1M4U Youth Convention and Concert 2013
On Saturday (2 March), President of Kechara Soup Kitchen (KSK) Dato’ Ruby Khong, Khong Jean Mei and Khong Jean Ai were invited to be speakers at the REACH OUT Youth Convention and Celebration 2013. Organized by 1M4U, it was held at the Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus where over 1,500 youths attended.
1M4U stands for 1Malaysia For Youth… a non-profit organization that serves to promote volunteerism and to encourage the youth of Malaysia to reach out to their own community. They have all sorts of programs for youths to participate in… all aiming to instil a sense of social responsibility in them.
If any Malaysian youth have their own ideas to serve the community, the 1M4U also has a DRe1M fund which provides financial support for youths to carry out their volunteer activities. How wonderful!
At 7.30am, youths ranging from age 17-25 started queuing up. They wanted to make sure that they got a seat in the auditorium! Many speakers from all over the world gathered at this event to share their experience in doing their passion work… one that inspires others. Those who were invited to speak were:
- Tan Sri Tony Fernandes (founder of Tune Air Sdn Bhd, Air Asia Berhad, Chairman of QPR Holdings and Team Principal of Caterham F1)
- Dato’ Ruby Khong, and her 2 daughters.
- Scott Hammell (Illusionist and Guinness World Record holder)
- Nick Allardice (Co-founder of Live Below The Line, and Asia Pacific Managing Director of Change.org)
- Pushpa Basnet (winner of the CNN Hero Award 2012)
- Chester See (YouTube celebrity)
- Jinnyboy (YouTube celebrity)
- David Choi (YouTube celebrity)
- Ben Ibrahim (TV and Radio Host, spokesperson for DoSomething.Gd)
- Deborah Henry (Miss Universe Malaysia 2011)
- Henry Golding (Travel Host, Presenter)
- Michael Teoh (Malaysian Youth Advocate)
- Matthew Supramaniam (BBC Boy Soprano)
The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Haji Mohammad Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, came to meet the speakers, and gave the opening speech for Malaysia’s first ever 1M4U Youth Convention and Celebration. He then launched 9,999 1M4U number plates and officiated the new IM4U radio station, 107.9 FM.
Tan Sri Tony Fernandes then gave his keynote address, which I heard from Dato’ Ruby was very inspiring.
Dato’ Ruby Khong, Jean Mei and Jean Ai were then invited on stage to give a speech for 30 mins. After 20 minutes, they opened the floor to questions… and 5 youths eagerly raised their hands to ask questions which was answered wonderfully by Dato’ Ruby and her two daughters.
I’m glad to see Dato’ Ruby, Jean Ai and Jean Mei participating in events such as this. It not only create awareness about KSK to the general public, but it is an event that promotes charity work to the youths of Malaysia. Charity work has for too long had a wrong perception that it is un-cool or it’s something that only retired people would consider doing. I am very happy to see that the government of Malaysia is placing importance on charity and volunteer work, and most of all, for having events such as 1M4U to re-educate the youths of Malaysia.
Tsem Rinpoche
iM4U Youth Convention and Concert 2013
Photo credits: NickChan.net, MichaelTeoh.com, TianChad.com and 1m4youth.com.my
Artiste and speakers list…
The auditorium being prepared for 1,500 people… those who couldn’t fit were still able to watch the events outside via a projector screen.
Live telecast on national television…
Youths lining up waiting to come in…
I heard that the first 500 youths got free all-access entry!
Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Haji Mohammad Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak arriving at the 1M4U Youth Convention and Celebration.
Filling up the room!
Dr Jake Abdullah, CEO 1M4U, introduces the Prime Minister onto the stage…
Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak giving his opening speech…
Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak and Dr Jake Abdullah officiating the 9,999 1M4U number plate. The Prime Minister got this one!
Officiating the iM4U radio channel!
All of the speakers up on stage…
A clearer picture of all of the speakers on stage!
