Find out more about the award recipient

I received my initial diagnosis in 1994 and almost immediately faced discrimination from my diagnosing doctor. That initial encounter resulted in me thinking that there was no hope and resulted in me delaying seeking treatment for a year. I started treatment in 1995 on AZT Monotherapy. Unfortunately, the ARV that saved my life also had an adverse impact on my underlying Thalassemia issue. Eventually as treatment progressed, I ended up taking a combination of almost twenty pills a day. After focusing on treatment and my recovery for 8 years, I joined Kuala Lumpur AIDS Support Services Society (KLASS), and discovering a safe space and second family. Started volunteering there and moved up the organisational ladder until now. Currently heading the organisation as the president.

In this era of diminished funding resources is a continuing challenge and a source of concern in heading KLASS. The organisation has always provided all our services completely Free-Of-Charge and we are reluctant to start imposing any charges on our services. However the challenge is to find a solution to keeping our doors remain open to serve our communities in need. To this extent, I rely greatly on the collaborative efforts of all my Executive Committee team in coming up with ideas for fundraising and establishing sustainable resources for the long-term. This needs to happen simultaneously with the creation of responses that meet the evolving needs of our clients. Over the years, KLASS has prided itself of its ability to listen to the needs of the community, and developing services to meet those needs. Many of its programs have shown excellent results, and eventually have been adapted and implemented by Ministry of Health for the entire country.

What one achievement you’ve accomplished that you’re most proud of?
Why?

An opportune introduction to a HIV Treatment Literacy module at APN+, which was developed jointly with Treat Asia, ignited a passion in me to use it to ensure greater Treatment Adherence & Compliance for all newly diagnosed. The module was adapted and in collaboration with Treating Physicians in Malaysia, translated the resources into Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin. An invitation to train UNHCR medical volunteers in Burmese, offered the opportunity to expand the module even further. The material was adapted to meet local religious sensitivities. Now, the module has been shared with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and across Malaysia.

What do you find most challenging about your work?
Why?

The most challenging part is while there’s a urgent need to get more Persons-At-Risk screened, there is also a need to improve engagement of PLHIV to ensure that they remain Undetectable and unable to pass on the virus. However the spread of ATS use substantially increases an individual’s risk of acquiring infections. With pieces of the jigsaw puzzle missing, I fear that we may not be able to achieve our targets by 2030. Focus on Treatment Retention as well as reduction of Default and Loss to Follow-up cases must be prioritized as well as recognition of Treatment Fatigue and the value of maintaining Peer Navigation.

What do you do to recharge your battery?

When a client expresses their thanks for the support they have received, that reminds us why we continue to serve. Physicians provide feedback, when they notice their patients have improved attitudes towards treatment and display positive outlooks. This reminds us that we are making a difference. I hope to inspire others to contribute in their own way by Paying it Forward. Good food and good conversation keeps me happy. I also took up scuba diving as a personal goal on my twentieth year of diagnosis. It was a much needed introduction to a world of beauty and complete silence under water. That inspired other to take it up as well.

What is your vulnerability and how do you overcome it?

I try to take on too much by wanting to do everything. I am learning to say “No”, but it’s not easy to change your nature. There is a real fear of disappointing someone as I believe that they only reach out for help when they are truly in need and it is very important to respond quickly. I am leaning to admit that I need to refer to others who have specific knowledge on certain topics. I used to want to learn everything to improve my own skills. I still want to, but now am able to catch myself before I do so.

You have been nominated for the HIV Hero category.
What was your reaction and please, tell us why?

It is always an honour to be recognised and appreciated by others. As I usually keep a low profile and am rarely on social media, I’m happy to be remembered for having an impact on others. I do truly appreciate my efforts are valued enough to warrant a prestigious nomination with APCOM. As I was on the initial Interim Governing Board of APCOM with Shivananda Khan, I am reminded how important it was to him and I am proud to be a part of its formative years.

With changes that we are currently experiencing politically affecting our movement, and sustainability, what is a warm/hopeful message that you would like to share with the communities in the Asia Pacific?

Like our health, politics can be a rollercoaster ride. The only constant is change. Our focus is to continue surviving long enough to see change for the better. Patience and determination ensures survival.

We can individually prevent onward transmissions of HIV and to help eliminate all forms of stigma and discrimination.

Anything else you would like to share?

To those who are receiving their reactive diagnosis in the near future, please do not despair. Help is here whenever you need us. Just remember if I can survive for thirty years, you can do even better. Always have Hope and Be Strong. You will survive this.

Back to main article

---