Latest news with #StarGoldenHeartsAward
The Star
6 days ago
- General
- The Star
Bringing the sea closer to the people
Learning beyond classrooms: A MareCet outreach officer accompanying students during an intertidal exploration at low tide. — Photo courtesy of MareCet Research Organisation PETALING JAYA: After more than a decade of its establishment, marine research and conservation NGO MareCet Research Organisation has brought the sea 'closer' to the community. MareCet executive director and co-founder Dr Louisa S. Ponnampalam said the NGO has expanded its programmes beyond confined spaces, bringing students and volunteers out to the field. 'We expanded our sea, science and schools programme further by taking it outdoors rather than just being indoors, and we engaged with many more rural schools in coastal areas. 'We have since taken students out to sea in search of dolphins and porpoises, where they also get to experience being a junior marine biologist for half a day,' she said in an interview. Louisa added that MareCet has also brought students to the seashore to explore low tide as part of efforts to expose them to the marine world just behind their 'backyard'. To reach out to wider audiences, Louisa said MareCet is aiming to conduct more Sekolah Lestari initiatives, including rural schools in coastal towns. She said the group is also looking at developing the Love Our Lautan Stewardship Programme – a self-executed marine stewardship programme for local youth to build leadership and critical thinking skills in relation to marine conservation. 'At MareCet, we always strive to keep growing purposefully in our work in order to stay on track with our vision and achieve our mission,' she said. In 2023, MareCet was named one of the recipients of the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) for its efforts to bring marine conservation closer to the people. Louisa said the recognition by SGHA is empowering and boosts the organisation's prominence at the national level. 'It has certainly given us visibility and increased our public following, which in turn gives us the motivation and confidence to keep striving to do better,' she said. Louisa encouraged aspiring changemakers to hold firm to their beliefs to make a difference, adding that 'no action or idea is too small, and no ambition is too big to make for our planet'. 'In a rapidly changing world, we need all hands on deck to turn the tide around for the better. 'Be strategic but also pace yourself because bringing about change is like running a marathon. It is not a sprint,' she said. The SGHA returns for the 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 over 100 individuals and organisations whose efforts have inspired action, transformed lives and strengthened communities nationwide.
The Star
18-07-2025
- Science
- The Star
Helping students is their mission
Hands-on approach: Students participating in an character building session held by SMF staff at one of their hostels. (Inset) Lei sees value in teaching science subjects for the future of Sabah. PETALING JAYA: From building hostels near schools to providing accommodation for students from rural communities, Starfish Malaysia Foundation (SMF) is now hoping to directly help those same students achieve academic success. Founded to make attending school safe and easier for rural students, the foundation's ambitions to assist students have grown significantly since it was named as a Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) winner in 2023. SMF founder Jimmy Lei said the recognition has since enabled them to easily find potential partners or sponsors for their cause. 'The recognition we received has been very helpful as we now include SGHA in all our communications with others. 'This has led to big names, like local banks, supporting our efforts. We hope to expand our goal of supporting education in Sabah,' he said in an interview. Lei said SMF now plans to further assist students academically by building a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) centre after noticing a dip in students enrolling in science subjects in recent years. 'We want to spark interest among the students to take up science subjects by teaching them its importance, not just for their future but Sabah as well,' he said. Lei also said renovations were already underway on a 0.3ha property in Tuaran to turn it into a STEM centre, with additional plans to promote STEM education with cooperation from the Sabah Education Department. He said this will include hosting STEM roadshows and establishing STEM hubs in 30 selected urban and rural primary and secondary schools around the state. Starfish Malaysia Foundation (SMF) founder Jimmy Lei The first programme will kick off on July 14. 'We will supply STEM equipment for over 30 interactive display stations to SMK Sri Nangka in Tuaran for the roadshow. 'Towards the end of the event, we will gift the equipment to the school to establish their own STEM hub so that the students can have easy and free access. 'Hopefully, this could encourage more students to take up science,' he said. Looking to continue its original goal, Lei said SMF has also completed the construction of a new dormitory in Pitas last November to replace the rundown 50-year-old one in the area. The new fully-functional building has the capacity to accommodate up to 40 boys and two tutoring or visitor rooms as they continue adding new items to further furnish the premises. The dormitory joins SMF's other five hostels that they manage directly across northern Sabah, which provide a safe home for 180 students, comprising 50 from primary schools and the rest from secondary schools. 'We will continue to organise tuition classes, usually done by volunteers both face-to-face and online, on several subjects that the students need help on. 'Other programmes that focus on character building and life skills are also held during weekends at our hostels,' he added. Meanwhile, the SGHA returns for the 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 over 100 individuals and organisations whose efforts have inspired action, transformed lives and strengthened communities nationwide.
