Rafie Ahmad Fauzi and his two brothers – Rasyid, and Abdul Rahman – were orphaned at a young age and sent to different orphanages.
In 2008, they were united by Michael Tong Wai Siong, who treated them as his own, putting them through school and giving them a home.
Today, the three brothers run a cafe – De Ayen Coffee – which employs three autistic youths, training them to be entrepreneurs.
“It is our way of giving back to society,” said Rafie, now 29.
“Uncle Michael has given us so much. He was, and is, like a father and mother to us.
“When he first took me to live with him as a 13-year-old, he did everything – washed my clothes and ironed them, cooked for me, and hired a tutor, as I was lagging in my studies.”
Rafie said the trauma of losing his parents when he was only 12, and being separated from Rasyid and Abdul Rahman, made him retreat into his shell. He had no interest in school.
“Uncle Michael noticed me when I was 12, although I don’t remember that first meeting. It was when I was nearly 14 that I went to live with him after he helped me overcome my fears of mixing with others,” said Rafie, who now has two children – Rayyan Aisy (five) and Rania (19 months).
“He has always been there for me and my brothers. When we started our cafe, he told us we must always be kind and help others.
“That is why we decided to hire the autistic youths, as we want to give them a chance to run their own businesses one day.”
Rafie was speaking on the sidelines of the National Press Club Malaysia-Macrokiosk Muhibbah Awards 2024 for June, held earlier today.
Tong was honoured as the first Muhibbah Awards winner of the year for selflessly looking after the three boys of a different faith for the last 16 years.
The NPC-Macrokiosk Muhibbah Awards carries a cash prize of RM2,000 and a certificate.
“I’m surprised but honoured to win this award. Honestly, there are many other selfless people who do good deeds,” said the former president of a charity group, Kelab Perdana.
“It was during my tenure as the president that I came across Rafie, who didn’t mix with the other children, even when we took the whole orphanage on a holiday in Langkawi.
“One day, we received reports of the young boys smoking, and we did a spot check. It was then that I came across Rafie’s note questioning why he had lost his parents so early in his life and why he and his brothers were not together.”
That incident tugged at Tong’s heartstrings, and he vowed to help Rafie.
“I drove him to school, and my office boy picked him up and sent him to a tutor to help him with his studies,” said Tong, now 55.
“In the evening, I sent him back to the orphanage. After a while, the caretaker noticed a difference in Rafie and suggested that I take him to live with me.
“He was receptive to the idea. I thank God that the process of getting him to stay with me was smooth. It was the same when I managed to get his brothers to join us.”
Tong, a Buddhist, began to learn about Islam. He hired an ustaz to teach the boys about the religion, and how to read the Quran.
Tong also learnt to cook traditional Malay dishes, and each Hari Raya, he would bring the boys to his Muslim friend’s house in Selayang, where they prayed together.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I expect my story to receive such an award,” said Tong, who works in event management.
“I hope my story inspires others to go the Muhibbah way as true Malaysians in taking action and not being indifferent in helping children in need.”
NPC president Datuk Ahirudin Attan was pleased with the successful start of the second series of the awards, which recognises efforts to promote goodwill and friendship, regardless of race, religion, or creed.
“I’m pleased that seven senior editors agreed to form this year’s judging panel. That speaks volumes of how much the media values this award in promoting unity,” he said.
“A truly Muhibbah Malaysia can only be obtained through the collective efforts of all Malaysians and people like Michael (Tong).
“He is truly a deserving winner, as he has looked after three Muslim boys, and is now a ‘grandfather’, as Rafie has two children. Michael remains dedicated to them as ever.”
Macrokiosk co-founder and chief executive officer Datuk Kenny Goh said Tong’s efforts in raising three boys is an extraordinary act of compassion.
“His selfless act of kindness exemplifies the Muhibbah spirit that we, as Malaysians, hold dear. His unwavering commitment to uplifting the lives of the three brothers, despite being of a different faith, is truly commendable,” said Goh.
The NPC, Malaysia’s oldest press organisation established in 1948, together with enterprise solutions platform provider Macrokiosk, launched the monthly award series last year to recognise individuals, groups, or organisations that best exemplify the true spirit of Muhibbah in Malaysia.
In its inaugural series, last year, the Muhibbah Awards celebrated six winners.
