DR KENNY
A selfless doctor that chose to serve the rural community, sacrificing comfort to live out his convictions! Kenny came from an ordinarily poor family where he is the eldest, followed by two younger sisters. His relatives chipped in to send him to further his studies in the UK. Since then, he was inspired by the spirit of humanity found there.
When he returned to Malaysia, while many would go for the hospitals in the major cities, he applied to work in the rural areas instead. Truly a compassionate doctor who seeks to serve the poor and needy.
After awarded the Most Outstanding Youth of 2007 last November, Dr. Kenny was featured in the TV commercials to launch the brand new Proton Saga in February 2008. He plans to channel some of his funds to help build schools for the Orang Asli (aborigines). He has also contributed to support nation-building initiatives through a reputable youth development organization in Malaysia. |
SIA LING LING
She was born with muscular dystrophy, a condition that weakens her muscles so she’s unable to walk normally. After facing much discrimination in her hometown, Ling Ling moved to Kuala Lumpur at age 14 to make a living, selling handicraft. Now married, she works at the Beautiful Gate Foundation, helping others who are disabled.
"It was such an encouragement to me. Winning the award was like a sign from God for me to keep on keeping on,” says Ling Ling. “I am now convinced that there is much more in store for me. More people to encourage and changes to bring about."
At the AYA Awards Night last year, the Beautiful Gate Creative Arts Troupe, which includes Ling Ling herself, performed 2 wheelchair dances that were truly inspiring and moving for many who watched. She now studies mass communications on scholarship from one of the award's co-sponsors, Life College. She’s currently busy coordinating the 15th Anniversary celebration for her organization, as well as planning a massive performance for her performing arts troupe. Apart from that, she also has plans to start conducting motivational talks in schools, etc. |
YVONNE FOONG
She is a patient of Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (a rare and painful disease that causes tumors to grow all over in her body) and she requires surgeries and assistive medical aids very often that becomes a burden to her family.
Thus, she has started a fund raising effort, aiming to raise USD58,600 for her surgery to remove a tumor (Acoustic Neuroma) that caused hearing loss in her left ear. One of her fund-raising effort is producing and selling the “HEART4HOPE” t-shirts. After winning the award, she published her own book, called “I’m Not Sick, Just A Bit Unwell” – another effort to raise funds. In October 2006, she was able to fund her surgery, which removed her Acoustic Neuroma successfully and completely, and her facial nerve is still intact.
Yvonne is now pursuing a Psychology degree and hopes to further specialize in Developmental Psychology in relation to Neuroscience. Her dream is still to change the world. |