By Desiree Kaur
20th April 2024 will be a memorable night for the eight mothers who received the Anugerah Ibu Kiwanis 2024 by Kiwanis Malaysia. His Royal Highness, the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah ibni Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah consented to attend as the Guest of Honor. The awards were given out by Her Royal Highness the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Hajah Norashikin. The award recipients received RM5,000 cash each from Kiwanis Malaysia and other sponsored prizes such flowers, a hotel stay, fragrances, apparel and many more,
The Anugerah Ibu Kiwanis (AIK) was initiated in 2001 by the Kiwanis Club of Taman Tun Dr Ismail under the leadership of Dato’ Fatimah Saad, Past Governor of Kiwanis Malaysia who was also the Organizing Chair for this year’s AIK. The idea to honor and appreciate mother’s came about from the club’s encounter with parents to children with special needs and their struggles. In 2024, the program was revived after a 10-year hiatus and elevated to a national level under Kiwanis Malaysia.
Nominations to become recipients of the AIK were open to Kiwanis centers, Kiwanis Clubs, other NGOs and the public. The Social Welfare Department (Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat or JKM), also played a key role in disseminating the nomination forms to community centers (Pusat Dalam Komuniti or PDK), nationwide. Once all forms were received, the eligible candidates were evaluated based on sets of criteria ranging from testimonials on the candidates, their advocacy and their roles in raising their child / children with special needs. They were evaluated by a panel of judges, from which only eight were selected as recipients.
Panel of Judges for the Anugerah Ibu Kiwanis 2024
The Gala Dinner on 20 April 2024, was hosted in celebration of the eight deserving mothers. The night was kicked off by a touching video montage of mothers with their special needs children, setting the tone for the evening.
The evening was was attended by Kiwanis Malaysia’s Board of Trustees, Kiwanis Clubs and the leaders from corporate sponsors of the initiative such as Yayasan Sime Darby, Northport Sdn Bhd, SP Setia, Top Glove and many more. Speeches were made by Organizing Chair, Dato’ Fatimah Saad and Governor of Kiwanis Malaysia, Michael Chiew. There was also a mock-cheque presentation of RM50,000 from Yayasan Sime Darby to Kiwanis Malaysia.
There were also spectacular performances by the Monocort Band – a 5-piece band that entertained guests throughout dinner. Also, a special performance by songstress Ushera who is famous for her yesteryear renditions of Malay classics. To dazzle the attendees, Malaysia’s autistic savant pianist, also wow-ed the audience with his impeccable and flawless performance of Your Raise Me Up, the Flight of the Bumblebee and Rasa Sayang.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards which was symbolized by beautiful orchids presented to each recipient. Here are the details of the 8 recipients of Anugerah Ibu Kiwanis 2024.
HANIZAN BT HUSSIN
Former President of the Malaysian Down Syndrome Association
Hanizan binti Hussin is a mother who faces great challenges in raising her daughter, Wan Alya Azri, who was born with Down Syndrome. From a young age, Alya has experienced various health challenges, including severe pneumonia that landed her in a hospital ward for several months. In addition, her right leg had to be amputated, making her a ‘Double Disabled’ who needs more intensive care and support. However, Hanizan never gave up hope. She ensures that Alya receives the best treatment and therapy, including Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Early Intervention Programs. She also strives to ensure that Alya gets a quality education, by enrolling her in a special school and involving her in various activities to strengthen her skills.
CHIA GEK HONG
Chia Gek Hong is a devoted mother to her 26-year-old son, Barnabas, who has Down Syndrome. She is committed to ensuring Barnabas leads a fulfilling life, adopting natural healing and an organic lifestyle to provide the best possible care. Her innovative approach to nutrition and her efforts to create an inclusive environment for Barnabas to engage in activities like art and music underscore her exceptional caregiving. Facing numerous obstacles, including health issues and educational barriers for Barnabas, Chia has shown remarkable resilience. She embraced natural remedies and healthy eating, even creating and marketing health products to benefit others. Despite educational rejections, her advocacy ensured Barnabas could learn and develop essential skills. The challenge of fostering independence in Barnabas was met with practical training in their organic shop, an endeavor that faced setbacks like a devastating fire. However, Chia’s perseverance saw them rebuild and continue their mission.
PROF DR LOKE SIEW PHAIK
Professor and Head of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Faculty of Business and Management, Quest International University
Since her son was born, Loke Siew Phaik has devoted herself fully to providing exceptional care and support for her. As a single mother, she raised her son, who is now 22 years old. He has challenges in learning and social interaction. However, Prof. Loke Siew Phaik never gave up. She has taken the initiative to learn alternative learning methods and collaborate with professionals to provide a suitable learning environment for her son. She actively collaborates with other professionals, educators, and parents to create a better support network for children with special needs. She participates in various community initiatives and contributes to raising awareness of the challenges faced by children with special needs and their families.
