Giving back in Malaysia goes beyond mere generosity, it’s about leveraging wealth to drive meaningful change, bridge societal gaps, and empower communities to flourish.
From championing education and financial literacy to uplifting the underprivileged and championing sustainability, these inspiring individuals are redefining what it means to make a difference.
In this list, we highlight eight trailblazers whose vision and purpose transform lives, inspire systemic change, and set a new standard for impactful giving.
#1: Rejina Rahim, Co-founder of Wahine Capital
Rejina Rahim, a former reporter, legal officer at a stockbroking firm, and managing director at Nomura Asset Management Malaysia, where she successfully grew the firm to nearly 50 staff and managed over RM30 billion in assets, is now deeply committed to the financial empowerment of Malaysian women[1].
After nearly three decades in the corporate world, Rahim made the bold decision to leave her role in markets and asset management in 2021 to co-found Wahine Capital. This platform equips women with the tools and expertise to take control of their financial well-being, even during times of crisis and unpredictability, while addressing the emotional aspects of finance and investment[2].
My mission is clear (that is) to empower women to become financially independent and thrive in a male-dominated industry. – Rejina Rahim[3]
In 2023, Wahine Capital launched W Vault, a digital repository that securely stores important documents and provides users with an overview of their financial status, including assets and liabilities.
W Vault also offers users, predominantly women the opportunity to schedule a free 10-minute consultation with experts such as a clinical psychologist, a former hedge fund manager, a divorce counsellor, a career and life coach, and Rejina herself.[1]
From making daily purchasing decisions to steering long-term investment strategies for the family, women are key players in financial ecosystems. Multiple research has shown that when women are financially empowered, entire communities benefit, and the impact ripples through generations. – Rejina Rahim[3]
#2: Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary, Founder of Albukhary Foundation
Starting out as an impoverished rice trader after dropping out of secondary school to support his family, Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary is, as of 2024, Malaysia’s 15th richest person, with a net worth of nearly RM6 billion.
Much of his wealth comes from stakes in DRB-HICOM, an automotive giant, and MMC Corporation, which spans logistics, ports, construction, and engineering.
A self-made entrepreneur with a deep passion for education, Syed Mokhtar founded the Albukhary Foundation in 1996 to make education accessible to future generations, regardless of background. However, his philanthropic journey began long before that.
Nearly two decades earlier, he donated half of his modest salary to support 15 underprivileged families—a gesture that defined his lifelong commitment to giving back.
The Albukhary Foundation now runs a wide array of initiatives, including community development programs, humanitarian aid, religious projects, arts funding, and educational opportunities such as scholarships and tuition programs.
In 2010, Syed Mokhtar expanded his vision for accessible education by establishing the Albukhary International University (AIU), a private non-profit institution dedicated to providing higher education opportunities to those in need.
During AIU’s inaugural convocation ceremony in 2022, Syed Mokhtar addressed the scholarship recipients, urging them to pay the kindness they had received forward. He shared a poignant quote and lesson from his mother:
Nothing is yours until you have given it away with all your heart in the hope that it will make someone’s life easier.[4] – Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary
#3: Tan Sri Vincent Tan, Berjaya Corporation
Internationally recognised for his diverse portfolio of franchises, brands, and even football clubs, as well as his philanthropic endeavours, billionaire tycoon and former Berjaya Corporation (Bcorp) chairman Tan Sri Vincent Tan has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to uplifting underprivileged communities.
With a net worth of approximately RM3 billion, Tan has channelled his wealth into impactful initiatives through donations, his involvement with the Tzu Chi Foundation, and his own Better Malaysia Foundation[5].
One of Tan’s flagship initiatives under the foundation, Yayasan My First Home (YMFH), focuses on facilitating affordable housing and home ownership for low-income groups, particularly those in the B40 category while tackling homelessness across Malaysia. The initiative aims to foster a more inclusive socioeconomic environment where housing is accessible to all.
To kickstart YMFH in 2022, Tan made a personal donation of RM5 million to cover its initial and ongoing costs[6]. A key aspect of the foundation’s work includes assisting individuals blacklisted by creditors, helping them resolve their credit issues and regain financial stability[7].
The foundation has also invested RM1.7 million in building homes for the Orang Asli community. Earlier this year, YMFH celebrated a milestone by completing two bespoke residences in Kampung Sungai Bindu, Perak, a project that garnered national attention[8].
Our mission is rooted in bringing happiness and transformation to underserved communities, starting with the Orang Asli. The homes signify more than just shelter—they represent security, stability, and dignity for individuals and families. – Tan Sri Vincent Tan
Tan’s philanthropic journey reached a global stage in 2021 when he joined the Giving Pledge, publicly committing to donate at least half of his wealth to charitable causes. Reflecting on this decision, he shared:
There is only so much money that a person needs for himself and his family. When one is blessed with great wealth beyond what is needed, there is a corresponding moral and social responsibility to put the money to good use. – Tan Sri Vincent Tan
#4: Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam, President of Soroptimist International
Out of 296 nominees worldwide, Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam was among 50 awardees honoured for her achievements at an awards ceremony organized by the Malaysian chapter of Women in Management last November[9].
