Zomi Association of Malaysia
Informing People, Transforming Lives
Informing People, Transforming Lives
Honoring those who have built our community
Since our founding in 2006, Zomi Association of Malaysia has been powered by the dedication, compassion, and hard work of hundreds of volunteers. This archive honors and preserves the memory of these individuals whose contributions have been instrumental in supporting the Zomi refugee community through the years.
Our volunteers represent the heart of our organization, giving their time and skills to build a stronger community during challenging times of displacement. Many former volunteers have gone on to successful resettlement in third countries, continuing their community service in new locations. Others have developed leadership roles within ZAM or other organizations, expanding their impact on refugee communities.
Through this archive, we celebrate their legacy and the foundation they built for our current volunteer programs. Their stories inspire us and remind us of the power of community service.
The evolution of our volunteer efforts
Our earliest volunteers laid the foundation for ZAM, providing basic assistance to newly arrived refugees. With limited resources but tremendous dedication, these pioneers established the first informal support networks that would grow into our current organization.
During this period, our volunteer base expanded significantly as more refugees arrived in Malaysia. Volunteers organized into specialized teams focusing on healthcare, social welfare, registration, and intervention. The first volunteer training programs were established to enhance service quality.
This era saw significant development of structured volunteer programs with formal leadership, training curriculums, and department-specific volunteer roles. The Education Center and Women's Department established dedicated volunteer teams with specialized skills.
During this period, second-generation volunteers emerged—young refugees who had grown up in Malaysia and now contributed their unique perspectives and skills. Many long-term volunteers developed into leadership roles, creating a sustainable volunteer development pipeline.
The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for refugee communities. Our volunteers demonstrated remarkable resilience, adapting programs to provide emergency support, developing digital service delivery methods, and maintaining community connections despite social distancing requirements.
Honoring those who shaped our organization
2006-2014
Founding Member & First President
Pastor Thang was instrumental in establishing ZAM during its earliest days, securing our first office space, developing relationships with UNHCR, and setting the vision for community-based support. His leadership laid the foundation for all our current programs.
Now resettled in Australia where he continues to support refugee communities.
2008-2016
Healthcare Department Founder
Dr. Lian established our Healthcare Department, developing the first hospital translation services, medical coordination protocols, and health education programs. His connections with local healthcare providers created pathways for refugee medical care.
Now practicing medicine in the United States and consulting on refugee healthcare programs.
2010-2018
Women's Department Founder
Esther created ZAM's Women's Department, developing the first handicraft training programs, women's support groups, and maternal health initiatives. Her emphasis on women's empowerment transformed our approach to gender-sensitive programming.
Now leads a refugee women's organization in Canada after resettlement.
2012-2019
Education Center Founder
Joseph established the Zomi Education Center, developing curriculum, recruiting volunteer teachers, and creating the first structured educational programs for refugee children. His innovative approaches to resource-limited education set standards for refugee learning.
Now works in educational program development for an international NGO.