Loh (black dress) and O’Dell (centre) handing over goodie bags to the children during the LIAM Hari Raya Open House held at AICB Building.
THE Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM) together with its 16 member companies brought festive happiness to about 150 children and their caretakers at a Hari Raya open house.
The children and teenagers aged from seven to 17 were from Rumah Darul Ilmi, Gombak, Rumah Amal Limpahan Kasih, Puchong, Rumah Chrestus, Cheras and Rumah Keluarga Kami, Kajang.
Over 350 guests including children, industry stakeholders, regulators, business partners and media friends joined in the celebration held at the multipurpose hall in AICB Building, Jalan Dato Onn, Kuala Lumpur.
The children and teenagers were all smiles when the LIAM team headed by its president Loh Guat Lan handed over 150 goodie bags containing teddy bears, coin boxes, tumblers, stationery, mugs, utensil sets and string bags to them.
The LIAM team was represented by its chief executive officer Mark O’Dell and the chief executive officers of life insurance companies.
Speaking at the event, Loh said this year’s gathering was even more special as the Malaysian Life Reinsurance Group (Malaysian Life Re), which celebrates its 25th anniversary, had contributed RM10,000 on top of LIAM’s contribution of RM10,000 to the four homes.
Malaysian Life Re is owned by all 14 life insurance companies in Malaysia to develop local expertise in the life reinsurance business.
“In the spirit of Keluarga Malaysia, LIAM is more than happy to celebrate Hari Raya with the children and their caretakers to make them feel appreciated during the festival.
“We will be contributing basic items such as groceries, toiletries, household items and other related items based on the needs and requirements of each home.
“These donation-in-kind items will be delivered directly to the four care homes,” added Loh.
Meanwhile, O’Dell said the annual festive celebration with children and stakeholders has become LIAM’s tradition for many years.
Guests at the open house were treated to a scrumptious buffet spread including rendang, ketupat palas, lemang, satay, laksa Johor, nasi briyani, Raya biscuits and durian dessert.
The audience also enjoyed the dance and singing performances by the children, traditional dances including “Joget Lambak” by professional dancers, and popular Hari Raya songs performed by three-piece band “The Frontiers”.
O’Dell said, “It is our way of thanking our regulators, stakeholders and business partners for their continued support and guidance to the industry.
“We want to show them that we value the relationship that has been built up for years.
“We also appreciate the principals and caretakers of the four homes for their noble job and commitment in caring for the needy children.
“Their hard work, dedication, and perseverance in nurturing the children and providing them a safe, caring and loving environment will help to ensure that they will grow up to become fine young adults one day.”
