Driving awareness of stroke across Malaysia

THE loud roar of sleek Maseratis filled the streets of SS2, Petaling Jaya as the McMillan Woods Global Awards 2023 launched its charity drive.

It was held in partnership with the Maserati Owners Club Malaysia and DKingz at DKing SS2 Durian.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the awards were conceptualised to recognise exemplary leaders in the business sector and honour their contribution towards global economic development.

Liew says the awards is aimed at encouraging business leaders and corporations to work together and give back to the needy.

McMillan Woods International president Datuk Seri Raymond Liew said unlike other commercial awards, it was managed and supervised by a global accounting network where applicants were vetted in a thorough process.

“We assess applicants through the 3As — authenticity, authoritative and aspiration.

“Besides celebrating leaders of the business world, we encourage these individuals and corporations to work together to give back to those in need.”

Gayondato says younger people tend to assume stroke only happens to the elderly, leaving them at risk of being ill-prepared.

Liew added that the awards also served as a platform for nominees and guests to donate to a worthy cause.

Each year, proceeds from the awards go towards various philanthropic initiatives and a specific charity is highlighted at the annual awards ceremony.

This year, National Stroke Association of Malaysia (Nasam), was chosen to raise awareness of stroke-related diseases.

“With the increasing number of stroke patients, it’s important to raise awareness of this disease and to spread the message that prevention is better than cure,” Liew said.

Guests at the charity drive enjoying durians and mangosteen at DKing SS2, Petaling Jaya.

“We donate all net collections from the event and no less than RM100,000 is given to charity each year.”

To date, they have donated over RM2mil to various charities.

“This year, we hope to raise at least RM300,000 for Nasam,” said the charity drive’s organising chairman Rachel Hsu Xin.

Nasam general manager Monica Gayondato expressed her gratitude to the organisers for their support.

“Nasam has eight centres across Malaysia and with the funds raised, we hope to open up more.”

Gayondato added that awareness of stroke-related diseases was especially important now as younger people were starting to experience them.

Hsu Xin says the group hopes to raise at least RM300,000 for the National Stroke Association of Malaysia.

“Some 40% of stroke patients in Malaysia are aged 40 and below, even as young as 10.

“Younger people tend to assume that stroke only happens to the elderly, leaving them at risk of being ill-prepared.

“Stroke don’t just affect the patient, but the whole family and his or her friends.

“We hope that with further awareness, more people will be able to better care for their health and that of their loved ones,” said Gayondato.