Exceptional seniors recognised in two awards during festival

Amazing Seniors' Jasmin (far left) and Low (far right) with Timeless Inspiration Awards and Community Leadership Awardees (from left) Ras Adiba, Ivy, Khadijah, Lat (in brown) and Fu.

Five seniors who have made a remarkable impact on society and whose accomplishments have stood the test of time were acknowledged at the recent Seniors Festival 2023 held in Atria Shopping Gallery, Petaling Jaya.

“The inaugural Timeless Inspiration Awards is a first for us and recognises outstanding senior individuals for their contribution in their respective fields,” says Amazing Seniors director and co-founder Penny Low.

“These awards are a tribute to their enduring influence, wisdom, and unwavering commitment towards making the world a better place,” she adds.

The recipients of the Timeless Inspiration Awards are Datuk Mohd Nordin Mohd Khalid (Lat), Datuk Khadijah Ibrahim, Datuk Dr Ras Adiba Radzi, Ivy Josiah, and Datin Paduka Sister Enda Ryan.

Lat graciously autographed copies of his books.At 72, renowned Malaysian cartoonist and artist Lat says that age isn’t something he really thinks about.

“Art is timeless and ageless, whether it’s illustration and drawing, music composing, or other forms, it’s infinite,” he says.

“When you draw comics, your brain tends to stay young and you’ve to keep up with the times. But while many artists have moved on to drawing digitally, using their iPad or Tablet, I still draw the traditional way using pen and paper so my hands will surely get dirty,” he adds and laughs good-naturedly.

“There are many advantages using digital methods to draw but it takes time to learn, especially for seniors,” he admits.

“A lot of artists like to work alone, but we’re still part of society and what we do does affect the community, so we need to be mindful of that and be a positive impact through our art,” says Lat, who started drawing when he was a child.

Datuk Dr Ras Adiba advocates for the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities and golden agers.Well-known Malaysian television personality and advocate for the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities and golden-agers Ras Adiba, 55, says that she’s happy to receive the award and “here to support the warga emas”.

“Malaysia is officially an aging society. As at 2020, over 7% of the country’s population are aged 65 and above.

“As such, the silver economy which refers to existing and emerging economic opportunities associated with the aging population and consumer market of those above 50, is increasing in importance,” she says.

“Life really does begin at 50 because by then, we’ve passed the halfway mark and experienced so much in life. I’ve learnt that whatever comes, we must always live it up.

“Live each day as if it’s our last, and live life to the fullest,” adds the OKU Sentral president and retired senator who is committed to addressing issues affecting the OKU community.

Datuk Khadijah Ibrahim pictured with Amazing Seniors' Jasmin and Low.Singer-actress Khadijah, 64, says she’s “really glad to receive the award and be part of the seniors movement”.

Khadijah, also known as Kathy, adds that “no matter what you do, you must be ikhlas (sincere) and it must come from your heart”.

“Take things one step at a time. Never keep any hatred within, and if you’re ever not happy about anything then sit down and discuss it with the people concerned because when your heart is full of love, it will reflect in your face,” she says.

Khadijah is internationally known for her spectacular rendition of Malaysia, Truly Asia, a patriotic song on Malaysia’s rich, diverse culture.

Ivy Josiah pictured with Amazing Seniors' Jasmin and Low.Women’s rights activist Ivy Josiah, 68, says that old age should be cherished and celebrated.

“Old age has been given a bad name, we’re reminded every day that to grow old is to deteriorate, and youth is always celebrated. So it’s wonderful that Jasmin and Penny and their team have organised this great event to show that seniors are amazing!” says Josiah.

“Especially, as women, we’re often told that we look old and people immediately give you makeup, creams and all kinds of stuff to make you look younger. It’s as if growing old and looking old is a no-no.

“But I want to use this platform to say that old women and old people are beautiful, not just because of what’s on the outside but also what’s on the inside. When you’re older, you’re wiser, you have more experience, you know a lot of things, you’re like Google and you’re more confident.

“It doesn’t matter what others have to say about you because we know who we are. So my message to seniors is ‘love yourself, love your body with all the aches and pains’. Every morning, get up and say, I’m alive and I’m going to do something amazing today,” she adds.

As a women’s rights activist, Josiah played a pioneering role in establishing Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO), a crucial institution that offers assistance and shelter to women seeking to escape domestic violence.

“These awards acknowledge their outstanding contribution, leadership, and tireless effort in making our community a better place,” says Amazing Seniors director and co-founder Jasmin Amirul Ghani.

“Their efforts have not only transformed the lives of many seniors but have also set a great example for others to follow,” she adds.

Datin Paduka Sister Enda Ryan, who wasn’t able to make it to the event but sent a recorded message, is known for her dedication to education, welfare assistance, and fostering harmony in Malaysia.

She played a pivotal role in establishing Assunta Primary and Secondary Schools in Petaling Jaya.

Beyond education, she has worked hard to instill the values of love, compassion, and understanding among her students.

Community Leadership Award recipient Lily Fu who founded Seniors Aloud.The Senior Community Leadership Award 2023 were given to Lily Fu and Jagjeet Singh (also known as Mrs J).

Seniors Aloud founder and University of the Third Age vice-president Fu says that she started getting involved in the two initiatives to help the senior community in Malaysia.

“I started Seniors Aloud for two reasons: one, to promote active living so that seniors will stay healthy and not be a burden to their children for as long as they can, and two, to give back to society, especially the elderly B40s,” she says.

The popular seminar and conference speaker, university instructor and columnist is a strong advocate for the rights of older persons, Fu holds two Masters degrees – one in in Applied Gerontology (which she received when she went back to study at age 70) and another in Teaching English.

In 2020, she produced the international award-winning documentary Meniti Senja (Twilight Years) on the plight of the elderly.

Founder of Nordic walking, Jagjeet Singh, also known as Mrs J, 83, who collected her award on the final day of the festival, is a popular public speaker and mountain trekker who has authored books including My 7 Secrets To Staying Young.