Giving Back

BY: Michelle Liew Despite hard times dawning upon us during the pandemic, it is the glimpse of positivity that keeps us going forward. For Sarah, she has her wonderful village community to thank for providing her autistic son a sense of meaning during the Covid-19 lockdown. Hailing from Wales, Sarah…

BY: Michelle Liew While hurdles are no stranger to our lives, one man with cerebral palsy defies the odds every day. Englishman, Peter Moss commutes five days a week from Trowbridge in Wiltshire to Newbury in Berkshire to work at Scope, which is a 90-mile (approximately 144km) trip. The reason…

Four policemen have won praises from the public after they stopped to help a senior citizen who was seen pushing his motorcycle along the side of a road in Petaling Jaya recently. According to Constable Fahrid Mojuning, 28, he and three others felt sorry for the old man and stopped…

Three policemen in Johor befriended a stray dog, Johnny, while manning a roadblock for over a year during the MCO, has touched the hearts of many Malaysians, after their actions had gone viral. Their story was shared recently by Uncle Kentang (Kuan Chee Heng) who is known for coming to…

BY: Michelle Liew Help comes in the most unexpected ways. For this cab driver, he is eternally thankful to a stranger for saving his life after escaping from a burning car. Abdul Awal, 58, was merely driving his Mercedes on Bellefrove Road in Welling, south-east London before a man shopping…

BY: Michelle Liew Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Movement Control Order (MCO) was implemented to curb the spreading of the virus. Whilst it is a great measure, the downside of the MCO is unemployment leading to financial struggles and even starvation for some who could not afford…

BY: Michelle Liew With the vaccination programme kicking off, citizens throughout Malaysia are working hand-in-hand to ensure proper immunisation to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic. The first phase involves some 500,000 health and non-health frontliners, with the second phase commencing with the vaccination of Covid-19 high-risk groups, namely senior citizens, vulnerable…

A little help goes a long way, especially for our medical frontliners who are stretched to the limit with the Covid-19 pandemic. Ahmad Syafiq Syahmi Baharudin wanted to play his part to help our frontliners, so he decided to help sweep and collect rubbish at the quarantine centre, that he…

Malaysian BTS fans donated 99 sets of the McDonald’s ‘BTS Meal’ to frontliners at Universiti Malaya Medical Center (UMMC) last Saturday, 29 May. The initiative was revealed by BTS fan account @PurpleProject7 on Twitter over the weekend. The caption of the post reads, “BTS Meal for frontliners by Malaysian ARMYs.…

When giveback.my launched the Save Lives in India Campaign on 30th April 2021, the target set at RM100 000, to be raised soonest, seemed daunting at first.  With many already grappling with their own daily challenges, the surge in infections, hospitalisations, deaths throughout the nation, and the added stress over confusions from the changing rules and SOPs, the BAC team met, gave thoughtful consideration, and finally rolled out the campaign.  Within two…

BY: Michelle Liew A small act of kindness can mean a lot to some. This kind-hearted shop owner in Penang gave an electrical fan to an elderly man with disabilities (OKU) after realizing that he did not have enough money to pay for it. Taking it to Facebook to share…

Last Saturday, 29th May 2021, when most Malaysians were in a state of frenzy after the latest MCO (Movement Control Order) announcement made by the government, a group of like-minded individuals set out, ahead of the lockdown, to distribute ‘hearty bites’ around the Klang Valley. Free Food Society (Persatuan Makanan Ehsan) made this high-priority decision on Friday night.   With time constraints, numerous roadblocks, not to mention…

Besides breaking the glass ceiling for women in her field, Ethologist and conservationist, Jane Goodall,  is certainly a rare gem among primatologists. For more than 60 years, she has been one of the fiercest advocates and champions for animal conservation. According to a report by National Geographic, Explorer Jane Goodall…

The generosity of Malaysians is something we have become fond of and can’t be denied. Despite the prolonging Covid-19 Pandemic, which is causing unemployment and economic difficulties, the generosity of Malaysians towards the less fortunate, whether in the form of money, time or energy, often has made headlines. Today, community…

Kuan Chee Heng, or “Uncle Kentang” as he is known by followers of his charitable works, has been awarded the Commonwealth Points of Light Award which recognises his philanthropy. Since the Award’s inception in 2018, Uncle Kentang has become only the fourth Malaysian to receive the honour. The award is…

Although most schools and higher learning institutions have taken a hit and have had to adapt to changes throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, some are doing their part for the community by slashing rates to their courses in a bid to ensure education is not disrupted. GoodNews caught has found that…

In the true spirit of giving and sharing, Malaysians quickly came to the aid of residents at an orphanage in Kajang, after some of its caretakers contracted Covid-19 and one of them passed away. There are 35 residents, with 26 orphans at the orphanage said to have been tested positive…

BY: Michelle Liew News of the world’s second-most populous country struggling to contain the second wave of Covid-19 infections, which includes the spread of a new variant, has been flooding online news portals and social media The rise of a new variant in India, called B.1.617, is distinguished by having…

BY: Ann Marie Louis and Michael Murty UPDATE : RM66,198 has been raised through Giveback.my, so far! On May 11th, 2021, Petaling Jaya CISCO Security joined forces with the BAC Education Group and UNICEF Malaysia to raise the remaining funds to support India’s fight against COVID-19. The world’s second-most populous…

BY: Michelle Liew In a day and age where the society is ever-changing and moving forward, many issues that were once known to be major taboos are starting to gain recognition. The light has shone upon these important discussions in a bid to promote a better society- one that is…

When the first Movement Control Order (MCO) was implemented last year, the cooperation between the National Blood Center (PDN) and Brickfields Asia College (BAC), which had been in place for years, had to be postponed. On April 28, the Blood Donation Mobile Unit from PDN were present yet again at…

If the word cookies does not get your attention, the phrase ‘Cookies for a Cause’ would.  ‘Cookies For a Cause’ is an initiative by Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah, in support of women in the B40 community in her constituency. The project, which started early this year, is run using funds allocated by the Kita Selangor Package, and hopes to nurture and empower women entrepreneurs through the many free training programs – from actual…

This Instagram food reviewer is not your regular food reviewer. Having social empowerment on her mind, she set out to make a difference in the lives of small businesses, which were greatly impacted by the Covid-19 Pandemic. Last December, Ivy, decided to let  small businesses leverage off her IG page…

