Robert Teh
Building Community, One Step at a Time: The Story of Robert Teh and Penang Walkabouts
“True change begins with small steps—both in life and in our communities. Whether it's through walking the streets of Penang, building connections, or empowering the next generation through hands-on education, we each have the power to create a better future. Don’t wait for someone else to act—take that first step, get involved, and let your passion be the force for change. The journey is always better when we walk it together.”
Robert Teh
Robert Teh
Robert Teh's life exemplifies the power of community, hands-on learning, and the joy of giving back. His commitment to involving students and volunteers in real-life projects demonstrates that true education happens beyond textbooks.
His Story.
Personal Background
At 69 years old, Robert Teh is far from slowing down. Despite stepping away from his lecturing role at KDU (now known as UOW) in 2020, his passion for community building and social causes continues to fuel his active lifestyle. Robert's journey is one of dedication, creativity, and a deep belief in the power of community engagement. Through his work with NGOs, his innovative teaching methods, and his leadership in the Penang Walkabout group, Robert has left an indelible mark on Penang's social landscape.
A Different Kind of Educator
Robert’s career as a lecturer in business, marketing, and personal development was anything but conventional. He believed that education should go beyond the confines of the classroom and textbooks. "I don't believe in students learning just from books," he says. "I want them to do hands-on projects, be exposed to the community, and experience real-life learning."
During his time at KDU, Robert’s students didn’t just study theory—they rolled up their sleeves and got involved in the community. Whether it was cleaning up houses, refurbishing homes, or selling food to raise funds for those in need, Robert made sure that his students understood the value of service and the impact they could have on the world around them. The satisfaction he found in their presentations—showcasing the before-and-after results of their community projects—was a testament to the effectiveness of his approach.
A Lifelong Love for Music and Movies
Outside of his community work, Robert has a deep passion for music and movies. He enjoys analyzing the background and history of music, such as the punk movement, which he sees as a powerful form of expression and social commentary. Movies, too, hold a special place in his heart—especially those that carry meaningful messages for society. This analytical mindset and appreciation for cultural expression have undoubtedly influenced his approach to community projects and his leadership style.
Penang Walkabouts: A Movement with a Purpose
In 2016, Robert founded Penang Walkabouts, a group that would grow to amass over 96,000 followers on Facebook. What started as a simple idea—surveying the walkability of Penang’s streets—has evolved into a powerful movement advocating for a more pedestrian-friendly, health-conscious, and connected community.
"We noticed that Facebook had no walkabout group at that time," Robert recalls.
"So, we started one to survey if Penang's streets were walkable. It's not just about walking for health; it's about creating a community. You can't create a community by driving around. You need to walk, greet the newspaper man, the hawkers, the roti man, or make friends in the park during exercise."
Penang Walkabouts' mission extends beyond just encouraging walking. Robert envisions walkability in urban areas as a catalyst for creating pocket parks, boosting property values, and promoting Penang as a tourist-friendly destination. The group has also become a hub for promoting events and activities in Penang, attracting members from over 100 countries and reconnecting the Penang diaspora—those who have moved abroad but still cherish their memories of home.
To connect with the Penang Walkabout group and join this vibrant community, visit their Facebook group at Penang Walkabouts.
The Spirit of Volunteerism
One of the most fulfilling aspects of Robert’s work is the spirit of volunteerism that he has nurtured within the Penang Walkabout community. Volunteers come together to support the group’s initiatives, driven not by the promise of payment, but by a shared sense of purpose and fulfillment.
For Robert, this is the true essence of community—people coming together, motivated by a desire to give back and make a difference.
Robert is particularly passionate about projects that foster a "kampung spirit"—a sense of togetherness and mutual support that he believes is essential for any thriving community. "It’s about our own attitude in life," he says. "We must take the steps to get involved and volunteer.
Be part of a community, walk in the park, start talking to people, join activities."
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Sustainable Community Projects
As Penang Walkabouts continues to grow, so do the opportunities for collaboration. Robert envisions long-term, sustainable projects that not only engage the current generation but also involve teenagers and seniors. He sees potential in creating volunteer credit hours for students and launching active aging projects that encourage seniors to stay involved and connected.
"We have lots of invitations to collaborate on activities," Robert notes. "But we need a long-term, sustainable project. Something that involves the younger generation and supports active aging."
Finding Fulfillment in Every Step
Robert Teh’s life is a testament to the power of community, the importance of hands-on learning, and the joy of giving back. Whether he's analyzing the social impact of music, guiding students through community projects, or leading a walk through Penang's streets, Robert’s Ikigai—his reason for being—is clear.
It lies in his unwavering commitment to building a connected, supportive, and vibrant community, one step at a time.
This article has been reviewed and approved for publication by SITI 05.09.2024.
