KUALA LUMPUR: Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) has reached more than 7.2 million people nationwide through its education, community development, healthcare and environmental conservation programmes over the past four decades.
In a statement, the foundation said its initiatives were supported by funding from Sime Darby Bhd
, SD Guthrie Bhd and Sime Darby Property Bhd, covering five core areas: education, environment, community and health, sports, and arts and culture.
YSD said it also worked with several government ministries and agencies to implement programmes aligned with national socio-economic development priorities, including the GEAR-uP agenda.
YSD chief executive officer Dr Yatela Zainal Abidin said the foundation’s achievements reflected its long-term collaboration with corporate donors, government agencies and local communities.
“This milestone reflects the power of long-term commitment and collective action. It would not have been possible without the steadfast support of our donor companies, the trust placed in us by the government, and the dedication of our partners and communities across Malaysia,” she said.
Since its establishment in 1982, YSD has awarded 6,961 scholarships, including support for more than 2,300 individuals pursuing vocational training.
Its Sime Darby Young Innovators Challenge attracted 3,991 students from 519 schools nationwide this year, including 125 rural schools, with support from 600 mentors.
Under its community and health initiatives, Program SINAR YSD had assisted more than 9,500 individuals as of mid-2025, including teenage mothers, children with autism and families facing social challenges.
The foundation also works with Cancer Research Malaysia on cancer research, genetic counselling and early detection initiatives.
In environmental conservation, YSD has supported anti-poaching efforts at the Royal Belum State Park in Perak since 2017, including funding for 39 local community rangers.
Its collaboration with the Marine Research Foundation has resulted in the deployment of 228 Turtle Excluder Devices, estimated to have saved at least 1,172 sea turtles.
Meanwhile, its mangrove conservation programme with the Global Environment Centre has planted 60,450 mangrove trees across more than 29 hectares in Perak, Johor, Selangor and Kedah.
The programme has also supported local income-generating activities, including mangrove-based products that have recorded cumulative sales exceeding RM80,000.
Separately, YSD said 13,765 employees from its three donor companies had contributed about 82,265 volunteer hours across 672 environmental and community activities.
The foundation said it would continue working with corporate and government partners to expand its programmes in education, community development and environmental conservation.
