Community at the heart: ConocoPhillips & MRCS working together feature in FAVSTYLE by Writer On-The-Go | Lorena Binisol

ConocoPhillips is always ready to assist the community in education, health, and disaster response, especially when it can help improve lives. President Connor Dunn shared how the company takes pride in supporting projects that make a real difference, like the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS).

ConocoPhillips president Connor Dunn with MRCS Chairman Datuk Asnan Chung

Prisca Nicholas Panjangou, Lead Stakeholder Management at ConocoPhillips, warmly introduced her team to the visiting MRCS delegation led by chairman Datuk Asnan Chung. She echoed the spirit of partnership, saying that being part of something bigger brings joy. She shared her excitement about future collaborations and reflected on how past donations have already made a positive difference in communities.

It was another proud milestone when ConocoPhillips, for the second year, donated funds to MRCS for relief activities. The cheque handover took place at the ConocoPhillips office, with President Connor Dunn presenting it to MRCS chairman Datuk Asnan Chung.

President Connor Dunn shared about their role

Together, ConocoPhillips and MRCS show how corporate commitment and humanitarian passion can create lasting impact. Their efforts ripple through communities, touching lives across generations.

ConocoPhillips is a major American multinational energy company headquartered in Houston, Texas. It is one of the world’s largest independent exploration and production (E&P) companies, focusing on oil and natural gas, with operations in Malaysia since 2000, and in Sabah since 2015.

Meanwhile, Jenny Kwong, Director of MRCS, explained the organization’s global role. MRCS is part of the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement, the world’s largest humanitarian network with 100 million members in 192 countries. Guided by seven principles, namely humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, unity, universality, and voluntary service, the movement has been serving people for 163 years.

MRCS began in 1958 in Sandakan, Sabah, as the Malaysian Red Cross Society. In 1975, the name changed to Malaysian Red Crescent Society. Today, MRCS works as an auxiliary to the Malaysian government, with 22 branches in Sabah and a presence in UiTM. Its headquarters in Likas, gifted by the Sabah government 40 years ago, stands as a symbol of lasting support.

Prisca Panjangou of ConocoPhillips briefed about the company

MRCS Director Jenny Kwong shared about MRCS in Sabah

With 41,000 members in Sabah, MRCS is firmly anchored in health and social services. Volunteers travel to remote villages to teach hygiene through “first aid harmonization,” using everyday items instead of kits. Locals trained as Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) become trusted helpers in their communities.

Children learn simple but vital habits like handwashing, while rural issues such as lice are also addressed. MRCS members provide mental health and psychosocial support too. At old folks’ homes, they offer haircuts, nail care, massages, and most importantly, companionship. Sometimes, just listening with a gentle “yes” or “ok” makes elders feel valued.

Writer On-The-Go Editor-In-Chief group photo with MRCS representative

“MRCS is doing far more than just handing out food or supplies. They run long-term programmed and activities, especially in rural and remote communities, and funding is vital to keep these efforts going.”