Theory of Change
Explore the foundation for how we deliver sustainable, positive impact across Malaysia. This robust framework guides every initiative, ensuring our actions are strategic, measurable, and aligned with our vision for a brighter future.
Lasting Change Through Strategic, Collaborative Action
At Yayasan PETRONAS, we are committed to driving positive, lasting social and environmental impact in Malaysia by addressing root causes and not just symptoms.
Our Theory of Change (TOC) framework underpins all our programmes across Education, Community Well-being & Development, and the Environment, ensuring they are impactful, scalable, and sustainable.
A Clear Guide for Measurable Impact
Our Six Step Approach to Creating Sustainable Social Impact
Write a supporting narrative to explain the logic
Test to qualify feasibility of the Theory of Change
Develop relevant indicators to measure outcomes and assess performance
Identify interventions or actions required
Map backwards to connect outcomes to long-term goals
Identify long-term goals
Data-Driven Measurement & Continuous Improvement
Set and monitor clear, outcome-based indicators.
Rigorously evaluate programme effectiveness.
Use evidence and feedback to refine approaches and scale successful interbentions.
Flagship programmes like Program Duta Guru and Memperkasakan Kesejahteraan Rakyat (MEKAR) exemplify this approach by delivering measurable improvements and scaling impact continuously.
Theory of Change In Application
The flagship programmes across Yayasan PETRONAS exemplify the Theory of Change approach by delivering measurable improvements and scaling impact.
In the Education pillar, we start with a clear goal for STEM, a key focus area to: to improve student performance in STEM. To achieve this, we focus on what matters most—empowering educators to inspire students. This is can be approached through –
- Teachers – Receive best practices in STEM pedagogy and leadership coaching
- Schools – Receive resources like STEM hubs and stem project funding
- Students – Guidance and support to help them master STEM subjects and explore future careers.
These inputs create the foundation for meaningful change, with impact unfolding step-by-step when teachers adopt innovative hands-on teaching methods, and students show greater interest and enrolment in STEM.
Over time, these changes could lead to stronger performance in Math and Science, equipping a new generation with the skills to thrive in a technology-driven world. This is how we endeavour to turn resources into results—by connecting programs to measurable outcomes and building a future where knowledge powers progress.
The Community Wellbeing and Development’s focus towards economic wellbeing and opportunities looks at programmes that deliver real change to communities. To achieve this, we focus on programmes spanning the following areas:-
- Entrepreneurship Development
- Off-grid electricity and water system installation
- Teacher/tutor empowerment programme
- Access to healthcare services
These inputs aim to provide essential skills and infrastructure, enabling families to access basic needs while opening doors to income-generating opportunities. In the short term, community members gain not only practical skills but also reliable electricity and water, as well as access to healthcare. Over time, these improvements ensure individuals are equipped to achieve well-being and pursue economic growth.
In Environment pillar we identified the protection of vulnerable communities and ecosystems through nature-based solutions as one of its key goals. To achieve this, we focus on restoring ecosystems by planting trees in mangroves and conserving seagrass meadows. Complementing these are efforts in community empowerment and citizen science, ensuring that communities play an active role in safeguarding their natural environment.
In the short term, these efforts rejuvenate ecosystems and strengthen natural defences against floods, and landslides, among others. Over time, they reduce the climate-related threats, creating safer, more resilient communities
By linking conservation to community empowerment, resources to measurable outcomes, Yayasan PETRONAS is helping to build strong, resilient and progressive communities for a better tomorrow.
The descriptions above are a snapshot of the Foundation’s approach in implementing Theory of Change across pillars. Access our annual report to explore the impact we have made across Education, Community Wellbeing and Development and Environment