On 24 April 2021, in Lincoln, Nebraska, what was once thought to be merely just a meme had become a real event. The “Josh Fight” or “Battle of the Joshes” concluded with 4-year-old Josh Vinson Jr. dubbed “Little Josh” winning the event as the best Josh. The event also saw…

This was the scene; flood-ravaged homes caused by thunderstorms, mud covered walls, furniture beyond salvage, ruined electrical appliances and kitchen utensils. In one of the worst floods to hit the country in decades, 50,000 people in Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan and Johor, were displaced, and forced to flee their homes. As…

The arrival of Ramadan is not only appreciated by Muslims but all Malaysians as we have always shared in the festivities in our multi cultural nation. The mutual respect for each other’s religion makes the occasion, sweeter. Despite being of different religions, generosity of non -Muslims in this country can…

A GoodNews Exclusive. Schools and higher learning institutions have taken a hit and have had to adapt to changes throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, especially with varying phases of MCO here in Malaysia. Yet, more than the institutions themselves, students-to-be have also been affected financially and may not be able to…

Honesty is always the best policy. We have all heard this saying before, but how often do we come across a truly honest person? Well, for Facebook user, Kunavathi Paul Raj, she and her son were really fortunate to have encountered an honest, hardworking waiter recently. Went to Sri Ananda…

Yesterday (31st March) marked 110 years of life for Annamah Abukutty. Yet, her seemingly old age and disability does not stop her from contributing to society. Born and raised in Thachambadi, India, Annamah brought with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in Indian traditional herbs when she migrated to…

The plan is called Net Zero + Nature. It is Netflix’s pledge to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2022, and every year thereafter. Netflix’s first-ever Chief Sustainability Officer  Emma Stewart  said the company would begin by reducing their internal emissions, aligning with the Paris Agreement’s…

British band Coldplay wants to clean our rivers. Although they have yet to perform in Malaysia, they intend to treat the country to something even greater – by sponsoring a watercraft that removes plastic trash from our rivers. According to Bernama, the band has long been proponents of green initiatives…

Stray dogs and cats are a common sight here, but how many of us actually go out of our way to feed these poor animals? According to a Facebook post, user Pinkkitty Tuminah Tukiman Nazirah,  feeds stray dogs during her free time. One night while out feeding some strays in…

Darkness will decent yet again, this Saturday, 27 March at 8:30 p.m, wherever you are in the world, as we pay homage to Mother Earth and observe one hour in darkness in bid to spread awareness on nature loss, climate change and sustainability. Millions across the world will turn off…

The MyBayar Saman online portal and phone app is now allowing an online option to pay for summonses. The App, the brainchild of the traffic investigation and enforcement department (JSPT) under PDRM, was launched today by inspector-general of police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador. A campaign by offering the 50% discount…

A deaf GrabFood rider’s perseverance to deliver a customer’s order not only made him an internet sensation, but earned him an RM5,000 reward. The rider, with speech disability also, had repeatedly called the customer to get her to check the in-app chat as he was lost. He did not give…

In true Malaysian spirit, an air condition technician from Ipoh went out of his way to help a less-abled uncle in his fifties recently. Isaac Chin received a call from the uncle who suffers multiple illnesses and who is also slightly paralysed and uses a walking stick. The uncle lives…

Netizens are singing praises after a video of local actor and comedian Harith Iskander with an adorable black puppy found its way to social media. The video shows Harith singing songs to the puppy and later feeding the little one with a tiny milk bottle. In the post, he said…

Realising the hardship others are going through during these difficult times, a family in Kuala Lumpur has set up a charity kiosk to assist those in need. According to Nur Hasha, who took to Twitter recently shared that the kiosk was opened by her mother to give away food and…

Fancy winning RM10,000? Well, here’s your chance. All you have to do is put on your thinking cap and come up with a great name for this cute, little baby Tapir. The Tapir was born earlier this month at the 23-acre 99 Wonderland Park located in Pusat Bandar Utama, Kuala…

It was not too long ago when being a cafe owner was a dream gig, so it was a rude awakening when reports last year suggested F&B operators did not expect to survive for much longer under the current conditions. Fast forward to this year, not much has changed and…

When she was 12, Kogee Sinniah lost her father. Her mom, then single-handedly pulled the ropes to keep the family together.  Born and bred in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Kogee, the youngest of 5 siblings, saw her mother going through tough times, and this is where she learnt the importance of being financially independent. At the tender age of 15, when…

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and the implementation of the movement control order (MCO), more have become dependent on delivery riders for their daily meals and also, necessities. While it is common to leave a small tip for the riders, none would have expected a whopping RM1,000 tip!…

Chinese New Year just passed a few days ago, and with this, all the four major festivals have gone through celebration amidst a pandemic. As much as we enjoy gathering and visiting family, loved ones, and friends, we had to adhere to SOPs.   It was a very low-key welcome to the year of the Metal Ox. In contrast to previous years, where malls would be richly…

The Giveback team quickly assembled its resources in response to the StarMetro’s report on the Orang Asli community in Perak running out of food due to the second movement control order (MCO). Despite the difficulty of mobilising during the MCO, the team managed to send essential food items that they…

It was March 2020 and the second wave of the Covid-19 virus was taking hold of our nation. That was when the government declared a complete lockdown. Unemployment rose, businesses were shutting down, people were falling ill and the lives of our country’s most vulnerable were at stake. The people…

89-year-old Muniammah Rajalingam has been through much. Having tied the knot at a noticeably early age of 16, her hopes of happily raising a family, together with the man she probably envisioned spending the rest of her life with, was crushed, along with her happiness, when she was widowed at the age of 31. Muniammah was then forced to put on a brave front for the sake of…

A little gratitude goes a long way, especially in times of uncertainty. As some Malaysians are gripping with panic-buying during the MCO or uncertainty in politics of the country, one gamer decided to giveback in her own way. Natasha Hidayah Hashim, 29, decided to show her appreciation to delivery riders…

This was the scene; flood-ravaged homes caused by thunderstorms, mud covered walls, furniture beyond salvage, ruined electrical appliances and kitchen utensils. In one of the worst floods to hit the country in decades, 50,000 people in Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan and Johor, were displaced, and forced to flee their homes. As…

  Fig 1: A family posing for a picture with supplies and stoves meant for 20 families in Jeram Besu. All eyes have turned to the flood-hit regions of Malaysia. With supplies, resources and morale running low, the survival of these communities are a cause for great worry. These atrocities,…

