The Malaysian AIDS Foundation announced that it raised RM2.55 million at the prestigious Sunway-Malaysian AIDS Foundation Red Ribbon Gala held at the Grand Lagoon Ballroom, Sunway Resort Hotel.
“MAF has long been fortunate to have the support of very committed individuals and organisations who believe in us and believe in the cause. And today, at this special event, we celebrate the next milestone in the partnership in Ending AIDS with the Sunway Group, which kicked off last year with the Sunway HOPE Borneo Project that provides access to antiretroviral treatment for People Living with HIV from rural Sabah and Sarawak,” said Professor Dato’ Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Chairman of MAF, in expressing her gratitude.
The event is to raise awareness of AIDS and also to in trying to bring an end to AIDS as a public health threat. Effective treatment can stop onward transmission of HIV and for those at risk, taking one pill a day can reduce the risk of HIV by 90%. Treating 95% of those living with HIV plus scaling up access to HIV prevention services are two of the most important measures that will bring an end to AIDS. We can achieve this goal by fostering strong collaboration between the health and scientific sectors and the community and of course, financial investment,” added Dato’ Dr Adeeba.
Commenting on the event, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Jeffrey Cheah, Gala Honorary Chair, Founder and Chairman, Sunway Group, highlighted the urgency to leave no one behind as part of the mission of Ending AIDS by 2030.
“Most of Sunway’s CSR projects are focused on helping the marginalised and forgotten sectors of society, with the People Living With HIV being a prime example. They constantly face stigma and ostracism, and even discrimination in the workplace. Hence, it is essential to help our fellow Malaysians struggling to survive in a world of darkness and misery”, he said.
As MAF’s signature fundraiser, the Gala also gave recognition to unsung heroes who demonstrate exceptional leadership and resilience in their work to support communities impacted by HIV/AIDS through the Sunway-Malaysian AIDS Foundation Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Award.
This year’s Sunway-MAF Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Award recipient, Mohamad Raffi’e Jaafar (aka Luka Rafie), was recognised for leading the way and going above and beyond the call of duty to sustain the local community response to HIV/AIDS, receiving a RM 20,000 cash prize, a custom-designed trophy by Sunway Group, RM 2,000 Shopee cash vouchers and a Certificate of Excellence. MAF also honoured two other recipients of the Award; Mahfurizal bin Ameerlatfi (Along) and Komited Malaysia.
At the same event, MAF introduced two new awards to honour individuals from corporate Malaysia for their tireless efforts in ending the AIDS Epidemic. For the first time, three individuals were presented with the MAF Inspiration Award. They are Jamie Mead, Senior Director Operations – South East Asia at Hilton, Goh Miah Keat, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Karex Berhad, and legendary Indonesian songstress, Krisdayanti. The evening also celebrates the Founder and CEO of Monspace, Dato’ Sri Dr Jessy Lai, recipient of the MAF Philanthropic Excellence Award – recognised for her tireless effort and dedication in the plight to end the AIDS epidemic in Malaysia.
