KUCHING: The ‘Touching Hearts, Shaping Minds’ Appreciation Ceremony was held to honour Sarawak para athletes, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) assisting the public, as well as strategic partners and disaster relief volunteers at a leading hotel here on Wednesday.
Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the ceremony was organised to celebrate para athletes who have successfully brought pride to Sarawak and the nation.
She added that the event also recognised NGOs, individuals, strategic partners and disaster volunteers who have worked tirelessly to assist various communities regardless of race and religion for the collective wellbeing of society.
“Therefore, on behalf of the Sarawak Government, we at the ministry would like to express our gratitude for touching the hearts of many Sarawakians, shaping their thinking and bringing positive changes to their lives and acceptance.
“Besides that, helping them understand that they are not alone and realise that as Sarawakians, we care for them and give meaning to their lives with greater dignity and self-worth,” she said in her speech at the event, which was graced by wife of the Sarawak Governor Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
During the ceremony, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah together with Dato Sri Fatimah presented certificates and plaques of appreciation to 50 strategic partners of the Sarawak Social Welfare Department’s (JKMS) Disaster Relief Management Partners.
In addition, certificates of appreciation were also presented to the Special Olympics Sarawak Contingent involving six organisations, namely Special Olympics Kuching Chapter, Special Olympics Samarahan Chapter, Special Olympics Sibu Chapter, Special Olympics Bintulu Chapter, Special Olympics Miri Chapter and the Healthy Athletes Programme (HAP).
Meanwhile, Special Olympics Sarawak also received the Overall Champion Trophy for the Special Olympics Malaysia (SOM) National Games 2026 after emerging as overall champion of the SOM 6th National Games – Sarawak 2026 with a total achievement of 176 medals comprising 56 gold, 68 silver and 52 bronze medals.
At the same time, two Volunteer Awards were presented for the Organisation and Individual categories, with Sarawak Hun Nam Siang Tng receiving recognition in the organisation category for its efforts in managing elderly welfare homes, providing nearly 100 funeral services for communities in need, as well as distributing monthly food aid to more than 427 families across Sarawak.
Meanwhile, the individual category award was presented to Tony Pui Sin Tam, who has actively spearheaded the Dynasty Hotel Charity Fund since 2000, channelled assistance to underprivileged groups during major festive celebrations, organised the Goodies Giveaway Event for 26 years, and collaborated with Welfare Miri for 24 years to assist the community. -UKASnews
Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Translator: Uilson Ng
