JOHOR BAHRU: The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.

For Chua Liak Ching,74, who assumed the post of chairman of the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) Johor Bahru branch in October last year believes that the greatness of humanity is not in being human but in being humane.

Chua who took over the chairmanship from Chong Ah Ng says that public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly and it must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation.

During a press conference held at the MRC headquarters in Jalan Yahya Awal, Chua stressed that when it comes to providing humanitarian aid, the MRC has been there for the people for many years.

Present during the press conference were MRC Johor Bahru branch vice-chairmen Dato’ Lim Kian Tiong and Tan Yap Hau. Also present was its deputy chairman Chin Chong Fatt.

Since its formation in 1955, it has provided prompt service to the community.

As MRC looks back on its decades of service, it remains steadfast in its mission to alleviate suffering, protect lives and health, and promote human dignity, ensuring that its invaluable contributions to society continue for many more years to come.

This milestone not only reflects the society’s rich history of providing aid and relief during times of crisis but also highlights its enduring pledge to uphold the fundamental principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

Chua stressed that their main objective is to realize that the MRC as a leading and distinctive humanitarian organization that brings people and institutions together for the vulnerable.

And for Chua he knows that by doing your little bit of good where you are; it is those little bits of good put together that overwhelms the world.

Not mincing his words, he said, “Always render more and better service than is expected of you, no matter what your task may be.”

Having been in the MRC for almost 55 years now, Chua considers that one of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone.

He says the MRC in its way gives a little help with a little smile gives meaning to human life.

His main task now is the fund raising programme which they plan to carry out some time in August.

He says the society needs fund to carry out various projects and activities besides serving the needy and poor.

He also mentioned that there are currently eight uniformed sub-committees, training, junior for primary schools, cadet for secondary schools, VAD – Voluntary Aid detachment for adults, youth committee, blood donors recruitment programme (BDRP), welfare services group, disaster emergency respond committee and ambulance services.

He stressed that the various committees are handled by the deputy chairman and two vice-chairman.

The various sub-committees are on full gear and constantly on their feet.

According to Chua some 17 officers from MRC Johor Bahru branch will be visiting Batam District in Indonesia for an intercultural exchange programme from February 20-22.

They will also be providing training for all school students who are members of MRC.

“We want to prepare them for any sports events or event during school hours on CPR, major injuries and handling first aid,” he said.

He also mentioned that MRC Johor Bahru branch has 18 qualified instructors to serve the 12,000 members in all aspects.
Their immediate task is also to visit schools where they have members and provide briefing for them.

Chua knows the price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether you win or lose, you have applied the best of yourselves to the task at hand.

“Responsibility is a grace you give yourself not an obligation as with great power comes great responsibility,” he remarked.

Every year they provide monthly study aid for needy students who are members of MRC in schools. The also provide medical aid to the public and members needing medical help.

Chua knows he has a ton of bricks to shoulder on. He has his executive team behind him to provide the necessary assistance as and when needed.

He believes in teamwork as he says, “teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.”

As a professional in the non-profit sector, tackling challenging issues is part of your daily routine. Being a successful non-profit leader brings its own set of unique demands, but your commitment to helping others can be a powerful motivator to accomplish the job at hand.

As chairman, his job is to give his best to the organization and as he puts it, “unity is strength, when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.”