Heidy Quah

Heidy Quah is a Malaysian social rights advocate. She is the founder and chief of Refuge for the Refugees, a non-profit organization that aims to raise awareness on the pressing conditions of refugees and provide them support. She was the first Malaysian woman to receive the Queen's Young Leader Award.

Quah was born and raised in Damansara Jaya. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Hertfordshire. Prior to establishing Refuge for the Refugees, she was planning to work at an Accounting firm.

Advocacy After finishing high school, Quah decided to volunteer as an English teacher at a refugee school in Kuala Lumpur. It was cramped and congested, and food was also insufficient. The school was distant to the dwelling-place of the refugees and they were often stopped by authorities. Nevertheless, the children were persistent in obtaining education. It made Quah question herself as she used to beg to be absent in school. The circumstances of the refugees made her feel privileged. The organization also rescues refugees from detention camps and human trafficking syndicates. They also visit refugee communities and donate hardware and funds.

Quah juggled finishing her university studies while directing the organization. She studied Burmese and Chin to be able to communicate with the refugees. She also undertook Muay Thai classes to ensure her safety as rescuing refugees from trafficking rings has exposed her to law offenders.