AN event that began 25 years ago as a community fundraising initiative has now raised more than RM4mil, marking a major milestone in its silver jubilee year.
Charity Jam Session (CJS) 2026 also set a new fundraising record, collecting RM255,819 through coupon sales and other initiatives – the highest amount in its history.
The annual event has grown into a platform that unites the hospitality industry, musicians, sponsors, volunteers and the public in support of charitable causes.
The achievements were celebrated during the CJS 2026 cheque presentation ceremony and silver jubilee celebration in Kuala Lumpur.
The event was co-organised by Food Aid Foundation (FAF), Professional Culinaire Association (PCA), Society of the Golden Keys Malaysia, Rotary Club of Metro Kuala Lumpur and The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
More than 1,000 people attended this year’s event, which featured 11 live bands, food and beverages, lucky draws and fundraising activities.
This year’s edition was supported by more than 90 participating hotels, 30 food sponsors, 78 student volunteers from KAGC College and more than 30 volunteer chefs from PCA and Global Culinary Competition Malaysia (GCCM), alongside other partners and supporters.
Funds raised this year were distributed to Universiti Malaya Medical Centre’s paediatric intensive care unit (UMMC Picu), FAF, Rotary Club of Metro Kuala Lumpur and Persatuan Kemasyarakatan BSM Pacuan Empat Roda (Bantu).
UMMC Picu and FAF were allocated RM56,185.38 each, while Rotary Club of Metro Kuala Lumpur and Bantu received RM14,046.35 each.
Contributions of RM5,000 each were also made to families of Yugen Nathan, bassist and vocalist of band The Cauliflower Robbery, and Hussein Indris of The Strollers, in recognition of their contributions to CJS and the local music scene.
CJS organising chairman SS Rajaa said the jubilee reflected the dedication of those who had contributed over the years.
“Charity Jam Session has always been about bringing people together.
“The RM4mil milestone belongs to everyone who has supported this initiative, from our sponsors and partners, to the volunteers, musicians and guests.
“While we celebrate this achievement, the needs within our communities remain ongoing and we hope this platform will continue creating a positive impact for many more years to come,” said Rajaa.
FAF general manager Afraz Said said support from the event helped the foundation strengthen its efforts in fighting hunger and food insecurity across Malaysia.
“As FAF continues to grow nationwide, this support helps us rescue more surplus food, provide more meals, respond during emergencies and empower communities through skills development programmes.
“We are grateful to be part of this initiative not only as a beneficiary, but also as part of the organising team working together behind the scenes,” she said.
Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) said it also continued to support CJS, reflecting the hospitality industry’s commitment to community initiatives.
“CJS shows the impact we can create when the industry comes together with a shared purpose.
“We are proud to see hotels, partners and individuals continue supporting this initiative year after year,” said MAH chief executive officer Isaac Raj.
Co-organiser and host The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur reaffirmed its support for the initiative as well.
“Our long-standing partnership reflects our shared belief in supporting the community, and we are honoured to continue being part of this initiative,” said general manager Jasmine Ong-Li.
Also present were FAF founder Rick Chee and operations manager chef Neoh Kean Soon.
