Who we are

We are a community-driven organization dedicated to connecting Malaysians in the Bay Area through shared culture, tradition, and values. Our mission is to foster a sense of belonging, celebrate our unique heritage, and build lasting relationships among Malaysians and the broader community.

Together, we host cultural events, support local initiatives, and empower future generations by nurturing a deep connection to our roots. Whether you’ve just arrived or have lived here for years, you’ll find a warm and welcoming community ready to grow with you.

What We Do

  • Join us as we come together to celebrate Malaysia’s vibrant cultural heritage through key festivals like Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya, and Merdeka Day. These gatherings not only honor our traditions but also create a sense of unity, offering opportunities to connect, share stories, and enjoy the diverse customs and cuisines that make our community unique.

  • Experience the warmth of our community through casual get-togethers where members gather to share homemade dishes, exchange laughter, and create memories. These potlucks are more than just a meal—they’re an opportunity to connect over food, celebrate our diverse backgrounds, and bond through stories that reflect the heart of our shared Malaysian experience.

  • Through thoughtfully designed programs and activities, we aim to engage and empower the younger generation, fostering a strong connection to their Malaysian roots. From cultural workshops and creative projects to community service and leadership opportunities, these initiatives provide our youth with a platform to explore their heritage, build meaningful friendships, and grow into confident, culturally aware individuals.

  • By partnering with local businesses and organizations, we aim to create a supportive network that provides valuable resources and services to our community. These collaborations enable us to offer educational programs, skill-building workshops, community support services, and cultural events that enrich our members’ lives and strengthen our shared bonds. Together, we are building a more connected and resilient community, with opportunities for growth and mutual support.

We organize a variety of activities and events throughout the year that bring together Malaysians in the Bay Area.

Our goal is to strengthen the bonds within our community while celebrating our shared culture and heritage.

Through these activities, we aim to foster a welcoming and inclusive space where every Malaysian in the Bay Area feels at home.

Leadership & Key Committee

  • Zaianne Sparrow

    Co-Founder
    Zaianne is a Co-Founder of Bay Area Malaysians and plays a central role in shaping the group’s direction and growth. She leads community strategy, operations, fundraising initiatives, and communications, ensuring ideas move from concept to execution.

    Born in Kuala Lumpur, with family currently in Shah Alam, Zaianne has lived in the Bay Area since 2019. She has been instrumental in driving key initiatives for BAMS, including venue partnerships, donation efforts, and the group’s online presence. Alongside Shaliza, she helps guide community engagement, event planning, and long-term sustainability as BAMS continues to grow.

  • Shaliza Kader Sultan

    Co-Founder
    Shaliza leads engagement and outreach, building valuable partnerships with other communities and businesses to support the group. Originally from Petaling Jaya, she has lived in the Bay Area since 2011. Alongside Zaianne, she is responsible for community direction, engagement strategies, event planning, and community growth.

  • Rosie Razak Schubsda

    Secretary
    Rosie is our dedicated Secretary. She plays a crucial role in maintaining smooth operations and ensuring efficient management of various tasks, such as documenting meetings, maintaining records, and facilitating seamless communication among committee members.

    With a rich multicultural background, Rosie was born in Santa Monica and raised in Malaysia and the UK before making the Bay Area her home in 2012. Her diverse upbringing has instilled a deep appreciation for her Malaysian roots, which she passionately shares with her son and fellow community members.

  • Aizura Yusoff

    Treasurer
    Aizura is our dedicated Treasurer. She oversees the organization’s finances, manages event budgets, and ensures the transparent allocation of funds to support our initiatives. Her meticulous approach helps maintain financial clarity and accountability within our community efforts.

    Born in Penang, Aizura moved to the Bay Area with her family, bringing with her a strong connection to her Malaysian heritage. She is passionate about giving back to the community and preserving cultural traditions through her work.

  • Seri Zuluetta Jaafar

    Youth Program Lead

    Zue, is our passionate Youth Program Lead. She develops and leads initiatives to engage and empower the younger generation of Malaysians in the Bay Area, fostering a strong connection to their heritage and culture. Zue is committed to creating meaningful experiences for the youth and ensuring they stay rooted in their Malaysian identity.

    Zue and her family have called the Bay Area home for over 10 years. She will be supported in her role by her daughter, Adriana, making this a true family effort in nurturing the next generation.

Volunteers

Bay Area Malaysians relies on the commitment of volunteers to help our community grow and succeed. We are always looking for enthusiastic individuals to join us in various roles. Here are some of our current dedicated volunteers:

  • Farah Faisal

    Event Coordination
    Event planning, logistics, and on-site coordination.

  • Zeehan Rastam Selha

    Event Coordination
    Event planning, logistics, and on-site coordination.

  • Adriana Fazlee

    Youth Ambassadors
    Engages and represent the youth within our community.

  • Mailin Chhuon

    Youth Ambassadors
    Engages and represent the youth within our community.

  • Volunteers Needed

    Community Advisors
    Members offering ongoing guidance and mentorship to support community initiatives.

  • Volunteers Needed

    Community Ambassadors
    Volunteers dedicated to welcoming and connecting new members.

Volunteer with Us

Want to get involved in making a difference? Join the Bay Area Malaysians team as a volunteer! We welcome members from all backgrounds to apply and contribute to our growing community.

Whether you’re interested in helping with event coordination, community outreach, or supporting our cultural programs, your efforts will help strengthen our community.

Volunteer opportunities include:

  • Event Planning Assistance

  • Social Media & Marketing Support

  • Fundraising and Community Engagement

Note: Volunteer positions are available to those within the Bay Area.

Get Involved