TAFF, IIUM And Temasek Foundation To Collaborate On Maternal, Child Health Initiative

By Nur Ashikin Abdul Aziz

SINGAPORE, May 27 (Bernama) -- The Tunku Azizah Fertility Foundation (TAFF) and the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) will collaborate with Singapore’s Temasek Foundation to develop a maternal and child health initiative to be piloted in Pahang.

Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, who is also TAFF founder and life president, described the From Womb to World initiative as a timely and vital effort to empower mothers and families through a complete ecosystem of care, support, and empowerment.

“We know from science and faith that the first 1,000 days of life -- from the moment of conception to a child’s second birthday -- are a sacred window of growth and development. It is in these tender beginnings that a child’s body, brain, and spirit are most open to shaping.

“When we nurture these early days with love, care, and protection, we set the course for a lifetime,” Her Royal Highness said in her address during her visit to the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) here on Tuesday.

Tunku Azizah, who is also IIUM Constitutional Head, expressed hope that the initiative could later be expanded to other parts of Malaysia and explore potential synergy with other esteemed institutions like the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Temasek Foundation executive director and chief executive officer Ng Boon Heong said the foundation welcomed the opportunity to partner with TAFF and IIUM on the initiative, which could offer a powerful pathway to nurture life at its formative age.

“Through this partnership, we believe we can co-create a meaningful model of maternal and child health, one that honours both evidence and cultural traditions,” he said.

During the visit, Tunku Azizah was briefed on Temasek Foundation and KKH’s collaborative programmes that champion early childhood intervention and couples’ support to uplift families and strengthen communities, such as the KK Human Milk Bank, KIDS 0-3 programme and Project ARIF.

She also toured KKH’s facilities, including the KK Human Milk Bank and Freezer Lockers.

Also present were Tengku Panglima Raja Brigadier General Tengku Amir Nasser Ibrahim Shah, TAFF Board of Trustees member Datuk Seri Anne Eu, Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre @IIUM Paediatric and Paediatric Respiratory senior consultant Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Fadzil Abdullah, and Temasek Foundation chairman Jennie Chua.

-- BERNAMA