In the early days of her career, Siew Yong broke barriers as the first woman executive at the Malaysian Tobacco Company. She later joined Malaysia Airlines as a public relations coordinator, eventually retiring as the vice president of corporate communications[10].
Following her retirement, Siew Yong dedicated herself to community work. She co-founded Westnita, a CSR initiative under her late husband G. Gnanalingam’s Westports Malaysia, aimed at supporting women and children in underprivileged areas.
Siew Yong also made history as the first Asian president of Soroptimist International (SI), a global volunteer movement dedicated to women’s empowerment. A member since 2004, she spearheaded impactful campaigns such as “Walk the Talk: Stop Violence Against Women”.
Launched in 2012, this campaign mobilised SI Clubs across Malaysia to organize public walks raising awareness as part of the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence initiative.
I wholeheartedly subscribed to its mission of transforming the lives of women and girls through education, empowerment, and enabling opportunities. – Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam
As the current SI President for 2024–2025, Siew Yong has selected the theme “Save Mother Earth, Save the Future”, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to sustainability. The campaign emphasises environmental preservation while highlighting the intersection of environmental and gender justice, particularly for women and girls impacted by poverty and inequality exacerbated by climate change.
At the heart of this campaign, I am committed to motivating members to take tangible steps that make a difference. Simple actions like reducing, recycling, and reusing plastics, conserving energy, and minimising food waste are crucial. These actions serve as a foundation for broader educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness of the interconnectedness of environmental health and human well-being. – Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam[11]
#5: Brahmal Vasudevan, Founder & CEO of Creador Foundation
Brahmal Vasudevan wears many hats; Creator and CEO of the private equity powerhouse Creador, board member of Capital Markets Malaysia, and a celebrated investment mogul.
Beyond the boardroom, his passion lies in championing education, healthcare, and humanitarian causes. Together with his equally philanthropic wife, Shanti Kandiah, founder of SK Chambers, the duo has become a force for good, transforming lives across Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia through the Alaka Holdings Trust and the Creador Foundation[12].
Their impact is tangible. In 2022, Brahmal and Shanti made headlines with a groundbreaking RM50 million donation to the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Education Fund. The contribution is driving the construction of a not-for-profit teaching hospital at UTAR’s Kampar campus in Perak[13].
Shanthi and I believe that everyone should have access to affordable, good-quality medical care, and we are pleased to make this contribution to UTAR to help make this vision a reality. – Brahmal Vasudevan
The couple’s dedication doesn’t stop there. Since January 2023, the Alaka Foundation, in partnership with the Ananda Foundation, has funded over 39,000 free cataract surgeries in Sri Lanka, restoring sight and hope to thousands. This initiative is a powerful testament to their belief in healthcare as a fundamental right.
Brahmal’s passion for education is just as bold. Through the Creador Foundation, he launched Schola.org.my, an innovative platform designed to empower Malaysian teens with the tools and insights they need to chart their educational and career journeys.
Within just two months of its launch, Schola hit an extraordinary milestone, reaching over 100,000 users, a clear reflection of its relevance and impact.
#6: Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah, Founder & Trustee of the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation
Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah, the visionary founder of Sunway Group, is a name synonymous with Malaysia’s iconic landmarks and educational institutions; Sunway Pyramid, Sunway University, and Monash University Malaysia, to name a few.
As an entrepreneur and philanthropist, Jeffrey has made a profound mark on health, education, and community development in Malaysia and beyond.
In 2022, Jeffrey became one of only two Malaysians to be conferred the honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE), a prestigious recognition of his remarkable contributions to society[14].
At the heart of his philanthropy is the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF), the largest not-for-profit education organisation in Malaysia. To date, the foundation has awarded over RM670 million in scholarships, empowering tens of thousands of students to pursue their educational dreams.
The JCF is also driving impactful community development initiatives, tackling urban poverty in underserved areas like Desa Mentari. Through the Sunway Desa Mentari Community Observatory Programme, the foundation collaborates with Sunway University, government agencies, industry partners, and civil society to deliver holistic, research-backed solutions. These efforts address more than financial deprivation, focusing on access to healthcare, education, recreation, and opportunities for growth.
Jeffrey’s philosophy is clear: education is the cornerstone of progress.
When you want to build a nation, what is most important is human capital. To have a well-educated human capital, we need good education. So, quality education with the right values is one of the key things that we must have to train the young. – Jeffrey Cheah[15]
#7: Rina Neoh, Co-Founder of Ficus Venture Capital
Penang-born Rina Neoh is a passionate advocate for social entrepreneurship, poverty eradication, and the empowerment of women and education. With a remarkable career spanning the corporate and entrepreneurial worlds, she has made her mark as an angel investor, venture capitalist, and franchisee of innovative education enterprises[16].
In 2006, Rina co-founded Mercatus Capital Pte Ltd, which has since incubated over 80 start-ups across Asia and Australia. She expanded her impact in 2018 by co-founding Ficus VC, the world’s first fully syariah-compliant venture capital fund. By 2021, Ficus VC had secured investment commitments totalling RM25 million, focusing on startups that prioritize ethical and sustainable impacts on the environment and society.
