A Heart That Serves: Ivy Pan Honoured with Sarawak Premier Award

KUCHING, 2 August — A lifetime dedicated to serving others, empowering communities and championing Sarawak was recognised as Ivy Pan was conferred the Sarawak Premier’s Award for Sarawak Women Social Activist.

The prestigious award was presented by the Premier of Sarawak, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, together with the Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, YB Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, honouring Ivy's decades of unwavering commitment to humanitarian work, community empowerment and social development.

For many, Ivy Pan is recognised as the founder of BorneoTalk, one of Sarawak's leading lifestyle and tourism publications, and Bumi Serasi, a creative company known for publishing books, innovative design and developing products that celebrate Sarawak's identity. But beyond her professional achievements lies a woman whose life's mission has always been far greater than business.

It has always been about people.

A Passion for Serving Others

Over the years, Ivy has quietly devoted countless hours to helping communities across Sarawak.

She has worked alongside volunteers and local communities to build homes for underprivileged families, giving many not just a roof over their heads, but renewed hope for a better future.

She has organised and supported numerous charity dinners, fundraising campaigns and community initiatives that have collectively raised hundreds of thousands of ringgit for healthcare, education, disaster relief and welfare programmes.

Her commitment to helping others continues today. She is currently spearheading an initiative to raise funds for 40 water dispensers for Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), ensuring patients, caregivers and healthcare workers have access to clean drinking water during their stay.

To Ivy, community service is never a one-off event. It is a lifelong responsibility.

Those who know her describe her as someone who rarely seeks recognition. Instead, she believes every individual has the ability—and responsibility—to make life better for someone else.

A Childhood Lesson That Shaped Her Life

Ivy shared a simple yet deeply moving story from her childhood.

Growing up in a modest family, her father would give her just 20 cents each day to buy kuih during school recess.

One of her classmates, however, often had nothing to eat.

Without hesitation, Ivy would quietly hand over her 20 cents, choosing to go without so her friend would not remain hungry.

"It may seem like a very small gesture today, but to a child, that 20 cents was everything. Looking back now, I am proud that, even at such a young age, I instinctively chose compassion over comfort."

That seemingly insignificant act became the foundation of the values she carries today.

More Than Charity—A Belief in Empowerment

Throughout her life, Ivy has embraced one philosophy that continues to guide every project she undertakes:

"Be kind. Stay humble. Help and empower one another to grow, improve, and succeed together."

For Ivy, charity is never simply about giving.

It is about creating opportunities.

It is about helping people regain dignity, confidence and independence.

As she shared:

"For me, charity is not simply about giving—it is about empowering."

It is a philosophy reflected in every initiative she supports.

Whether building homes, raising funds, mentoring entrepreneurs or creating platforms that help others succeed, Ivy believes sustainable change happens when people are empowered to build better futures for themselves and their families.

A Proud Advocate for Sarawak

Beyond her humanitarian work, Ivy has spent much of her career championing Sarawak.

Through Bumi Serasi, she became one of the pioneers in publishing books and educational materials while earning a reputation for creativity, innovation and design excellence. Her work has consistently celebrated Sarawak's culture, heritage and locally made products, helping showcase the state's unique identity through creative expression.

Her passion for Sarawak eventually inspired the creation of BorneoTalk.

Founded almost two decades ago, BorneoTalk was born from a simple belief—that Sarawak deserved a platform dedicated to telling its own stories.

Rather than focusing solely on news, Ivy envisioned a publication that would celebrate the achievements of the Sarawak Government, government agencies, corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, SMEs, artists, tourism players, community organisations and everyday Sarawakians making a positive difference.

She believed the world needed to see another side of Sarawak—one defined by innovation, talent, resilience and limitless potential.

Today, BorneoTalk continues to inspire readers by showcasing the people and ideas shaping the future of Sarawak while encouraging local businesses and communities to dream bigger.

Recognition for a Lifetime of Service

Receiving the Sarawak Premier’s Award for Sarawak Women Social Activist is not simply recognition of Ivy’s achievements.

It is recognition of decades spent quietly serving others without expecting anything in return.

It honours a woman who has used her creativity, influence and platform to uplift communities, support charitable causes, promote Sarawak and empower countless individuals along the way.

Accepting the award, Ivy dedicated the recognition to everyone who believes kindness still has the power to change lives.

"I thank God. I accept this award not just for myself, but for everyone who believes that even the smallest act of kindness can change a life."

Those words perhaps best capture the essence of who she is.

Not simply an entrepreneur.

Not simply a publisher.

Not simply a creative.

But a woman who has spent her life believing that real success is measured by the lives we uplift.

A Legacy of Kindness

In a world where success is often measured by titles, wealth and accomplishments, Ivy Pan offers a different perspective.

Her legacy is found in the families who now have homes.

In the patients who will soon benefit from improved facilities.

In the entrepreneurs who found confidence through encouragement.

In the charities strengthened through fundraising.

In the countless stories of Sarawak that have reached the world through BorneoTalk.

And in every person inspired by her simple life philosophy:

"Be kind. Stay humble. Help and empower one another to grow, improve, and succeed together.”

As we celebrates Ivy Pan's well-deserved recognition, the award serves as a reminder that the greatest leaders are often those who quietly serve behind the scenes.

Through her compassion, creativity and unwavering love for Sarawak and its people, Ivy has shown that kindness is not merely an act—it is a way of life.

BorneoTalk extends its heartfelt congratulations to our founder, Ivy Pan, on receiving the Sarawak Women Social Activist Award. May her journey continue to inspire future generations to serve with humility, lead with compassion and believe that even the smallest act of kindness can leave a lasting legacy.