MIRI: In the bright atrium of Imperial City Mall, the gentle hum of clippers was punctuated by cheers and applause.
Dozens stood in solidarity — not just watching, but participating — as Sarawak’s largest head-shaving fundraiser, GoBald 2025, kicked off its mainshave event here today.
At the heart of the event was a shared purpose: to support children battling cancer.
By the end of the afternoon, 38 participants had shaved their heads and RM77,157.26 had been raised. Among the youngest to go bald was seven-year-old Samuel Liau, a boy from Miri whose story reminded everyone why the cause mattered so deeply.
Samuel was diagnosed in 2021 with Stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma. He endured eight gruelling cycles of chemotherapy, surgery, a stem cell transplant, and immunotherapy treatments that cost over RM400,000 — RM260,000 of which was covered by the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS).
“He’s a fighter,” said his mother, eyes misting as Samuel climbed into the barber’s chair. “And today, he wanted to show that he’s not afraid anymore.”
Now in its 16th year, the GoBald campaign has become more than a fundraiser — it’s a movement of compassion, courage, and community. This year’s theme, ‘Leave Your Mark’, reflects that shift from charity to collective impact.
“Every shaved head sends a message: our children do not walk this journey alone,” said Mary Kiu Ai Ling, SCCS president. “GoBald is about giving hope. It’s about reminding these children and their families that we, the community, are with them.”
Since launching in March, GoBald 2025 has rallied support from across Malaysia. More than 150 individuals have signed up, and over RM390,000 has already been raised by 1,200 donors. SCCS has set its sights high this year, aiming to raise RM1 million and recruit at least 400 shavers.
Last year’s campaign raised RM781,000 with 290 people going bald. The need, however, continues to grow. In 2024 alone, SCCS recorded RM2.9 million in expenses — over half a million ringgit spent on medical sponsorships.
“Every ringgit counts,” said fundraiser volunteer Jeremy Lau, who shaved his head alongside his teenage daughter, Eliza. “We’re not just giving money. We’re giving strength. We’re showing kids like Samuel that they matter.”
For many participants, the decision to go bald is deeply personal.
“I lost my cousin to leukaemia when we were kids,” said 33-year-old graphic designer Farah Zainal, running her fingers over her newly shorn scalp. “I couldn’t do anything then. But I can do this now.”
Hairdressers from local salons offered their time and clippers, while community partners manned donation booths and awareness stations. Mall-goers paused to watch, many moved to donate on the spot.
“The energy here is incredible,” said mall manager Ricky Chong. “It’s rare to see so much heart in one place.”
As the clippers fell silent and the crowd began to disperse, the message lingered: boldness is not always about defiance. Sometimes, it’s about compassion. Sometimes, it’s a seven-year-old boy smiling shyly under the fluorescent lights of a shopping mall — his head bare, his spirit unshaken.
GoBald’s next mainshave event is scheduled for Kuching on July 22 at AEON Mall Kuching Central, followed by Sibu and Bintulu. For many, the hope is that more will step forward — not just to leave their mark, but to make one that lasts.
Donations and registration for GoBald 2025 remain open at www.gobald.my.
For CSR collaborations or to organise a satellite shave, contact SCCS at 082-686276 or email em1@sccs.org.my.
