And to top it all, these children are from multiple races, including Malays and Indian.

The Star reported that the 67-year-old Tan, adopted 11 children starting in the 1970s. Although they are from different races, all of Tan’s adopted children use his surname.

One of them is ethnic Indian Anthony, who Tan adopted when the former was just two months old, from the Tanjung Malim Hospital.

Anthony grew up in a large family of all races in Tan’s house in Kuantan, and now helps Tan run his pawnshop, said the report.

Tan’s love for adopting kids started when a Malay settlement near his house was hit by floods, and he stumbled across an orphanage with four children.

Tan and his wife did not have any children at the time and they decided to adopt the orphans. He then adopted seven more, including Anthony, over the years.

Five of Tan’s adopted children have married and given him seven grandchildren, and his youngest adopted daughter is now pursuing her PhD.

“I have to thank the Islamic religious division for allowing me to carry out the adoption procedures and helping me with the National Registration Department.

“My hope now is to see all my children return home for Qing Ming (Chinese All Souls Day),” Tan was quoted.

He said financial issues were not a concern in raising so many children.

For his sacrifice, Tan was honoured as a Unity Ambassador by the National Unity and Integration Department at the MyHero Awards held at Wisma Chinese Chamber yesterday.

The award, organised by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor and Chinese daily Nanyang Siang Pau, recognises unsung Malaysians who have played exemplary roles in promoting national and racial unity.

Another winner of the award was motivational speaker Abdol Aziz Sahat, who raised six adopted children of multiracial backgrounds. In his case, his inspiration was his mother, who grew up in a multiracial village and raised children of different races.