KUALA LUMPUR – Bachelor Michael Tong Wai Siong was today honoured for his selfless compassion in taking in three young boys of a different race into his home and raising them as his own children over the past 16 years.
The adoptive father of three Malay boys won the National Press Club (NPC)-Macrokiosk Muhibbah Award for June 2024 today in recognition for his deeds which embody the true spirit of Malaysian harmony.
Tong’s story of raising Rafie Ahmad Fauzi, 29, Rasyid, 28, and Abdul Rahman, 24, had been published by local media in recent months, and drew the attention of NPC-Macrokiosk, which seeks to highlight acts of racial harmony through the awards.
Tong’s story was selected by a panel of seven senior media editors who praised his unwavering commitment to fostering familial bonds beyond racial and religious differences.
The 55-year-old’s journey as a father began 16 years ago when he first met Rafie, then 12, while on a visit to an orphanage in Gombak, Selangor.
According to media reports, Rafie’s two younger siblings were at another orphanage. The boys had recently lost their biological parents, one after the other.
Tong later brought all three siblings to live with him, motivated by his own difficulties in life previously and desire to help the brothers have a better future.
During a press conference after receiving his award today, Tong spoke of the sadness he felt when he found a note written and hidden away by Rafie, which read: “Ya Allah, why did my father and mother leave me so early?”
Tong was a strict father, the boys told reporters today, recalling incidents during their rebellious teenage years and how Tong – or “Uncle Mike” as they call him – dealt with them when he discovered them smoking.
“Uncle Mike was strict growing up, but it was because he had to be both a mother and a father to us. His guidance shaped us into who we are today,” said Rafie.
Tong, meanwhile, said despite the challenges he always made sure the boys knew they were loved and cared for.
He expressed his gratitude to the NPC and Macrokiosk, saying that being recognised for what he did came as a big surprise.
“Never beyond my wildest dreams did I expect my story to be recognised for such an award. I just hope that this inspires others to go the muhibbah way as true Malaysians in taking action and not be indifferent when it comes to helping children in need.”
Now grown and successful, the boys have opened a new cafe called De Ayen Coffee in Kajang.
Inspired by Tong’s dedication, they aim to give back to the community by taking in autistic youth and training them to become entrepreneurs.
NPC president Datuk Ahirudin Attan praised Tong’s dedication, saying: “Tong has displayed what it truly means to be a father figure in being caring, loving and having a sympathetic heart to ensure these boys, who are of different faith, have a real chance at life. This is exactly the kind of muhibbah spirit that we set out to recognise.”
Macrokiosk co-founder and CEO Datuk Kenny Goh commended Tong’s efforts, describing them as “an extraordinary act of compassion” for 16 years.
“His selfless act of kindness exemplifies the muhibbah spirit that we, as Malaysians, hold dear,” Goh said.
“His unwavering commitment to uplifting the lives of the three brothers, despite being of a different race, is truly commendable.”
Now grown and successful in their own lives and businesses, the boys remain close to Tong. Rafie, who is married with two children, has also made Tong a proud grandfather.
“All of them have their own lives and businesses, and I’m proud of them,” said Tong.
The NPC-Macrokiosk Muhibbah Award carries a cash prize of RM2,000 and a certificate, in recognition of and to encourage acts of kindness and unity across Malaysia.
The NPC, in collaboration with enterprise solutions provider Macrokiosk, launched the Muhibbah Awards last year to recognize individuals, groups or organisations that best exemplify the true spirit of muhibbah in Malaysia.
The inaugural series celebrated six winners, showcasing their contributions to fostering unity and goodwill in society. – July 25, 2024