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    • Terms of References

    1.0 INTRODUCTION
    1.1 PROGRAMME BACKGROUND
    The northern region of Peninsular Malaysia is rich with historical and cultural assets. Its immense natural resources have attracted settlers from afar for nearly two million years and continue to sustain the regional economy. These assets tell a story of human evolution, migration, civilization, and interaction with the environment. Recognizing the untapped potential of cultural assets to drive the local economic development in the region, Think City with the support of the Ministry of Finance has launched a Cultural Economy Catalytic Grants Programme. Its purpose is to tap on the potential of culture-based local economic development and build a network of sites to widen the network of local offerings for visitors seeking immersive experiences.
    1.2 PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
    Aim:  To leverage Malaysia’s unique tangible and intangible cultural assets as enablers for economic resiliency and socio-economic growth (such as the creation of new jobs and investments), while highlighting the nation’s rich heritage and history.

    Program: A program with specified content and action framework to re-optimize and connect heritage assets into a well-curated network of archaeotourism, heritage, and natural sites. This includes strengthening the ecosystem surrounding the sites. The program’s framework will generate a concentrated effect and lays the groundwork for subsequent deepening and scaling of the program in next phase to sustain and build the local economy.

    Timeline: Submissions will be accepted beginning 23 August 2022 and will close on 4 October 2022.

    Announcement of successful applications: Successful applicants

    1.3 OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES 

    The program’s objectives are to:

    1. Catalyze the creation of a network of cultural nodes in the northern region that leads to a long term sustainable local development;
    2. Encourage a multi layered and complementary narrative of cultural assets in the region with multiple entry points and “crisscrossing” pathways;
    3. Encourage public engagement with the past through a citizen scientists’ approach and participation in a process of exploration and discovery;
    4. Activate undervalued local heritage and cultural assets through capacity building, content creation or community development initiatives and;
    5. Develop cultural products and sustainable community-based enterprises to promote the continuation of local traditions and values.

    The early focus of the programme was on Lenggong, Taiping and Kuala Kangsar. The coverage of the programme continues to include these areas however we are encouraging applications from other localities in the northern region such as Guar Kepah, Sungai Batu, Lembah Bujang, Alor Setar, mangrove sites like Prai River, nature sites like Belum Forest and also Perlis.

    Projects outcome and impact towards local economy development:

    1. Capacity building for each grantee in (a) heritage asset management and (b) project management;
    2. Demonstration projects, turned into learning labs;
    3. Enhanced heritage narratives providing diverse interpretations & opening up additional engagement;
    4. Increase in absolute amount of the heritage asset, driving greater public interest in stewardship & economic development;
    5. Attracting engagement from local and non-local participants;
    6. Stimulating a multiplier expansion as well as a densification of the network and;
    7. Generating resources which can be invested in community development.

    2.0 SELECTED NODES AND SITES FOR INTERVENTIONS
    The northern region of Peninsular Malaysia is steeped with historical, cultural, and natural assets that can function as nodes within a locality and is a suitable platform for culture-based local development. An integrated network connected by significant cultural, social, environment values will comprise of multi-entry points, interwoven stories and multiple interpretation pathways.

    The network is a multi-phase program curated to sustain and build resilience of local economy. The early focus of the programme was on Lenggong, Taiping and Kuala Kangsar. The coverage of the programme continues to include these areas however we are encouraging applications from other localities in the northern region such as Guar Kepah, Sungai Batu, Lembah Bujang, Alor Setar, mangrove sites like Prai River, nature sites like Belum Forest and also Perlis.

    Applicants are strongly encouraged to learn about the surrounding community and proposed site, and they will be required to collaborate with the local community and respective local councils to ensure the program’s success.

