Persatuan Karyawan Malaysia, or The Malaysian Artistes' Association (Karyawan) continues to intensify efforts to safeguard the welfare of artists when receiving a donation from NEXG Berhad. The fund also enabled donations to 10 artistes initially out of a total of 30 artistes who are facing health and other issues
The contribution presented at an event in Saloma, Kuala Lumpur, is seen as an important boost to the association's welfare efforts, which daily receive assistance requests from members.
Karyawan President, Datuk Freddie Fernandez, said that the collaboration with the corporate company opens up broader opportunities to help artists in genuine need, in addition to reflecting the private sector's concern for the fate of local artists.
According to him, Karyawanis is now focusing on strategic cooperation with corporate companies through corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs as a step to strengthen welfare funding sources.
As of June this year, the association has disbursed approximately RM30,000 to members in need, and with an additional RM50,000 from NEXG, the total amount of assistance distributed has increased to RM80,000.
However, each application for assistance will undergo a strict evaluation process to ensure that only individuals who are truly deserving receive support, especially those who do not have financial resources or family to rely on.
At the same time, Freddie emphasised that Karyawan does not want to be known merely as a welfare organization, but is instead committed to continuing the development of the country's creative industry.
"I also take this opportunity to thank NexG for their kind support of our legendary artistes. The 10 represent an initial group, and Karyawan have since identified another 20 legendary artistes who will be receiving donations over the next month or so," said Freddie.
"Among those assisted so far are legendary actress Datuk Sarimah as well as the guitarist from rock group Gamma who is living as a destitute in Jitra, Kedah after being involved in a motorcycle accident."
He said that the association also pays attention to efforts to nurture more young talents and find solutions to current industry challenges, including royalty issues and the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
In this regard, Karyawan will be organising a special convention on June 21, bringing together various stakeholders to discuss the direction and future of the local arts industry more comprehensively.
