17 groups recognised for making world a better place

Representatives of ElShaddai Centre, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Tonibung and Global Peace Foundation Malaysia posing with their awards. With them are Ng (third left), Tio (fifth left) and Lu (in white).

THE 2022 JCI Malaysia Sustainable Development Award (JCIM SDA) rewarded 17 groups for helping to empower communities and making them more sustainable.

Cash awards totalling RM33,000 and trophies were presented during a ceremony in Penang.

The four non-governmental organisations recognised with cash awards were Kuala Lumpur-based ElShaddai Centre (supports refugees, asylum seekers, the stateless and marginalised diaspora), Global Peace Foundation Malaysia, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and Sabah-based Tonibung (advocates for rights of the indigenous people).

ElShaddai Centre picked up the Best of the Best award and also the Quality Education award.

The No Poverty award went to Tonibung, Global Peace Foundation Malaysia bagged the Clean Water and Sanitation Award while Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre received the Life on Land award.

Meanwhile, Penang-based Charis Hospice took home the Good Health and Well-being Award.

The other award winners were Sinar Kamiri Sdn Bhd (Affordable and Clean Energy), Homevest Sdn Bhd (Decent Work and Economy Growth), Gobuilders Netsoft Sdn Bhd (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), Infinite Minds Academy Sdn Bhd (Reduced Inequalities), Encomas Sdn Bhd (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SJKC Mak Mandin and OPC Resources Sdn Bhd (Responsible Consumption and Production), Lions Club Perak (Climate Action), Ada Biotech Sdn Bhd (Life Below Water), Childline Foundation (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and Leadership Empowerment And Development Institute (Partnership for the Goals).

The award ceremony was attended by 370 people including the Penang Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak.

2022 JCIM SDA organising chairman Ivan Ng said the judges were Juanita Joseph (Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator head), Norani Abu Bakar (UCSI Group) and Rizatuddin Ramli (United Nations Malaysia).

Also acting as judges were three members of All-Party Parliamen-tary Group of Malaysia – Prof Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria, James Ryan Raj and Anthony Tan.

Ng said, “The event by JCI United Penang was aimed at raising awareness of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).”

JCI Malaysia national president Ellen Lu in her closing speech commended the Penang govern-ment for incorporating SDG into policies such as the Penang2030 Vision, which focused on gender equality and civic engagement.

Also present were Ambank Islamic chief executive officer Eqhwan Mokhzanee Muhammad, 2022 JCIM SDA mentor Datuk Seri Dr Michael Tio and state government officials.