SIBU: A room filled with shaved heads, heartfelt stories and unwavering solidarity became a powerful symbol of hope as Grolite Group’s GoBald Satellite Shave rallied the community in support of children battling cancer.
Officiating at the event, Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee said the initiative was far more than a fundraising campaign, describing it as a collective commitment by ordinary Sarawakians to stand beside children facing one of life’s toughest battles.
“What I see today is not a fundraiser in the ordinary sense. I see ordinary Sarawakians stepping forward to demonstrate what true solidarity looks like. It is a powerful reminder that hope is built when a community refuses to let a child fight illness alone,” he said at the event’s launching held at Grolite Group’s premises here on Sunday.
The GoBald Satellite Shave was organised by Grolite Group in collaboration with the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS), bringing together corporate leaders, healthcare professionals, volunteers and participants willing to shave their heads in support of children undergoing cancer treatment.
Tiang, who is also Pelawan assemblyman revealed that SCCS has registered 33 new childhood cancer cases this year, with 11 of them involving children from Sibu and surrounding districts.
“These are not just statistics. They represent families whose lives changed overnight. Behind every number is a child, parents, siblings and loved ones navigating an incredibly difficult journey. The support they receive—medical, financial and emotional—depends on community efforts like today’s,” he said.
The deputy minister also shared the moving story of 14-year-old Aisy Naufal from Kabong, whose courage has become an inspiration to many.
After his mother, Rafidah, was diagnosed with Stage Four breast cancer, Aisy himself was diagnosed five months later with Stage 4B Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma. Although he did not lose his hair during treatment, he voluntarily shaved his head during the GoBald 2026 launch to, in his own words, “bagi semangat” (give encouragement) to fellow children fighting cancer.
“In the midst of his own battle, he chose to encourage others. His courage reminds us that strength is never measured by age,” Tiang said.
He commended Grolite Group for opening its premises and mobilising its employees to support the cause, describing the company’s involvement as a model of meaningful corporate citizenship.
“When companies contribute not only financial resources but also their people, facilities and influence, they create a lasting impact that extends far beyond a single event. This is corporate social responsibility at its very best,” he added.
Tiang also acknowledged the contribution of Sibu Hospital and healthcare professionals in caring for young cancer patients, noting that proceeds from the fundraising campaign would directly benefit the hospital’s Paediatric Ward.
He expressed appreciation to Sibu Hospital director Dr Nanthakumar Thirunavukkarasu and Ministry of Health specialist Dr Aren Sinedeh Lemin for their dedication to improving treatment and care for children with cancer.
He also paid tribute to SCCS for its decades of service to families across Sarawak.
“For nearly a quarter of a century, SCCS has stood beside children and families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Their unwavering commitment has transformed countless lives and brought comfort where it is needed most,” he said.
Tiang also urged the public to continue supporting initiatives that provide hope to children and families confronting cancer.
“The kindness shown today will travel far beyond this room. It will reach hospital wards, homes and families who need to know they are not facing this journey alone.
“Let us continue to give generously, stand together and grow this hope for every child fighting cancer,” he added.
Also present were Grolite Group chairman Datuk Seri Song Tiing Seng, Group Group Business Development manager Sandra Song and SCCS executive director Jodie Sim.
