Collins: A Life Dedicated to Serving Others
Some people choose a profession. Others choose a purpose.
Contributing to global health initiatives as a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) Intern Board in 2023. (Collins is standing on the far left in this picture)
For Collins, serving humanity has never been confined to a job title, a workplace, or even a single country. It is a calling that has guided him throughout his life, a journey that began in medicine and evolved into a mission to uplift communities wherever he goes.
As a trained medical doctor, Collins entered the healthcare field with a desire to heal. Yet, over time, he realized that true healing extends far beyond treating illness. It also means addressing the challenges people face in their daily lives: poverty, inequality, limited access to resources, and the barriers that prevent communities from thriving.
This realization led him to step beyond the walls of hospitals and clinics and into the world of humanitarian and community development work. Throughout his career, he has worked with nonprofit and international organizations, serving vulnerable communities and contributing to initiatives that create meaningful and lasting change.
Providing wound care and medical assistance to underserved communities through Teddy Mobile Clinic in Kuala Lumpur.
When Collins first joined Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY) in 2020 as a Donor Engagement Manager, he quickly developed a deep appreciation for the organisation’s mission and the impact it creates in the lives of individuals and communities affected by cancer. Through his work, he engaged closely with donors, supporters, and stakeholders, gaining invaluable insight into how every contribution helps advance lifesaving research, community outreach, and cancer prevention initiatives.
His experience in donor engagement taught him an invaluable lesson: behind every contribution is a person who genuinely wants to make a difference. Every donation represents hope. Every supporter becomes part of a larger movement working towards a healthier future.
“Every donation tells a story. Behind every contribution is someone who believes a life is worth saving. That belief is powerful, and it reminds me every day why this work matters.”
In 2021, Collins was awarded a scholarship to further his studies, an opportunity that allowed him to broaden his knowledge and strengthen his expertise in serving communities. While his academic journey took him beyond CRMY, his connection to the organisation remained strong. The values, purpose, and people of CRMY continued to resonate deeply with him throughout his time away.
Working behind the scenes to bring science and innovation closer to communities through CRMY’s Virtual Lab Tour initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic, when physical engagement was limited and virtual connections became more important than ever.
Reflecting on that chapter of his life, Collins shares:
“The scholarship was an incredible opportunity for growth, both personally and professionally. It allowed me to learn new perspectives and develop skills that would later help me serve communities more effectively. But even while I was away, CRMY remained close to my heart because I believed in what the organisation stood for.”
Upon completing his studies, Collins made a conscious decision to return to Cancer Research Malaysia in 2025, this time as a Project Manager within the Community Outreach (CO) team. His return was not merely a career move; it was a reflection of his unwavering commitment to a cause he genuinely believes in.
“Coming back to CRMY felt like coming home. I knew this was where I wanted to be because I could see how my experience, knowledge, and passion could contribute to something bigger than myself. The opportunity to work towards strengthening primary care pathways in Malaysia and create meaningful impact made the decision an easy one.”
Helping enable access to education by working with the locals to improve the classroom experience for these students who are living in the railway settlement of Chittagong, Bangladesh.
His love for travelling has allowed him to encounter people from different cultures, backgrounds, and walks of life. Every journey becomes an opportunity to listen, learn, and understand the unique challenges faced by communities around the world.
Colleagues often describe Collins as someone who leads with empathy, humility, and determination. He believes that impactful change is never achieved alone.
Throughout his humanitarian journey, Collins has learned that some of the greatest lessons come from the people he serves. He has witnessed extraordinary resilience in communities facing adversity and has seen how even small acts of kindness can create ripples of hope that extend far beyond what anyone could imagine.
Standing alongside affected communities and supporting disaster relief operations across Bangladesh and Nepal in 2015.
For Collins, success is not measured by titles or achievements. It is measured by lives touched, communities empowered, and opportunities created for others to thrive.
His story reminds us that making a difference does not always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it begins with simply choosing to care, to listen, and to act.
At Cancer Research Malaysia, Collins continues to dedicate his expertise, compassion, and energy towards creating healthier communities and a brighter future for all.
As we celebrate Collins and the impact he continues to make, we would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to all donors, partners, and supporters of Cancer Research Malaysia. Your generosity fuels the programmes that reach communities, support research, and save lives.
Together, we can continue bringing hope, expanding our outreach efforts, and ensuring that more individuals and families receive the support they need. We warmly invite more donors, partners, and supporters to join us in this mission.
Because when compassionate people come together, extraordinary things happen.
Presenting the Bubble Box, an ultra-low cost bCPAP device designed to support newborns with neonatal asphyxia and securing two awards at the UNLEASH Innovation Lab in Shenzhen, China.