adapt to the complexities and challenges faced by learners in the new norm.
After 24 years of progress and growth, SOLS 24/7 has been renamed as SOLS Foundation. Although what it is called has been changed, but its vision is to bring SOLS 24/7 programs and services to countries throughout the world remains unwavering. Running parallel to the Foundation is SOLS Social Enterprises, set up in 2010. SOLS Social Enterprises focuses on three sectors, Education, Technology and Renewable Energy, all of which play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life of people transcending race, gender, culture and age.
Our Values
SOLS Foundation is completely committed to being:
Impact Driven
We focus on results. We actively measure the impact of our education with valuable data.
Transparent
Most of the problems we tackle require collaboration, and there is no collaboration without trust. We are devoted to building trust with our partners through clean and transparent accounting.
Sustainable
Education enriches the future. Our platform is designed for the long-term growth of Malaysia’s B40 to create and lead empowered lives.
Our 4 Programmes
Everyone has different needs and goals, however we all want to achieve happiness and intelligence in as many areas as possible. Our Programmes provide you with the support you need to achieve your full potential.
There are more than 18 different skill blocks such as Communication, Digital Skills, Soft Skills, Job Preparation as well as 60 modules (and counting!) in all three of Our programmes. Select and compare the programme that will give you the greatest benefit: Get started on your education journey today.
Skills Hub
Designed for people who are looking to customise their own programme and study at their own pace. Skills Hub allows you to select specific skills to learn with various options to choose from.
TVET Academy
Offered to pre, current and post TVET students all over Malaysia. A structured programme that will guide you to thrive in studies, succeed in employment and progress in your career. Includes exclusive modules such as ‘Choosing the Right College’ and ‘Winning a TVET placement’ as well as support for transitioning into work after your on-the-job training.
Solar Academy
Our most intensive programme, offering a progression of modules focusing on skills growth and non-academic assistance that leads to employment. Includes exclusive modules such as the Solar PV and Maintenance and Securing Employment course.
Energy Access
We have equipped over 2,400 off-grid families with affordable energy that enables work, play and savings that go into their futures. Our mission is to work towards powering 34,000 off-grid Orang Asli homes and 250,000 off-grid Orang Asal (Sabah & Sarawak) homes in the next 7 years with our partners.
Our Credo – People. Planet. Prosperity.
Our culture is governed by our credo:
Be Happy & Grow
Growth, happiness and development mindset, with work-life balance.
Be Excellent
Speed of delivery with high-quality implementation.
Be Responsible
We are inclusive and always responsible to our team and those we serve.
Be Agile
Always open to change, question, and experiment. Not afraid to make mistakes and learn fast.
Be Zero Waste
Smart use of resources and zero waste.
We are Kind & Respectful
Always communicating with respect, kindness and empathy.
We Care
We genuinely care about our team and those we serve.
We Take Ownership
We are all responsible for success. We only win as a team.
We are Partners
Compensation that is competitive, generous and within our means.
We Create Impact
We serve, educate and empower the B40. Our Impact Organizations direct 30% or more of profits towards B40 programmes.