    3.0 GRANTS REQUIREMENTS
    The grant program is open for application through open call. Proposal should have carefully considered details and feasibility of the production process prior to submission. The ultimate goal of this program is to capitalize on the potential of culture-based local economic development and to create a network of sites to broaden local offerings for domestic and international visitors looking for immersive experiences.
    3.1 GRANT THEMES
    The Cultural Economy Catalytic Grants Program includes three types of initiatives:

    CAPACITY BUILDING & ADVOCACY DEMONSTRATION CONTENT CREATION
    Providing and enhancing skills and knowledge of local communities to empower and enable them to be more resilient and integral in the culture-based local economic development Exhibiting innovative solutions and best practices to restore, conserve and preserve publicly accessible assets within a culturally significant site to showcase economic viability and vibrancy Collating, compiling, publishing and interpreting information that can be shared with the public to enhance visitor experience and widen the visibility of these culturally significant sites
    1. Entrepreneurship programmes
      Programmes that build business skills and financial literacy of existing and new business communities that are building and improving a culturally significant site
    2. Skills development programmes
      Programmes or activities to build skills (including language skills) and competencies toward achieving economic goals of the site
    3. Community programmes 
      Grass- root led programmes or activities to build community inclusivity and integration into the local cultural economy ecosystem
    1. Space activation
      Bringing new content into spaces that are underutilized
    2. Adaptive re-use
      Repurposing unutilized buildings with new use to create vibrancy and build better landscape
    3. Place Management 
      Curating and managing of culturally significant places to improve the place with standard operations and maintenance
    1. Interpretation 
      Mapping of points of interests in culturally significant sites to be produced into wayfinding publications or interpretation products
    2. Publications 
      Physical or digital publications and narratives that contribute to the enhancement of the culturally significant sites
    3. Technological integrations 
      Involvement of technological and digital solutions to promote the rich layers of history and culture as a catalyst for attraction to the sites

    We are encouraging applications that highlight the following:-

    Artisans and Living Trades Nature and Ecosystem, Geology Primary Industry Early History
    Crafts, craftsmen, trades and hidden gems Mangrove trees, rivers, valleys, animals, Mining, history, economy, living heritage Early kingdoms, Buddhist Empires, Sultanate era

    3.2 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
    3.2.1 Who can apply?
    Individuals, community-based organizations and non-governmental organizations in Malaysia with project ideas that can deepen and diversify the visitor experience, create culturally aligned local economic outcome and broaden public understanding of the significance of the focus sites in the northern region.

    3.2.2 Who is not eligible to apply?
    Your application will not be supported if you are proposing a project that:

    1. Has already commenced prior to the time of application or prior to completion of the grant’s application evaluation process;
    2. Where the project background, issues, objectives and output are not clearly defined
    3. Primarily aimed at promoting political activities

    3.2.3 What does the Grant support?
    The total amount allocated to approved grant recipients ranges between RM 5,000 and RM 500,000 to support direct expenses that include project mobilization, materials, production and execution of the project by the end of November 2022.

    Successful grantees must submit a detailed proposal that includes milestones and financial projections. Project reports must be submitted at the end of every milestone and a completion report at the end of the project.

    The grant does not cover:

    1. The full cost of the project;
    2. Cost of routine repairs and maintenance;
    3. Organisational overheads;
    4. Sales and Services Tax (SST);
    5. For publications, only the production cost is funded.

    4.0 APPLICATION CRITERIA AND PROCESS
    4.1 WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR THE GRANT

    1. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the Town Hall sessions organised by Think City in each focus area.
    2. Required documents to include in submission (in PDF format):
      1. Completed application form
      2. Applicant’s CV/profile/portfolio (for individuals/organisation)
      3. Budget – a detailed breakdown of your costs, including any third-party costing (Please refer to the budget breakdown template at the end of this form)
      4. Blanked-out bank statement to show mailing address
      5. Company details – SSM/ROC, ROS, Form 9, 13, 24, 44, 49, M&A
      6. Other supporting documents: picture, third party costings, research documents, etc.

