Meet Nur Iklil! She’s been with The Max Foundation since 2023, working as a Program Coordinator in our Asia and Eastern Europe region. Learn more about why she started with the organization, what her work week looks like, and a special memory she had with a patient.
What drew you to join The Max Foundation, and why does our mission resonate with you?
I was drawn to join The Max Foundation because of the opportunity to contribute to a mission that truly changes lives. Knowing that more patients can benefit from the work we do makes this role especially meaningful to me.
What is a special memory you have with patients?
There is a patient who is very close to me. She is 73 years old and incredibly caring. Whenever we speak on the phone, she gives me advice just like a mother would. Her kindness touches me deeply and often reminds me of my own mother back in my hometown.
Describe a typical work week
If you could describe The Max Foundation in three words, what would they be?
Compassionate, impactful, and hopeful.
If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be?
The ability to understand and speak any language.
What languages do you speak?
Bahasa Melayu and English
What do you love most about where you live?
Malaysia is rich in vibrant traditions and incredible food, with diverse landscapes and ecosystems. Most of all, I love the warmth and friendliness of the people.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy staying active through outdoor activities such as hiking and running.
What’s your favorite food?
Malaysian food, especially Nasi Lemak and Asam Pedas.
If you could have dinner with someone famous, who would it be?
Siti Nurhaliza, a famous singer in Malaysia.
What is your favorite holiday and how do you celebrate it?
Eid al-Fitr. It is a joyful celebration that brings families together to reconnect and spend meaningful time with one another.
The Max Foundation is a leading global health nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating health equity. For 28 years, Max has pioneered practical, scalable, high-quality solutions to bring life-extending treatments and patient-centered health care to more than 100,000 people living with cancer and critical illness in low- and middle-income countries. Max believes in a world where all people can access high-impact medicines, where geography is not destiny, and where everyone can strive for health with dignity and with hope.
Suddenly, I noticed a man sitting just opposite to me staring at me. I thought he was annoyed at my loud voice. so I reduced my volume and kept on talking with my friend. While explaining, my eyes went towards the man. Again I noticed he was keenly listening to our conversation.
Finally the stop came! I got down with my friend and took 10 steps. I heard a voice behind me calling “Madam, madam!”
Nothing is more powerful than storytelling, especially when it’s told from a person’s first-hand experience.
In the Asia Pacific region, we are often known as “shy” community. We do not often share our stories publicly, especially a story about cancer diagnosis. We often have no one to turn to because we do not want our parents to worry; we do not want our children to feel the burden; we do not want to tell our neighbors who might be starting to avoid us because we are diagnosed with cancer.
Each year, The Max Foundation chooses a colleague to receive our Excellence in Patient Advocacy Award, honoring a member of our global team who has done something especially remarkable that year. On December 17th, we were delighted to present this year’s Excellence in Patient Advocacy Award to Viji Venkatesh, Region Head for South Asia, for her tireless dedication to the patients she serves.