This year, Ficus VC invested RM2 million into KLEAN, a Malaysian green technology firm renowned for creating the country’s first Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) ecosystem. These AI-powered digital containers make recycling accessible and efficient, exemplifying Rina’s commitment to environmentally responsible innovation[16].
Despite her extensive achievements, Rina’s core mission remains rooted in education and empowerment for underprivileged communities.
As a venture capitalist, she has personally invested in several education start-ups and social enterprises across Southeast Asia, including MindChamps, an international preschool system integrating neuroscience into early childhood education.
Profits from the MindChamps schools Rina helped establish in the Philippines have been channelled into providing education for underprivileged communities, reflecting her unwavering dedication to giving back.
Rina’s drive to empower others is deeply personal. Growing up in low-cost public housing and bearing significant responsibilities at a young age taught her the value of education as a tool for empowerment and poverty eradication.
I was on the receiving end of a lot of kindness when I was growing up, and I want to pay it forward. – Rina Neoh[16]
#8: Datin Suliana Shamsuddin Alias, Chairperson of YOKUK Foundation
With a degree in physiology and biological chemistry and experience across various fields, Datin Suliana Shamsuddin has spent the past 24 years dedicated to uplifting marginalised individuals and communities.
Her journey began in 1999 when her husband, Zaid Ibrahim, former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department of Legal Affairs, founded the YOKUK Foundation (Yayasan untuk Orang Kurang Upaya & Kurang Berkemampuan).
Based in Pengkalan Chepa, this non-profit organisation, also known as the Kelantan Foundation for the Disabled and Underprivileged, has become a beacon of hope for underserved families in the region.
Suliana, a former chemist and quality manager, quickly took the reins as chairperson and executive director, assembling a team to deliver impactful services. Under her leadership, YOKUK has provided free therapy options and palliative care, touching the lives of thousands in Kelantan’s disabled and underprivileged communities.
In May 2024, YOKUK marked its 25th anniversary with the release of a commemorative book, Building a Caring Society by Designing Joy. The book celebrates the foundation’s history and achievements, and Suliana proudly shared that YOKUK now serves over 6,500 clients and their families.
She described the book as a “manifestation of our collective efforts, our dreams, and our relentless pursuit of a better, more caring society,” reflecting her deep hope that YOKUK will continue to stand as an oasis of opportunity for those in need[18].
YOKUK’s clientele includes individuals with disabilities such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, physical impairments, stroke, and hydrocephalus. To address their diverse needs, the foundation offers a wide range of programmes, including healthcare and welfare services, educational workshops, and vocational training. Unlike institutionalised rehabilitation, YOKUK emphasises community care, fostering a sense of dignity and empowerment among its clients.
Suliana’s unwavering commitment and the tangible success of YOKUK exemplify how compassion and strategic action can transform lives and build a truly caring society.
Explore our sources:
- Jayatilaka, T. (2023). From investment management to startup life: Rejina Rahim’s quest to help women be financially secure. Tatler Asia.Link.
- Khoo, D. (2023). Wahine Capital founder Rejina Rahim on the state of financial literacy for women in Malaysia.The Edge Malaysia.Link.
- Rahim, R. (2024). Unleashing the power of the purse. The Star. Link.
- Zainal, F. (2022). Philanthropist Syed Mokhtar believes in ‘paying it forward.’ The Star. Link.
- Tatler. (n.d.). Tan Sri Vincent Tan. Tatler Asia. Link.
- Khaw, C. (2023). Vincent Tan steps down as Berjaya Corp chairman to further help B40s own their first homes. Vulcan Post. Link.
- Yusry, M. (2022). Yayasan My First Home initiative launched to help B40 own homes. The Sun. Link.
- Rashidi, Q. N. (2024). Yayasan My First Home new houses bring joy to Orang Asli. The Sun. Link.
- Jayatilaka, T. (2024). Tatler Ball 2024: Siew Yong Gnanalingam takes home the Tatler Impact Award for Humanity. Tatler Asia. Link.
- The Edge Malaysia. (2024).Hear her roar!. Link.
- D.P., Kaur. (2024). Soroptimist International’s first Asian president Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam reflects on her journey championing women’s rights. The Edge Malaysia. Link.
- Kong, W. Y. (2023). Creador founder Brahmal Vasudevan partners Princeton University to spotlight South Asian art. The Edge Malaysia. Link.
- Ikram, I. (2022). Creador founder and spouse pledge RM50m donation to UTAR. The Edge Malaysia. Link.
- Azmi, A. (2023). Cheah awarded honorary knighthood by UK government. News Straits Times. Link.
- Chan, J. (2023). Making dreams become reality. The Star. Link.
- Wong, P. (2021). Venture Capital for Good. The Edge Singapore. Link.
- Sabrina, S. (2024). M’sian startup behind the 1st local green vending ecosystem bags RM2mil investment. Vulcan Post. Link.
- Free Malaysia Today. (2024). Yokuk marks 25 years of ‘designing joy’ for the needy. (2024). Link.
