NGO in Kaohsiung

Voluntarism in Kaohsiung as shown by the NGO and community members are of no match compared to any cities in Malaysia, I observed. Listening to the volunteers and observing their eagerness in carrying out community acitivities in the parks, stations, public place or even places of interest to tourists is so amazing. It is an instinct response from the heart and passion. I presume the success of many community and environmental initiatives in Kaohsiung is attributed partly by the volunteers.

Having said this, this spirit inculcalation is not possible without the support and encouragement of the City Government and general public. We witnessed how a former brown field site with high economic value at the city centre has been given to Wetland Taiwan to plan and manage as a wetland. We also witnessed how NGO and youth join hand to advocate for the renewal and conservation of Kaohsiung Port area, a dilapilated area due to the degrading of port related activities. Through their efforts and involvement, the existing station building turned into a railway museum and a former warehouse was used as art centre and theatre within the urban renewal site that will transform the port area into a modern inner city area of Kaohsiung. We were briefed by NGO who has been assigned to manage and educate general public on both places. Incentives are also given to fund and to encourage the NGO. I presume, Malaysian Local Authorities should learn how to treat NGO in providing city service as equal partners and to provide sufficient support for them to compliment the urban services. My experience is in most of the time, NGO are not perceived well and treated with suspicious. We always label them as someone trying to advocate different opinion than us and if not, at least to take advantage. For active and efficient contribution of NGO to take place, this perception should first be erased.

I believe urban management requires mutual understanding and cooperation amongst all stakeholders and NGO with the expertise and passion, should be given opportunities and resources for complimenting the works of Local Authorities as provided for under the Chapter 27, Agenda 21.