MICHAEL Tong is hopeful of making a difference in his new role as OrphanCare Foundation advocate.
“This appointment is in line with my personal vision of how the growing years of a child should be like.
“A child should always have a safe, stable and loving home so that their mental and emotional development can take place in a holistic way,” said Tong, who made headlines for fostering three Muslim brothers.
OrphanCare is a non-profit organisation that champions the right for vulnerable children to experience a loving family environment.
Recounting his story at OrphanCare’s headquarters in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Tong said it all began when he and other members of a car club decided to hold a charity event at a children’s home some 19 years ago.
“That was when I first met Rafie Ahmad Fauzi,” said the event organiser.
“He was about nine then. He caught my attention because he was so quiet and withdrawn.”
Eventually Tong, 58, took to ferrying the boy to school and tuition classes.
After a year or so, Rafie’s house mother suggested that Tong might find it more convenient for the boy to reside with him.
One day, Tong found a little rolled-up note in the boy’s pencil box. In it, he had written a little prayer to be reunited with his two siblings.
Tong saw to it that Rafie’s wish came true and before long, his brothers, Rasyid and Rahman, were all living under the same roof.
Sharing his experience of what it was like for a single man to bring up three children, Tong said he too had his fair share of challenges like many parents.
“One time, when I asked the younger boy why he had not performed his prayers, he gave the excuse that he would make up for it later on, just because he wanted to watch TV.
“He thought that as a ‘Cina apek’ (Chinese ‘uncle’), I would have no clue about Muslim prayer times.”
Though he is a Buddhist, Tong made it a point to ensure his foster children were brought up in the Muslim faith.
Tong’s story went viral in 2024. From a newspaper article, it was adapted into a movie, “Abah Saya Uncle Mike” directed by Ezrie Ghazali, a year later.
Today, Tong’s foster children are adults in their 20s and 30s.
One has a diploma in food and beverage while another has a diploma in the automotive field.
The third decided not to pursue higher education after completing Form Five.
Tong’s three foster sons are now running a coffee business.
The eldest is taking care of administration while the other two manage the business’ two outlets.
Before getting into coffee, the three brothers had a doughnut business operating out of six outlets, but that closed down due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tong was the one who gave the three brothers the capital to start their businesses.
Two of his foster sons are married. They have three children who recognise Tong as their grandfather.
OrphanCare chairman Tan Sri Faizah Mohd Tahir said Tong’s role was to champion the family-based care model as the most ideal for vulnerable children.
Established in 2008, OrphanCare’s motto is no child should be abandoned or denied the love and care of a family.
The organisation helps couples in Malaysia navigate the adoption process.
They offer counselling for adoptive parents, foster carers and those involved in the reintegrating of children from institutions into families.
OrphanCare trustee Datin Elya Lim Abdullah said when children’s emotional needs were not met during their early years, it could adversely affect them in later life.
“When this is lacking, it may result in an adulthood that will be tainted with addiction, violence or self-harm,” she said.
OrphanCare and Tong are now in talks for an exhibition to promote family-based care.
The launch will take place in November to coincide with National Adoption Month.
