Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz voted in as one of IFRC's governing board members

PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) national chairman, has been voted in for a four-year term (2022 to 2026) on the governing board of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

She was elected from among 20 governing board members, representing each of the IFRC’s geographic regions, who were also voted into office at the IFRC’s 23rd General Assembly held in Geneva.

"I look forward to working with the governing board of IFRC to support the aspirations of the youth agenda.

"We have voted and made good selections for the governing board so as to work well with national societies," Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz said in a statement.

"It is a privilege as a Malaysian to be representing the Asia Pacific Region. There is much more to do for MRCS and beyond," she added.

Addressing the position representing Malaysia and the Asia Pacific region, Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz said she will continue to prioritise youth as a powerful catalyst for change and continue to carry out humanitarian activities aimed at preventing and alleviating human suffering and contributing to the promotion of world peace.

MRCS secretary-general Hakim Hamzah said that Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz was elected along with Otohiko Hori of Japan, Kerry Nickels of New Zealand, Maj Gen (Rtd) Abdul Wahab of Bangladesh and Jalal Mohammed Al Owaisi of Saudi Arabia.

Francesco Rocca of Italy retained his position for a second term as the president of the IFRC.

"The delegates have also elected Maha Barjas Al-Barjas of Kuwait as the vice-president for the Asian region.

"We will work towards implementing policies for the development of Malaysian youth as they make up at least 70% of our members," Hakim added.

Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz was appointed the society’s first female chairperson of MRCS on June 28, 2018 and has always supported youth development.