CRMY Townhall & Mini Retreat 2026: More Than Just a Gathering

It began as a date on the calendar, 5 February 2026, but by the end of the day, it became something far more meaningful for everyone at Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY).

As the sun rose over Lily & Loft Subang Jaya Villa, staff from across Peninsular Malaysia & East Malaysia arrived, some having travelled miles just to be there. This gathering was especially significant as it brought together our NORA network from across the country, including representatives from approximately 18 PRC sites.

From the Research Team to the Patient Navigation team, alongside various support units, it was a rare and powerful moment of convergence. There was a quiet excitement in the air, the kind that comes from stepping away from routine and into something different. For many, this wasn’t just another townhall, it was an opportunity to pause, reconnect, and truly see one another beyond emails, meetings, and deadlines.

The day opened with the annual townhall, a moment of alignment where voices were heard, updates were shared, and the organisation’s direction was brought into focus. But what followed was where the real transformation began.

As the mini retreat activities kicked off, walls slowly came down.

Colleagues who were once known for their quiet presence surprised everyone with their laughter and energy. Those who often stayed behind the scenes stepped forward, revealing hidden talents, unexpected humour, and natural leadership. Teams that once interacted only within work boundaries began to collaborate, communicate, and connect in entirely new ways.

What became evident throughout the day was something we had always known yet rarely witnessed so vividly: CRMY is home to an exceptionally driven and high achieving team. From global recognitions to platforms such as AACR, the same spirit of excellence translated seamlessly into the retreat activities. The team proved to be remarkably creative, participative, and competitive to the core.There were moments of friendly competition, bursts of laughter, and genuine surprise, “I didn’t know you could do that!” echoed more than once. Even in high energy segments like the final “Runway, Not Runaway” challenge, what could have been chaotic unfolded with impressive efficiency. Within just an hour, teams delivered outcomes that reflected not only creativity but also coordination and focus. It was a unique balance, competitive yet collaborative, dynamic yet composed.

What unfolded was more than just a series of activities. It was an eye-opening experience, one that reshaped perceptions and deepened understanding. People began to see not just colleagues, but individuals with unique personalities, strengths, and stories.

By the time evening arrived, the villa felt different, warmer, closer, more alive.

The BBQ session brought everyone together in the most natural way. Conversations flowed effortlessly, laughter lingered longer, and the lines between departments faded into the background. It was in these simple, unguarded moments that the true spirit of CRMY shone through a team not just working together but genuinely connected.

As the night unfolded, the energy shifted into something even more lively. Karaoke took centre stage, and with it came a delightful surprise, hidden vocal talents emerging from across the team. Colleagues who were once reserved took the microphone with confidence, filling the space with music, laughter, and cheer.

It was a fitting way to wind down the day, relaxed, joyful, and unapologetically authentic. More than that, it sparked an exciting thought: perhaps a “CRMY Got Talent” initiative could be on the horizon, a platform not only to showcase the incredible talents within the organisation, but potentially to bring people together for a meaningful cause through fundraising.

The CRMY Townhall & Mini Retreat 2026 was, by all accounts, a success. But more importantly, it was a reminder that beyond the work we do, it is the people, the relationships, and the shared experiences that truly drive us forward.

And perhaps, the biggest takeaway of all? Sometimes, all it takes is one day to see each other in a whole new light.