QSR Brands celebrates Merdeka with students, teachers, and parents of Sekolah Kebangsaan Seberang Takir, Terengganu, a beneficiary of its ‘Sehati Feed to Educate’ programme.
QSR’s purpose-led campaigns continue to nourish communities and empower the next generation
AS Malaysia commemorates Merdeka and Malaysia Day, QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd – operator of KFC and Pizza Hut – reaffirms its commitment to nation-building through compassion, education and community upliftment.
For QSR Brands, these national milestones are not just historical markers but living values, embedded in every meal served, every child supported and every future shaped.
Since the early days of independence, QSR Brands has grown alongside the nation, becoming a familiar presence in every corner of Malaysia, from bustling cities to quiet kampungs.
Today, its mission remains rooted in the same spirit that built this country: unity, resilience and care for the rakyat.
Unity in diversity
This year, the KFC Cara Kita campaign brought Merdeka to life through 14 murals across 14 states, each painted by local artists.
From urban vibrance in Kuala Lumpur to kampung nostalgia in Kelantan, the murals celebrate Malaysia’s rich diversity and shared identity.
These visual tributes serve as a reminder that Merdeka is not just about independence, it’s about belonging, expression and unity – a reflection of the rakyat’s stories, painted proudly on the walls of our cities.
Feeding futures
Through the Sehati campaign, QSR Brands pledged RM2mil to provide monthly food packages to 1,400 underserved students across 28 schools nationwide.
The initiative ensures every child has access to nutritious meals and the opportunity to thrive in school.
Jamilah Mat Ripin, mother of an 11-year-old recipient from Sekolah Kebangsaan Seberang Takir, Terengganu said, “I feel really grateful to receive the food box, as it helps a lot with our household groceries.
“My daughter now has full attendance at school and has improved in her academic performance. As a mother, my greatest hope is for my child to become a teacher one day.”
Echoing the same appreciation was Vera Johny – mother of a recipient from SK Kolombong, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah who shared, “I’m very thankful that my child was selected for the Sehati programme because it has eased my family’s burden.
“My son is more cheerful and confident going to school. Thank you, QSR, for this contribution,” said Vera, who is of Dusun ethnicity.
Muhd Aeril: My child now attends school more regularly and has learned to read.
As a breadwinner for his family, Muhd Aeril — of Iban ethnicity — felt truly blessed and deeply touched to be selected by SK Tabuan Ulu, Kuching, Sarawak to receive the Sehati food aid.
“The food box contribution from QSR has really helped ease some of the difficulties my family has been facing.
“We were going through some financial struggles, and this support has helped reduce our monthly expenses.
“My child’s school attendance has improved, and from not being able to read before, he can now read. I want to express my appreciation to QSR for the support you’ve given us,” he said.
Empowering leaders
QSR Brands’ RM2.1mil KFC Scholarship is another bold step in nation-building.
Awarded to 40 deserving B40 students pursuing undergraduate degrees at public universities, the scholarship covers tuition, monthly allowances and KFC meal vouchers.
“The KFC Scholarship has been such a big help. It took away a lot of the financial stress from my family and let me focus on my studies without worrying about expenses.
“I’m really grateful to QSR Brands for giving students like me this kind of opportunity, which shows they genuinely care about our future,” said Haajaratul Nabila Rosman, who is now pursuing a Bachelor of Information Technology at the International Islamic University Malaysia.
Lim Ka Thong, a veterinary medicine student at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, shares this view. “I am truly grateful for the KFC scholarship, as it supports me as the only veterinary student among their scholars.
Haajaratul: The KFC Scholarship has been a big help in my studies.
“At that time, it was extremely challenging to find a scholarship that recognised and supported my dream course.
“Through bootcamps and training that sharpen our soft skills, being a KFC scholar constantly pushes me to aim higher and achieve greater goals.”
For Narmadha Devi Balamurugan, who is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Science at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, the KFC Scholarship offers comfort.
“It has eased the financial pressure on my family, allowing me to concentrate on achieving my goals.
“I am sincerely grateful to QSR Brands for their commitment in supporting students like me.”
A Merdeka worth celebrating
QSR Brands’ impact is not just social, it’s economic. KFC and Pizza Hut Malaysia recorded a 30% increase in revenue performance for 1H2025.
This was driven by purpose-led campaigns, operational agility, and community trust, reflecting the success of the company’s transformation strategies.
This growth was driven by focused execution across three strategic pillars: business transformation, digital innovation and cultural alignment.
Through streamlined operations and optimised outlet performance, QSR Brands has begun reconnecting its iconic brands with the communities it proudly serves.
Transformation initiatives including innovative menu launches, targeted marketing efforts, reinvestment in high-performing locations and the reopening of previously closed stores are already delivering positive impact.
Nehchal: QSR Brands’ delivers consistent value amid challenges reflects its strong leadership and performance.
“QSR Brands’ ability to deliver consistent value, even in challenging market conditions, is a testament to its strong leadership and disciplined execution,” said chief executive officer and managing director Nehchal Khanna.
“The transformation initiatives have not only strengthened operational efficiency but also enhanced our value proposition to customers and fostered staff morale.”
Across Malaysia, KFC and Pizza Hut outlets are once again bustling. For store teams, this revival is deeply emotional.
“This Merdeka and Malaysia Day feel extra special, we’re seeing our stores come alive again.
“It’s more than just a job for many of us. It’s about rekindling the spirit of togetherness that defines us as Malaysians.
“Serving our community reminds us that we’re part of their everyday moments,” shared a store employee.
Towards a shared tomorrow
As Malaysia Day approaches, QSR Brands stands tall — not just as a corporate entity, but as a partner in the Malaysian story.
From murals and meals to scholarships, the brand’s journey is intertwined with the rakyat’s aspirations. “Merdeka is a time to reflect on our shared journey as Malaysians,” added Nehchal.
“For me, this day holds a deeply personal meaning. After years abroad, I made the conscious decision to return home to Malaysia — not just to lead QSR Brands but to contribute meaningfully to the country that shaped me.
“Malaysia is not just where I’m from; it’s where I belong. And it’s where I believe we can build something truly transformative.”
QSR Brands has stood alongside Malaysians, serving meals, creating jobs and uplifting communities.
From the first KFC outlet to today’s nationwide impact, the brand has grown with the country, shaped by its people and driven by its purpose.
This Merdeka and Malaysia Day, QSR Brands doesn’t just celebrate independence it celebrates belonging. Because #Cara Kita is not just how they do things, it’s who they are, proudly Malaysian.
