On 20 September 2025, Hasinah Bee Kassim was honored with Professor Kuan M. Goh Community Service Award by the New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils. This award recognises her tireless commitment to serving her community and her contribution to building bridges across cultures in Marlborough and beyond.
Born in Malaysia to parents originally from Myanmar, Hasinah understands deeply the challenges faced by migrant and refugee families. As a former refugee herself, she came to New Zealand seeking safety and opportunity for her children. Today, she is the proud mother of three; two daughters studying at a Marlborough Girls’ college and a son at Bohally Intermediate School. Her personal journey has been marked with resilience. Arriving in a new country came with many challenges: adapting to a new culture, learning systems, and finding a place to belong. But instead of letting these struggles hold her back, Hasinah transformed them into strength.
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She now works with the Red Cross as a Cross-Cultural Worker, helping other refugee and migrant families adjust to life in New Zealand. With compassion, patience, and understanding, she guides families through the same challenges she once faced herself. Her lived experience makes her a trusted voice and advocate for inclusion, equity, and community connection.
Hasinah also credits the Blenheim and Marlborough community for embracing her and her family with warmth. The way the region has welcomed her and recognised her contributions has been a source of strength and encouragement. “Marlborough is a very special place,” she says. “The community has not only accepted me but also appreciated my work, and that makes me feel truly at home.”
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Receiving this award is not only a recognition of Hasinah’s personal achievements but also a celebration of the strength of the refugee community and the power of giving back. Hasinah believes in creating a better future for her children and all young people - a future where cultural diversity is seen as a strength and where every family feels at home.
“I know what it feels like to start from zero in a new country,” Hasinah reflects. “That’s why I give my heart to supporting others, so no one feels alone in their journey.”
Her story is a reminder that even through hardship, dedication, and kindness can create ripples of hope that change entire communities.