  Figure 1: GiveBACk.my volunteers offload essential items at Kg. Kuda Semantan Torrential rains continue to wreak havoc in Raub, displacing hundreds of families, damaging their homes, and destroying their meagre possessions. But within 24 hours, Malaysians rallied to help victims by donating RM 15,000 to provide essential hygiene kits…

2020 is coming to an end, with the world still trying to make sense of how a virus which started in one corner of the world created a ripple effect worldwide, making it come to an almost stand still. This year was like no other, but Malaysians from all walks…

You saw it here first. With the world under lockdown and Santa being unable to cross borders, the Christmas of 2020 didn’t look like it was going to be as bright and cheerful as any of its predecessors. Children in Selangor would have to spend their Christmases stuck indoors, with…

Throughout this year, we have witnessed the needs in our community become highlighted and have people reach out to help one another. One need in particular that I have personally seen is the increase of social media posts for rescued pets and animals put up for adoptions. Curious as to…

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has been a blessing in disguise for some. It has sparked the gift of giving among the global and local community. We have come a long way since March 2020, and the only positive thing out of this, is how ordinary folks stepped up,…

You know the saying that goes “when the going gets tough, the tough get going”? While some choose to give up during bad times, like this year when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, others took it all in stride. For instance, small business owners selling various types of food and drinks…

Here’s an inside scoop… Since the beginning of 2020, from March probably, we have seen frontliners and those in essential services going the extra mile, working around the clock. From doctors and nurses, to police personnel, retail workers and delivery providers, all of whom have been tirelessly fulfilling their duties…

Fellow pet lovers, we’ve all been there…the house gate is left open, and in just a split second, your fur-baby zooms out the gate, out into the big bad world…and beyond! ARGH! Most of the time, we mercifully manage to track them down before they get any further than the…

Talk about having a heart of gold! Indian educator Ranjitsinh Disale – recognised for his earnest work in transforming the lives of young girls in Maharashtra, India– was announced winner of the Global Teacher Prize of USD1 million (RM4.068 million) and that’s not all! He’s splitting the prize money with…

5-kilometres! That’s approximately the distance from Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) to Jalan Ipoh, a quick 10-minute drive (with no traffic congestion). Not too bad for a brisk run, you might think. Now, how about running that distance…in a saree? Well, that’s exactly what these gutsy ladies, ranging from mid-40’s…

At times, when we become too attached to our past, we hang on to it for dear life. We keep staring at that shut door, hoping for it to open, not realizing the many doors behind, missed opportunities and possibilities.  Now, here’s someone who did not dwell on the past. Meet Muhammad Naeem Nasir, a Malaysian ex-pilot who served under Malaysian Airlines from 2014-2018, who then…

High School reunions are a time to reconnect and catch up. Five years ago, when Mr. Soba attended his school reunion, he was taken aback when he discovered that one of his friends from the past, Uncle Chew, had been severely injured in a freak accident, paralysing him from the…

The second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic saw cases in Malaysia shooting up with worrying rapidity. While its widely acknowledged that staying at home plays a major role in containing the spread of the virus, it’s no secret that many do not like being confined at home for an extended…

Friday, November 13th was unlike any other this year. It was a night celebrating a select group of enterprises across the ASEAN region for outstanding achievements in their respective fields. The ASEAN Business Awards 2020, held in Vietnam, honoured Brickfields Asia College (BAC) with an ASEAN regional award for Combating…

Unlike road trips here on Earth where you can stop to fuel up, get some food and most importantly, relieve yourself (yes, we are talking about Number One AND Number Two!), gravity poses a challenge for astronauts in Space. Bearing this in mind, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)…

I am proud and blessed to be a Malaysian. A melting pot of various cultures and heritage, I get to immerse myself in a host of celebrations and the food, too! Speaking of which, Deepavali is coming up and I just recently had my first taste of a newly discovered…

One of the uniquely pleasant experiences many Malaysians will have had growing up would be the sheer cavalcade of public holidays brought to us by the numerous festivals celebrated in Malaysia. Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Vaisakhi, Hari Gawai, Hari Kaamatan – you name it, we’ve got a festival for…

In 2012, Samuel Isaiah was tasked with the difficult job of teaching English at SK Runchang, an Orang Asli school in Pekan, Pahang. When he arrived, a fellow teacher told him that he didn’t need to do much for the children as they are just Orang Asli. Yet, these words…

Calling all SPM candidates! Tired of having your schools closed down and not sure how to get about your revision while you’re stuck at home? Fret not, SPM Flix is here to save the day with the all new and improved SPM Seminar 2020! It’s absolutely FREE, too! As you…

A superhero story would go something like this – an ordinary guy or girl living an average life, discovers they have superpowers, realises their purpose, and then dons a costume, mask, and cape and uses their powers for the greater good. The inspiring story of beauty consultant and mother of…

The Kampung Tunku mosque in Petaling Jaya is more than just a place of prayer, especially when it comes to special needs children with autism. Source: Facebook/Masjid Kampung Tunku Situated right smack in the middle of Petaling Jaya, Kumpulan Anak Autisme Masjid (KAMI) Playgroup has been accommodating the needs of…

Wednesday, 15th July, 2020 marks what would have been the late Nelson Mandela’s 100th birthday — the iconic South African president who previously spent decades in prison during the country’s apartheid rule. https://www.instagram.com/p/CCpxYX9DhgY/ Here are five things to know about the leader who inspired generations around the world. #1: Who…

We have not one but two women who are making us super proud at the prestigious Oxford University #cueconfettis Indeed, we were elated when news spread about Malaysia’s first Associate Professor at Oxford University, Dr. Masliza Mahmood. From Parit Raja, Batu Pahat to Oxford, UK. PIC:@MASLIZAMAHMOD Dr. Masliza, a member of…

Meet Janine Eggenberger, one of Europe’s best aerial acrobat whose dance school is inspiring people online to keep going!  Source: Facebook/Flyingdance School of Circus Arts. Swiss Banker turned World-Class Aerialist, Janine Eggenberger discovered her passion for dance very early in life. Born and raised in Switzerland, the banker turned dancer…

World Food Safety Day, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018, kick-starts a series of global initiatives to promote awareness and urge actions by highlighting what everyone can do to ensure food safety. This year, World Food Safety Day is dedicated to everyone who helped ensure the COVID-19 crisis did…

“Oh anok-anok Tok leh menghaso mandi laok Besaing main ghama-ghama Ale lo ni tuo umonya berjuto Kito usoho Jauhke daghi malapetako Ozone lo ni ko ho nipih nak nak aghi Keno make asak hok biso we pakso manusio Seghemo bendo-bendo di dunio tok leh tehe Sapa bilo-bilo” Written by Mukhlis…

