20/09/2025

SATURDAY | SEPT 20, 2025

COMMUNITY 7

Maritime Academy offers life-saving blood to hospital o Staff and students just as committed to contribute on land as at sea

Ű SIVAA TANGAI RAJU newsdesk@thesundaily.com

MALACCA: The Malaysian Maritime Academy (Alam) joined hands with Hospital Melaka to organise a blood donation drive on its campus here to help replenish the hospital’s blood reserves while fostering civic responsibility among its students and staff. The drive, which took place last Saturday, witnessed a strong turnout from the Alam community, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to produce not only skilled maritime professionals but also caring citizens. Alam chief executive Dr Kapt Manivannan Subramaniam said the partnership with Hospital Melaka was a natural extension of the academy’s community engagement efforts. He explained that the initiative also aligned with Alam’s broader mission to develop competent mariners who are socially responsible. “Hospital Melaka plays a vital role in safeguarding community health. Alam saw an opportunity to support that mission by mobilising our students and staff for a life saving cause. “Blood donation is a simple yet powerful act of solidarity, and we wanted to show that maritime professionals are just as committed to serving on land as they are at sea. “We believe in shaping not just skilled mariners but also responsible citizens as our corporate social responsibility framework emphasises community engagement, humanitarian support and national development,“ he said. Manivannan expressed optimism that adequate blood would be collected for a meaningful contribution to the hospital. “Personally, I’ve always believed that service should be woven into the DNA of every organisation. Seeing Alam members step forward to donate blood, knowing it could save lives, fills me with pride and hope. “Most importantly, we want this blood donation drive to spark a culture of giving within the maritime community because their

continue without pause due to the short shelf life of platelets,” he said. “However, donors with AB blood type are advised to hold their donations temporarily due to a surplus.” He said donating blood is a powerful act of love and priceless gift of life, where every drop truly counts in raising awareness despite the challenges, especially during Ramadan month. “Donating blood is good for your health and crucial for society. Without blood donors, we cannot assist patients in need,” he told theSun. “One of the major challenges cited is maintaining consistent blood stock, especially during festive seasons like Ramadan when fewer donors come forward. To solve this problem, I strongly urge more non-Muslims to donate during Ramadan to bridge the gap.” Azrafizie initially said the target was to collect 150 pints of blood, with a minimum goal of 100 pints considered acceptable given stock levels and hospital requirements. A total of 164 individuals registered to donate, with 109 successfully donating so far and 55 deferring due to various reasons, including being underweight, or having low haemoglobin levels, recent surgeries and insufficient rest. The drive was more than just a blood donation campaign as it symbolised a sense of unity and commitment to society, showcasing that maritime professionals stand ready to serve both on land and at sea.

Donors in uniform roll up their sleeves, supervised by hospital nurses. – SIVAA TANGAI RAJU/THESUN

blood supply. “Alam plays a pivotal role in encouraging younger generations to take part in blood donation, and we tend to recruit many new and younger donors from public and private universities through such initiatives. “Hospital Melaka’s blood stock is currently in a healthy state but blood donation must

role doesn’t end at the shoreline, but extends into every domain where service is needed,” he remarked. Meanwhile, Hospital Melaka’s public relations officer for its Transfusion Medicine Department, Azrafizie Abu Aman, applauded Alam’s participation and shared insights on the significance of the initiative and current state of

ACS Seremban’s 110 years marked with book launch, fundraising campaign

Carnival in Ipoh fosters harmony during National Month

Ű P. CHANDRA SAGARAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Finance Minister’s political secretary Muhammad Kamil Abdul Mun’im who represented Prime Minister and Tambun MP Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In his speech, Kamil credited Ikram for uniting communities of different backgrounds. A total of 62 activities were held, including sports, culture and arts performances by various groups, exhibitions, health programmes, cooking demonstrations, colouring contest and fashion show for children, and a lucky draw. Earlier, a Kita Anak Malaysia fun run was flagged off. The objective of the carnival was to bring together people of various ethnic groups to celebrate Malaysia Day and the National Month in a harmonious environment. It helped expose the young to the beauty of unity and fostering healthy relationships among races.

SEREMBAN: The Methodist Anglo Chinese School Seremban recently celebrated its 110th anniversary in grand fashion in conjunction with the 79th Annual Reunion and Fundraising Dinner of the ACS Old Students’ Association at the Royale Chulan Hotel here. A highlight of the evening was the launch of a commemorative coffee table book titled ‘ACS, A Beacon Bright: 110 Years in Seremban’ published by ACSOSA Seremban. It began with a video montage, inviting the over 600 guests and alumni who graduated from the school as early as 1961 to symbolically step out of the ballroom and onto the streets of Seremban. The audience immersively retraced the school’s origins and the town’s development — guided by two distinct driving routes based on research and historical triangulation. The launch was officiated by the guest of honour, Negri Sembilan Arts and Culture Exco Nicole Tan Lee Koon. Joining her on stage were ACSOSA president Datuk Indrani Thuraisingham, the dinner’s organising chairperson Rebecca Backus and the book’s author Ron J. Backus. This publication chronicles 110 years of the school’s journey from its founding in 1915 to its current position as a vital part of Malaysia’s educational and cultural landscape, while also showcasing the growth of Seremban. As the town increasingly embraces

IPOH: A large crowd converged at Mydin Mall Meru Raya here to participate in Karnival Kita Anak Malaysia organised in conjunction with the recent National Month celebrations on September 13. This was the fourth time the event was held after having been previously observed in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Johor. This time around it was organised in a shopping centre to provide easy access for families and the public. It was organised by Pertubuhan Ikram Malaysia (Ikram) with the support of the National Unity Ministry and the Tambun Parliamentary Service Centre, and with cooperation of other government departments, agencies, NGOs and the private sector. The carnival was officiated by the

Tan (4th right) launches the book while Indrani (5th right), Rebecca (4th left), Ron (left) and other special guests look on.

Several donors presented mock cheques and pledges amounting to nearly RM 68,000. Tan presented RM20,000 for the book project to Indrani and Rebecca. Also launched was the Mr Yeo Eng Mok Scholarship Fund, honouring the memory of a loyal alumnus and dedicated ACSOSA supporter. The RM40,000 fund will provide a deserving ACS student from a low income family with a four-year scholarship to pursue undergraduate studies at a public university. The mock cheque was presented to Rebecca, who is also a past president of the association, by the late Yeo’s daughter, Audrey. The evening also featured a Chinese drum opening by students as well as other cultural and modern dance performances.

heritage tourism, the Methodist ACS compound, recognised as a key site on Seremban’s historical trails, stands out not only for its architectural and cultural value, but also for its role in fostering multiracial unity and community resilience. Tan and the committee members participated in a ceremonial cake cutting, and launched a year-long fundraising campaign for the ‘Rumah ACSOSA – a Community & Learning Centre’ project. Rumah ACSOSA will serve as an alumni hub to preserve the legacy of ACS Seremban, while fostering unity between past and future generations. It is envisioned to also run as a community and learning centre to uplift students from B40 families through academic guidance, mentorship and life-skills training.

Some of the joyous children dressed in vibrant ethnic costumes at the event. – P. CHANDRA SAGARAN/THESUN