International movement and non-governmental organisation Junior Chamber International (JCI) has spread its wings in Sarawak and has graced the region with its passionate young individuals.
The chapter envisions positive changes with the right tools and aims to inspire and develop its members to contribute to the prosperity of economic infrastructure through entrepreneurship, understand and appreciate the social dynamics that enable community problem-solving, and promote goodwill, cooperation and understanding amongst all people.
Over the years, JCI Malaysia Area Sarawak has helped many underprivileged communities, as well as becoming a platform to develop future leaders. Sharing his time under JCI Padawan (mother chapter), and later on the establishment of JCI Batu Kawa chapter, president Elvis Chong talks about why he does what he does and continues to soar further through his passion in helping the society.
Why are you involved in JCI?
Back when I operated a cafe, there were many associations coming to look for donations. Initially, I didn’t understand why they were doing it. So I would just donate some money or food. One day, I got very curious about why they kept doing it every year, without fail and without requesting any returns. So I decided to follow them to do it too. We went to a children’s home. After meeting the principal and listening to his introduction, it was only then that I realised the life of an orphan is full of unspeakable challenges. After that, I decided to join more community works.
I became involved in JCI when I was invited by JCI Batu Kawa Charter president, Jackie. I joined to meet young entrepreneurs and expand my social network. I first joined JCI Padawan in 2019. Then, I started doing community work under the influence of my friend, the founder of Noble Regent Pledge, Ulrick Sim. Not long after, I became the ambassador of children in the Noble Regent Pledge. There, I focused on community work with orphanages. In 2023, I was given the opportunity to be the vice president of community in JCI Padawan.
Throughout your time in JCI, what valuable memories have impacted you?
The most valuable memory would be the time when we ran a project called the RKK Charity Project back in 2023. The RKK referred to Rumah Kanak Kanak Orphanage. We made several programmes such as t-shirt painting, kids fashion shows, tree planting and many more. The smile on the children’s faces when they were having a good time while joining our programs touched me, and those small moments felt heartwarming. The thing that impacted me was the fact that actually a lot of young people are willing to do charity, either join as volunteers or donate goods or money. However, many of them have no idea where or how to start.
What are some life lessons you learn from JCI that have changed you?
Always be kind and humble; there are still more things you can learn and more experience to get when you meet different people from different fields. Don’t hesitate; always take the initiative to grab the opportunities while we are still young.
What is your vision for JCI during your term as president, and how do you plan to achieve it?
JCI Batu Kawa was established just this year, birthed from our mother chapter JCI Padawan. We are still humbly learning, so we hope to get more support from the government and the public.
I hope next year we’ll be able to influence more young people around us to create positive changes. We need to enhance our core team and train the new generation by creating more meaningful projects and community works so that the spirit and legacy of JCI Batu Kawa can be passed down to others.
I envisioned that, since we all live in the same society, we hope that through the action we take, we can make this society a better place for all. With more kindness, more love, and more understanding towards each other, we can reduce societal issues. For me, everyone should be responsible to make the world a better place.
What are the key initiatives or projects that JCI will focus on this year to create a greater impact in communities?
In 2025, we will focus more on community work, raising funds for multiple areas, such as orphanages, disabled people and stray animals. We aim to do different projects with the available funds and donations we get from the public and sponsors. We hope that society and especially the government will support our effort. I know we are not alone, and we can’t do it alone. Let’s spread love in 2025!
