James Nayagam

Dr. James Nayagam, dubbed “The Crusader” in a 2020 article with The Sun, has given the last forty years of his career to advocating for childrens’ rights, ensuring a brighter future for all abandoned and abused children.

For the Chairman of the Suriana Welfare Society, the journey has not been the most smooth sailing. Initially a corporate worker, Dr. James realised his calling to the noble – albeit not generally profitable – cause in his twenties. While many reckoned that Dr. James could have scaled the corporate ladder quickly with his leadership and organisational skills, he found a greater reward in seeing the lives of marginalised and forgotten children and families completely transformed for the better.

The Suriana Welfare Society, a registered non-governmental organisation that was established in 2011, fulfils everything that Dr. James stands for. While initially focusing on child advocacy, Suriana currently pursues the development of preventive and rehabilitative programmes to address social issues involving disadvantaged children and their families. With numerous initiatives such as their Sponsor a Family programme and their handcrafting employability program for single mothers, the society has avenues for anyone to contribute.

Their waves of the impact have been palpable. Suriana’s food aid programmes have managed to feed 25,000 people since the pandemic, their income generation projects have supported 150 single-mothers, their counselling programme has 350 cases and their education initiatives have served over 300 children.

Overall, Suriana’s fierce commitment has earned them respect and recognition such as the Social Impact Award by the National Innovation Agnecy of Malaysia, while Dr. James’ continues to be featured on local news platforms to shoutout his cause.