It all began in 1999, amidst a raging war in Kosova in Kosovo where thousands of lives were lost and suffering was widespread. Moved by the plight of countless innocent civilians, especially women and children, Tan Sri Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, a Malaysian obstetrician-gynaecologist, sought to offer her services voluntarily. Finding no national organisation ready to support such international crises, together with a handful of like-minded friends, the Malaysian Medical Relief Society – better known today as MERCY Malaysia – was established. MERCY Malaysia aimed to provide a platform for Malaysians to unite and take their role in the international humanitarian arena. Tan Sri Dr. Jemilah Mahmood led the first mission to Kosova in Kosovo in June of 1999. Several missions followed and teams were made up of Malaysians from all walks of life with the single goal of helping others, regardless of race, religion, culture or boundary. Over the last decade, the organisation has blossomed with teams sent to disaster-stricken zones and programmes rolled out in various countries and in different disasters. As a registered society under the Societies Act, MERCY Malaysia has over 500 members and is supported by approximately 5,000 registered volunteers to date.Visit www.mercy.org.my.
A brand marketing and communication solutions company founded in 2006, Go International Group conceptualised and will co-organise the premier MERCY Malaysia International Humanitarian Run; lifting inspiration from the many hugely successful ‘Run for a cause’ events from around the world.
The company is based in Kuala Lumpur and has established business interests in cause-related marketing projects for numerous NGOs from around the region. Go International Group specialises in producing doyens of lifestyle and community festivals that have made a mark especially amongst the youth. Committed to serving the youth community, its signature event FEYST, has empowered 38 young Malaysians to make their mark in the world. Since 2008, the group has committed to enhance e-sports via its alignment with international festivals like Electronic Sports World Cup in France, DreamHack in Sweden, The Digital Youth Awards in Shanghai and the Global Battle of the Bands in Chiangmai. In 2012, FEYST, Leo Burnett and MERCY Malaysia collaborated to encourage volunteerism amongst youth, as well as raise funds for the Yasmin Ahmad Childrens’ Fund. The company also produces corporate experiences through events and plans strategic marketing communication campaigns for clients. Visit www.gointernationalgroup.com/v12.