Against the Normalcy and the Odds: My Journey in Building ZACC MYTOWN

When I first shared my idea of opening an elderly care centre, my own mother disagreed — strongly.

She scolded me with all her heart, asking,

“Why would you want to encourage more children to abandon their own parents?”

That question broke me for a moment. But I understood her reaction — it came from the same stigma and mindset that many still carry today: that putting your loved one in a care home means neglect.

But for me, it was never about abandonment. It was about preparation, dignity, and love — about ensuring our elders can live in comfort, safety, and peace even when family members can’t be physically present.

A Dream I Couldn’t Let Go

Despite the criticism, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was my calling.

I wanted to build a care centre not just for others — but as a preparation for my own rainy days.

There were moments I questioned myself over and over:

“Is this really the right decision? For me? For my deen?”

I had no intention to go against my mother’s will — but there was a quiet voice inside me that said, “Continue. You’re meant for this.”

A Dream I Couldn’t Let Go

Despite the criticism, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was my calling.

I wanted to build a care centre not just for others — but as a preparation for my own rainy days.

There were moments I questioned myself over and over:

“Is this really the right decision? For me? For my deen?”

I had no intention to go against my mother’s will — but there was a quiet voice inside me that said, “Continue. You’re meant for this.”

The Beginning of ZACC

I worked tirelessly to set up the home — from finding a suitable place to designing a space that truly feels like a home.

Finally, a few days before our official opening, I invited my mother, my beloved aunt, and uncle to visit ZACC MYTOWN.

They came. They saw.

And as expected... They were not impressed.

But that was okay. I knew they didn’t yet see what I saw.

I was determined to prove to them — and to myself — that this idea was worth it.

Years Passed — And So Did They

Days turned into months. Months into years.

My mother, my aunt, and my uncle — all three of them — have since returned to the Creator.

But before they left, they witnessed my journey — my struggles, my late nights, my small victories.

And I know, deep in my heart, that I stand where I am today because of their prayers, love, and barakah.

What This Journey Taught Me

ZACC MYTOWN isn’t just a nursing home.

It’s a testament to perseverance — to following a purpose even when it’s misunderstood.

We’ve grown from a small 25-bed home to a 135-bed elderly care centre that now serves hundreds of families with compassion and dignity.

And through all the challenges, I’ve learned this:

“When your intention is sincere, even the hardest road will lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.”

My Message to You

To all who dream differently — who walk paths that others may not understand — keep walking. Change always starts as an act of courage.

And to every family struggling with guilt about elderly care, know this:

Placing your loved one in a safe, loving home isn’t abandonment — it’s responsibility with compassion.

From ZACC to MYCARETUA

Today, through MYCARETUA Academy, I continue this mission — to train the next generation of caregivers and entrepreneurs with skill, empathy, and faith.

Because I believe the future of care in Malaysia depends not just on better facilities, but on better hearts.

Sincerely, 

Wan Salbiah Mior Yahya

ZACC MYTOWN — Where Care Meets Compassion.

MYCARETUA Academy — Shaping the Future of Care.