A charity project in collaboration with 51 Malaysian artists and public figures has raised RM1,255,000 for turtle conservation and various Malaysian charities.
The Penyu Shell-Ter Project saw 70 turtle sculptures made with ECOCem, YTL Cement’s low-carbon cement.
The project in conjunction with YTL Group’s 70th anniversary was organised by YTL Cement in partnership with YTL Hotels and the National Art Gallery.
The pieces were exhibited at selected YTL hotels and featured in a nationwide online auction that culminated in an on-site auction and gala dinner in Kuala Lumpur.
According to a media release by YTL Cement, the auction of 20 sculptures was conducted by renowned auctioneer Ian McGinlay.
The highlight was Datuk Zainal Abidin’s “Vanishing Patterns” piece, which started a bidding war that drove the price up to RM50,000 and was celebrated with a performance of his iconic song Hijau.
Consequently, Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS) as well as Marine Conservation and Research Organisation Malaysia (Pulihara) – non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working to protect endangered sea and freshwater turtle species with a focus on hatchery operations, habitat protection, community-led conservation work, and public education – received RM1mil.
TCS co-founder and executive director Dr Chen Pelf Nyok and Pulihara chief executive officer Rahayu Zulkifli attended the charity auction.
YTL Cement executive director Rachel Yeoh said Penyu Shell-Ter showed the power of art as a catalyst of change and a unifier of people, places and partnerships that made important conservation work possible.
YTL Cement also donated RM255,000 – or RM5,000 on behalf of each of the 51 artists and public figures – to 10 NGOs chosen by them.
Among the causes championed were food security, youth empowerment, mental health, environmental conservation, palliative care, and community well-being.
“We are incredibly honoured to be one of the main beneficiaries of The Penyu Shell-Ter Project,” said Chen.
“Turtle conservation is not just a scientific effort, it is a shared responsibility.
“We thank YTL Cement, YTL Hotels and all the participating artists for helping bring our work to a wider audience, raising awareness and building emotional connections simultaneously,” she added.
The Penyu Shell-Ter Project is an extension of YTL Cement’s dedicated corporate social responsibility arm which champions investment in community, creative talent, and environmental sustainability.
For the full list of participating artists and to view all the turtle sculptures, visit penyushellter.ytlcement.com/penyu
