We are almost half way through 2010, the first year of our second decade. We have come a long way since 1999 when MERCY Malaysia made its first tentative steps onto the humanitarian scene. Since then we have grown from strength to strength. We are now operating in 13 countries and, in 2009 alone, served almost 1 million beneficiaries.

Dato’ Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus

MERCY Malaysia’s 10th anniversary celebration last year was a recognition of our continued growth and development as a Malaysian-born international humanitarian relief non-governmental organisation (NGO) which has grown in leaps and bounds since its inception. It was also a chance to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the countless volunteers and staff who have also contributed immensely to MERCY’s success in its first decade.

Of course, we cannot forget our founder, Tan Sri Datuk Dr Jemilah Mahmood, whose passion, drive and vision played a huge part in shaping MERCY Malaysia into the organisation it is today. Last year Tan Sri Jemilah relinquished her position as president to take up her new post as the Chief of the Humanitarian Response Branch at UNFPA. She has left an indelible mark on MERCY Malaysia and we are thankful for her legacy.

Moving forward we are well aware that we cannot rest on our laurels. While we have been busy serving those in need at home and abroad we have also been working hard to reinforce MERCY Malaysia’s foundations and strengthening our internal mechanisms. To help us improve the way we work we have implemented a number of initiatives. A new organizational structure in headquarters has been implemented. A new strategic direction has been established. We have agreed on three key result areas - sustainable funding, human capacity development and operational excellence. We have also set targets and KPIs based on these three areas.

As part of our effort to strengthen the organisation we have engaged a new Executive Director, Mr Zairulshahfuddin Zainal Abidin. Zairul brings with him a wealth of experience in the private and government sectors that will enable him to assist me to guide the organization to even greater heights in future. It is with great pleasure that I welcome Zairul to MERCY Malaysia and I sincerely ask all staff and volunteers to give him your fullest support and cooperation.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our partners, volunteers, staff and supporters for all your efforts and trust over the years. I sincerely hope and pray this will continue long into the future. With your continued support, MERCY Malaysia will be able to maintain its place as a leading humanitarian NGO in the region and beyond.

Dato’ Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus
President