RTM Sign language interpreter Tan Lee Bee shares lifesaving information and became a vital part of a visible pantheon of essential workers in Malaysia. The hour in which we watch the live telecasts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister of Malaysia’s Muhyiddin Yassin’s press briefings is critical. Yet, it was…

After almost two months of being in quarantine, we’ve come to realize that while it is good for us to stay informed during this rather unusual time, it is also important that we focus on the good things in life. And if there’s one good thing to come out of…

The COVID-19 pandemic brought forth a plethora of issues, turning the world we used to know upside down. While some of us are still able to live in comfort and adapt to the “new normal”, these are tough times for poor communities who struggle to make ends meet to feed…

Many communities globally were thrown off-balance by the COVID-19 pandemic which affected lives in more than one way. From one week to the next, the whole landscape of work has changed for millions especially for the often-forgotten vulnerable communities such as migrant workers and refugees who work on daily wages…

The tragic pandemic affecting nations worldwide has seen not only panic and fear, but more importantly, the beauty of ordinary people giving back to the community by helping those less fortunate. PERMA, a Malaysian society that aims to cater to the underprivileged and physically challenged in Malaysia, teamed up with…

While many of us continue to adapt to the ‘new normal’ by working and staying at home due to COVID-19, the homeless and poor communities around KL City face even tougher times without shelter and food. Since NGOs were given the green light by the Government on April 1st to…

Together with Southeast Asia’s premier online destination for Asian fashion brands, FashionValet and the Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia response and relief team (IMARET), members of the Malaysian Official Designers’ Association (MODA) are using their pattern making skills to make much-needed PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) gowns for healthcare professionals across…

Steve Hartman, a CBS news reporter known for his uplifting stories of everyday heroes in America, decided recently to spend his time working from home conducting “Kindness 101” classes online. Steve talking to students in Boxford, November 2019.Credit: WBZ-TV Speaking to WTOL 11, the father-of-four said, “I obviously wasn’t producing…

People everywhere around the world continue to cope with working from home and teaching their own children as schools are closed amid the COVID-19 outbreak. In Wisconsin, members of the community decided to lighten things up and prove that maintaining social distance could never stop them from being social people!…

Check out how fellow Malaysians came together to spread positivity in the past 8 days since the Movement Control Order (MCO) was imposed on 18th of March, highlighting our local heroes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. #GRATITUDE A security guard says a silent prayer in an almost still Kuala Lumpur on…

Lim Boon Chuan, a 26-year-old PHD student at the University of Oxford recently made headlines for being involved in developing rapid test kits for COVID-19. A Public Service Department (PSD) scholarship student studying synthetic biology at the university, Lim was part of the team of scientists from the University of…

For those about to sit for their SPM exams. This period is a daunting period of preparation, anticipation and stress. But help is at hand: Goodnews.com recently spoke to an expert from BACfreeschool.com who offered wise advice on how to ace all SPM papers effectively.

Feeling gloomy staying at home due to the coronavirus pandemic? This poem making its rounds on social media is bound to lift your spirits: Well. That escalated quickly. 😮#covidpoetry pic.twitter.com/enft4k02kn — Laura Kelly Fanucci (@laurakfanucci) March 18, 2020 Written by Laura Kelly Fanucci, this Minnesota resident has a passion for…

For most of us in West Malaysia, we tend to overlook ongoing issues across the South China Sea on the Malaysian part of the Borneo Island. Some of us still think that Sabah and Sarawak are completely different countries and thus, have stayed rather detached from the social, cultural and…

Back in 2018, Sue Yii, the founder of startup, Royale Demure, a fashion production house which also assists designers to crowdfund and start their own fashion line, faced a stumbling block – manufacturers of clothing were operating on a minimum order rather than big bulk orders. She turned to independent…

In conjunction with International Women’s Day 2020, we feature some iconic movies celebrating the true spirit of inspirational and independent women – passion and resilience. Hidden Figures (2016) Source: IMDb This movie is based on real-life experiences of three African American women –Katherine, Mary and Dorthy who worked in NASA…

If you happen to be in the town of Mandurah, Australia, chances are you might bump into a bubbly lady dressed as Wally! The lady spreading joy and positivity in her community is none other than Lisa Kelly or Mrs Kelly, a mother and Mandurah resident since 1970. Wally is…

Fancy wearing some trendy clothing made from recycled tents? James Marshall recently created a buzz with his clothing line at a recent fashion show in London.Source: South West News Service 24-year-old James Marshall’s apparel, 10T, recently debuted at Absolut Trash, London’s first fashion show featuring sustainable fashion. What’s special about…

Toni Morrison, born Chloe Ardelia Wofford on February 18, 1931 grew up in a poor working-class family in Lorrain, Ohio. Her father, George Wofford worked as a welder and her mother, Ramah Wofford was a homemaker. One of the greatest lessons passed down by her parents took place when she…

Customers at Lucky Candy in the Bronx located in New York City are in for a surprise! Thanks to 20-year-old cashier, Ahmed Alwan who devised a game to play with shoppers. The rules are quite simple: Solve a simple math problem and you get to take any item off the…

43-year-old Lao Mao or fondly known as “Old Cat”, a Wuhan native gained worldwide attention for his efforts in saving abandoned pets in the centre of the Coronavirus outbreak. As reported via Reuters, he resorted to extreme measures to rescue pets left alone by their owners in the virus-stricken capital.…

Meet 90-year-old Dino Impagliazzo, a man with a passion for feeding the poor. For the past 15 years, he has dedicated his life to feed the poor and homeless in Rome including areas around the Vatican City in Italy. A master chef in his own right, Impagliazzo who once worked…

For Toh Puan Umasundari Sambanthan it was vital to raise awareness among rural women of the benefits of Malayan citizenship. Her lifelong battle has been to bring uneducated rubber-tappers into mainstream national life. As the wife to one of the founding fathers of Malaysia, the late Tun VT Sambanthan, she…

Millions of basketball fans, fellow athletes, celebrities and the world at large mourned the tragic death of retired Los Angeles Lakers all-star, Kobe Bryant alongside his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash in Southern California on Sunday. The 41-year-old was more than just an athlete. He…

Ignite the holiday spirit by celebrating diversity this Christmas & New Year! As the final page of the yearly calendar draws near, the countdown to the holiday season begins and excitement for the last day of 2019 is in the air. When celebrations take place, they often turn into activities…

