FELDA chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek (third from right) handing over the sponsorship to a representative from SK Chiku 03 at the recent “Welcome to School 2025” initiative. He was joined on stage by National FELDA Settlers head Sulong Jamil Mohamed Shariff (first from left), Galas state legislative assemblyman Mohd Syahbuddin Hashim (second from left), FGV group chief executive officer Fakhrunniam Othman (second from right), and Nenggiri state legislative assemblyman Mohd Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani (extreme right).
Assistance programmes targeting low-income groups ease school expenses for families
THE numbers are alarming – more than 11,000 children across Malaysia still remain left out of the education system.
While various factors contribute to this unsettling statistic, poverty stands as the primary barrier, forcing many children to drop out of school.
FGV Holdings Bhd, a key player in the agribusiness sector, is stepping up to support underprivileged students throughout Malaysia via its umbrella corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme – FGV Seikhlas Hati.
The FGV Seikhlas Hati programme also leverages its various consumer goods brands like SAJI, Bright Cow, Gula Prai, Seri Pelangi and Ladang’57, to enrich lives through targeted assistance.
In early February this year, FGV, in partnership with the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) via its foundation Yayasan FELDA, identified 15,000 children from low-income families in rural Malaysia to take part in its “Welcome to School 2025” initiative.
Providing brighter futures
The programme aims to lighten the financial burden of low-income families in rural Malaysia struggling to prepare their children for the new school year.
Year 1 primary school students from low-income households in Alor Setar, Gua Musang, Terengganu, Trolak, Jengka, Mempaga, Raja Alias, Kuantan, Segamat, Johor Bahru, and Tawau received essential school supplies, including uniforms, shoes, socks, bags and stationery worth RM150 each.
As part of this initiative, the 15,000 students have benefitted from the collective RM2.25mil sum sponsored into this programme by FGV. Building on the success of last year’s initiative, which saw RM2.17mil in sponsorship benefiting 14,500 students nationwide, FGV continues to champion education as a catalyst for change.
Fakhrunniam said FGV remains dedicated to expanding access to education, in line with its overarching Sustainability Framework.
Commitment to education
FGV group chief executive officer Fakhrunniam Othman emphasised the company’s dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children through education.
“As a responsible and caring corporate entity, FGV understands the crucial role that education plays in shaping the future of our nation’s youth, especially children in rural communities.
“We are taking a proactive approach in ensuring that these children may begin their educational journey well-equipped, with necessary school essentials,” he said at the launch event in FELDA Perasu, Gua Musang.
The “Welcome to School 2025” initiative was officially launched at FELDA Perasu, Gua Musang, by FELDA chairman Datuk Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, alongside Fakhrunniam.
With this initiative, FGV hopes to ease the burden of those in need and inspire children to be more enthusiastic in their pursuit of knowledge.
Broader mission
FGV’s commitment to education does not stop there. Later in February 2025, its popular cooking oil brand, SAJI, identified 80 youths from low-income families in the Klang Valley to be part of its SAJI Seikhlas Hati, Back to School 2025 initiative.
As part of this initiative, the 80 students aged 12 and below, were provided with a comprehensive school kit worth RM300, along with RM200 in cash, bringing the total assistance to RM40,000.
The programme, executed in collaboration with Muslim Care Malaysia (MCM), GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Giant Malaysia), and the Department of Social Welfare (JKM), underscores FGV’s commitment to bridging the educational gap in Malaysia, especially for families grappling with the rising cost of living.
Noraini assisting a recipient in fitting her new uniform at the event. Each student also received a school kit worth RM300, including shoes, stationery, and a school bag.
Additionally, FGV has collaborated with Yayasan Didik Negara to distribute digital textbooks and with Yayasan FELDA to offer digital and vocational courses for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) graduates.
These campaigns are part of FGV’s Seikhlas Hati initiative, which has also extended its impact beyond education.
In 2023, FGV Seikhlas Hati launched business-knowledge and skill-based programmes to empower asnaf entrepreneurs in Kedah.
In the same year, FGV continued to uplift underserved communities through the programme by offering affordable products for the B40 communities in Klang Valley.
Last year, FGV allocated approximately RM10.3mil towards CSR initiatives focused on poverty alleviation in both urban and rural areas, as well as addressing the issue of school attrition.
These initiatives include contributions to mosques and schools through partnerships with state religious councils and zakat centres.
Collaborating for the better
The SAJI Seikhlas Hati, Back to School 2025 programme was officially launched at Giant Kinrara by the Deputy Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.
Expressing her strong support for such impactful initiatives, she highlighted the far-reaching effects of education-focused CSR efforts.
“This is not just about material aid – it is a long-term investment in shaping the nation’s future. Education is the key to success, and we want to see every child step into school with confidence and enthusiasm,” said Noraini.
She further urged corporate companies and non-governmental (NGO) organisations to take an active role in bridging the education gap.
“I believe that initiatives like this contribute to a more inclusive and competitive society. Every child has the potential to succeed, and it is our shared responsibility to ensure they get the opportunities they deserve,” she remarked.
FGV sees corporate success as more than just financial growth.
“At FGV, we believe that the success of a company is not only measured by its financial performance but also by its contributions to society,” Fakhrunniam explained.
By prioritising education, empowering communities, and fostering economic inclusivity, FGV continues to prove that businesses can be a powerful force for good.
