The inaugural “Walk With Hope for Dementia”, jointly organised by SilverGenz and Johor Alzheimer’s & Dementia Day Care Association (JOBADA), concluded successfully at Taman Merdeka, Johor Bahru, bringing together more than 143 participants from across Johor in support of Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness, caregiver wellbeing, and stronger community engagement.
Supported by Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru (MBJB), the charity event successfully raised RM119,579 through participant registrations, corporate sponsorships, donations, and community contributions. All proceeds raised will be fully channelled to JOBADA to support the operation of its Alzheimer’s and dementia care centre, community outreach programmes, public awareness initiatives, and caregiver support services.
The event marked the first collaboration between SilverGenz and JOBADA, reflecting both organisations’ shared commitment to building a more dementia-friendly, age-inclusive, and compassionate community in Johor. Participants took part in a 2km charity walk around Taman Merdeka, alongside a variety of activities including Zumba sessions, health talks, senior dance performances, health screening booths, sponsor activations, and lucky draw sessions.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 260,000 Malaysians are currently living with dementia, a figure that is expected to rise as the country’s ageing population continues to grow. Through “Walk With Hope for Dementia”, SilverGenz and JOBADA aim to increase public awareness, foster greater empathy, and encourage stronger community support for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as their caregivers and families.
Representing the Mayor of Johor Bahru, Yang Berhormat Dr. Mohd Hairi Bin Sulaiman commended the organisers, sponsors, volunteers, and participants for their collective efforts in advancing Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness throughout the community.
“Alzheimer’s and dementia affect not only individuals but also families and entire communities. Today’s encouraging turnout reflects the growing awareness and compassion among Johoreans in supporting healthy ageing and dementia-related causes. MBJB is proud to support initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing and promote greater social responsibility,” he said.
SilverGenz Founder, Stacey Lim, expressed her appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the event, including participants, sponsors, partners, and volunteers.
“We are deeply encouraged by the overwhelming support received from the community. ‘Walk With Hope for Dementia’ was never just about completing a walk. It was about starting meaningful conversations, building greater understanding, and creating stronger support networks for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as those who care for them. Every participant, sponsor, and supporter has helped make a meaningful difference for the dementia community,” she said.
Meanwhile, JOBADA Chairman, Mr. M Soorian, highlighted the everyday challenges faced by families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
“Behind every dementia diagnosis is a family learning to navigate new challenges. At JOBADA, we see caregivers balancing work commitments, family responsibilities, and the emotional demands of caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. As Malaysia’s population continues to age, more families will experience similar journeys,” he said.
He added that beyond fundraising, initiatives such as “Walk With Hope for Dementia” play a vital role in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and reassuring families that they are not alone in their caregiving journey.
Building on the success of the inaugural event, SilverGenz and JOBADA will launch another public awareness campaign focusing on dementia, caregiving, and healthy ageing in conjunction with World Alzheimer’s Month this September. Through this continued collaboration, both organisations hope to foster greater understanding, stronger community support, and improved quality of life for people living with dementia and their families.
The event received strong support from corporate partners and sponsors. SJ Varied Foundation came on board as the Gold Sponsor, while IHT Rehabilitation Centre Sdn Bhd, Lervain Concept Sdn Bhd, and Wiley Development Sdn Bhd served as Silver Sponsors. Bronze Sponsors included CRT Insight Technologies Sdn Bhd, LK Entertainment Marketing (M) Sdn Bhd, Sun Bus Tech Sdn Bhd, Triple H Construction & Engineering Sdn Bhd, WKL Design Sdn Bhd, and WE M&E Sdn Bhd.
Additional in-kind contributions were provided by Hive United (M) Sdn Bhd, Liberty Coffee, Family Event Group (WE) Sdn Bhd, and Zero Healthcare Sdn Bhd, while media support was extended by Johor Now, Discover JB, and Punching Star.
For more information about SilverGenz and its initiatives, visit the organisation’s official website or follow its Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok channels for the latest updates.