Can’t Wait To Get Into the Christmas Spirit?  Although Malaysia is not exactly your ideal place for a white Christmas, the spirit of the season is still felt all around! – no wonder, it is known as the wonderful time of the year! Every Malaysian, no matter who they are,…

International Migrants Day is celebrated annually on 18 December 2019. It is a day not only to raise awareness on the plight of migrants across the globe but also to reflect on the amazing stories of hope and empowerment of this segment of society. One story of hope and empowerment…

Fran Clark, 80, a grandmother from Bristol has become the talk of the town this Christmas season for her incredible generosity – spending the whole year filling 500 shoe boxes with Christmas goodies for the underprivileged! According to The Independent, Fran first started this initiative four years ago in response…

He was affectionately known as Kaka Murad (Uncle Murad) having gained the love and respect of many people in Afghanistan for his humanitarian work spanning three decades. Tetsu Nakamura was his name. Let us remember his legacy of courage and #celebrategoodness.  Dr Tetsu Nakamura’s career did not begin as a…

“It’s never too late to learn” – a shining example would be these four elderly Malaysians who recently graduated with university level qualifications from the Wawasan Open University. Madam Kamilia Tan Abdullah. Source: China Press Setting a record of her own is 76-year-old Madam Kamilia Tan Abdullah, the oldest graduate…

Here’s a heartwarming story all the way from Scotland as Christmas draws near! Meet 21-year-old fashion tech student, Mary MacInnes, the brainchild of “Memory Bears”. Six years ago, this young seamstress who started sewing at a very young age, discovered a unique way of helping people in bereavement  – special…

It was a memorable day for Hussain Said when he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Malay Language and Linguistics. The 25-year-old who is wheelchair-bound had always dreamt of furthering his studies like his older siblings. Although his disability presented some challenges, he was determined to make his dreams a…

World Children’s Day is celebrated annually on the 20th of November. In 1959, it was on this day the United Nations adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and subsequently in 1989 the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Every year this important day is celebrated…

It was more than just a celebration of love and joy for Singaporeans, Peng Cheng Yu and Abraham Yeo when they were pronounced husband and wife at Singapore’s Yio Chu Kang Chapel. According to YMI, the couple decided to steer away from a lavish wedding reception. Instead, they spent their…

Recently, a group of motorcyclists called “Geng Motorsport” have become known for their generosity! Last Friday, the plight of single parent from Kelantan, Mohd Zain Abdullah surfaced on the Internet. Mr. Mohd Zain, a father of three special needs children shared his struggles of raising them. As reported by Bernama,…

Irvine Quek Siew Lhek has outdone himself yet again by winning another international latte championship. According to The Star, Irvine successfully bagged the first spot with 73 points at the 2019 World Latte Art Battle (WLAB), beating South Korean barista, Kim Young Jin. This victory marks his second time in…

From emanating methane gas to other toxic substances, studies have proven that improper waste disposal is a threat to the environment. Sadly, Malaysians are huge contributors to this problem, producing over 30,000 tons of waste every day!  However, more and more Malaysians are becoming aware of the importance of going…

From seeking information to communicating, our mobile phones come in handy to help us navigate our daily lives. If you are too dependent on your mobile phone thereby risking your health, then “Nettox” might just be a solution for you! Irfan (first from right) and the team behind “Nettox”.Source: merdeka.com…

Mr. Badrul Jamili Kamaruddin may have just won the award for the best restaurant owner, here’s why.  Located within Kompleks Dagangan Indera Mahkota in Kuantan, Pahang, is Restoran Dapur Infaq Ummah operated by Mr Badrul where food is literally served to those in hunger! For every visit, customers can pay…

Meeting Shaun Tan for the first time is quite an experience in itself. His composed nature is perhaps attributed to his knowledge and experience as a lawyer, a Barrister-at-Law from Lincoln’s Inn, to be precise. That’s not all, he wears many hats! After a few years in legal practice, Shaun…

From renowned scientists to politicians, many have graced the stage to share their ideas and humbling stories through inspirational TED Talks videos since 1984. Here are 5 TED Talks videos that resonates with just about anyone! 1. Angela Lee Duckworth, Academic On pursuing your passion and perseverance  Ever wondered why…

She once took a bullet in her hip while on a humanitarian mission in Iraq in 2003. Since then, Tan Sri Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, the Founder of Mercy Malaysia has certainly come a long way. Recently, the local humanitarian was honoured with the 2019 ASEAN Prize for her tireless efforts…

What comes to mind when you think of birthdays? Parties? Cakes? Presents? Meet Mr. Chua from Singapore who decided to celebrate his special day in a different way! Together with the non-profit organisation, Happy People Helping People Community which offers help to the needy, Mr. Chua hosted a birthday celebration…

When was the last time you ever watched a local Malaysian film? Can’t seem to remember? Well, you are not alone. In fact, the statistics by the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia, reveal a lack of support and appreciation for local movies every year. One of the many reasons is…

Unconditional love – in its simplest form means to love a person without limitations. The question then arises, how far are we willing to go for our loved ones? In this regard, 24-year-old Wu Huayuan’s story is certainly an inspiring one. Growing up with her brother in China, the siblings…

For years, Ganesh Murthi struggled to make ends meet for his family. From working at Mcdonalds for seven years to delivery services on a freelance basis as well as a Grab Food rider, the 26-year-old worked hard in the pursuit of a better life. Yet, there was something more to…

It was a proud moment for headmistress, Noriah Mohamed when her students donated non-perishable food items to 50 other students of SK Sri Petaling. The charity drive, an initiative by the Parent-Teacher Association’s welfare, health and safety unit of SK Sri Petaling was organised to help underprivileged students of the…

Have you ever wondered about life without the Internet? A day without social media? A day without our mobile apps to help us navigate through our daily lives? It sounds strange, isn’t it? The dawn of a new digital age has made technology an integral part of our lives. So…

The Royal Malaysia Police aka Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) has officially appointed its new deputy chief officer and its none other than Datuk Yong Lei Choo! The transfer directive issued by the Bukit Aman Police Headquarters was effective last Friday (25 November 2019) marking a historical moment in the Malaysian…

Deepavali is a festival that represents the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness. In fact, Deepavali actually translates into “row of lamps”, as Indians light oil lamps during this time to rid themselves of spiritual darkness. Deepavali usually takes place at some point in October or November each…

