She does not do charity as an entrepreneur, nor in the name of any company. Every act of kindness comes purely from her. She is just a woman, yet she has warmed countless young lives. This is Datuk Susan Chang Huan Soon, a personal philanthropist from Sabah. Her kindness has no spotlight and no commercial purpose, yet she has quietly served for 13 years, bringing love and hope into cancer wards and light into the darkest corners of childhood.

Datuk Susan Chang Huan Soon is far more than a philanthropist who has quietly upheld thirteen years of compassionate service. She is a multifaceted leader whose influence extends across Sabah’s economic landscape, regional cooperation networks, and international diplomatic engagements.

As the Chairperson of the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MICCI) Sabah, she stands at the forefront of state-level economic dialogue. In her role as an Advisor to Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), she contributes to long-term policy discussions that shape the city’s urban development and economic direction.

Her scope of leadership extends well beyond Sabah. Representing Malaysia as the Regional Country Director in the Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines - East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and Business Council (BIMP-EAGA Business Council - BEBC), she plays a pivotal role in strengthening economic cooperation among Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines. She also serves as Chairperson of the Sabah–Brunei Joint Business Council (SBJBC) and remains an active contributor within the Borneo Economic Community (BEC), helping deepen regional economic integration. It is this distinctive combination of economic vision, diplomatic contributions, and community-focused leadership that led to her being conferred the prestigious Datukship by the Head of State of Sabah, in recognition of her outstanding service to both the state and its people.

Yet despite her accomplishments on the economic and diplomatic stages, the most moving chapter of her story unfolds far from boardrooms and official platforms. It takes place in quiet hospital corridors, where she kneels beside children battling cancer and thalassemia, offering comfort without cameras, recognition, or applause. Her philanthropic journey did not begin with titles or influence but with simple, human acts of kindness. It is in these smallest, softest moments that one discovers the true depth of her legacy.

Datuk Susan Chang Huan Soon’s journey began in 2012, when she joined the Children Wish Society of Malaysia as a volunteer. Since then, she has devoted herself to the young patients at Likas Women and Children’s Hospital in Sabah, where children bravely battling cancer and thalassemia, many already bald from chemotherapy, many too weak to sit up. She knew she could not change their destiny, but she made a promise to herself: to make each of their remaining days less painful and more filled with love.

She became a silent guardian in their lives. She not only donates, but she also shows up. Every month, she brings birthday cakes so the children can still blow out candles like any other child. On festive days, she prepares gifts to remind them they are not forgotten. She also funded an online learning programme, My Study Buddy, so that children undergoing chemotherapy can continue their studies and secure their futures. She works alongside nurses and doctors, helping fulfil the children’s last wishes. For those whose time is short, she makes sure their final days still contain laughter, warmth, and dignity.

She also fights to strengthen their emotional resilience. She helped organize charitable fundraising during the visit of Miss World 2021 Karolina Bielawska. She later brought children out of the ward to attend events with Miss World 2023 Krystyna Psyzkova, creating precious memories beyond hospital walls. None of this was for publicity. She says her greatest motivation is the children’s smiles, smiles that bloom through pain. That alone keeps her going year after year.

Datuk Susan Chang Huan Soon is not backed by any organization. She represents what one person who is guided only by compassion can do. She never counts how many lives she has helped. She simply keeps showing up until her name lives in the hearts of the children she cares for. She may not have changed the entire world, but she has changed the world for many children. With one woman’s strength, she has quietly lit up their lives. She deserves to be seen. She deserves to be thanked. She is the warmest light of the year.