Ruang2Gather by MYLES Case Stories 2026 Malaysian Learning Spaces (MYLES) www.myles.myMalaysian Learning SpacesMYLES INITIATIVE SERVICES 202503340820 (003804407-M)
CATALYST RUANG2GATHER ALAM2NURTURE (MYLES)Malaysian Learning Spaces BACK2WARISAN LEARN2REKA RUANG2LITSyaza Suraini Research, Practice and PartnershipThe TeamShawn Stanly Student & School ExperienceLaila Razip Community Engagement At present, MYLES is a growing network of like- hearted volunteer members who continue to push boundaries of what learning spaces can be for a quality education experience.Aida Md Noor Programmes & ActivitiesSoraya Sauli Nature-based Learning EnvironmentsAisyah Ajib Heritage & RepurposingWaheeda Hasbullah Arts & Creative Exploration www.myles.myAtiqah Isa Literacy & Numeracy LeadAisyah Shahir Pedagogy Lead
Malaysian Learning SpacesShawn Stanly School library GERIKFathin Jamil School library SEGAMATRUANG2GATHER BY MYLESKim Martin Homeroom Class KUCHING Many schools, especially in underserved communities, learn in spaces that are outdated, inflexible and designed without their voices. We catalyse a strategic collaboration and knowledge exchange processes that enable communities to shape their own learning environments by not just designing for teachers and students in schools, but with them. Designing better learning experiences, together.Kimm & Chloe Intervention Classroom KUCHINGAinul PesalShamin Ballazi Low-cost Housing KANGARWinnie Salikup Community Library TAMPARULI& Fauziah Rusli SEN spaces TANGKAK Through Ruang2Gather by MYLES, we support schools and communities co-create meaningful learning environments through participatory design, capacity building and community partnerships. Map: Activated Ruang2Gather projects and their phases (as of Oct 2026) Powered by grants, volunteers and strategic partners. In each edition, we bring three communities together: School Community Local Community Design CommunityNur Safinas SEN Spaces KLUANG
be heard Photo: Students lead teachers and designers on a Sp[ALT]ial Walk, an engagement activity curated by Waheeda for Ruang2Gather in Tangkak, Johor. Through creative prompts like “If you were to cry, where would you go?”, students become the guides, sharing the places they love — or avoid — in their school. Everyone has a story and deserves toMalaysian Learning Spaces
Edition Story Status Ruang2Gather:Banun Co-designing three underutilised classrooms into a Learning Hub at a remote school serving the Indigenous community in Gerik, Perak. Completed Phase 4, with the school continuing to adapt and build on the work. Ruang2Gather:SPATIAL Co-designing an inclusive classroom for and with students with disabilities in Ledang, Johor. Design Volunteers work alongside school-based Teacher Buddies throughout the process. Currently in Phase 4, with implementation nearing completion and the school community continuing to shape and lead the remaining improvements. Ruang2Gather:SPARK Co-designing a more conducive learning environment to support the school's intervention or remedial education programme in Bau, Sarawak. Completed Phase 4, with the school continuing to adapt and build on the work.8 - Teacher Buddy, SK Ledang. “We really love it (Ruang2Gather) because we can actually feel the togetherness...”Ruang2Gather activated including independent editions.School Community members involved including students and teachers250+60+Local Community members involved including parents, grant providers and philanthropists. Malaysian Learning Spaces (MYLES) syaza@myles.mywww.myles.myDesign Community members involved including design students, faculty members and professional practitioners.50+Summary of selected Ruang2Gather editions: "Kami suka sangat sebab memang rasa kebersamaan tu..."
R2G:Banun Students pitched their ideas and received a small incentive to kickstart the project. Ideas were developed through discussions, student sketches and interviews with teachers and parents. Additional funding was also sought. Phase 2MYLES translated the workshop outcomes into design visualisations and reviewed them with the lead teacher.Phase 3Conceptual designs presented and co-building initiated. Despite resource constraints, students participated in hands-on activities such as cleaning, taking measurements and installing their own vinyl flooring.Phase 4 Identified the school's challenges and potential. Onboarded initial champions including student representatives, school leaders and community members. Identified funding opportunities. Phase 1 Case Story 1: Co-designing three underutilised classrooms into a Learning Hub at a remote school serving the Indigenous community in Gerik, Perak. The main funding for realisation includes RM600 prize money from a student pitching competition and RM20,000 award money secured by the Lead Teacher. Malaysian Learning Spaces (MYLES) syaza@myles.mywww.myles.my Read more about Ruang2Gather:Banun at bit.ly/R2GBanun This edition has completed all 4 phases of Ruang2Gather in 2024 and is independently adapting as they utilise the new space.