TAN KEN MOI
Tan Ken Moi’s journey as a single mother of three special needs children has been marked by resilience, perseverance, and unwavering dedication. Despite facing numerous challenges and receiving little to no support from family and friends, she has demonstrated extraordinary care and support for her children. Her children, Lee Bee Fung, Lee Mei Teng, and Lee Jun Wei, each face unique special needs conditions, ranging from multiple disabilities to learning difficulties. To provide for her family, Tan Ken Moi has taken on multiple jobs, including working as a confinement lady, a home-based hairdresser, and a babysitter. Despite financial hardships, she has instilled in her children the value of frugality, ensuring they
prioritize necessities over luxuries.
CORDELIA LEE SUET FUN
Cordelia Lee Suet Fun’s journey as a mother to her special needs child, Patrick, has been one of resilience, empowerment, and advocacy. Patrick was born with Alagille Syndrome, a rare genetic disease affecting multiple systems in the body, including the liver and heart. Despite the challenges that come with Patrick’s condition, Cordelia has shown exceptional care and support for her son. Initially devastated by Patrick’s diagnosis, Cordelia decided to focus on ensuring Patrick has a fulfilling life, no matter its duration. She began empowering him from a young age, using creativity, positivity, and music to uplift and encourage him. Cordelia wrote songs like “Never Give Up” and “Power Baby” to instill resilience and self-belief in Patrick, singing them daily to him and other children in the hospital wards.
SIA SIEW CHIN
Sia Siew Chin, a devoted mother of two, has demonstrated exceptional dedication and support for her special needs children, each facing unique challenges. Despite her own physical limitations as a wheelchair user, she tirelessly ensures the well-being and growth of her children, embodying resilience and selflessness in her caregiving role. Her daughter’s battle with muscular dystrophy, a condition causing progressive muscle weakness, and her son’s struggles with LDHD, a learning and attention disorder, present daily hurdles for Sia. However, she remains unwavering in her commitment to provide them with exceptional care and support.
WAN NORIAH BINTI WAN RAMLI
Founder of Down Syndrome Association of Kelantan
Wan Noriah Binti Wan Ramli, has demonstrated a strong commitment to advocating for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of individuals with special needs, particularly those with Down syndrome. She is a mother of 5, and her youngest, fondly known as Min who is now 30 years old, was born with Down Syndrome. She is actively involved in community initiatives. Her dedication, leadership, and collaborative efforts exemplify her advocacy for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of individuals with Down Syndrome and other special needs in the community. Through her initiatives and actions, she strives to create a more inclusive and supportive environment where individuals with disabilities can thrive and contribute meaningfully.
ZAHARAH BINTI ALI
Zaharah binti Ali, mother of 5, didn’t expect for her youngest to be born prematurely. Now 20 years old, her son Muhammad Naim bin Zaina Salleh has Downs Syndrome and had undergone heart surgery as a child. He still struggles with kidney and joint muscle challenges. Since Naim was six months old,
Zaharah took steps to send him to a rehabilitation therapy program at Kiwanis and the local the Community Rehabilitation Center (PDK) until he was seven years old.Despite facing difficulties in taking care of her children, Zaharah never gave up hope. She continues to provide support to her children, including children with serious health problems. With a strong spirit, she gives encouragement to her children so that they are able to be independent and face the challenges of life with perseverance.
Special Award to YBhg Puan Sri Hajah Khir Johari – The Ibu Kiwanis Award
Puan Sri Hajah Khir Johari is the wife of the late Tan Sri Khir Johari, who brought Kiwanis to Malaysia. Puan Sri has been an ardent and generous supporter of Kiwanis for the longest time and even donated generously to the Anugerah Ibu Kiwanis 2024. It was only befitting to award Puan Sri with a special citation by Kiwanis Malaysia and the Ibu Kiwanis Award courtesy of the 2023/2024 Kiwanis Malaysia, Board of Directors.
Next, tokens of appreciation were presented to the HRH Sultan of Selangor and HRH Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor.
Upon the departure of HRH Sultan and HRH Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, the mother’s were serenaded by Ushera on stage with the song, Because You Loved. The evening came to a close on a joyful note with many taking home beautiful memories of a night spent appreciating the unsung heroes who love their children unconditionally.
English 
Malay