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About KUM

Learn who we are, where we came from, and what drives us forward.

Our Vision

Our Vision Is To Be

An effective and successful Malay Community that lives out the best of Malay culture, values and ethics, being an integral part of multi-cultural Australia, contributing to the richness in diversity.
Kampung Utara Melbourne
Who We Are

Our Story

📅 Established 2009  •  Incorporated April 2016

Kampung Utara Melbourne, better known as KUM, is a non-profit community organization representing the Malay community in the northern region of Melbourne. Established in 2009, KUM was formed to provide a social support platform for newly migrated Malay families, helping them adapt to their new surroundings while fostering a sense of community.

KUM began with informal weekly classes and activities hosted in the homes of community members. These gatherings not only served as educational opportunities but also created a support network for families. Over time, as the community grew, so did the scope of KUM’s activities. Today, KUM offers a wide range of programs, including self-improvement courses, youth development initiatives, religious activities, sporting events, and family recreational programs, all designed to meet the evolving needs of its members.

In April 2016, Kampung Utara Melbourne, Inc. was formally incorporated, marking a significant milestone in its journey. Currently, KUM represents more than 150 families of Singaporean and Malaysian backgrounds, and this number continues to grow. The organization remains committed to fostering unity, celebrating diversity, and supporting the maturing needs of the Malay community in Melbourne.

Our Purpose

Our Mission Is

To make KUM the centre of Malay community activities through:

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Strengthening Community Bonds & Kinship

Building and deepening Ukhuwah Islamiah — the brotherhood and sisterhood that holds our community together.

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Collaboration & Cooperation

Embodying the spirit of Gotong-Royong — working together for the collective good of our community.

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Community Development

Supporting the growth of individuals and families through education, skills, and meaningful programs.

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Embracing Malay Culture & Values

Preserving the best of Malay culture, values, and ethics while thriving in a multicultural Australia.

Rationale: The Mission statement defines the guiding framework to realise our Vision. We also want KUM to be the nucleus and centre for these initiatives and programs. KUM as an association will reach out to other Malay communities and be a catalyst for our mutual benefit. We will work on strengthening our Ukhuwah Islamiah, inculcating the spirit of gotong royong within the community. We promote the development of skills and knowledge within the community as we face rapid changes ahead. Yet we need to remain true to our inherent culture, values and moral ethics.

Our Journey

Background Information

The current Kampung Utara Melbourne was initiated in 2009 with key activities revolving around weekly Friday Religious Classes in the Northern Suburbs. Starting with a small nucleus group of families, this activity grew into a regular weekly program with the selection of a leader and a committee. With greater involvement from the community, the activities expanded to other recreational activities such as family outings, youth development programs and youth service works.

Since then KUM has rapidly grown and has built a positive reputation domestically and internationally. In 2016/17, KUM successfully organised talks from renowned overseas speakers with overwhelming response from the community in Melbourne. With the acquisition of the KUM Centre, the fund-raising programs have stretched offshore to Malaysia and Singapore through the use of technology and electronic media.

From a small beginning, KUM has evolved to what it is now. The KUM community has also grown with rapid change in demographics. We now have a greater range of stakeholders within the KUM community. The founders of KUM are now established with extended families. Their children have grown and are educated in the Australian environment — their views, outlook and values inevitably shaped by both family and the greater Australian community.

New migrants arriving in Melbourne will also face different sets of challenges. Changes in governmental regulations, work permits, housing requirements, educational and training needs can be very daunting. Accurate and useful information is needed to assist these new migrants as they start their new life in Australia.

As the community grows, so does the complexity of issues and problems. Nurturing an effective Youth Development program becomes very important. Keeping our youth focused on positive development and skills — in preparation for later life — becomes the responsibility of the community. Helping families in need and those stricken with grief or loss is our duty.

Positive assimilation into the greater Australian community is important as we become an integral part of multicultural Australia. Our traditional spirit of gotong royong and our rich heritage in culture and language need to be kept and passed down to the younger generations. With all the above in mind, KUM formulates an all-encompassing Vision and Mission to guide our community forward.

Meet Our Executive Committee

KUM is led by a dedicated group of volunteers who give their time and expertise to serve our community. Learn more about the people behind the organisation.

View Executive Committee →