As part of our ongoing mission to increase the number of registered stem cell donors in Malaysia, MAKNA recently held its 17th outreach event of the year at IPG Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuala Lipis; a meaningful milestone in our nationwide effort to support patients battling blood-related cancers.

This campaign focused on engaging a young, capable and community-driven audience: future educators. More than 700 students attended the awareness session, where they were introduced to the Malaysian Stem Cell Registry (MSCR) — a platform that connects volunteer donors with patients in desperate need of life-saving stem cell transplants. Following the session, an impressive 289 students registered as new stem cell donors, each making a deeply personal and powerful commitment to be someone’s hope for survival.

But why do these events matter?

For patients with blood cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma, a stem cell transplant often represents the only chance for a cure. However, the probability of finding a matching unrelated donor is extremely low, estimated at just 1 in 100,000. This is why promoting the registry through targeted outreach events is not just important. It’s essential. By educating and recruiting from communities with high potential, like universities, teacher training colleges and youth institutions, we’re helping build a stronger, more diverse registry that could increase the odds for every Malaysian patient in need.

These events do more than raise numbers. They spark long-term awareness in the community. They empower young people with knowledge and they break down harmful myths and fears about stem cell donation. Most importantly, they nurture a generation that understands the life-saving value of selflessness and solidarity.

MAKNA is proud to lead this effort in partnership with MSCR, not only in mobilising support but in creating meaningful change. Every registration counts. Every new name added to the registry brings hope to patients and their families who are still waiting for a match.

Together, we are not just growing a registry. We’re growing a movement of hope.