Fikri and Zhi Liang are two young cancer warriors who live their lives embodying the philosophy of ‘your circumstances do not define you’. Inspired by their passion and courage, Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia (MBSM) teamed up with Make-A-Wish Malaysia to fulfill their wishes.
“We at Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia believe that success and social responsibility go hand-in-hand and are honoured to have the opportunity to create wonderful memories for both Fikri and Zhi Liang. It was truly inspiring to witness their perseverance and positive attitudes,” said MBSM Managing Director, Mike Ponnaz.
Fikri, aged 10, who was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoma at the age of nine, has always dreamt of dining in the sky with his family atop the KL Tower. Wanting to both grant and top his wish, MBSM and Make-A-Wish Malaysia planned an exciting two-day agenda for him and his family which including an S-Class driving experience, a staycation and Lego-themed birthday party courtesy of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Kuala Lumpur, a learning excursion to the Petrosains Discovery Centre, and the ultimate dining experience at Atmosphere 360, a revolving restaurant in the KL Tower. A beaming Fikri shared he was extremely excited and thankful for his wish experience especially with his family by his side.
Fourteen-year old Zhi Liang was diagnosed with Multisystem Langerhan Cell Histocytosis, a rare form of cancer. Yet, he remains positive and has set his sights on becoming a professional translator, specialising in Mandarin, Japanese and Thai translations. Impressed with his skill, MBSM officially appointed Zhi Liang as their very own translator complete with an appointment letter. Zhi Liang showcased his skill by helping to translate MBSM’s financing campaign from Thai to English.
Rewarding his impressive efforts, Zhi Liang was presented an iPad complete with a translation app, a surprise interactive learning experience in Kidzania courtesy of Themed Attractions Resorts and Hotels and a trip to his favourite Japanese anime series, “One Piece”, at an exhibition held in Isetan Store in Kuala Lumpur. Zhi Liang’s excitement was further amplified as he was also granted the opportunity to visit a local animation studio to try his hand at developing animation.
“Our mission is to grant the wishes of critically ill children, giving them hope, strength and joy. Fikri and Zhi Liang were introduced to us by their doctors; asking if Make-A-Wish could work in tandem with them by granting their wishes as they battle life threatening illnesses. We are thankful for Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia’s support in helping to realise Fikri and Zhi Liang’s wishes, and for going the extra mile to put a smile on their faces. Both wish days were customized to the child’s heartfelt wish, and it is wonderful to see these two boys being so cheerful and spending time with their respective families again,” said Make-A-Wish Malaysia CEO, Irene Tan.
Each year, MBSM invests in community outreach efforts including monetary support and employee volunteering to benefit local communities and the environment. Past outreach programmes include restoration work in Sg. Pisang’s popular waterfall area and the Orang Asli habitat in Gombak, reconstruction of homes for indigenous families with Habitat for Humanity, A Day For Children Project with Ephratha Home as well as supporting underpriviledged communities with medical care, eye check-ups, children’s education programmes, and more.
