DRESSED in evening gowns and traditional costumes, 26 grandmother models flaunt their amazing look on the catwalk – and they do this to assist the Orang Asli in Gerik, Perak.
The ‘Amazing Amah’s Fashion Show’, touted to be the first in Malaysia, was organised by Rose Charities Malaysia.
The grandmother models, aged 60 and above, received a total makeover for the event.
Rose Charities Malaysia president Datuk Lawrence Cheah said the organisation aimed at raising RM50,000 to purchase solar panels and water filters for the Orang Asli in Gerik, Perak.
“We have received generous contributions in kind worth over RM50,000 for the Amazing Amah’s models and volunteers.
“In addition, we have also received RM45,000 in cash, nearly achieving our goal of RM50,000 to purchase solar panels and water filters for the Orang Asli in Gerik, Perak,” Cheah said in his speech during the event at St Giles The Wembley Hotel today.
Cheah welcomed the guests to support the Penang2030 vision under the leadership of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
“We should support the Penang2030 vision in driving community-building initiatives,” he said.
Datuk Molly Mark, who is the most senior grandmother model, said she was delighted to play her part to help the Orang Asli community.
“I love to participate in charity events as such events can benefit the needy people,” said the 89-year-old grandmother.
Mark has two daughters and a grandson.
Organising chairman Baby Goh praised the seniors and organising committee members for making the event a success.
She thanked the strategic partners Dream Makers, Montage Wedding Studio, Rain Ragazzo Academy, Stella-In International and Vanessa Diamonds.
Over 400 guests attended the glamorous event, which was also held to mark Mother’s Day.
In his speech, Chow said an enabling environment is very crucial for senior citizens to live comfortably and with dignity.
“According to the Department of Statistics, our senior citizens will comprise 16% of the total Malaysian population by 2030.
“By the next decade, the number of Penangites above aged 60 will nearly double.
“Hence, an enabling environment is very crucial and this includes housing, transportation, leisure, social, community engagement, and opportunity for lifelong learning.
“The state government, community, and civil society must work in tandem to create a pleasant enabling environment,” he said.
Chow said the Penang government has acquired several key initiatives in preparation for an enabling environment in the state.
“We adopt an active ageing policy in Penang; develop a network of proactive daycare facilities to cater for the young, old and needy; and collaborate with stakeholders to adopt International Standards in Professional Aged-Care Services,” he added.
Besides the fashion show, event-goers were entertained by Nyonya & Line dance by the senior citizens, a music ensemble, orchestra and a Mother’s Day cake-cutting ceremony.
Chow and his wife Tan Lean Kee were the guests of honour. Also present were Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee, Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture (Motac) Penang director Jonathan Freddy P. Bagang, and Rose Charities Malaysia trustee Tan Sri Dr Mohd Yussof Latiff.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix and video by Alissala Thian