Cover At November’s Red Ribbon Gala, government, corporate and civil society leaders came together with renewed urgency to advance Malaysia’s goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030
At November’s Red Ribbon Gala, government, corporate and civil society leaders came together with renewed urgency to advance Malaysia’s goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030
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At November’s Red Ribbon Gala, government, corporate and civil society leaders came together with renewed urgency—and optimism—to advance Malaysia’s goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030
Held in November at Sunway Resort Hotel Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian AIDS Foundation’s (MAF) annual Red Ribbon Gala 2025 was both a celebration of progress and a clear-eyed call to action.
The evening gathered senior government leaders, corporate partners and international allies in a show of collective resolve to curb HIV and AIDS nationwide by 2030.
Gracing the gala as Guest of Honour, Minister of Health YB Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad reaffirmed the government’s commitment to community-led prevention and care, announcing an increased RM8 million allocation under the Dana HIV & AIDS Sektor Kesihatan dan Perubatan (DHSKP).
Above Held in November at Sunway Resort Hotel Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian AIDS Foundation’s (MAF) annual Red Ribbon Gala 2025 was both a celebration of progress and a clear-eyed call to action
Held in November at Sunway Resort Hotel Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian AIDS Foundation’s (MAF) annual Red Ribbon Gala 2025 was both a celebration of progress and a clear-eyed call to action
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Emphasising collaboration, he noted that Malaysia’s progress has always depended on “strong partnerships between government, civil society, communities, and the private sector”.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of Sarawak as Malaysia’s first State HIV Partner, thanks to initiatives such as Teratak Kasih Tok Nan and SHAPE (Sarawak Health Access Programme) under the leadership of Sarawak premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Openg.
Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Hajah Jamilah Anu, a long-time advocate for community wellbeing, spoke of the power of unity: “When we unite with sincerity and shared purpose, meaningful change becomes possible,” she said, underscoring Sarawak’s inclusive, community-centred approach.
Above Datuk Seri Dr. Haji Dzulkefly Ahmad, Minister of Health
Datuk Seri Dr. Haji Dzulkefly Ahmad, Minister of Health
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The Minister also paid tribute to Tan Sri Sir Dr Jeffrey Cheah KBE AO, founder and chairman of Sunway Group, for the group’s RM5 million commitment over five years to support underserved communities.
In his remarks, Cheah stressed the responsibility of corporate Malaysia, saying, “If our country is to live up to its claims of being a caring, inclusive and sustainable society, we must do all we can to move Malaysia closer to an AIDS-free generation.”
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MAF chairman Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman highlighted the resilience of Malaysia’s HIV response amid global funding challenges and launched the Malaysian AIDS Foundation Impact Report 2025, a testament to five years of community-led progress.
“The global funding climate has become increasingly challenging, yet Malaysia’s response remains resilient thanks to strong local partnerships,” said Adeeba. “Our alliances with Sunway, Yayasan Sime Darby, PETRONAS, PERKESO, Karex, and many others continue to drive innovation and compassion in the national AIDS response. Tonight is more than a celebration of generosity—it is a reaffirmation of solidarity. Together, we are building a Malaysia where compassion, equality, and health go hand in hand—ensuring no one is left behind.”
Together, we are building a Malaysia where compassion, equality, and health go hand in hand—ensuring no one is left behind.
By night’s end, over RM2.2 million had been raised for treatment, care and prevention programmes—an emphatic reminder that, with sustained partnership and compassion, Malaysia’s 2030 goal remains firmly within reach.
Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
