Reflecting on 12 Years of Yayasan Suria JB: An Interview with Uncle James Ho

As Yayasan Kebajikan Suria Kawasan Permas Johor Bahru (Yayasan Suria) celebrates its 12th anniversary, the journey of its founder, James Philip Ho—affectionately known as Uncle James—is one marked by resilience, dedication, and a deep sense of purpose.

In an exclusive interview, Uncle James reflects on his remarkable path and the foundation's achievements over the past 12 years. This article, the first in a two-part series, explores James’ personal story and the origins of Yayasan Suria.

The Inspiration Behind Yayasan Suria

The story of Yayasan Suria began with a personal challenge that changed James Ho's life forever. In 2002, at 49, James was diagnosed with lung cancer. Facing a grim prognosis and a mere 3% chance of survival, he battled the disease for two and a half years. After a life-saving surgery to remove his lung, he emerged victorious.

“God gave me a second chance, and I must dedicate myself to serving humanity,” he shared, recounting the realisation that shaped his charitable mission. With a deep sense of purpose and RM20,000 in savings, James and his wife, Shirley Lam, decided to leave his career after 22 years with a plantation company. Together, they launched Yayasan Suria to support underprivileged communities.

Overcoming Adversity

James’ success is rooted in his resilience, shaped by his upbringing. Raised in a humble family, he was determined to pursue higher education despite financial difficulties.

“My mother was an orphan, and my father was a clerk. We didn’t have it easy,” James said. Faced with limited resources, he once stood outside the MARA headquarters seeking a study loan to attend Universiti Pertanian Malaysia (now Universiti Putra Malaysia). Though initially rejected, James’ persistence eventually secured him the loan.

In his second year, he applied for another loan from the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), despite being a non-Indian applicant. “I was the only non-Indian boy in the queue,” he recalled with a chuckle. To lighten the mood during the interview, he boldly told the panel, “I’m more Indian than you!” His audacity paid off, and the loan was granted.

James’ fearless approach has carried into his philanthropic work with Yayasan Suria, driven by a sincere commitment to making a difference.

Personal Stories that Move the Soul

Yayasan Suria has touched countless lives, but some stories remain close to James' heart. One particularly poignant experience occurred before the foundation was officially established when he encountered a single mother living with HIV/AIDS who was on the verge of suicide.

“I managed to talk to her and persuaded her not to jump, promising to support her and her children,” James recalled. Through his efforts, the family not only survived but thrived, with all three children eventually graduating from local universities—a testament to the power of compassion and support.

In another moving instance, Yayasan Suria assisted a young girl whose mother also had HIV/AIDS. Years later, the same girl invited James to her wedding, where she publicly shared how Yayasan Suria had helped her family during their darkest times. “I couldn’t stop my tears,” James said, recalling the emotional moment.

Milestones of Success

One of Yayasan Suria’s significant milestones came last year when the foundation purchased its own premises, a major achievement for a grassroots organisation. The two-storey building now serves as both an administrative office and a source of income, with the top floor rented out to generate funds.

“We raised over RM850,000 to buy the building,” James said proudly, underscoring the importance of perseverance and the unwavering support of donors and volunteers who believe in his vision.

Advice for Aspiring Philanthropists

When asked what advice he would give to those looking to get involved in charity work, James emphasised the importance of passion. “You must have a passion to serve people,” he said, adding that without a deep love for humanity, it’s difficult to sustain the drive required for such selfless work.

He also highlighted the importance of managing volunteers effectively. “Handling volunteers requires skill, patience, and diligence. Administrative work matters a lot,” he noted.

Looking Ahead

As a cancer survivor, James is keenly aware of life’s fragility, and he is already planning for the future of Yayasan Suria. He is actively searching for someone to take over the foundation when the time comes. For now, though, he continues to lead with the same courage and conviction that have defined his life and the foundation’s mission.

In reflecting on the past 12 years, James Ho’s journey and the success of Yayasan Suria are testaments to the power of resilience, compassion, and community support. His story serves as an inspiration to those looking to make a meaningful difference in the world.