Registration starts on 21 March 2025 at www.gobald.my
KUCHING
21 MARCH 2025
The Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) officially launched GoBald 2025 today, marking the start of its annual awareness and fundraising campaign in support of children and families battling childhood cancer in Sarawak. This year, SCCS aims to raise RM1 million and shave 400 heads through its signature event.
The first to go bald at the launch were Awang Naim Bin Awang Bahrin, a father of a childhood cancer patient, and Nur Haiqal, a childhood cancer survivor. They were followed by Wilfred Jameson, a bereaved father, and Kelvin Wan Kwong Wei (阮冠玮), a dedicated SCCS supporter. For Awang and Kelvin, it was their first time participating in the campaign, making their commitment even more meaningful.
The theme for GoBald 2025, “Leave Your Mark”, is a powerful call to action—an invitation to be part of something bigger. The funds raised will help ensure children with cancer receive critical medical aid, improved care, and access to essential support services throughout their treatment journey.
“When you choose to shave your head, you’re choosing to make a difference in the lives of children fighting cancer. You’re standing in solidarity with children who lose their hair during treatment, telling them that being bald is beautiful,” said SCCS President, Mary Kiu Ai Ling (邱爱玲).
SCCS’ annual operations cost approximately RM2 million, with over 70% of funds directly supporting children with cancer through medical sponsorships, financial aid, and specialised treatments. In 2024, SCCS spent RM2.9 million overall, reflecting a 43% increase in total expenses due to critical medical aid sponsorships exceeding RM500,000.
“Since our establishment in 2001, we have supported over 1,700 families—a feat made possible through major fundraising initiatives like GoBald and the generosity of the public. Our rising expenses highlight why consistent fundraising is critical—because when a child needs urgent help, we cannot afford to wait,” added Mary Kiu.
Every year, SCCS records about 50 to 70 new childhood cancer cases in Sarawak. In 2024 alone, SCCS provided RM762,786 in medical sponsorships for procedures, drugs, consumables, lab tests, and prostheses for 48 patients; RM109,450 in monthly financial aid for families in need; RM53,318 towards upgrading Paediatric Ward 2A at Sarawak General Hospital; 3,061 night stays for 40 outstation families at SCCS’ Kuching halfway home, amounting to RM147,562 and 500 hospital trips supporting 51 families, with transport subsidies totaling RM65,193.75.
SCCS is truly thankful to stand alongside and be supported by its sponsors and partners who champion the cause of childhood cancer. This year’s Main Sponsor is Ibraco Berhad, while Salon Partners include Ray’s Salon, Maison Monica Hair & Beauty Academy, Fion Hair Studio, Paul & Jennifer, Danny Hair Academy, and T2H Eternity Saloon. Event Partners include Paradise Borneo, Aaron Soon Photography, DK Photography, and Village Sound, with Venue Sponsors AEON Mall Kuching and The Imperial Mall Miri.
GoBald participants can choose to raise funds only, shave their heads, or both. A minimum fundraising amount of RM50 is required for a sponsored head shave by SCCS. Public shaving events will take place in June in Kuching and Miri.
Registration for GoBald 2025 is now open at www.gobald.my. Follow @sccsmy on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates. For businesses or organisations interested in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives or hosting satellite shave events, contact SCCS at 082-686276 or email em1@sccs.org.my. -ENDS
About Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS)
Mission: To provide care and support for Malaysian children and their families who are suffering from childhood cancer in Sarawak.
The Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society is a non-profit organisation founded in November 2001, dedicated to meeting the needs of families of patients diagnosed with paediatric cancer in Sarawak irrespective of race, religion, age or gender. The SCCS committee is made up of 70% patients’ parents and 30% volunteers. The Society has supported more than 1,700 children since 2001.
Our Services
Support
Through counselling sessions, home visits, support programmes, youth and family camps, and informal friendships, SCCS provides emotional and moral support to members of its community. In 2024, SCCS provided more than 700 caring sessions and 36 counselling sessions to patients and families.
Accommodation
SCCS operates a 14-bedroom Children’s Cancer Centre (CCC) as a temporary living house for outstation patients, with full provision of food and amenities. Daily shuttle services are provided to and from the hospital. The home housed 40 families in 2024.
Financial Assistance
Caring for a child with cancer is beyond the means of most of the patients we serve. To families demonstrating financial need, SCCS provides monetary assistance through monthly financial subsidies, medical treatment not covered by the government and transport subsidies. 46 families received financial aid in 2024, amounting to a total of RM109,500.00 while monthly transport subsidies were provided to a total amount of RM56,632.76 for 49 families.
Education
SCCS holds talks and campaigns to educate the public about cancer and the stigmas often attached to it. Educational and craft activities are also organised for the children to keep their minds off the treatment. SCCS also supports funding for medical staff training to allow them to provide better care for the patients. 21 medical staff received training supported by SCCS and saw over 8,000 attendees at their annual childhood cancer awareness event in 2024.
Recreation
SCCS organises outings, holiday camps, children’s parties and other activities for children and their families to heighten the spirit of the families. For children with cancer, each birthday is a victory. SCCS held birthday celebrations for 106 children in 2024.
Official Website: www.sccs.org.my
Facebook: fb.com/sccsmy
Instagram: @sccsmy
