IEM Sabah’s women engineers spread Raya cheer at Likas hospital
by Erwin Jaglul · Borneo Post OnlineKOTA KINABALU (March 19): The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Sabah Branch, through its Women Engineers (WE) Section, brought the spirit of Syawal to young patients and frontline healthcare workers at the Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital in Likas here on Wednesday.
The Raya Bersama WE programme saw a delegation of IEM Sabah members visit the Melur 1 and Kenanga 5 wards, bringing Raya baskets for the children admitted to the wards, as well as hampers for hospital staff — a gesture of appreciation for their unwavering dedication and service.
The programme was warmly received by the hospital’s leadership, with Hospital Director Dr Yongendran Panchalingam, Deputy Director (Management) Shaun Pravind Robert, and Deputy Director (Medical) Dr Fauziah Hanim Hashim present to welcome the IEM Sabah delegation.
They were joined by matrons and on-call nurses whose tireless efforts on the ward floors were equally celebrated through the initiative.
Representing the IEM Sabah Branch were Vice Chairman I Ir Ts Tan KJ, JP, alongside Honorary Treasurer Ir Wong Chen Jack and WE Chairperson Lydia Lisa Edward, who spearheaded the programme.
Also in attendance were Young Engineers Section chairman Lee Tze Yei, and WE members Nur Diyana Hajiji, Farwizah Adawiyah Japlin, Ir Jenny Koo, Ts Babby Freskayani @ Izyani Kaliwon, Ir Najwa Ismail, Ir Nadia Zahirah Abd Rajied, Lornetha Lloyd Daim, and Audrey Gregory Joitol.
The visit, themed “Sharing Blessings, Celebrating Syawal”, reflected IEM Sabah’s commitment to giving back to the community, particularly those who are unable to celebrate the festive season at home.
For the young patients in the Melur 1 and Kenanga 5 wards, the Raya baskets brought smiles and a reminder that they are not forgotten during this joyous occasion.
Lydia expressed that the programme embodied the essence of the Raya spirit — one of generosity, compassion, and togetherness.
“Our visit today is a small token of our care for the children in the wards and our deep appreciation for the hospital staff who continue to serve selflessly, even during the festive season.
“Engineers build more than infrastructure — we also build connections with the communities we serve,” she said.
The event highlighted the growing role of professional bodies such as IEM Sabah in championing social responsibility beyond their technical mandates.
Through the WE Section’s Social and Community Bureau section, the branch continues to champion meaningful community engagement that uplifts and unites.
As the delegation bid farewell to the wards, the atmosphere was one of warmth and gratitude — a fitting celebration of Syawal that transcended hospital walls and reinforced the spirit of humanity at the heart of the engineering profession.