JOHOR BAHRU: As a valuable team member, his contributions have made a difference, though he is leaving, his impact remains.

‘Goodbye’ may be a fork in the path; a crossroad that leads you in separate directions. But it can’t take away the memories you create along the way.

The paths will all now differ. But what makes them truly special is the time you have been together, even if it may be limited. It’s during these moments that you had the opportunity to create the most beautiful memories. And, take meaningful footsteps, hand in hand.

As you bade farewell to the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Johor Bahru Branch allow the sadness to be eased by clutching onto that lifetime of smiles. Those smiles, those incredible adventures shared with the people you care about, will fill your heart and make it even more whole.

Chong Ah Ng, 76, steps down as chairman of MRCS Johor Bahru Branch on August 16. He will not seek reelection when the Johor Bahru Branch meets for its election nationwide to elect new office-bearers for the respective branches for a term of three years.

Chong hands over the baton to Chua Liak Ching, another veteran MRCS member and who is considered the most fitting choice by many.

Despite stepping down from the topmost post, Chong who is much sought after said, “Even though I am not contesting for the chairman’s post my friends in the MRCS do come to me to seek advice.”

Chong adds that he was grateful to have worked with the MRCS and has no regrets at all after all these years.

But the reality is, Chong said, not everyone can stay on forever. The time will come when from our mentors, officials and subordinates goodbye is at times, unavoidable.

Yes, he stated that goodbyes are hard. But think back when you laughed at each other until your bellies ached. Remember the places you’ve seen standing side by side. And the conversations you’ve shared over everything from official matters to perennial issues.

For Chong departing from MRCS is saying farewell after all these decent years. “My journey in MRCS ends here and the new robust leadership will now take the charge.”

For Chong his greatest inscription is engaging in public service and volunteering gives him a meaningful purpose and a sense of fulfillment.

“The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others,” he declared.

As former chairman, he said leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.

He said the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.

After more than four decades with the MRCS, he said it was an honour working with this humanitarian organization as it was here he was able to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others.

“Engaging in public service and volunteering gives individuals a meaningful purpose and a sense of fulfillment,” the septuagenarian said.

He said MRCS members are all volunteers and are not paid – not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.

He joined the MRCS in 1977 as an ordinary member. In 1984, the late Dato’ Wong Peng Long made him the fund raising chairman.

Two years later at the request of the late Dato’ Wong Peng Long, myself, the late Tan Sri Kuek Ho Yao and the late Pang Chee Hooi went to Tasek Utara Golf Club to meet the late Sultan Iskandar Almarhum Sultan Ismail.

“Our meeting there was to request for a piece of land for MRCS Johor Bahru,” he said.

The four of them then sat down and had a conversation and they related to the late Sultan Iskandar that they find it difficult to serve the public without a proper building.

Hence, on the second day the late Dato’ Wong Peng Long spoke to Chong, Kuek and Pang and told them that the Sultan had agreed to provide them a piece of land for the purpose of putting up a building for MRCS.

Henceforth in 1988, the new building was officially opened by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

In 1994, the late Tunku Abu Bakar became the chairman replacing Dato’ Wong Peng Long.

He remained as chairman until 1995 until he passed away. The late Tunku Abu Bakar apparently told Dato’ Wong Peng Long to pass the post of chairmanship to Chong Ah Ng.

From 1995 until 2024, Chong remained as chairman of the MRCS Johor Bahru Branch, a post he held for 29 years.

Not mincing his words, Chong said in those days many had wanted to join the MRCS and they had some 800 members.

However, he said that number has dwindled and today they only have about 180 members.

“People are busy these days and many are finding it hard to contribute their time to volunteer in the MRCS,” he stated.

Chong said the Society today is glowing with a large number of youths.

He recalled that in those days people did come forward but now its very different as many are unable to contribute their time.

“In those days there was this spirit in them but today it has disappeared,” he lamented.

Chong mentioned that in 2000, the MRCS Asia Training Camp (MRCS Asia Kem Latihan) where 16 countries took part was held in Pasir Gudang.

“It was known as International Federation Red Cross (IFRC)/Crescent Dewi Asia Pacific Camp and held for three consecutive days,” he remarked.

The event, said Chong was officiated by the then Tunku Mahkota of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar.

Topics such as Disaster Response, Normal First Aid Training, Fire Drill, Emergency Training, Life Saving and Water Saving were deliberated during the camp.

The camp attracted officials from various countries. Topics discussed drove points home.

In 2002 Tun Dato’ Seri Abdul Hamid Omar who was then chairman of MRCS Malaysia invited me to go to Geneva to attend the International Conference of Red Cross/Crescent.

It was a three-day event and there were four delegates from Malaysia.

Chong’s next mission was to Myanmar in 2008 to assist those affected by Cyclone Nargis.

Cyclone Nargis made landfall in Myanmar, crossing the south of the country over two days, and devastating the Ayeyarwady Delta region. According to official figures, 84,500 people were killed and 53,800 went missing. A total of 37 townships were significantly affected by the cyclone. The UN estimates that as many as 2.4 million people were affected.

“We went there to assist the people affected by the cyclone and spent almost four days entering the villages that were badly affected by the typhoon,” he stressed.

Chong’s operation in Myanmar was together with the Mahakaruna Buddhist Society of Singapore where their aim was to relieve the suffering of the people there.

In 2015 he was asked to go to Kuala Krai and Tanah Merah in Kelantan where the group assisted the flood victims.

Heavy rain since 17 December forced 3,390 people in Kelantan to flee their homes. The number of evacuees was 20,468.

Chong thanked a group of Singaporeans who came to the aid of the affected families in Kelantan by personally donating RM1 million.

Chong believes everyone has a purpose in life. A unique gift or special talent to give to others. And when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of our own spirit, which is the ultimate goal of all goals.

In his own words: “When you serve, you love. When you love, you don’t measure. Just serve,”

“Public service and volunteering play a crucial role in strengthening communities, fostering empathy, and addressing societal needs,” he stated.

Chong was driven by an unwavering commitment to his principles for the betterment of MRCS.

His advice to the young members: “Always render more and better service than is expected of you, no matter what your task may be.”

To his colleagues he said, “To give real service, you must add something which cannot be bought or measures with money.”

He earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues and adversaries alike. His absence will be felt by all.