Hartini Zainudin

Hartini Zainudin is a Malaysian child rights activist and co founder of Yayasan Chow Kit, the country’s first 24-hour child crisis centre. She is also the Vice President of Voice of the Children and founder of Madhya’s Gift, a new initiative to improve healthcare access for marginalized sick children. 
With extensive experience working with UN, international and local NGOs, Hartini has led advocacy on child protection issues including trafficking, and childhood statelessness. A fundraising consultant for Give Asia and Anera.org, she is also a published author, with her debut children’s book The Foundling exploring themes of abandonment, adoption, and citizenship in Malaysia

Sangeet Kaur Deo A/P Karpal Singh

Sangeet has almost two decades of experience practising law and has built a reputation as a fierce advocate for her clients, representing them in a wide range of complex legal matters. She is known for her skill and competency and her ability to provide ethical, pragmatic solutions to complex legal problems. Sangeet is also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion within the legal profession and beyond, and she works tirelessly to promote equal access to justice for all. In addition to her legal work, Sangeet is also a mother to four beautiful children and is an ardent fitness enthusiast.

Tan Siew Ching (Patricia)

Patricia brings a background in investment and risk governance to her role as trustee. She has also volunteered with a children’s charity during a career break, deepening her appreciation for the work being done in the space of child-focused care and support. Inspired by the dedication of the team at MyStarfish, she values the chance to support their work and help strengthen the centre’s mission.

Dr. Farah Khalid

A firm believer in the powers of play and humour, Farah Khalid hopes that all children with serious illnesses will have the opportunity for play despite the challenges they face.

Dr. Chong Lee Ai 

As a paediatric oncologist at University Malaya, Lee Ai learnt from her patients and their families about resilience and hope especially when the future was uncertain. Their perseverance during the challenging journey was humbling. Attendance at a Grief and Bereavement Workshop in 2011 encouraged her to seek training in Palliative Care. Following training at recognised training centres locally and overseas, Lee Ai returned to the Department of Paediatrics at University Malaya to join Dr Farah Khalid with the start of the Paediatric Pain and Palliative Care Unit.

Constantly learning and amazed by our children and their parents.

Chris NG Cheong Soon

Chris is an educator, a trainer and a play therapist. He works primarily in the areas of education, child empowerment and healing. He has had more than 20 years of NGO-based work and previously volunteered to provide sand tray play therapy at the paediatric oncology ward at UMMC.

Ms Athena Siew Yi Ting

Athena is a trained clinical psychologist with extensive expertise in catering to the psychological needs of diverse populations, including children, adults, couples, and families from various cultural and religious backgrounds. She is committed to providing her services without discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or race.

Athena holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (Hons.) and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from HELP University.

Sandra Cheah

A professional accountant with over 35 years’ experience in Asia Pacific region, currently a freelance consultant specializing in finance and accounting shared services and transformation.Sandra Cheah, MoPC, MT-BC, is a licensed counselor and Board-Certified Music Therapist with diverse experience. She previously worked in specialized roles in the Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (NICU) utilizing Neurologic Music Therapy at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles. Currently, Sandra provides music therapy services across different age groups in Malaysia. Prior to this, she volunteered at Tunku Azizah Hospital for four years and before joining My Starfish to offer palliative care and end-of-life music therapy services at Pusat Perubatan Universiti Malaya (PPUM).

With a Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy from Berklee College of Music, additional training from Boston Children’s Hospital, a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling, and further knowledge in Neurobiology from Harvard University, Sandra combines her expertise to create impactful music psychotherapy sessions, particularly for individuals and their families facing challenging circumstances.Enjoys watching most sports, travelling, reading and Sudoku.
Also likes to help out in meaningful projects as a volunteer.

Tan Bee Bee

There is nothing incredibly special about my life. Even my name is a quite common Chinese name. Graduated from University of Malaya more than 3 decades ago with a Bachelor of Accountancy and worked for a few years before retiring to be a housewife.

Crafting is my hobby. I crochet, knit, and shuttle tat and love to go browsing at craft stores. During my free time, I also enjoy baking and watching Korean and Chinese dramas.

I believe in “Work for a Cause, Not for Applause”.

Chan Heng Chew

A professional accountant with over 35 years’ experience in Asia Pacific region, currently a freelance consultant specializing in finance and accounting shared services and transformation.

Enjoys watching most sports, travelling, reading and Sudoku.

Also likes to help out in meaningful projects as a volunteer.

Mindy Lim

Mindy is a devoted parent who has experienced the joys and challenges of raising a child with Down Syndrome. Her journey with her child has been a source of inspiration and learning, shaping her perspective on life and instilling in her a deep sense of empathy and compassion.

As a parent who has walked this road, she is dedicated to offering guidance, resources, and a listening ear to those facing similar challenges. She believes that by sharing her story and offering support, she can make a positive impact in the lives of others and help foster a more understanding and inclusive society.