TAN SRI MICHELLE YEOH JOINS FORCES WITH EMPOWERED TO SAVE MORE LIVES

KUALA LUMPUR, 18th October 2013 - EMPOWERED - The Cancer Advocacy Society of Malaysia held its third charity dinner, ‘Be an Angel with Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh’ at Elegance Club Sdn. Bhd. in Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. EMPOWERED is a non- profit and tax exempted organization committed to saving lives, preventing cancer and eliminating suffering amongst the poor in Malaysia. Since its launch in 2009, EMPOWERED has effectively mobilised cancer medical expertise, large volunteer group efforts and funding to execute mass cancer programs at grass root levels in densely populated under - resourced Malaysian communities. EMPOWERED’s tireless efforts has reached over 55 000 low income Malaysians and many lives have been saved through early cancer detection. The charity dinner was organised to support EMPOWERED’s two large scale cancer awareness and screening campaigns targeted for more under - resourced Malaysian communities in 2014. This fund raising campaign is supported by A Next Star Production Sdn. Bhd with Elegance Club Sdn Bhd. as the main sponsor.

The evening was graced by Malaysia’s very own internationally celebrated personality and national pride, Y.Bhg Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh. In the ambience of jazz and cocktails and with the gentle setting of the sun, the guests were approached by dazzling Runway Inc. angel-models to encourage the sales of unique auction items. The excitement of the atmosphere further escalated during dinner when the unique and exquisite top 5 feature items were auctioned off to the enthusiastic crowd. They were so well received by the guests whose bidding raced the pulse of those who were present. To acknowledge the generosity and selfless giving of the highest donor of the evening, Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh awarded the ‘Angel of the Night’ with a memorabilia to mark the special moment.

Touched by the magnanimous support from the attendees, EMPOWERED’s President and Founder and Consultant Medical Oncologist, Dr. Christina Ng expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all 80 guests of the dinner.

“Fund-raising has been a challenging part of EMPOWERED’s mission to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged Malaysians. However, we have been truly blessed by the giving spirit of generous Malaysians. ‘Be an Angel with Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh’ will definitely be a significant milestone for EMPOWERED. It is our vision to reach out to as many low-income communities in Malaysia as we can, even though we are constrained by limited funding and resources. We humbly appeal to the generous Malaysian public to join us in our mission to reach out to the underprivileged communities by contributing generously in cash and kind to EMPOWERED. Your contributions will empower us to serve them through our cancer awareness, screening, treatment and outreach projects. Let us save more poor lives from cancer!” said Dr. Christina Ng.

During her welcoming speech to the esteemed guests, our guest of honour, Y.Bhg Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh earnestly urged all to contribute generously towards the noble cause of saving lives. She reinforced Dr. Ng’s sentiments by adding, “Healthcare should always be made affordable to everyone in our society. I am really impressed by the admirable life-saving work EMPOWERED has done these past years in bringing awareness on cancer and conducting screening and treatment workshops for the underprivileged communities here in Malaysia. The support of the public, be it individuals or corporations is of utmost importance towards achieving EMPOWERED’s mission. As Malaysians, we should work together to make our country a healthier and better place!”

The charity dinner was hosted in the newly-opened iconic concept boutique and group’s head office of Elegance Club Sdn. Bhd. In addition to being the venue host, Y.Bhg Datuk Tracy Ong sponsored an exquisite set of White gold Jade and Diamond earrings from the Elegance Club artistic expression collection which was the highest valued auction item for the charity dinner. Y. Bhg Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh pledged her personal support by donating one of her watches, an exquisite piece of Jacob & Co. timepiece that bears a special signature signed live during the auction before passing the item to the highest bidder. Poh Kong Holdings Berhad was also one of the sponsors through their donation of a fine set of white gold chain with a piece of jade and diamond pendant for the auction event.

Among the top 5 feature auction items were two ‘My Journal books packages’.‘My Journal’ is a cancer educational aid which is informative, resourceful and therapeutic for cancer patients at large. This educational guide is extremely helpful for patients who are newly diagnosed with cancer as it helps them to come to terms with th eir condition and provides simple but pertinent information about cancer tests and treatments. ‘My Journal’ is the brainchild of Dr. Christina Ng which was inspired through her years of experience working with cancer patients during her service at the Uni versity Malaya Medical Centre. Books auctioned at this event will be donated to cancer patients of Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar Seremban and Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh, in conjunction with Empowered’s ‘My Journal Book Campaign’. Bidders for these packages are also complimented with a lung cancer forum, each to be conducted by medical specialists volunteering for EMPOWERED.

Y.Bhg Datuk Tracy Ong, Founder and Managing Director of Elegance Club group of companies is a strong advocate for helping the less-privileged communities in Malaysia. In this regard, she has ensured that one of the company’s corporate giveback is the provision to help volunteer organizations that will touch the lives of needy Malaysians like EMPOWERED. She hopes that the sponsorship of this event will help EMPOWERED reach out to more needy Malaysians, and indirectly increase cancer literacy in the country.

The charity dinner was well-supported by a large group of donors and sponsors, contributing generously with their products, services and in kind. Co-sponsors included Abee Rugs, Asiaeuro Wines & Spirits Sdn. Bhd., Broadway Academy (M) Sdn. Bhd., Chinoz Sdn. Bhd., Cuffz Sdn. Bhd., Esplanade Avenue Sdn. Bhd. for Annick Goutal, Hospitality Asia, Image Photography, La Scala, Luen Heng F & B Sdn. Bhd., Nasim Carpets, Oriental Group of Restaurants, Royal Selangor International, RS Photography, Runway Inc. Modelling, Snap Productions Sdn. Bhd., Switchbox Developments (M) Sdn. Bhd., Unika Borneo & 3s Beauty & Make-up Centre.

Guests of the charity event were serenaded throughout the evening by musicians from Broadway Academy whilst contributing generously towards a worthy cause. The delightful evening came to a reluctant end as the guests left the welcoming space of Elegance Club with the happy knowledge that their efforts to give back to society will help the underprivileged Malaysians through EMPOWERED’s projects.

For more information about EMPOWERED - The Cancer Advocacy Society of Malaysia, please log on to www.empowered.org.my.

If you would like to contribute to EMPOWERED’s mission, please contact us at communications@empowered.org.my or call us on 03 7726 8806.

About EMPOWERED - The Cancer Advocacy Society of Malaysia

Officially launched in April 2009, EMPOWERED-The Cancer Advocacy Society of Malaysia, is a non-profit tax exempt organization committed to saving lives, preventing cancer and eliminating suffering amongst the poor in Malaysia. The organization was founded and is presided by Consultant Oncologist, Dr. Christina Ng.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Linda Pang | 03-7726 8806 | 012-334 9820 | officeadmin@empowered.org.my

Vicky Ang | 03-7726 8806 | 016-659 3745 | communications@empowered.org.my