Knocking on Malaysia’s Door

About this episode

Heidy Quah discusses her work supporting migrants and refugees in Malaysia, focusing on education and dignity for those fleeing Myanmar.

Episode #525: Heidy Quah, founder of Refuge for the Refugees in Kuala Lumpur, describes her work supporting migrants and refugees in Malaysia, particularly those fleeing Myanmar. She began volunteering at a refugee learning center at eighteen and was transformed by what she witnessed, particularly seeing children on the verge of losing their only access to education because of funding shortages. From that moment, she committed herself to ensuring refugees could access basic rights such as education, healthcare, and dignified livelihood. Quah’s organization now supports dozens of refugee learning centers, shelter homes for trafficked and abused women, and a livelihood initiative which enables refugee women to earn income through craft production. She emphasizes restoring dignity and agency, not charity or pity. Quah recounts harrowing stories of new arrivals—young people fleeing forced conscription, sexual violence, and the killing of family members—who survive perilous overland journeys to reach Malaysia. Many arrive already indebted to smugglers, having borrowed heavily to finance their escape. Despite deep physical and psychological trauma, they often must begin working almost…

People in this episode

Guest: Heidy Quah

Topics covered

• migrants
• refugees
• education
• human rights
• trauma
• advocacy

Keywords

• refugees
• migrants
• education
• Malaysia
• Myanmar
• human rights
• trauma
• advocacy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Refuge for the Refugees

Places: Malaysia, Myanmar, Kuala Lumpur

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