Yet another Malaysian making us proud in the eyes of the world! Dr. Serena Nik Zainal, a UK-based scientist was recently honoured with the Dr Josef Cancer Research Prize 2019 for her breakthrough cancer research – “Accelerating holistic cancer genome interpretation towards the clinic” which explores new possibilities of cancer…

October 24 marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945 to promote international peace and co-operation among countries around the world. Today, the United Nations is made up of 193 countries and has grown to become an influential force in maintaining world harmony. In…

Kishenathrao Harinathrao may be just an average Joe. Among his circle of friends and family, this third year law student is known to be passionate in championing the cause of people living with rare diseases. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines rare diseases as diseases that affect a small percentage…

There seems to be an unspoken stigma surrounding the topic of sex and the menstrual cycle. Though it is a prevalent issue among youths these days, the topic is only discussed in a discreet manner. “People will obviously give you awkward glances if you were to have an open discussion…

World Food Day celebrated annually on October 16th is a “day of action dedicated to tackling global hunger” (source:  www.greeningtheblue.org). According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), this year citizens of the world are called upon to take action and make healthy and sustainable diets…

As a young girl growing up in the Orang Asli community, Shereen Ajani Abigael had always been a happy-go-lucky person. Her cheerful and friendly disposition gained her much adoration from friends and family alike. Yet, Shereen yearned to experience things outside her comfort zone and hoped to mingle with children…

Vintage yet modern, a tribute to the past and a platform for the future – that is the aesthetic Mula Zine embraces. This online magazine is not just your average e-zine but it covers more than just fashion and trends, at the core of it lies a “cultural movement dedicated…

Ms. Zhao from Henan, China had always wished to donate her corneas after her death. She held on to this dream despite being a cancer patient. According to Oriental Daily, she revealed her intention to her husband and doctors. She even went a step further by including it on her…

What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘cafe’? Great food? Good music? Fancy lattes? Sounds about right. In this day and age, the café culture in Malaysia has grown tremendously. At every corner of the street, you can find a queue of people lining up to get their…

“Ooh la la la, it’s the way that we rock when we’re doing our thing, Ooh la la la, it’s the natural LA that the refugees bring.” The popular lyrics from the song Fu-Gee-La by the Fugees, a well-known American hip-hop group shed some light on the prejudices against refugees,…

Malaysia is often known for being a multicultural nation. From its colourful heritage to soaring skyscrapers, Malaysia has built a name for itself in the tourism industry. But wait, that’s not all! Did you know our country has also produced useful inventions beneficial to people around the globe? Here are…

Youth-led Canteen Productions consisting of five young adults, Ryan Tan, Louisa Liew, Ng Kai Yin, Tan Lee Lee, and Tee Yeou Ern are paving the way forward by raising social awareness through their latest labour of love, “A Helping Paw”, a light-hearted short film on animal-assisted therapy. The short film…

Following the statistics by the World Federation of the Deaf, there are approximately 72 million deaf individuals across the globe. 80% of them reside in developing countries. Collectively, the deaf community uses over 300 different sign languages to communicate. Unfortunately, these languages have yet to gain their place among the…

We’ve all had good and bad days before. There are days when things just don’t seem to go as planned. However, netizen, Ninie’s personal encounter definitely warmed our hearts. Read on to find out why! Ninie, a Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) law student, had ran some errands at a local…

45-year-old engineer, Mikhail Jaya, fondly known as Mika, grew up in poverty and had to hit the ground running as early as he can remember. Through grit, hustle, and support from his community, he overcame many obstacles in life. Now, he is on a mission to give back to the…

As the saying goes, no good deed goes unnoticed. No matter how small or big a gesture, any good deed deserves to be recognised! 52-year-old plumber, James Anderson recently became famous for his generosity when his client, Christine Rowlands shared her story on social media. Just like any typical work…

Do you remember the last time you received a handwritten note? Well, you are not alone in that regard. The future of handwriting seems uncertain in today’s world of rapid technological advancements, where people prefer typing than writing by hand. Enter, Mr Lai Kim Hoong of Pen Gallery and a…

29-year-old advertising copywriter, Gayathri Sharmili’s recent story certainly restores our faith in Malaysians who go the extra mile to help those in need! According to an email to says.com, Gayathri recounts the ordeal on the night of 6th September when she was in Tampin, Negeri Sembilan for dinner with her…

Tensions often run high when accidents occur. Here’s an unexpected way one Malaysian driver chose to react in such a situation. Financial consultant, Ng Kok How was on the road in Penang during rush hour. While waiting at the traffic light, he was taken by surprise by a loud sound…

Meet Krishnan, The Caregiver for Cows 72-year-old Krishnan Nanupillai, dedicates his days caring for close to 500 cows, oxen, bulls and calves throughout the city of Vrindavan in India’s Uttar Pradesh. Embracing a ‘resident’ of the shelter.Source: Facebook/Krishnan Nanupillai The Perak-born animal lover left his high paying job of managing…

It’s been twenty-five years since ‘F.R.I.E.N.D.S’ first premiered on NBC. The American sitcom revolves around six friends living in Manhattan, New York City – each character being different yet finding comfort in one another. The show was a huge success because viewers could easily relate to each character as an…

We are all too familiar with meal delivery services to our doorstep but a local clinic in Kelantan is currently taking the local health scene by storm! Runners who know how to handle medicine ready to deliver medication to patients’ homes.Source: Malay Mail According to Sinar Harian, the Pengkalan Chepa…

The Bank of England recently announced new £50 bank notes featuring the mathematician-cum-computer-pioneer, Alan Mathison Turing. The note is expected to enter circulation by early 2021. Best remembered for his code breaker, known as the ‘British Bombe’, his invention was vital in helping the Allies win World War II by…

The date, July 11, bears a special significance numerically to 7-Eleven as its founding day. Free slurpees are usually handed out to all their customers on this particular day. This year, one family was in for a huge surprise as they received more than just a free slurpee! When little…

She’s done it again! After her victory at the 2017 Deaflympics, Boon Wei Ying has again made the country proud with her recent win at the World Deaf Badminton Championships. The Melaka native earned a bronze medal after her winning streak at the court in Taiwan on Sunday. Wei Ying…

By Archana Patrick and John Tan No one can deny that Disney movies are awesome! Whether you are 6 or 36, Disney movies are nostalgic and embody a special part of our childhood. The amazing life lessons interwoven in each film continues to captivate generation after generation of viewers to…

