Doctors Without Borders: Malaysians are needed

by Lee Hui Ying

A film screening of MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders) movie, "Living in Emergency: Stories of Doctors Without Borders" today at 3pm at Annexe Gallery, Central Market. It was filmed in the war-zones of Liberia and DR Congo wit 4 doctors that struggle to provide emergency medical care under extreme conditions.

After screening, 3 local field workers shared their ups and downs during their mission in different countries.

Dr. Tan Day Seng (Nason), a local MSF physician said, MSF missions changed him entirely, in terms of personality and perspective of life.

“It actually changed the way I view, treasures and appreciate everything in my life. I became more laid back and not so easy to get frustrated as life goes in a slower pace. I tend to appreciate everything that is around me especially my family.” Said Nason.

Nason said, the biggest satisfaction from his job, is the appreciation from patients and their family members.

Wong Siew Wuen, a HR and Financial Coordinator said, she is thankful to get support from her mother to join MSF.

She said, they used to have argument and conflict with logistician. She emphasized the importance of working as a team, to make everything run smoothly during the mission.

Lim Suet Fong, a Logistiction Constructor said, in the field, she did anything except for medical activities but not just what she specializes in.

“Be open to learn new things, it is very important.” Lim encouraged.

As a civil engineer, she didn’t know how to use satellite phone, generator before entering the field. However, she eventually learnt to adapts, and to use limited resources to do unlimited things.

Rate based on 4 categories

Majority of visitors asked them regarding the job scope, requirements, process of application and assessment of the field workers.

“There’s no age limit to join MSF as long as you are capable with the skills we needed. Malaysians are needed as there are 30 volunteers joined MSF but there’s only 10 of them are active.” Said Martyn Broughten, Director of Communications.

When the public go through the field worker’s assessment, they will be rate based on 4 categories: Clearly yes, clearly no, yes but improvement needed for an area, no and improvement still needed.

“For the third category, we will advise him to work on that particular area. Arrangement of missions will be made once he fulfill the requirements. ”

Martyn added, “The final category is, the person is not ready for a mission as there are other issues involved, such as insufficiency of experience and capabilities.”

Malaysians are needed

This is the first public event in Malaysia which is aim to raise awareness on humanitarian crises and to gain the support of Malaysians on issues that matter in the wider world.

“There are only few visitors on the past 3 days. But I’m surprised and satisfied with the number of visitors today which is around 100 people.” Said Lee Pik Kuan, Regional Communications Manager.

Lee urged, “We hope there will be more Malaysians joining MSF as field workers or office volunteers. We really need help and support from them.”

For more information regarding MSF and requirements of field workers or volunteers, go to http://www.msf.org.hk/

Approximately 100 visitors join the film screening.

3 Malaysian field workers share their ups and downs during their mission.
From left: Lim Suet Fong, Wong Siew Wuen, Dr. Tan Day Seng, Martyn Broughten

Photos taken during missions by MSF field works.