(left to right) Jean Ai, Dato’ Ruby Khong, Prime Minister of Malaysia and Jean Mei.
Dato’ Ruby presenting our Prime Minister of Malaysia with a few of our books…
Here, he is reading a book published by Kechara Media and Publications, “If Not Now, When?”
Reading through… According to Dato’ Ruby he liked one quote in particular…
Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak being escorted to his next function…
The three Kechara girls with Tan Sri Tony Fernandes.
Dato’ Ruby, Jean Ai and Jean Mei giving their speech…
Dato’ Ruby spoke about how Kechara Soup Kitchen came about…
The topic of their speech was “If Not Now, When?”
Dato’ Ruby can be quite a joker too! So versatile and using her experience to tap into younger people’s hearts…
Jean Ai (Dato’ Ruby’s elder daughter) having her say on stage…
Jean Mei (Dato’ Ruby’s younger daughter) speaking passionately about volunteering for a valid cause in front of 1500 students
Dato’ Ruby looking magnificent onstage. She certainly has the quality of a Star!
Question-and-Answer time! The audience appreciated what they shared onstage, and in response they ask questions…
Listening attentively to a question being asked
Jean Mei answering questions from the audience
Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, most popularly known as the CEO of Air Asia, gave his speech at the event.
Sharing with the audience his life experiences… he also spoke about fulfilling his dreams.
Lets not forget about entertainment! Hehe Tan Sri Tony Fernandes was surprised with a bit of impromptu dancing.
Scott Hammell getting strapped in by 3 volunteers. He then showed how to manoeuvre out of a strap jacket!
Scott Hammell spoke about how he was inspired by a close friend of his to never give up on fulfilling your personal dream…
Puspha Basnet, winner of the CNN Heroes Award 2012.
She had flown in all the way from Kathmandu, Nepal. There she helps to raise children whose mother’s have been sentences to prison. Children who were most likely born in prison too. At aged 29, she has managed to raise money to have a fully-operating care center, raise 45 children, communicate with mother’s in prison, negotiate with prison wardens and continue to expand her work. She started all of this at the age of 26. Incredible.
Nick Allardice, the founder of Change.org… a website that allows others to champion causes they care about…
Deborah Henry, Miss Universe Malaysia 2011.
Henry Golding, TV Presenter.
Michael Teoh giving his speech to an audience who are probably quite familiar with him by now! He runs his own website and encourages the youth of Malaysia to develop their own talents.
Ben Ibrahim, TV Presenter. He is now working hard to encourage youths to volunteer via dosomething.gd
The Khongs’ being interviewed
Dato’ Ruby explaining about KSK’s ultimate mission and vision…
Jean Ai listening attentively to the interviewer
KSK has faced many challenges, but Kechara never gave up on helping the homeless…
Dato’ Ruby reiterated a question that was asked by the audience regarding how she has managed to keep her skin so youthful hehe…
The Khongs’ with 3 very inspirational young men that formed a company aiming to help feed the homeless too! I heard that the boy on the left rescheduled his flight back to Singapore just to get this interview. I hope that it was worth it!
Some of our Kecharian members came to support the three Khong’s… very good that we have supportive people in our Kechara family!
(right to left) Abby Foo, David Lai and Joy Kam.
Whilst the convention was on, the concert stage was being prepared…
Live performance by a few famous artists, both local and international… Look at the turn out!
The audience cheering away!
A very happy event… inspiring talks accompanied with fun after…
Estelle, an American artist.
Estelle flew in to perform at the 1M4U event.
The Prime Minister of Malaysia with the First Lady onstage at 1M4U’s concert.
Some talented YouTubers flew in from the States to perform for Malaysia
(left to right) Chester See, Jason Chen, David Choi and Jinnyboy
More acts perform on stage.
Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas flew in from the States to perform too.
