The St. John Ambulance Association was started in Malaya as Malaysia was then known in 1908 and up to 1938, the movement was confined to activities in the Army and the Railways. When the war clouds began to gather in 1938, the St. John ambulance Brigade was formed in all the large States. In September 1941, the Government introduced the Medical Auxiliary service and all Brigade Members were mobilized to serve in this service. When the Japanese declared war on 8th December 1941, the brigade members received their baptism of fire and they did magnificent work in all the First Aid posts. Many retreated to the South together with the Armed Forces and saw active service in the battle of Singapore and several of them lost their lives in the service of Mankind.

When the British Military forces reoccupied Malaya in 1945, the St. John Ambulance started reorganising from early 1946. From then on, there has been no turning back and the movement has been functioning in all the States and a branch was formed in Malayan Railways and treated as a separate area.

Due to the rapid expansion of the movement, the work in forming the St. John Council started in 1955. Many meetings were held and the Constitution in its final form was duly signed by the Countess Mountbatten of Burma on 2nd February 1960.

In 1971, preparatory work for the merger of the Association and the Brigade started and culminated with the passing of the St. John Ambulance of Malaysia (Incorporation) Act, 1971 by the country's Parliament and the gazetting of the St. John Ambulance Rules in 1973.

Today, the St. John Ambulance of Malaysia actively functions in all the 13 States of Malaysia as well as in the Federal territory of Kuala Lumpur and in the Malayan Railways, each of which has been given the status of a Region. In every sense, the period after the merger has been momentous for the organisation and it serves as a fitting benchmark as we approach the closing years of the 20th century.

The activities of the former association are now carried by the Chief of Staff (Training) and his training Committee which has revised the syllabuses of the various First Aid and Caring for the Sick Courses as well as modified the question papers for the various Examinations. Training the Trainers Courses have also been organised to upgrade the skills of the Trainers and Examiners.

The work of the former Brigade is carried out by the Chief of Staff (Operations) and his Operations Committee which organises annual National First Aid and Home Nursing Competitions, Officers' and N.C.O.'s Training Courses, Officers' Conferences, Cadet Camps, Inspections and a host of other Brigade activities.

The St. John Ambulance of Malaysia is not only helping to bring the people of different races, colours and regions together in helping to build up a strong and united Malaysia but also providing a much-needed essential service to the public besides helping to keep our members usefully engaged in healthy activities. The tasks we face ahead are monumental but we shall overcome them and we assure all delegates that in the years to come, the Sun will continue to shine on the St. John Ambulance of Malaysia.