On this Senior Citizen Day, we are reminded of the extraordinary potential and purpose that continues to thrive in our older generation. At SITI Network, we believe in recognizing the invaluable contributions of our seniors, those who prove that age is not a barrier to living a meaningful and impactful life. Today, we celebrate not just Senior Citizen Day but also the remarkable achievements of four incredible individuals who recently received the prestigious SITI Award at Penang Dementia Awareness Day 2024.
SITI—Seniors Inspiring Through Involvement—is more than just an acronym; it embodies the essence of what it means to age with grace, purpose, and passion. The SITI Award was created to honor those who continue to inspire their communities, showing us all that life’s later chapters can be just as vibrant and full of potential as the earlier ones.
The SITI Award Recipients and the Geriatric Consultants
Our first SITI Award recipient is the incredible 100-year-old Dato’ Seri Dr. T. Devaraj. With a lifelong dedication to cancer awareness and palliative care, including founding Penang’s hospice, Dato’ Seri Dr. Devaraj has left an indelible mark on our community. His roles as Vice Chairman of the Penang Hospice Society and President of the Malaysian Medical Association only further highlight his unwavering commitment to service. When asked about the secret to a long life, his response was simple yet profound: "There’s no secret. It’s down to a healthy lifestyle. Humans are wired to live up to 90-100 if we practice a healthy lifestyle." His life is a testament to the power of dedication and healthy living.
Question asked: What is your secret to a long life?
Our second honoree is the inspirational Dato’ Seri Lawrence, who, at 82 years old, leads Rose Charities Malaysia. Under his leadership, he actively engages with a group of 1,000 seniors, guiding them with unwavering dedication. His energy and commitment are a beacon of hope and a reminder that age is merely a number when it comes to serving others.
Dato' Seri Lawrence with his Rose ukelele group
Mdm Baby Goh, our third recipient, is a vibrant 70-year-old who exemplifies active aging. Her energy, joy, and dedication to charitable causes have made her a beloved figure in the community. She continues to be a driving force behind countless initiatives, proving that life after 70 can be filled with purpose and impact.
Mdm. Baby Goh, is always lively, changing the mindset of seniors
Lastly, we honor Mdm Rosni, a 68-year-old advocate for caregiving. Her passion for helping seniors grow old with dignity is simple yet profound. Her work reminds us all of the importance of compassion, care, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to age with respect and dignity.
Mdm Rosni and her compassion towards the seniors
The SITI Award was presented by esteemed professionals in the field of geriatric care, including Prof. Dr. Tan Maw Pin, Dr. Alan Ch’ng Swee Hock, Dr. Teh Ewe Eow and Dr. Keng Jun Ni. Their presence underscored the significance of the awards and the importance of recognizing the contributions of our seniors.
As we celebrate these remarkable individuals, let us also take a moment to reflect on the broader message of Senior Citizen Day. Age should never be seen as a limitation but rather as an opportunity to continue growing, contributing, and inspiring others. The recipients of the SITI Award are shining examples of how to live a life of purpose, proving that our later years can be our greatest yet.
Thank you to Dato’ Seri Dr. Devaraj, Dato’ Seri Lawrence, Mdm Baby Goh, and Mdm Rosni for your exemplary service and inspiration. You have shown us all that the spirit of Ikigai—the reason for being—thrives in those who continue to serve their communities with passion and dedication.
As we celebrate our remarkable SITI Award recipients, let's close with a fitting tribute—"Young Ones," performed by the Raffles Evergreen singing group, led by Mdm Phaik Gek. This song beautifully captures the spirit of today’s celebration, reminding us that age is just a number and that we can remain forever young at heart through purpose and passion. Let their voices inspire us to live fully, just like our honorees.
Happy Senior Citizen Day to all, and may we all strive to live as
purposefully and joyfully as these incredible role models!
By SITI Network Founder, Li Li
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