[Extracted from: http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/ge/newsgeneral.php?id=931605]
Najib Attends 1M4U’s Reach Out Volunteer Celebration
PETALING JAYA, March 2 (Bernama) — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak tonight attended the 1Malaysia for Youth (1M4U) Reach Out Volunteer Celebration at Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus here.
The celebration was held to commemorate the Year of Volunteerism 2013 and also to mark the closing of 1M4U’s Reach Out Volunteer Convention Saturday.
Also present were prime minister’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and their son, Nor Ashman.
The convention garnered about 5,000 participants to celebrate youth volunteerism.
It featured local and international icons sharing their experiences in volunteerism including AirAsia’s Group Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Miss Malaysia Universe 2011 Deborah Henry and social activist Michael Teoh.
Besides local and international artistes, tonight’s crowd were also entertained by Nor Ashman who spinned some records.
— BERNAMA
[Extracted from: http://www.thesundaily.my/news/626246]
Najib wants young people to engage in volunteer work
PETALING JAYA (March 2, 2013): Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak today called on Malaysian youths to give back to the community by involving themselves in more volunteer activities.
The prime minister said his dream was for the youths of the country to one day join hands to help not just one another but also the community at large and embody in them the spirit of volunteerism.
“The key thing is you do not expect anything in return. The only thing that you will get is the sense of self-accomplishment and self-satisfaction that you have contributed something.
“I believe if you contribute something and help others, you are going to feel a lot better yourself … trust me. That is the great feeling that you cannot get by other activities,” he said in his speech at the iM4U Reach Out Youth and Volunteerism Convention at the Taylor’s Lakeside Campus, here.
1Malaysia for Youth (iM4U) is a common platform for Malaysian youths to carry out volunteer activities that can benefit communities in need and social groups.
The platform also provides financial support for volunteer projects through its Dana Sukarelawan 1Malaysia (DRe1M). Najib said Malaysian youths must also remember those who had fought and died to keep the country free and peaceful.
“Unfortunately, yesterday we lost two very brave policemen who died in the line of duty so that we can live in peace in this country. These are the people who have made a lot of difference for Malaysia,” he added.
Two police commandos were killed yesterday in a gun battle in Sabah with armed intruders claiming to be from the Sulu Sultanate in the Philippines.
Najib also called upon the private sector to support volunteerism initiatives throughout the country.
“We welcome all the corporate players out there to join hands with us in spreading the spirit of volunteerism across the country. I remember that there was a time when the private sector would reward an organisation that gives back to the community effectively through its corporate responsibility programmes,” he said.
“Thus, I would like to take this chance to call upon the private sector to not only join us, but also to support volunteerism initiatives throughout the country ,” he said.
On iM4U, Najib said they were looking at expanding the list of ambassadors who would rally more youths to take part in volunteering activities across the nation.
“I was also made to understand that the iM4U Facebook page to date has 40,000 likes and 8,000 followers on Twitter. In addition, more than 300 activities have been approved since its inception via the DRe1M fund, with almost RM700,000 given out to fund these activities.
“One hundred outreach centres have been set up across the public and private universities across Malaysia and, in fact, I will be launching the outreach centre at Puncak Alam (Selangor) later today,” he said.
At the event, Najib launched the sale of 9,999 vehicle registration plates featuring “iM4U” to the public. The proceeds from the sale would be channelled to Dre1M.
The prime minister also launched the iM4U FM radio service on the 107.9 FM frequency which broadcasts various information on volunteer activities in the country. – Bernama
[Extracted from: http://fz.com/content/najib-urges-youths-volunteer-be-selfless]
Najib urges youths to volunteer, be selfless
PETALING JAYA (March 2): The Prime Minister called for youths to give back to the country with the spirit of volunteering and selflessness, which were the major reasons Malaysia is where it is today.
“What has made this country great is those people willing to stand up to fight for independence, those who are willing to do something for democracy, those who are willing to fight and die for their ideals,” said Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
He also paid tribute to the two police commandos killed in a firefight with armed Filipino insurgents in Kampung Tanduo in Lahad Datu yesterday.