R2G:SPATIAL Explored Universal Design through online masterclasses and spatial audits. Used Learning Walks, Roblox, Sensory Painting and Dream School drawings to exchange perspectives. Phase 2Design Volunteers translated shared ideas into design visualisations. Reviewed and refined proposals with Teacher Buddies.Phase 3Presented designs and began co-building. Teachers, students and parents joined gotong-royong activities. New KAED IIUM students (Industrial Design) onboarded as Design Volunteers to contribute through sensory wall panel prototypes.Phase 4 Identified the school's needs and opportunities together. Teacher Buddies from SK Ledang and IPG Kampus Perempuan Melayu Melaka, Design Volunteers from KAED IIUM's (Interior Design), and professional practitioners were onboarded. Phase 1 Case Story 2: Malaysian Learning Spaces (MYLES) syaza@myles.mywww.myles.my A live document as the project progresses is available at bit.ly/R2GSpatial Co-designing an inclusive classroom for and with students with disabilities in Ledang, Johor. Design Volunteers work alongside school-based Teacher Buddies throughout the process. The main funding for realisation includes RM6,200 from CHANGE Microgrant and RM1,000 allocated from the Ruang2Gather by MYLES team's award money. This edition is currently in Phase 4 (as of Oct 2026) nearing completion with the school community continuing to shape and lead the project.
Ruang2Gather by MYLES has been made possible through the generosity of partners who believed in community-led change for better spaces. Inspired by this, we are extending this collaborative design opportunity to more school and community champions to start their own independent Ruang2Gather through the Ruang2Gather Nanogrant!Learn more about Ruang2Gather Nanogrant at bit.ly/R2GNANOinfo Paying it Forward.
R2G:SPARK Case Story 3: Malaysian Learning Spaces (MYLES) syaza@myles.mywww.myles.my Co-designing a more conducive learning environment to support the school's intervention or remedial education programme in Bau, Sarawak. The main funding for realisation includes RM1,000 from the Ruang2Gather Nanogrant.This edition was independently led by teachers and students, with MYLES providing pro bono support including onboarding sessions, a co-design crash course on working with students, and a Ruang2Gather Nanogrant to help bring their ideas to life.Kluang, Johor Segamat, Johor Alor Setar, Kedah Snapshot of reflections by the Lead Teacher. Read more about Ruang2Gather:SPARK at bit.ly/R2GSPARKThree more Ruang2Gather Nanogrant recipients (total disbursed: RM3,800) are currently leading their own independent projects:More to come! "Sebelum ni, malas bah saya mahu masuk kelas ni...sekarang rasa “best”..." - Student, SMK Bau. “Before this, I was reluctant every time we had to come to this class. Now it feels good.”
global connections From local action to Our work with Ruang2Gather has opened doors to international collaborations, knowledge exchange and recognition including, but not limited to: A developing collaboration bringing together Cardiff University's Welsh School of Architecture, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)’s School of Housing, Building and Planning and MYLES to adapt and explore participatory co-design in Malaysian primary schools. MYLES contributes as a USM Industry Affiliate Partner for Resilient Living and Human-Centered research cluster, bridging research, practice and community-led implementation through Ruang2Gather in Penang. Find out ways to be part of this!Ruang2Gather × Shape My School (UK)Global Learning Space Network (India)MYLES serves as a Community Outreach Partner, extending connections and knowledge exchange across learning environments, particularly within the ASEAN region. Three of Ruang2Gather by MYLES members presented at People United for Learning Space Explorations (PULSE) conference in Indore, India bringing grassroot stories from Ruang2Gather.Learning Environments Australasia (Australia, New Zealand)Two Ruang2Gather volunteer members are part of LEA's Mayfield Project (2023 & 2027). This opportunity brings our experiences into wider conversations on authentic engagement, inclusion and the future of learning environments, while bringing Malaysian perspectives into the international exchange. R2G x SMS will be learning from one another on architectural design practice rooted in social value.Humanity-centered Design (HCD+) Pioneers (Global)Ruang2Gather by MYLES is recognised as a Don Norman Design Award’s Promising Humanity- Centred Design Laureate 2025. MYLES' Catalyst is among key contributors from 11 countries working together to develop Best Practices for Humanity-Centred Design & Action (HCD+) — A Living Guide. A collective effort to translate humanity-centred design principles into practical approaches for more regenerative, inclusive and sustainable systems.
There’s a ‘ruang’ for everyone to contribute. Be part of a movement! Partner with MYLES on a new edition to facilitate Ruang2Gather in selected school(s) - from onboarding to implementation. Contribute to the Ruang2Gather Nanogrant and support independent replications of Ruang2Gather in more schools. Explore other ways to collaborate - supply materials, amplify visibility, provide support for volunteers... and more! Get in touch :) Most collaborations begin with a conversation. Malaysian Learning Spaces (MYLES) syaza@myles.mywww.myles.my Photo: Parents of students with disabilities contributed their insights during a spatial audit session.
Stay tuned. Apart from this flagship Ruang2Gather by MYLES, a project inspired by teachers for teachers, we are expanding and growing through other initiatives:Malaysian Learning SpacesMYLES INITIATIVE SERVICES 202503340820 (003804407-M)