The Star
18-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Two million meals and counting
Ready to help: The Food Aid Foundation sprung into action during the floods that ravaged Kelantan last year, providing both hot meals and dry food items. PETALING JAYA: From warehouse shelves to dinner tables, the Food Aid Foundation is moving faster and smarter than ever. Since being named as one of the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) winners last year, the foundation has delivered surplus food worth RM12.3mil, equivalent to more than two million meals to communities across Malaysia. On top of that, funding from the award allowed it to manage daily operations more efficiently, enabling improved food sorting and storage, reducing spoilage and improving turnaround. 'Being a winner of the SGHA was a turning point. It did more than affirm that we were on the right path. 'It opened doors we previously could not access. 'Public interest grew, new partners reached out and there was greater awareness around the issues we tackle daily, including food waste, hunger and poverty,' said general manager Afraz Said. She said more than 80 individuals from low-income groups had received culinary and entrepreneurship training with support from a corporate sponsor. 'Several participants even launched small food businesses. The SGHA indirectly supported this effort by easing operational burdens such as kitchen upkeep and transportation,' she said in an interview. The foundation has also expanded its entrepreneurship training programme to Kelantan, with the goal of bringing it to more states. Afraz said the SGHA helped the foundation to maintain a small emergency reserve, which came in handy during the floods that struck Kelantan late last year. 'We were able to act quickly and provide food relief. Even modest flexibility can make a big difference during crises,' Afraz said, noting that the foundation also worked with Star Media Group for the Food for Soul 2.0 initiative to feed needy families during Ramadan. Sustainability, however, remains the foundation's biggest challenge. 'Before this, we often faced tough choices like being stuck between either fixing a vehicle or running a training session. 'The award did not remove these pressures but gave us some breathing space. 'We used the funds to cover essential expenses such as fuel, vehicle repairs, kitchen maintenance and warehouse operations,' she said, adding that rising demand is another challenge. 'Since the Covid-19 pandemic and with the rising cost of living, more families are seeking help. 'We responded by working smarter, building stronger systems and leaning into partnerships that focus not only on food relief but also long-term community empowerment,' Afraz added. The SGHA returns for the 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 acts of kindness have uplifted lives in profound and lasting ways. Since its inception in 2015, SGHA has honoured over 100 individuals and organisations whose efforts have inspired action, transformed lives and strengthened communities nationwide.
The Star
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Still going strong after 28 years
Doing her part: Liau (centre), the co-founder of JJ Roll, would also contribute her cakes to be sold for charities. IPOH: Jennifer Liau has been involved in charitable work for about 28 years and has no plans to stop anytime soon. Liau, formerly the president of local welfare non-governmental organisation Ipoh Love and Care Society (ILCS), said she plans to continue serving and contributing to society for as long as she can. 'ILCS was where it all began for me. I served with them for a decade from 1997 to 2007. 'Since then, it has been ingrained in me to help those in need and the underprivileged,' she said in an interview. 'With my children all grown up and working, I can dedicate more time to helping those in need. 'I strongly believe in doing charitable work to help the needy, not for fame, benefits or status,' added the mother of three with two grandchildren. Liau, 74, recalled that she did not have any experience in charitable works prior to joining ILCS. 'I was fortunate to have wonderful team members supporting me throughout. 'We were very active and would attend to any requests for financial aid for medical treatment, going around in search of support and donations,' she said, adding that she is currently ILCS's adviser. Liau said even after she stepped down, she still received messages asking for assistance to help those in need. 'I then joined Pertubuhan Meningkat Akhlak Chi Pee Seah Perak to continue giving aid to the underprivileged. 'We are also very active and would have soup kitchens and food aid distribution activities regularly,' said Liau, who is the deputy president. She also said that during her birthday, no celebration would be held and the occasion would be used to spread joy to the less fortunate instead. 'I would make donations, including cakes from my outlet to welfare homes,' said Liau, who co-founded JJ Roll, which sells Swiss rolls and cakes. 'Having come across so many people who are underprivileged during my time with ILCS, I feel that I should do something to assist them,' she said, adding that she also receives many requests from schools and other NGOs to donate cakes for charity sales. 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 over 100 individuals and organisations whose efforts have inspired action, transformed lives and strengthened communities nationwide.
The Star
28-06-2025
- General
- The Star
A milestone for Orang Asli folk
Community spirit: Native Discovery envisions a Malaysia where unity and collective responsibility include all communities, especially the Orang Asli. Efforts to normalise and advocate allyship with the Orang Asli community have resulted in a robust support network. PETALING JAYA: Being named as one of the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) winners has been a transformative milestone for Native Discovery, a project committed to fostering allyship with the Orang Asli community. Founded in the spirit of community collaboration, Native Discovery has expanded its reach and impact since its inception, igniting a movement towards indigenous allyship throughout Malaysia. Co-founder Daniel Teoh said the recognition has significantly enhanced the organisation's legitimacy in the local social impact space and among the Malaysian public. 'It also allows us to establish stronger connections with both local and international stakeholders. 'This credibility has been crucial in engaging international universities, non-governmental organisations and social enterprises to collaborate on building a sustainable future for the Orang Asli,' he said in an interview. Over the past two years, Teoh said Native Discovery has achieved significant milestones. He said efforts to normalise and advocate allyship with the Orang Asli community have resulted in a robust support network. 'We find that our efforts are bearing fruit now,' Teoh added while highlighting the importance of these collaborations in supporting indigenous communities. Looking forward, he said Native Discovery plans to continue building momentum for the movement. 'Our hope and goal remains to continue building momentum on indigenous allyship,' Teoh said. The organisation envisions a Malaysia where unity and collective responsibility include all communities, especially the Orang Asli. He also shared his encouragement to other fellow Malaysian changemakers. 'A truly Malaysian Malaysia is extremely feasible and not out of reach. We can build it together,' he added. Native Discovery envisions a Malaysia where unity and collective responsibility include all communities, especially the Orang Asli. In 2022, Native Discovery was singled out by SGHA for its impactful community-led tourism initiatives, which empowered the Orang Asli. Teoh said the recognition not only validated their efforts but also opened doors for future collaborations and growth. 'Meeting and sharing experiences with other winners opened doors for potential collaborations,' he added. SGHA is returning for the 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.
