MALAYSIA – When the devastating Tsunami shocked the world, it was clear to a group of volunteers from the Kuala Lumpur–based AsiaWorks Training Leadership Programme (LP82), that there was only one thing to do. LP82 identified 238 tsunami–affected families from Kampung Masjid, Kampung Padang Salim and Kampung Hujong Matang in Kota Kuala Muda and set out to distribute aid. This included raising RM 60,000 in funds and personally delivering a cash donation and packages of basic necessities to each family at their home, as well as cleaning up their community hall.

Volunteer , Ng Seiw Kuan, 36, a senior manager in auditing firm in Kuala Lumpur, said each family were given RM100 and items like a rice cooker, toiletries and food. "We come from different racial and social backgrounds but we enjoyed mingling with the kampong folks. It is altogether a different feeling when you give items to the families at their homes," said Ng.

"Never did I realise there are so many people out there who need our love and concern," said 72–year–old J.C. Rajarao, a former university lecturer and participant in the Leadership Programme. "I never thought there was so much to gain from serving others. I am proud to say that I really enjoyed distributing the goods and talking to the affected families."

Kampung Hujung Matang Village Development and Security Committee chairman Hussein Ahmad said the villages were spellbound by the service rendered. "We seldom see people with so much love coming to our doorsteps to give us goods we need most," he said.

Sayf Che Ismail, 25, project manager of this event, said the project was undertaken with a collaborative effort. He added that within three weeks, the participants in MLP82 managed to collect RM60,000 through fundraising efforts. The money was used to sponsor the service activity. Community Service is an important element of the AsiaWorks Leadership Programme.

AsiaWorks is continually looking for ways to contribute to the local community so that people can learn and grow through service to others. The AsiaWorks Basic Training, Advanced Course and Leadership Programme are offered to the general public on a monthly basis in cities throughout Asia .