Norhailmi Abdul Mutalib, fondly known as Cikgu Hailmi to his students, is all smiles as he will go down in history as the first Malaysian teacher to be selected for CERN’s 2019 High School Teacher Programme. The project caters to science tutors all around the globe. It aims to spread…

It was a big day for ‘Ungkalicious’ at the Terengganu CFA International Cat Show 2019. The one-eyed cat that weighs 5.8kg won the sixth place in the Household Pet category – all thanks to a cat-loving couple! Rozita Haron and Mohd Fizi who care for the cute feline, describes their…

Jaxon Krzysik may only be three years old yet he has already made his mark as the youngest person ever to climb three of the highest mountains in Britain! The young mountaineer has climbed Mount Snowdon in Wales (1085m high), Scafell Pike (England, 978m) and Ben Nevis (Scotland, 1345m). While…

Laughter is the best medicine – no one believes in this more than duo Iskandar Syah Ismail and Latfy Anuar Latif. The two friends are part of the NGO, Selangor Red Bubbles Children Entertainer Society founded in 2011. The pair who are professional healthcare workers dress up as clowns to…

An innovative new app is taking the phrase ‘Good Samaritan’ to a whole new level! Endorsed by the Resuscitation Council (UK), GoodSAM is a free global smartphone app that comprises an online community. The community is filled with Good Samaritans who are volunteers, namely, medical professionals and even medically-trained civilians…

Datuk Redzuawan Ismail, famously known as Chef Wan has always been passionate about food and cooking. In fact, his culinary journey first began when he was a kid. He vividly remembers how he would assist his mother, Ms. Noraini Abdullah in the kitchen to prepare food for sale after his…

As a frequent visitor of Wawasan Recreational Park, Lee Kim Siew, also known as ‘Uncle Lee’ is adored by regular park goers. This octogenarian, a former headmaster is often greeted in Cantonese by other park goers. It is not merely his warm personality that resonates with people, but also his…

Grammy Award-winning artist, Pharrell Williams gave the Class of 2019 of the Harlem Children’s Zone Promise Academy a reason ‘to clap along because they are happy’ as soon as he made a special announcement at their graduation ceremony. During his commencement speech, the singer promised each of the 114 students…

Love knows no bounds as in the case of single dad, Ben Carpenter. Hailing from Yorkshire, Ben was only 21 years old when he adopted his first child. However, a few years later, he had a change of heart and recently finalised the adoption of his fifth child, Noah. Noah,…

Malaysia is a multiracial country and home to many. In fact, following the statistics by the United Nations Development Programme, Malaysia is home to over 30 million individuals. Out of those figures, 170,460 of them are refugees. A refugee is usually defined as someone who fled his or her home…

Malaysian-born entrepreneur, Maha Sinnathamby has made Malaysia proud with his recent achievement. Sinnathamby who is the chairman and founder of Australia’s Springfield City Group has been bestowed with the award of an Appointment as a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia (General Division) by Queen Elizabeth II in her…

By Amanda Lean Yi Qing In a place where most parents work tirelessly to send their children to school, a school in the northeastern state of Assam in India, has taken it one step further. The Akshar School, started by married couple Parmita Sarma and Mazin Mukhtar in June 2016,…

June 5th is the day designated as World Environment Day. This year, China is leading the global celebrations focusing on Air Pollution – #BeatAirPollution. Air pollution occurs everywhere – indoors, outdoors, in cities and even rural areas. Common types of air pollutants harmful to human health include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide…

Here’s your chance to join a global dance challenge for a great cause! Freedom, the music video recently taking the Internet by storm is the creative vision of Nigerian musician, popularly known as Mr Eazi and Sherrie Silver (the dance choreographer of ‘This Is America’, the hit song of 2018…

Teachers’ Day may be over yet educators who go the extra mile to empower our future generation should always be celebrated! Here are the inspirational stories of two young English teachers, Cikgu Soonufat Supramaniam aged 29 and Cikgu Samuel Isaiah aged 32 and how their ingenious teaching methods made a…

Empathy and kindness is felt throughout Malaysia especially during the Ramadhan season. This is definitely the case when youth-based NGO GEMA Wilayah Persekutuan together with strategic partners, the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp), Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya (MPAJ) as well as the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development…

By Shasidharan a/l Kesavan, Russell Felix Cheah, Yap Jo Yen, Tan Khai Shin, Dhivanesh Naiidu a/l Uthaiya Sangar and Naveendran a/l Jayabalan Follow the inspirational story of Dr S. Madhusudhan and his dedicated team of volunteers at the Teddy Mobile Clinic (TMC), a medical haven to the homeless and less…

These two stories perfectly fits the saying above! Penangite who spends more than half of salary to feed strays Anfalazie Anuar or Ann, from Butterworth, Penang, recently gained much attention following an online post which revealed the sacrifice he makes just to feed stray cats and dogs around Bukit Mertajam.…

Malaysian-based SPMflix.com, a free online learning platform, once again leads the way with free education for all – providing equal access to quality education and content designed specifically for a targeted age group, syllabus and introducing new ways for learners to access its free learning services. What is ‘Tanya Cikgu’?…

Philanthropy was always in Margaret Kogilavani’s mind but it was a chance sighting of two very small destitute children and tracking them to their slum dwelling that actually made her seriously go into community service full-time. That was almost a decade ago when the successful career-cum-businesswoman decided to leave her…

My name is Dermot Devlin, I come from a small village called Greencastle in Co. Tyrone, Ireland. Much like Greencastle, I am small, too. How it all began… So let’s start from the beginning, I was born on the 3rd of December, 1979 and had breathing problems, so was immediately…

What do a young pop star and octogenarian have in common? The answer may surprise us all. British pop star, Louis Tomlinson who rose to fame as a member of boy band, One Direction, revealed that it was only over a month ago that he developed a unique bond with…

Three years ago, Georgia Knoll, a Down Syndrome woman, broke the Internet with a video of her photobombing a Channel 7NEWS Mackay live coverage at a mall in Australia. This time around, Georgia, now aged 25, continues to put a smile on faces worldwide by living her dream as a…

Learning to cope with grief and dealing with the loss of a parent is never easy for children and young adults. Statistics based on the Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model, reveals the stark reality that an estimated 1 out of 15 children in the United States will have to cope with…

Many South and Southeast Asian calendars mark this season as spring, which is also the birth of a New Year. This naturally translates to cheerful celebrations of cultures and customs with prayers, reflection, processions, plenty of good food, and all round happiness. Spring is ushered in with hope and joy…

Thila Laxshman may be best known for her singing prowess or even her days as a leading actress, producer, master of ceremonies and trainer in the Malaysian Indian entertainment industry. Yet, being actively involved in community service and being an advocate for children with autism is by far her most…

As far as first impressions go, one would immediately sense the ‘motherly’ vibes exuding from Anushia Subramaniam. A single mother, aged 57, with two adult sons – the eldest with a degree in psychology and pursuing a Masters in Counseling and the youngest specialising in medical imaging – she is rather the…

Any cancer is devastating news but it is particularly painful when the patient is a child, and we live in times where children are even born with the dreaded disease. With the diagnosis comes emotional and, in most cases, financial stress to caregivers of affected children. Sometimes, children are forced…

Foodabox produces bio-degradable food and beverage packaging with the intention of doing their bit for Mother Nature

KL will see a gathering of 13 amazing women who redefine the conventional idea of beauty.

