KUALA LUMPUR: Nestlé Malaysia marked the 10th anniversary of its Back-to-School programme, a nationwide initiative that has supported more than 16,300 underprivileged children since it began as a pilot in Selangor in 2015.
In a statement, Nestlé said the programme, run in partnership with the NGO Empire Project, provides school supplies and food items to help ease the financial burden on families from underserved communities.
This year’s distribution began in Perlis, where 164 students received school bags, uniforms, shoes and Nestlé family packs containing assorted food items. The handover ceremony was graced by the Crown Prince of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Ibni Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail.
“Supporting children’s education is one of the most meaningful ways we can help build stronger communities and a brighter future for the nation.
“Reflecting our purpose to enhance the quality of life for all, it is heartening to see how together with Empire Project, we have reached more than 16,300 students over the past decade to date. This milestone demonstrates that even small acts of care can create a lasting impact, and we look forward to many more years of partnership to benefit communities in need,” Nestlé Malaysia executive director of group corporate affairs Raja Nurmaria Murni said.
The Empire Project said the collaboration reflects a long-running shared effort. Founder Mohd Ashraff Khan said their initial goal in partnering with Nestlé was simply to help children begin the school year better prepared.
“A decade later, seeing how this initiative has touched so many young lives reminds us of the power of collective effort and how much we can achieve when we come together for the community.”
Meanwhile, SK Panggau headmaster Mofizam Mat Russ, whose school benefited from this year’s Back-to-School programme, said the support from Nestlé and the Empire Project helps families afford essential school supplies and motivates students to start the year with confidence.
The Back-to-School initiative, part of Nestlé’s Sayang Komuniti volunteer platform, enables employees to support community and environmental projects.
Ahead of the 2026 school year, the Back-to-School programme will support over 2,000 students nationwide, with more than 100 Nestlé Sayang Komuniti volunteers helping pack and distribute school supplies to families in need.
