“We believe every child has the potential to shine. With enough love, education and opportunity, no dream is impossible. We invite everyone to join us in creating a brighter future for these children (of Hiichiikok Foundation Children’s Home). Every contribution you make – whether it’s money, time, or expertise – will help them build a more meaningful life.“
– Hiichiikok Foundation Children’s Home
THERE are reunions, and then there are reunions that become more than just a chance to catch up with old friends. The Class of ‘75 gathering in Kuala Lumpur from September 11 to 14 was one such event; it was a blend of nostalgia, laughter, and, more importantly, reflection on the deeper meaning of life’s journey.
Organised by none other than our schoolmate turned successful entrepreneur and educationist, Tan Sri Clement Hii Chii Kok, the reunion was memorable in more ways than one. Out of respect, many of us addressed him by his honorific ‘Tan Sri’. But in his inimitable way, he brushed it off: “Call me Chiikok. Only childhood friends do that. It makes the moment nostalgic.”
And then, with that mischievous wit we’ve always known him for, he added that ‘TanSri’ or ‘Tansi’ in Hokkien means waiting to die. “That’s a reminder we don’t need too often,” he quipped, sending us into laughter. Classic Chiikok!
The itinerary was rich and varied. A highlight was our visit to SEGi University in Kota Damansara, one of Clement’s proudest contributions to education. There, we were treated to talks on graceful and productive retirement; topics that struck a chord with many of us who had already hung up our boots, though some, like yours truly, still remain active in the working world.
Datuk Major General (R) Prof. Dr Mohd Zin Bidin spoke on ‘The Medical Foundation of Dignified Ageing’. Assoc. Prof. Chan Sook Chin inspired us with ‘Keeping Fit – Adding Years to Life’. And there was Datuk Kapten (R) Emeritus Prof. Dr Hashim Yaacob, whose session on ‘Mental Wellbeing and Social Connectedness’ kept us in stitches with his jokes while offering profound insights on staying mentally youthful.
Other activities added to the gathering, including a visit to HCK Tower, Clement’s multi-storey commercial and office tower; a cruise on his private yacht Lady Phoebe to Pulau Ketam for a seafood feast; a trip to Genting Highlands Resort; and finally, a durian-filled barbecue at his bungalow. The spread of food was abundant, but the joy of being together, reliving old memories, was priceless.
Yet, what lingered most in my heart was not the sumptuous seafood or even the laughter aboard Lady Phoebe. It was our visit to the Hiichiikok Foundation Children’s Home – a place that revealed the true measure of Clement Hii, the man behind the success story.
Established in 2014, the Hiichiikok Foundation Children’s Home is Clement’s way of giving back to society. He has never forgotten his humble beginnings and is determined to ensure that less fortunate children, namely orphans, those from single-parent households, and underprivileged backgrounds, are given a fighting chance in life.
Walking into the home, I was immediately struck by the warmth and discipline of the 37 children, aged between four and 17. They greeted us cheerfully, their eyes bright with curiosity and gratitude. In their smiles, I saw resilience. In their manners, I saw the fruit of patient guidance.
The home is ably run by manager Frieda Ngui and assistant supervisor Tan May Ching, supported by a dedicated team. Their philosophy is simple yet profound: provide not only food, shelter, and safety from abuse, but also holistic growth, especially education, values, and a stable emotional environment. Discipline is a cornerstone, but so too is independence.
Frieda explained how the children are encouraged to explore interests beyond academics, from dance to music to sports. I was moved by their performances of song and dance during our visit. It was simple, heartfelt, and deeply touching. The children come from diverse racial backgrounds – Chinese, Indian, and Orang Asli – but live together as one big family.
The daily schedule is structured, instilling responsibility. Life skills such as financial literacy, communication, IT, carpentry, and even culinary training are taught alongside academic lessons. The goal is clear: to raise self-reliant individuals who can face the world with confidence.
It is one thing to provide care, quite another to witness the fruits of that care. The children’s home has produced shining examples of success, especially stories that would warm even the most hardened heart.
Take Fong Boon Fatt, who scored 9As and 1B in his SPM. Today, he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Bioscience with Chemistry at UTAR, consistently making the Dean’s List with a GPA of 3.94. His studies are fully sponsored.
His sibling, Boon Siew, scored 3As and 4Bs in SPM and is pursuing a Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) in Cyber Security at SEGi University. Her latest results include a strong four As. Again, under a full scholarship from Clement himself.
Then there is Shanya Savantharaja Naidu, who earned 6As and 1B in SPM and is now reading Psychology at SEGi University. She is holding her own with consistent results and, like her peers, enjoys a full scholarship.
Another inspiring case is Tee Jun Kit, who achieved 6As and 2Bs in SPM. After completing his Foundation in Science at SEGi, he has begun his Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours), also under full sponsorship.
And there is Wong Ji Kien, perhaps the most remarkable of all. Having missed several years of school before entering the home, one would expect him to lag behind. But perseverance triumphed; he scored 2As and 3Bs in SPM. Today, he is pursuing a Foundation in Arts at SEGi University, showing steady progress under a full scholarship.
These are not just grades on paper. They are testaments to resilience, hope, and the transformative power of opportunity. They are living proof that, given care and the right environment, disadvantaged children can excel and become role models for others.
The children’s home runs on about RM30,000 a month, a cost that continues to rise. Support from the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory Social Welfare Department (JKM) has been invaluable, but the home’s needs remain considerable.
Plans are underway for the home to move to a larger premises at Taman Seri Melati near Hospital Selayang, enabling more children to be accommodated and nurtured. It is a sign of growth, but also of Clement’s unwavering commitment to his mission of “returning to society”.
As I reflected on the reunion, I realised that the most enduring lesson from our gathering was not just about friendship or reliving youthful days. It was about seeing how one of our own has chosen to define success. Not in material wealth alone, but in the lives touched, opportunities created, and hope restored.
To Frieda, Tan May Ching, and the staff of Hiichiikok Foundation Children’s Home, I take my hat off. They are unsung heroes, quietly shaping futures with patience, dedication, and love. To the children, I say this: you are an inspiration. Your discipline, creativity and achievements set you apart as role models for other homes and institutions.
And to my dear friend Chiikok, or Tan Sri Clement Hii as the world knows him, I say thank you. Thank you for reminding us that life’s greatest legacy is not in what we accumulate, but in what we give back.
As members of the Class of ‘75, we gathered to celebrate memories. But we left with more than that; with renewed humility, with gratitude, and with hope for a brighter Malaysia shaped by compassion, education, and opportunity for all.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at rajlira@gmail.com
