SIBU: The Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Sarawak Chapter celebrated the selfless dedication of its volunteers during the MRCS Sarawak Chapter Volunteers’ Recognition Night (VRN) 2026 here on Saturday.
In a landmark moment for the local humanitarian movement, MRCS Sibu Branch formally presented awards for the first time in its history to volunteer blood donors who have reached the extraordinary milestone of donating 100 pints of blood and above.
The ceremony was graced by MRCS Sarawak Chapter chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam as guest of honour, alongside Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian as special guest, who is represented by Councillor Kevin Lau Kor Jie.
Delivering the opening address, MRCS Sibu Branch chairman Penghulu Chua Hiong Kee emphasised that the recognition night was designed to applaud the silent pillars upholding the local community.
“Volunteering is sometimes misunderstood as simply giving one’s time, but those of us involved in humanitarian service know that it is much more than that,” Chua remarked, noting the personal sacrifices, family commitments, and work responsibilities volunteers navigate behind the scenes.
Highlighting the debut presentation of medals to the branch’s 100-pint blood donors, Chua underscored the lasting impact of their quiet contributions, stating that reaching 100 pints and beyond represents years of commitment, compassion, and an unwavering willingness to serve others.
Leading the elite group of 11 centurion donors honored during the evening was Chiew Kian Peng, who achieved a staggering 160 pints.
The top blood donors recognised for exceeding the 100-pint milestone include Goh Yew Soon (143 pints), Lau Hieng Toong (135 pints), Ari A/L M.S. Manian (125 pints), Kho Yew Sheng (122 pints), and Sigan Randi (115 pints).
Also honoured were Wong King Seng (110 pints), Tiong Ing Kiong (110 pints), Bujang Aken (109 pints), Paw Kiew Sieng (108 pints), and Robert Koh Liing Chuong (102 pints).
In addition to honouring blood donors, the event served as a major stage to bestow chapter-level awards upon outstanding individuals, strategic partners, and school cadet units across Sarawak.
The prestigious Volunteer of the Year award was presented to a local well-known businessman Datuk Lau Ngie Hua from the Sibu Branch.
Thien Lee Marketing Sdn Bhd, representing the Miri Branch, was awarded Best Strategic Partner in Humanitarian Work.
The Sibu Branch brought home multiple major recognitions, including the Governance & Integrity Excellence Award, Best Branch Annual Report (A), and Best Branch Award for Disaster Management (B).
The Samarahan Branch won Best Branch Annual Report (B), while Stampin Branch took home the Best Branch Award for Global Warming (A).
Miri Branch captured the Best Branch Award for Disaster Management (A), while Serian Branch and Kapit Branch secured the Best Branch Innovative Social Media 2026 awards for categories A and B respectively.
In youth and cadet excellence, SMK Sacred Heart Cadet Unit (Sibu Branch) and SMK Serian (Serian Branch) were named winners for Best Cadet Innovative Social Media 2026.
Ting Siao Fong from Sibu Branch won Best OC Training (A), while Lee Kok Kian from Sri Aman Branch won Best OC Training (B).
The Best Red Crescent Youth Committee award was handed to Voon Tze Ming from the Miri Branch.
Best Cadet Unit titles were awarded to SMK Kuching High Cadet Unit (Kuching Branch) for Category A and SMK Serian (Serian Branch) for Category B.
Individual leadership honours included Connie Jong Liew Sze and Cherine Wan Min Xuan from Kuching Branch, who won Best Cadet Officer (A) and Best Cadet President (A) respectively, while Emily Bonnie Rijung from Serian Branch was named Best Cadet Officer (B).
Top individual chapter honours included the Platinum Award presented to Ng Pei Sze from the Sarawak Chapter.
Gold Awards were presented to Khoo Fung King, Yii Hung Thai, and Voon Yian Choo from the Sarawak Chapter, as well as Tang Chung Ping from the Sibu Branch.
The grand night concluded with the ceremonial handing over of the VRN 2027 hosting duties, affirming the Red Crescent’s ongoing commitment to lead with compassion and inspire future generations across Sarawak.
