Juniper
Left to Right: Dr. Ednin Hamzah (CEO of Hospis Malaysia), Puan Norra Ismail, Yang Amat Mulia Tengku Datin Paduka Zatashah Binti Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, YBhg Dato’ Kathleen Chew (Chairman of Hospis Malaysia, and Group Legal Advisor of YTL Corporation)
The 10th Voices for Hospices Charity Gala Dinner united healthcare leaders, philanthropists, families, and advocates under the theme “A Promise of Dignity, United in Care.” Held at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, the event celebrated Hospis Malaysia’s 34-year legacy while calling for stronger national commitment to make palliative care accessible to all Malaysians.
The evening marked a milestone as Hospis Malaysia unveiled its refreshed brand identity and its aspiration to become a Centre of Palliative Care Excellence, advancing patient services, professional training, and public advocacy.
After more than three decades of service, Hospis Malaysia’s rebranding marks a timely step forward — reaffirming its mission while addressing misconceptions that palliative care is only for the elderly, the dying, or marginalised. The organisation is redefining itself as an inclusive, holistic centre that supports patients and families across all stages of a serious illness, staying relevant and connected to a broader, more diverse audience.
YBhg. Dato’ Kathleen Chew, Chairman of Hospis Malaysia, said the refreshed identity reflects both the organisation’s growth and the nation’s urgent need for more accessible palliative care. “Palliative care is not about the end of life – it is about the dignity of life itself. As our nation ages, we at Hospis Malaysia are committed to ensuring that every Malaysian has access to compassionate care close to home, through our work within communities and by strengthening the capacity of healthcare professionals.
She continued, “By 2030, a quarter of a million Malaysians annually will require palliative care. The numbers tell a sobering story — not of despair, but of urgency. We are fast becoming an ageing nation. And non-communicable diseases such as cancer, cardio-vascular, renal and pulmonary diseases are on the rise. We are rapidly approaching, and there is perhaps no other way to put it, a crisis of palliative care. We need more trained healthcare workers, better community engagement, and improve access to essential medicines.
Centering care only in tertiary hospitals will not be enough. ”Since its founding in 1991, Hospis Malaysia has grown into the nation’s leading provider of community palliative care – delivering home-based services to around 1,500 patients annually through a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and rehabilitation therapists – conducting more than 11,000 home visits each year. Dato’ Kathleen reaffirmed Hospis Malaysia’s commitment in advancing the goals outlined in Budget 2026. “We commend the government’s initiatives to strengthening the healthcare system and improving access to quality care for all Malaysians. We also welcome efforts to ease hospital congestion by expanding community-based services.”
“Hospis Malaysia stands ready to support as a community partner. With earlier referrals to palliative care in the community, many patients can be cared for comfortably at home – reducing hospital admissions and helping families manage care with confidence and compassion.”
The organisation also trains nearly 1,000 healthcare professionals annually through workshops, clinical attachments, and e-learning platforms. Its senior clinical leaders work closely with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Higher Education to train and nurture doctors at various levels in the practise of palliative care, and develop policy frameworks – ensuring future generations of healthcare providers are equipped to meet the palliative care needs of Malaysians.
Guest of Honour Y.A.M. Tengku Datin Paduka Zatashah binti Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah commended the organisation’s role in shaping compassionate care. “Palliative care should never be seen as a last resort, but as an essential part of living well until the end. We have one opportunity to ensure our loved ones are cared for with dignity, comfort, and peace – and Hospis Malaysia has consistently demonstrated that this is achievable.”
The night’s special guest speaker, Puan Norra Ismail, mother of the late Tijani Batrisyia, moved the audience with her story. “Watching my child face a serious illness was devastating. What sustained us was knowing Tijani could be cared for at home, surrounded by love and dignity. Hospis Malaysia made that possible. Today, I speak not only as a mother, but as an advocate – because I know firsthand the difference what good palliative care in the community makes. No one should have to walk this path alone.”
The Voices for Hospices Gala Dinner, held biennially, has become the organisation’s signature fundraising event. More than a celebration, it is an evening where friends, families, healthcare professionals, and strategic partners gather to provide the much-needed support to an organisation which believes strongly in equal access to this vital area of healthcare, and therefore does not charge for its service. Funds raised from the Gala will directly support patient services, expand training programmes, and strengthen advocacy to ensure palliative care becomes embedded in Malaysia’s healthcare system.
