Keith Gonsalvez

I never expected my life to take such a turn. It all started when a friend asked me to tag along and take photos for a fundraising project in an urban squatter area in Kapar. I had no idea that simple “yes” would lead to leaving the corporate marketplace and a decade-long journey in the NGO sector.

I still remember standing there, camera in hand, documenting what I thought was just another community project. But the moment I stepped into that neighbourhood, something hit me hard. The air felt heavy—not just with pollution or the smell of neglect, but with a sense of hopelessness. I looked into the eyes of the children and saw a lack of sparkle, like the light had been drained out of them. It shook me. This place was less than an hour from where I lived, but the contrast was worlds apart.

That moment stayed with me. It consumed me. I couldn’t look away anymore.

I started volunteering more—driving kids to tuition, coaching football, helping wherever I could. The more time I spent with them, the more I learned. I began asking harder questions: Why are some children denied education just because they’re stateless? Why do people in rural villages still lack electricity while development projects pass them by? Why do so many youths in low-cost flats get caught up in gangs?

These questions didn’t have simple answers, but they all pointed to one thing: inequality. And over time, I realised that what I was seeing wasn’t just poverty—it was systemic injustice. That’s when I knew I had to make this my life’s work.

So, about 14 years ago, I made the switch. I left behind a more comfortable path and joined the NGO sector full-time. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I felt that if I had the energy, time, and passion to give—why wait?

Working with Malaysian CARE, I’ve seen what long-term commitment to change looks like. It’s not glamorous. It’s slow. But it’s real. Whether it's helping marginalised kids stay in school, advocating for the Orang Asli, or supporting ex-prisoners reintegrate into society, every step matters.

When I joined Malaysian CARE, one of the things that genuinely encouraged me was learning about our partnership with the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation Community Scholarship.  A scholarship with complete financial assistance by Sunway Education and supported by Malaysian CARE aimed at helping students from orphanages and underprivileged backgrounds gain access to higher education. As a Sunway alumnus myself, this was exciting news!

For the past 20 years, this partnership between Malaysian CARE and the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation has opened doors for students who might have otherwise never had the chance to step into a college. I’ve had the privilege of overseeing this initiative over the years and watching it quietly transform lives—one student at a time.

It's always been a pleasure working with the team from Sunway Student LIFE. They are some of the kindest and most empathetic people I’ve come across—always ready to listen, understand, and do whatever they can to support the students under this scholarship. It’s this kind of heart that makes a real difference, and I’m proud to have witnessed the impact of this collaboration.

If you're thinking of getting involved in NGOs or community work—just start. Don’t overthink it. You don’t have to wait until you have it all figured out. Sometimes the best way to learn is by doing it.

Look for causes that speak to you. Volunteer. Listen to stories. Don’t worry if it feels small. Every big movement starts with someone caring enough to show up.

One quote that has stayed with me is this: “God does not choose the equipped, He equips the chosen.”

My giving journey has taught me that you don’t need to have everything figured out before you start giving back. Often, it’s through the act of giving that you begin to uncover your purpose—and along the way, you grow into the role you were meant to play.

You may not have all the answers or resources right now, but if your heart is in the right place, that’s more than enough to begin. You might not change the whole world overnight, but you can change someone’s world. And that alone is always worth showing up for.