The Malaysian AIDS Foundation’s signature black tie fundraiser also honoured unsung heroes and their efforts to end the AIDS epidemic in Malaysia
The Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) and Sunway Group have partnered once again for the annual Red Ribbon Gala, raising a total of RM2.55 million this year to make treatments and HIV prevention services more accessible.
Held at Grand Lagoon Ballroom of Sunway Resort Hotel, the Sunway–Malaysian AIDS Foundation Red Ribbon Gala was graced by the Sultan of Perak HRH Sultan Nazrin Shah and Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim.
“We're in what I would like to think is the final stretch in trying to bring an end to AIDS as a public health threat,” said Malaysian AIDS Foundation chairman Professor Dato’ Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman in her speech. She added that treating 95 per cent of those living with HIV and scaling up access to HIV prevention services are the two most important measures that will bring an end to AIDS.
See also: The Malaysian AIDS Foundation Red Ribbon Gala Dinner 2021
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Sunway-Malaysian AIDS Foundation Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Award honouring the unsung heroes who demonstrated leadership and resilience in their work to support communities impacted by HIV/AIDS.
This year’s Sunway-MAF Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Award was given to Mohamad Raffie Jaafar as well as Mahfurizal Ameerlatfi and Komited Malaysia. Other individuals who were awarded for their efforts included Hilton Southeast Asia senior operations director Jamie Mead, Karex Berhad CEO Goh Miah Keat, Indonesian songstress Krisdayanti, and Monspace founder and CEO Dato’ Sri Dr Jessy Lai.
All funds raised will be used to support the MAF’s Medicine Assistance Scheme, a programme that supports underprivileged Malaysians living with HIV gain access to life-saving antiretroviral treatments.