Unknown Good Samaritan stops by to help an accident victim

Shih-Li Kow recently won the top French literary award of 2018 for her debut novel ‘The Sum of Our Follies’ 

They seek to influence society to just do good which echoes SSMH's vision to strive for better care of children and youth with disabilities

In 2010, Malaysia’s first baby hatch to support young women dealing with unplanned pregnancies, opened in OrphanCare in Petaling Jaya

For the past 20 years, A. Muraly has been helping disabled people go up Batu Caves during Thaipusam

Discover Muaythai is a sports social entity that aims to empower at-risk and underprivileged Malaysian youth aged 15 – 22

Teng Yu Mein's affordable and user-friendly water filter cap produces up to three litres of clean water in one minute, benefitting many marginalised communities

The trio have since relinquished their full-time paying jobs to concentrate on the children who need them

A fashion show like none other – the conventional tall and slender runway models were this time replaced by persons with disabilities

Dr Chew Yu Gee and his wife Melody run a school for the poor and needy in Penang, and have converted their home into a hotel to sustain the school.

The library is open daily from 10 am to 7pm and is closed on public holidays.

Sidhu Humanabade was on his rounds on the streets of Mumbai when he saw smoke bellowing out from upper floors of ESIC Kamgar Hospital.

This is the only cafe in India or perhaps even in the world, run by acid attack survivors.

A major activity conducted at GoodKids is its unique 20 weekly classes of recycled percussion, music instrument making, stomping and acting to build self-confidence.

Minderjit Kaur* is a wheelchair-bound Differently Abled Individual (OKU) who has been looking for employment for the past two years, but without much luck. She is part of almost 500,000 persons with disabilities (PWD) who can become part of the country’s work force and contribute to the nation’s economy, if given the chance. Unfortunately, the doors are simply not fully opened for people like Minderjit and the rest. However, all is not gloom and doom for these persons with disabilities.

Irwan Malius has the magic to turn seemingly boring subjects like Study of Religions, TITAS, Malaysian Studies and Constitution into a fun and engaging learning experience. These subjects under mata pelajaran umum (MPU) - or general education subjects - are compulsory for pre-university qualifications in private colleges and universities in Malaysia. To make the teaching experience interesting for his students, he organises field trips to religious places and art galleries, or have them perform sketches for class, or make models about ancient civilizations.

Prem Rawat's biggest attribute as a Peace Ambassador, as he's known around the globe, is his ability to speak with great candour from the heart. This inherent ability has been there from childhood, when from the age of four, he began displaying signs of spiritual precocity. Still only a child, the cherubic youngster with his trademark heart-warming smile kicked off his international work before the age of 13. It is a journey of 'meeting people and not nations', says the soft-spoken spiritual guru frequently, who was in Kuala Lumpur recently.

It was a college task to interview an officer from the Narcotics Department on issues related to drug abuse that sparked the interest in Kalki to become a trained volunteer who helps addicts recover and reconcile with family and society.

Diversity in the workplace begins with an improved hiring process with the aim of promoting inclusivity of every segment of the community, including one community often overlooked for their great potential – people living with disabilities. As inclusivity being the main focus, Specialjobs.com.my, a free online job portal, marks a milestone in increasing employment opportunities among the differently abled persons by connecting them with suitable employers and vice versa.

Not so far from the dazzling skyscrapers of the city lives a community of approximately 3,200 families, at the PPR flats in Lembah Subang, notorious not just for its run down, squalid appearance and feel but also for its gut-wrenching social ills. 80- 90 percent of its approximately 20,000 denizens fall under the hardcore poor category and the flats are now far from the safe havens they were intended to be for the city's urban poor.

As of 2018, there are 7,000 types of rare diseases recognised in the world. In 1983 the Orphan Drug Act was passed in the United States to facilitate drugs for rare diseases that afflicted small number of individuals. To many who are unfamiliar, drugs are commonly catered to facilitate the majority. This is due to factors such as funding, relevance and demand. But all that is gradually changing as more unknown diseases or, to be politically correct ‘conditions’, are coming to the forefront calling for new attention.

There I was sprucing myself over protocols and hand-ironing my shirt fighting the mid-Sunday heat and YB Maria Chin Abdullah, clad in t-shirt, jeans and black sneakers, extends her hand to welcome me with informality. They say not all heroes wear capes, and I’m looking at one of them. Meet our member of parliament for Petaling Jaya constituency.

At the heart of the palliative arts concept is the belief that when we engage in purposeful activity, it can enrich and add meaning to life, even during treatment for a serious illness. We speak to Ria Thomas, chairperson of ANGSANACare - a fully registered not-for-profit society created as a support service to palliative care for underprivileged paediatric patients and their families.

Formed by a group of final year film students, Fruit Punch Production wowed the audience with their film ‘Lex Talionis’, a 30-minute thriller-horror film which tells of a story of four college students whose friendship is put to test after visiting an abandoned house.

Kumar Nagalingam wears several hats quite competently, namely lawyer, lecturer, trainer and artist. At his first solo art exhibition titled ‘Beyond the Canvas’ in July, the proud artist played host and curator to his well-wishers and guests at GS. Artcade, a mid-sized art gallery along Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya. Kumar's family was on hand to lend him support on the momentous occasion, particularly his wife Monica and his mother who personally greeted guests and showed them around the gallery.

A video clip of the police spraying protesters with high pressure water cannons during the 2007 Bersih rally changed Yu Ren Chung’s outlook of life. For him, that was the moment he was exposed to activism in Malaysia. He was then studying abroad. When he saw protesters being hit with water, he pondered as to why the government was doing that to its own citizens?