    4.2 WHAT DO WE LOOK FOR IN APPLICATIONS?
    In addition to programme requirements, applicants will also be evaluated against the following core values as well as the strength of supporting materials submitted:

    Respectful

    Reflect and respect local culture, history, diversity of Malaysia, and conform to relevant government legislative requirements

    Inclusive

    Be interactive, engaging and accessible to people of different backgrounds regardless of age, ethnicity, social class, ability or gender

    Innovative

    Contribute to the adoption of new methods or ideas to advance, compete and differentiate successfully in their marketplace

    Entrepreneurial

    Demonstrate a diverse range of skill sets in order to accommodate the expansion of their businesses and brands

    Additional Notes:

    As an agency responsible for allocating public funds in accordance with government policies, Think City has to prioritise proposals that do not:

    • Denigrate or debase a person, group or class of individuals on the basis of race or religion, or serve to create conflict or misunderstanding in our multicultural and multireligious society
    • Threaten the nation’s security or stability
    1. HOW TO APPLY?

    You can submit your application and relevant documents to the official email budaya@thinkcity.com.my or hardcopy to:

    CULTURAL ECONOMIC CATALYTIC GRANTS PROGRAMME

    LEVEL 1, BANGUNAN UAB,
    NO 21-35, GAT LEBUH CHINA
    10300 GEORGE TOWN
    PULAU PINANG

    Please note that potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the Town Hall sessions, which will be held both virtually and in person. Dates for these sessions will be announced on the Think City website and communicated through all available platforms.

    4.3 WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU SUBMIT AN APPLICATION?

    All applications are jointly assessed and approved through a highly-competitive evaluation process.

    Applications that meet all requirements will then go into evaluation process to be assessed by the Evaluation committee. The process shall be as follows, subject to change or alterations from time to time as may be necessary to be decided at the sole discretion of Think City:

    1. Grant applications are submitted to Think City.
    2. The Evaluation Committee shortlists the grant applications.
    3. Think City forwards the grant application to the relevant TAP Member(s) for their evaluation and recommendation.
    4. TAP Member(s) submit their recommendation to Think City.
    5. Think City prepares a recommendation based on the TAP evaluation and submits it to the Approval Committee
    6. The Approval Committee evaluates and approves the grant award to selected applications.

    Successful grantees are given an LOA (Letter of Agreement) while applicants that were not selected will be notified.

    4.5 WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE APPLICATIONS ARE ASSESSED?
    4.5.1 Successful Applications
    Successful applicants will receive an official email notification with the Letter of Award stating:

    1. Approved project amount and purpose;
    2. Terms & Conditions of the project; and
    3. Work Scope and List of Deliverables.

    The offer will be valid for seven (7) days from the time the email of notification is sent out. If you do not accept the offer within this period of time, the offer will lapse.

    4.5.2 Unsuccessful Applications
    Unsuccessful applicants will receive an official email within the same notification period.

    4.5.3 How will you receive funding?
    Funding will be disbursed upon completion of agreed milestones and deliverables. The funding will be banked in within 60 days of submission of milestone report directly to the bank account of the grantee (individual or organization).

    5.0 WHO CAN YOU CONTACT IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?

    If you have any questions, or wish to discuss your applications in detail, please call +6017-4598829 or email budaya@thinkcity.com.my with your enquiries or to secure an appointment.

    Additional notes:
    The organising team reserves the right to revoke any applications/approvals should there be:

    1. Changes in the scope of the project without notifying and getting approval from the organizing team;
    2. Unable to complete the project as per the submitted proposal (without valid justification);
    3. Breach of terms and conditions specified and agreed in the grant award agreement

    However, if you have not carried out your proposal, severely underperform in meeting the mutually agreed targets, or spend significantly lower than what was originally projected, the organisers reserve the right to review the approved funding, and/or may cease funding altogether.

    6.0 ABOUT THINK CITY
    Think City is an impact organisation established in 2009 to create more sustainable and equitable places for the benefit of all. Our knowledge, skills and strategies focus on urban solutions, the environment, social communities, and the cultural economy. Think City is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Berhad (the sovereign wealth fund of the Government of Malaysia). For more information, log on to www.thinkcity.com.my.