Najib said the two men from VAT 69 – Insp Zulkifli Mamat, 29, and Corporal Sabarudin Daud, 46, who had served at the Hulu Kinta Police Commando Camp – died in the line of duty so that Malaysians can have “peace and stability”.
Their bodied were flown to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) airbase in Subang this morning.
Three other police commandos were injured, while 12 Filipino insurgents were shot dead in the operation to flush out the 150 armed men, who called themselves the Royal Sulu Army, who had holed up in Lahad Datu for the past three weeks.
The prime minister was speaking at the launch of the IM4U Reach Out Youth and Volunteerism Convention at Taylor’s Lakeside Campus this morning.
Najib also talked about the importance of youth for the future of the country.
“I believe we have a great future, but that future will be even brighter if you young people join in and contribute based on spirit of volenteerism.”
The convention which was open to youths from all over Malaysia had several icons present as speakers, including Air Asia CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Miss Malaysia Universe Deborah Henry and social activist Michael Teoh.
At the event, the prime minister also launched the IM4U radio station, 107.9 FM which will feature information on volunteer activities as well as the iM4U license plate.
CEO of IM4YOUTH Dr Jake Abdullah, or more widely known as Jakeman also presented the prime minister with the first license plate, IM4U 11, which is Najib’s favorite number.
The convention will end this evening with a celebratory concert featuring performances by famous international and local artists including Estelle, Jakeman and Skeletore, and Mizz Nina.
[Extracted from: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2013/3/2/nation/20130302111916&sec=nation]
Najib launches IM4U number plates
By REGINA LEE
SUBANG JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has launched IM4U number plates in conjunction with the 1Malaysia For Youth (IM4U) movement.
There are 9,999 number plates up for grabs, with Najib getting first dibs.
He will be getting the ‘IM4U 11′ number, as ’11’ is his favourite number.
Speaking at the IM4U Reach Out Youth and Volunteerism Convention at Taylor’s University here Saturday, he said that the money raised from the auction of the number plates will fund IM4U activities.
The number plates will be sold through open online bidding from March 10 onwards.
[Extracted from: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najib-urges-malaysian-youths-to-take-up-volunteer-work]
Najib urges Malaysian youths to take up volunteer work
March 02, 2013
PETALING JAYA, March 2 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak today called on Malaysian youths to give back to the community by getting involved in volunteer programmes.
The prime minister (picture) said his vision for Malaysian youths is for them to get involved in helping their communities.
“The key thing is you do not expect anything in return. The only thing that you will get is the sense of self-accomplishment and self-satisfaction that you have contributed something.
“I believe if you contribute something and help others, you are going to feel a lot better yourself … trust me. That is the great feeling that you cannot get by other activities,” he said in his speech at the iM4U Reach Out Youth and Volunteerism Convention at the Taylor’s Lakeside Campus, here.
1 Malaysia for Youth (iM4U) is a common platform for Malaysian youths to carry out volunteer activities that can benefit communities social groups.
The platform also provides financial support for volunteer projects through its Dana Sukarelawan 1 Malaysia (DRe1M).
Najib said Malaysian youths must also remember those who had fought and died to keep the country free and peaceful.
“Unfortunately, yesterday we lost two very brave policemen who died in the line of duty so that we can live in peace in this country. These are the people who have made a lot of difference for Malaysia,” he added.
Two police commandos were killed yesterday in a gun battle in Sabah with armed intruders claiming to be from the Sulu Sultanate in the Philippines.
Najib also called upon the private sector to support volunteerism initiatives throughout the country.
“We welcome all the corporate players out there to join hands with us in spreading the spirit of volunteerism across the country. I remember that there was a time when the private sector would reward an organisation that gives back to the community effectively through its corporate responsibility programmes,” he said.
“Thus, I would like to take this chance to call upon the private sector to not only join us, but also to support volunteerism initiatives throughout the country ,” he said.
