Top Ten has been helping many schools raise funds for their upgrade and upkeep, says Lai.
STARTING as a small fundraiser nearly 40 years ago, a nationwide initiative supported by Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) committees, donors, media partners and members of the public has helped strengthen vernacular education.
From 1987 to now, Carlsberg Malaysia’s Top Ten Charity Campaign (Top Ten) had raised RM600mil which included RM14.8mil collected this year.
The company reaffirmed Top Ten’s role as Malaysia’s longest-running Chinese charity fundraising platform.
“Vernacular schools play an essential role in shaping the country’s multicultural education system, providing future leaders with access to quality education.
“However, many schools often seek public donations to upkeep and upgrade facilities – a purposeful endeavour that Top Ten has been championing for nearly four decades,” said Carlsberg Malaysia corporate affairs and sustainability director Pearl Lai.
Top Ten is a fund-raising platform that has supported the development of primary schools, benefitting over 700 in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah.
The campaign had improved learning environments, from upgraded facilities to artificial intelligence-(AI) enabled smart classrooms.
In doing so, it has not only broadened access to quality education but also safeguarded the country’s multilingual learnings, the company said.
“The support from Top Ten has made a meaningful difference to our school,” said SJKC Chung Hwa Sungai Sendok chairman Datuk Haw Chin Teck.
The Johor school raised the most donations among participating schools this year.
“The proceeds have enabled us to improve our facilities and create a more conducive environment for teaching and learning.
“What truly stands out is how Top Ten brings the community together with parents, artistes and partners united for a shared belief that our children’s future is a responsibility we all share.”
Lahad Datu Middle School permanent honorary chairman Tan Cheng Teng said the school had hosted the campaign for three years, raising RM6mil.
“The funds supported the redevelopment of a single-storey building with labs, offices, a dance studio and cooking room, improving spaces for teaching and activities.
“These enhancements have optimised our teaching capabilities and recreational spaces.”
For the last two years, Top Ten had also extended to higher education institutions such as the hub for training and research, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Hospital, reflecting on its broader mission of advancing education beyond vernacular schools.
“Top Ten has played an instrumental role in supporting UTAR’s mission to advance education and healthcare for the community,” said UTAR president Prof Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat.
“Funds raised through the campaign have helped us upgrade teaching facilities, medical equipment and patient welfare at UTAR Hospital.”
Driven by a vision for long-term impact, Top Ten also emphasised cultivating environmental responsibility among students.
Through its “Go Green” initiative, the campaign had empowered nine schools to undertake hands-on projects, producing more than 228 litres of eco-enzymes and creating close to 538kg of eco-bricks, equipping students with practical skills and environmental knowledge.
“We believe that education and sustainability go hand in hand,” Lai said.
“Through Top Ten, we are committed to championing education today for a greener tomorrow by cultivating interest among curious minds and encouraging them to get involved in shaping a greener, better, brighter Malaysia.”
For details of Top Ten roadshows, visit Carlsberg Malaysia social media pages.
For details on the campaign visit carlsbergmalaysia.com.my/sustainability/social/community-relations/
