Real impact: Ang (front row, fourth from right) and his staff posing for a photo at the PJ Eco Recycling Plaza.
PETALING JAYA: From bringing a smile to the faces of the less fortunate, donating basic necessities, cleaning beaches and installing solar panels in schools and villages, companies are doing their part for the betterment of society.
Businessman Edmund Loo said his company has been contributing food baskets and personal care products to welfare homes and orphanages in Puchong, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam and Subang Jaya, as well as to some struggling families since 2014.
Together with a business partner, they also installed free solar photovoltaic systems to support farms growing vegetables as part of an urban farming project by the local community.
“The produce is handed to the less fortunate and poor families in the area.
“We are now identifying several areas to help power schools with solar panels to lower electricity costs and reduce carbon footprint.
“I believe in giving back to society. When we are able to help others, especially the needy, and make their life better, we in turn will be happier,” he said.
During the Covid-19 pandemic and major floods, Loo and his staff distributed basic foodstuff to help out those affected.
His company also organised blood donation campaigns, and tree planting activities to help address climate change.
Pay it forward: Loo and Teoh stress the importance of giving back to communities in need.
CapBay co-founder Darrel Ang said they focus on enhancing environmental awareness and protecting Mother Earth as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Ang said recently, their staff carried out a joint programme at the PJ Eco Recycling Plaza under the theme “upcycle and empower” with two partners.
“In just three hours, our team of 30 made an impact by processing 5.78kg of plastics or about 964 plastic bags saved from landfills.
“We also managed to recycle 88.9kg of glass and upcycle 2.5kg of used cooking oil into beautiful candles,” he said.
Ang also said a beach cleaning activity at Pantai Remis in Jeram, Selangor, saw them collecting 35kg of garbage, plastic waste and about 500 cigarette butts to raise environmental awareness about the impact of marine debris on the ecosystem.
Head of group corporate communications IOI Properties Kim Teoh stressed the group’s commitment to employee volunteerism and community impact under its CSR efforts.
She said during special occasions, their staff will get together to visit orphanages to address education, youth development and living necessities of each resident there.
“Our programmes such as IOIPG Wish Tree aim to fulfil the dreams of these underprivileged children whose backgrounds are often heartbreaking.
“For example, two young siblings were found abandoned while another pair had to fend for themselves after the tragic death of their parents in an accident.
“These children understand that they no longer have parents and family security they once enjoyed,” she said, adding that such visits assured the residents that society will assist them to rebuild their lives for the better.
Meanwhile, the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) returns for the 11th edition to honour everyday Malaysians whose compassion and selflessness have made a lasting impact on others.
With McDonald’s Malaysia as the new strategic partner, SGHA is poised to broaden its reach and deepen its impact nationwide.
This year also marks the debut of the McDonald’s Caring Hearts Award – a special recognition honouring individuals or grassroots groups whose heartfelt acts of kindness have uplifted lives in profound and lasting ways.
Since its inception in 2015, SGHA has honoured over 100 individuals and organisations whose efforts have inspired action, transformed lives and strengthened communities nationwide.
Today is the closing date for nominations.
