Shaping a brighter, equitable future for Sabah’s children

7 September 2025

KOTA KINABALU: A Charity Dinner was held by The Society of Hope Sabah, a pioneering non-governmental organisation dedicated to supporting underprivileged children and communities.

It was graced by its founder, Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, who had since passed the mantle to

Josephine Hadikusumo.

Founded in the wake of devastating floods in January 2007, the Society emerged from a community’s instinct to respond with compassion and solidarity. What began as a modest effort, collecting food, clothing, and school supplies, has developed into a vital force for social change within Sabah.

In her speech, Liew reflected on the society’s humble origins, recounting how initial relief efforts reached remote villages like Kg Samparita and helped families rebuild after natural disasters. “That moment convinced me that this was not just an idea, but a calling,” she said, emphasising the society’s commitment to human dignity and community resilience.

Over the years, the Society of Hope Sabah expanded its scope beyond emergency aid to focus on long-term development, particularly in education. The organisation now supports orphanages, children’s homes, and initiatives such as scholarships and Back-to-School programmes aimed at empowering underprivileged children to thrive academically and socially.

A significant milestone was achieved in 2019 when the society was officially registered as a charity under the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), allowing donors to benefit from tax exemptions and encouraging broader community support. “Your giving is part of a recognised movement, building a stronger future for our children and our community,” Liew stated.

The society’s evolution underscores its core mission: nurturing hope and opportunity among Sabah’s vulnerable populations. As Liew noted, “What began as a small act of service has grown into a movement that touches thousands of lives. Yet, there is still so much more to do.”

Looking ahead, the organisation aims to sustain and expand its efforts, inspiring new generations to carry the torch of compassion. Liew called on community members and organisations to join in this shared journey, emphasising that “lifting up even one child can change the story of a family, a village, and eventually all of Sabah.”

The Society of Hope Sabah stands as a testament to the transformative power of community-driven initiatives, highlighting the vital role such organisations play in shaping a brighter, more equitable future for Sabah’s children.

Its ongoing work continues to affirm that hope is more than just a name, it is a tangible force that nurtures and uplifts lives across the region.

Also present during the event were Josephine Hadikusumo, JP

Chairman of the Society of Hope Sabah, Senior Pastor Escend Chong of SDA Church, Theresa Chong Community Development Leader (PPM) for

Api-Api Constituency and

Dato' Dr Jaswant Singh

President of the Palliative Care Association of

Kota Kinabalu.

Others include Datuk Susan Wong, President of the United Sabah Chinese

Communities Association of Kota Kinabalu

(USCCAKK) as well as

Betty Epin, President of the Sabah Women Entrepreneurs

& Professionals Association (SWEPA)