Man's quiet acts of compassion
JOHOR BARU: Inspired by the kindness and dedication of his former boss, Goh Teck Kuan has been serving the community in his own quiet way over the years.
The 54-year-old tuition teacher said he first got involved in charity work about 20 years ago.
Back then, he was working for former Gelang Patah (now Iskandar Puteri) MP Tan Ah Eng.
'I worked as her aide for almost 10 years. That was where I learned the true meaning of voluntary service.
'It was also during those years that I saw, firsthand, just how tough life can be for some people,' he said in an interview.
Goh said his mentor passed away in 2013 after losing her battle with brain cancer.
'Throughout her life, she was deeply committed to helping those in need and, without realising it, I took on her role and shared her passion.
'In 2015, I set up a non-governmental organisation (NGO) – the Johor Baru Amal Bakti Welfare Association,' said the father of two.
'Through the NGO, various charitable initiatives, especially those involving single mothers, the hardcore poor and cancer patients, were carried out.
'Over the past 10 years, we have extended a helping hand to more than 500 people,' he added.
From distributing food to running a skills kitchen for single mothers, the NGO focuses on empowering vulnerable groups rather than just giving one-off aid.
'One of our ongoing initiatives is a programme where we teach single mothers how to bake and sell pastries.
'The goal is not just to help them earn an income but to equip them with practical skills and the confidence to stand on their own two feet. We also help them with marketing and packaging with the earnings going to them directly,' he said.
Goh also said the bakery classes took place at a kitchen in a shophouse in Taman Impian Emas.
'We rented a unit where single mothers could learn and run small businesses.
'The space is also owned by one of my former students,' he said, adding that most of his 18 volunteers are also ex-students.
Apart from that, the NGO also assists domestic abuse victims and women going through divorce by guiding them through the necessary processes.
On top of that, they distribute basic necessities to about 250 families every month.
'The distribution is done at flats in Perling and Taman Ungku Tun Aminah.
'To make sure the aid goes to those who truly need it, I have two volunteers from the flats who help identify the recipients.
'Some managed to find a job and no longer need as much help,' he said.
Goh, who used to teach Malay at a Chinese secondary school here, has also been giving free tuition classes to poor children.
'I started conducting the classes about a year ago and have reached out to 10 children living in flats in Taman Ungku Tun Aminah.
'The classes run for about two hours every Saturday,' he said, adding that the children are aged between seven and 12.
Goh said he hoped to reach even more people in need, especially children who could not afford tuition classes.
'I will continue doing this for as long as I can, and I hope it will inspire others to do the same.'
Meanwhile, the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) returns for its 11th edition to honour everyday Malaysians whose compassion and selflessness have made a lasting impact on others.
With McDonald's Malaysia as the new strategic partner, SGHA is poised to broaden its reach and deepen its impact nationwide.
This year also marks the debut of the McDonald's Caring Hearts Award – a special recognition honouring individuals or grassroots groups whose heartfelt acts of kindness have uplifted lives in profound and lasting ways.
Since its inception in 2015, SGHA has honoured more than 100 individuals and organisations whose efforts have inspired action, transformed lives and strengthened communities nationwide.
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