KUCHING
22 JUNE 2025
GoBald 2025, the 17th edition of Sarawak’s largest head-shaving fundraiser, has raised over RM450,000 from more than 1,500 donors. As of June 2025, over 180 people across Malaysia have registered, with at least 164 pledging to shave their heads — including participants from other states and federal territories.
Since its launch in 2009, GoBald has raised over RM13 million with the support of more than 11,000 participants nationwide. Organised annually by the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS), this year’s campaign coincided with Cancer Survivors Month. In Kuching alone, over RM325,000 was raised, with 95 participants shaving their heads at AEON Mall Kuching Central or at local salon partners.
SCCS President Mary Kiu (邱爱玲) highlighted that nearly RM500,000 was spent this year on medical treatment for just one child — underscoring the growing needs of families supported by the organisation. She shared the meaning behind this year’s theme, Leave Your Mark:
“Whether you’re shaving your head, donating, volunteering, or simply showing up to support – you’re making a difference. To those of you who are joining us for the very first time – welcome! And to those who have never heard of GoBald, I just want to say that it’s more than just shaving your hair. It’s a bold statement of love, solidarity, and support for children who are going through cancer treatment – many of whom lose their hair as a result. By going bald, we show them they are not alone, and we stand with them in their fight.”
“It is through initiatives like GoBald that have enabled SCCS to support over 1,700 families since our establishment in 2001,” she added.
Among the participants for the first shave was 16-year-old Daniel Kueh (郭敬忠), who was diagnosed with T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (T-ALL) in 2023 at just 14. Daniel took part in the first shave alongside five family members – his parents, brother, aunt, and grandaunt.
In 2024, SCCS supported Daniel’s treatment costs, including over RM130,000 for a stem cell transplant and lab tests at both Sarawak General Hospital and Ampang Hospital. His case contributed to SCCS’s total medical aid expenses of over RM762,000 for the year. Daniel’s family has been passionate advocates for SCCS ever since, actively participating in awareness and fundraising efforts.
“When I had cancer, SCCS helped sponsor part of my treatment through GoBald, and that support meant so much to me. Now, I want to go bald too — to help other kids going through cancer so they can continue their chemotherapy and treatment,” shared Daniel.
Three representatives from Ibraco Berhad, the main sponsor of GoBald 2025, were the second batch of shavees after Daniel and his family.
As the signature awareness and fundraising campaign for SCCS, all donations raised from GoBald contribute about 20% to 30% of SCCS’s total expenditure over RM2 million every year. Among the essential support services provided by SCCS are medical and financial aid to families in need; accommodation, food, and transportation for rural families under active treatment at its Kuching Halfway Home; organising counselling sessions and recreational activities; sponsoring medical equipment not provided in government hospitals; and providing care packs and tokens of love to help new patients adapt to life in the ward.
SCCS extends its heartfelt thanks to all sponsors and partners for making GoBald 2025 possible:
Main Sponsor: Ibraco Berhad
Salon Partners: Ray’s Salon, Maison Monica Hair & Beauty Academy, Fion Hair Studio, Paul & Jennifer, Danny Hair Academy, T2H Eternity Saloon
Event Partners: Paradise Borneo, Aaron Soon Photography, DK Photography, Village Sound
Venue Sponsors: AEON Mall Kuching Central and The Imperial Mall Miri
Registration to participate in satellite shaves is still open to businesses, organisations, and corporations wishing to partner with GoBald in raising funds for Sarawak’s childhood cancer community as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Interested organisations can contact SCCS at 082-686276 or email em1@sccs.org.my. – END-
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. SCCS provided RM762,786 in medical sponsorships for procedures, drugs, consumables, lab tests, and prostheses for 48 patients.
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
