Datuk Dr Jemilah Mahmood, MERCY Malaysia President
Dr Jemilah has led many medical teams to the frontlines of disaster and war zones, tirelessly lending a hand to those in need.

How important is it to you to put aside time for voluntary work in the community, whether locally or globally?

Jessica Kan, 22, Kuala Lumpur
"On a scale of 1-10, from not important to very important, I would say 11.

I think it's important to be a peace maker, human activist, or whatever issues that concerns you."

Daphne Ling, 23, Ontario, Canada
"Very important. In fact, I must say it is so a part of my life that I would be very miserable without it because a big chunk (of my life!) would be missing.

I volunteer in 4 different positions every week--helping with an infant development program, a mental health program aimed at elementary school children, at the disabiliy services office and also at the regional hospital in the emergency department.

It IS a lot of work and commitment, but it keeps my own life in perspective, that no matter how many things I can find to complain about, there are others who have it worse. And despite the amount of time I spend (about 20 hours a week), I always enjoy it, and look forward to the following week. 'No time' was never an excuse--it's about finding the time.

I think Malaysia has to weave volunteerism into the school curriculum to start us young. Over here in Canada, it's become so much an integral part of life that even people who are into their 80s continue to volunteer in community programs. In Malaysia, volunteering is more the exception than the norm, and I always found myself pretty, well, alone.

Here, though, I meet so many young people with passion in the same field, and it is just so refreshing. I myself have learnt alot and I wished my fellow youths back in Malaysia would be exposed to it too. The potential IS there, we just need to tap it!"

Hannah, 17, Penang
2 on a scale of one to ten. As a form six student, I hardly go shopping, watch tv, or indulge in other earthly pleasures and yet I am still rushed for time

Parthiban Muniandy, 24, PhD student
"Very important. In fact, it is not even about time that is ‘put aside’. Meaningful voluntary work should be representing the most significant work of our lives.
We should put aside time to take care of our own needs, but the true work is that which we do for others without expecting compensation for ourselves. I am also not a missionary.

Josephine Tan, 22, student
"Well, I do think about it (that I should start volunteering) every now and then, especially when I read and hear about voluntary work, or talk about it with others – which I just did very recently for an assignment. But I guess thinking about it isn’t enough or doesn’t make it THAT important for me to actually spend some of my time doing it.
Besides that, I think that the people whom you mix with play a big influence in this. I don’t think it’s peer pressure but somehow, if you’re always with a friend who tells you all about her volunteering experiences, you’d somehow think “Hmm…. Volunteering doesn’t sound so bad after all.
Maybe I should give it a try.” And then a snowball effect would sort of start from there.
As for me, there isn’t any ball rolling yet. It’s quite difficult to do so at the moment as most of us have to deal with studies and part-time work at the same time."

Michelle Chan, 18, Subang Jaya
"Even though I am only 18 years old, my schedule is pretty hectic already. I have to know that I am capable of taking care of myself first before I dedicate time for the community. If there are opportunities for voluntary work, sure I’d join in."

Charlene Ong, 22, Ampang Jaya
"Pretty important - in theory. i mean, i completely advocate giving back to the community in whatever way you wish. I should definitely do it more. I've given money before (maybe becoz it's a little easier) but hardly ever given time. I am indeed shamelessly self-centred, i'll admit that right now."

Adzim Shahabudin, 21
"With all the (lack of) effort put up to promote voluntary work in the community? None. Actually, the desire to help others must exist within oneself first."

Rishalini Kumar, 17, Perak
"On a scale of 1 to 10, I give it a 10. The way to make the world a better place is by building an ARK (Act of Random Kindness)."

Chu May, 20
"Very important. I believe that each individual should put time aside to help others voluntarily - it may be something as simple as joining in a community 'gotong royong' to spice up a local playground, visit a local old folks home, or they could tutor struggling students at a local school, or could even join the PTA at their child's school!

"I myself do voluntary work helping to manage a local youth group and serve in my church, even as I'm studying abroad."

Ruben, 22, Subang
"It is very important as not everyone is as lucky as another and requires some kind of help. Therefore, those who are capable of voluntary work should put is as 1 of their priorities of life. Anyway, those who believe in karma should be more than willing to do it."

Hema Kumari, 25, UCSI student
"Voluntary work has been a very important aspect in my life. I have not done much voluntary work due to time constrain but the few that I have participated in have brought me great joy.

"Therefore, I feel that every individual should allocate a little time in their life for this activity for there is nothing more fulfilling than helping another person."V