What happens when healthcare excellence meets heartfelt hospitality? You get a collaboration that’s changing, and saving, lives. Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) and Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur have once again joined forces for the “Embracing the Gift of Life, Healing Little Hearts Together” initiative, a heartwarming mission that gives children born with congenital heart disease a chance to grow, laugh, and dream.
A Legacy Of Care
What began in 1985 as Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur’s charity effort, Embrace the Gift of Life, has evolved into something extraordinary. In 2024, the partnership with PHKL took root thanks to the vision of paediatric cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Siti Laura Mazlan. Since then, this dynamic duo has transformed goodwill into tangible hope.
To date, 10 children have undergone life-saving cardiac surgeries through the collaboration. In 2025 alone, Shangri-La’s generous contributions fully funded surgeries that healed seven little hearts. Between January and September, the team raised RM329,035.90, breaking down financial barriers so every child could have a second chance at life.
Stories That Touch The Heart
Among those touched by this initiative is 13-year-old Muhammad Akif Amsyar from Terengganu. Akif’s journey from diagnosis to recovery has been nothing short of miraculous. After his surgery on 18 October 2025, he’s now on the road to returning to his active school life — a testament to the compassion and skill of Dr. Siti Laura and the PHKL medical team.
His mother, Puan Suzie, shared her gratitude with heartfelt words:
“We are very grateful to receive this opportunity and would like to thank Dr. Siti Laura and Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur for their contribution. We are excited to see Akif’s recovery progress.”
It’s stories like Akif’s that remind everyone involved that every ringgit raised, every hour spent, and every life saved makes the world a little kinder.
Healing Beyond The Hospital Walls
But this initiative isn’t just about surgeries. It’s about sustainability and community engagement. Through continued collaboration, PHKL and Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur have proven that healthcare goes far beyond treatment; it’s about building bridges of compassion that connect hospitals, corporations, and communities.
At the recent event, an emotional video showcasing patient journeys moved the guests, who then witnessed a mock cheque presentation and the unveiling of the Embrace the Gift of Life 2025 ornaments, symbols of resilience, recovery, and renewed hope.
Every Heart Deserves A Chance
As PHKL celebrates 50 years of medical excellence, its partnership with Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur stands as a powerful example of purpose-driven collaboration. With every child’s heartbeat restored, both institutions reaffirm a shared belief. Healing begins with humanity.
Because when compassion meets commitment, miracles don’t just happen. They’re made.
