Press Release

The Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) announced that it raised RM2.6 million at the prestigious Sunway-Malaysian AIDS Foundation Red Ribbon Gala and Sunway-Malaysian AIDS Foundation Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Award 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. We would not be where we are today without the passion and commitment of many individuals across the country and corporations who have supported us – community workers, healthcare professionals especially colleagues at the Malaysian AIDS Council, the Ministry of Health and those living with HIV themselves. And today, at this special event, we celebrate the next milestone in the partnership in Ending AIDS with Sunway, which kicked off last year with the MAF-Sunway HOPE Borneo Project that provides access to life-saving HIV medication, prevention and care services 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.

“We are, in what I would like to think, the final stretch in trying to bring an end to AIDS as a public health threat. We have the tools to do that. 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 percent. So together, 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 a strong collaboration between the health and scientific sectors and the community and of course, financial investment,” added Dato’ Dr Adeeba in underscoring the importance of treatment and multi-stakeholder collaboration in the AIDS response.

Meanwhile, Gala Honorary Chair as well as Sunway Group Founder and Chairman, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah said: “Sunway is proud to be a long-term partner of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation. Our support for MAF is based on our CSR commitment to try and leave no one behind. That is why most of our CSR projects are focused on helping the marginalised and forgotten sectors of society as much as possible. People living with HIV is a prime example in this instance. HIV-AIDS poses a threat to their very lives, while the stigma and ostracism they face robs them of their dignity. This also extends towards discrimination in the workplace.”

“Our belief that no one should be left behind is one of the fundamental reasons why Sunway is deeply committed towards advancing the sustainable development agenda. We have fully embraced the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDG). One of those goals is to end AIDS by 2030. Sunway’s efforts in advancing the sustainability agenda are driven by the conviction that realising the 17 UN-SDGs is not the responsibility of governments alone. Building a sustainable future requires the commitment of all elements of society – the private sector, academia, civil society, and, of course, every single individual. We are all in this together,” added Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah.

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 RM20,000 cash prize, a custom-designed trophy by Sunway, RM2,000 Shopee cash vouchers and a Certificate of Excellence. MAF also honoured the two other finalists, 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.

The Black-tie affair, themed “Ensuring Sustainability in the AIDS Response,” reflects MAF’s strategic direction towards placing HIV and AIDS as part of the UN-SDG’s target for Malaysia. The theme is also a reflection of the collaboration between MAF and Sunway that was built on the foundation of sustainability and guided by one of the UN-SDG’s targets to End AIDS by 2030.

All funds raised from the Gala will be used to support the MAF Medicine Assistance Scheme, a programme that supports underprivileged Malaysians living with HIV gain access to life-saving antiretroviral treatment.

The Gala was attended by 450 guests comprising MAF corporate partners and stakeholders in the ending AIDS mission. Guests were presented with sustainability-sourced fine dining experience and performance by legendary Indonesia songstress Krisdayanti, alongside a line-up of MAF’s own Red Ribbon Celebrity Supporters such as Deborah Henry, Fahrin Ahmad, Dino Omar and Winnie K.

The Sunway-Malaysian AIDS Foundation Red Ribbon Gala was supported by Monspace Multinational Corporation & WCEM as the Co-Sponsor, Karex Berhad and Perfect Hexagon as the Presenting Sponsors, and Berjaya Corporation Berhad as the Signature Sponsor.