On iM4U, Najib said they were looking at expanding the list of ambassadors who would rally more youths to take part in volunteering activities across the nation.
“I was also made to understand that the iM4U Facebook page to date has 40,000 likes and 8,000 followers on Twitter. In addition, more than 300 activities have been approved since its inception via the DRe1M fund, with almost RM700,000 given out to fund these activities.
“One hundred outreach centres have been set up across the public and private universities across Malaysia and, in fact, I will be launching the outreach centre at Puncak Alam (Selangor) later today,” he said. — Bernama
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![Underprivileged residents of two PPRs in Kuala Lumpur recently received a total of 427kg from our longterm surplus produce sponsor, Lotuss Stores (formerly Tesco Stores). The 65 families are our regular beneficiaries, and are grateful to receive fresh vegetables on a consistent basis right at their doorstep. One of our recipients, Rajeswari, 52, single mother of 2 children, shared that she stopped receiving welfare aid due to unforeseen circumstances. Her words: "Saya cakap untuk Kechara [Soup Kitchen] banyak terima kasih sebab kasi makanan. Dan lebih mau tolong orang lain yang susah seperti saya". Our heartfelt thank-you goes to Lotuss Stores for being a dependable source of food aid and for #helpingthepoor with us. #kecharafoodbank #makingadifference #kitajagakita #charity #foodbank #bantuan #ngomalaysia #givingback #strongertogether - Vivian @ Kechara Soup Kitchen](https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/wp-content/gallery/user-pictures/tblogpics-2trta8739v.jpg)
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Wow! Fantastic guests, speakers and crowd! Its really nice that people around the world get to share their experiences, reach out and inspire the youth. As always, Dato Ruby, Jean Ai and Jean Mei look good on stage and I am very sure they inspired many with their speech. It is very important to teach and nurture the younger generation so that they will be able to learn, volunteer, help out, reach out and continue to do the same in the future.
It is nice to see our PM and Malaysian Government taking positive steps in reaching out and encouraging the youth to participate in doing more good for the society.
It is of course very inspiring to see these young and old movers and shakers of today giving motivational talks to the youth because they are the ones who will soon be going out to the world and shaping our future. So it is very important to instill and impart values of care, kindness and generosity so that our society do not end up being just another materialistic nation with no values or care in others.
Great to see Dato’ Ruby and the Khong sisters being invited to share their inspiring story on stage and to give the youth some wise words of wisdom and encouragement in volunteerism.
The youth sure related to Jean Mei easily as they cheered her on and applauded to the things in common that she shared. Perhaps Jean Mei will be the next spokesperson in her own right in next year’s reach out? Anyway bravo to all the speakers who have made their lives an inspiration to others!!!
Mother and daughters are always together with the things they find passion in. What more when it comes to helping people find solace and a warm meal and eventually meaning in life?
I personally admire DR for her tenacity and straightforwardness at the same time is blanketed with care and true motherly love. For every outreach there are in society from KSK, you will see that she is there with open arms to give and offer help.
Her remarkable daughters though young inherit the diamonds of the mother for being caring and super helpful when it comes to people who are less fortunate.
May they inspire more mothers/families to do so.
Very inspiring to see so many people who turned up for the convention and concert. DR and her daughters are very inspiring. Whatever age we may be we can start doing volunteerism for the society with live in. So much time is concentrate on work alone we always tell ourselves to get a life. Well the answer is here. A life for others is a fulfilling purpose than a life for oneself alone. For the youth now is the better time than no other time. It is great to hangout with friends as a team to help others.
This IM4U certainly looks like an event packed with both meaning and fun. It is nice to have convention like this so that the youth will know where they can go with their valuable time and energy instead of just wasting time on meaningless things such as video games.
It is certainly nice to see Dato’ Ruby and her two daughters on the stage too introducing KSK and Kechara to a large audience. Through exposure to the public domain, more people can come to know about Kechara and to derive much learning and benefits for their lives.