A total of 200 primary school students were given RM350 worth of school supplies each as part of the UDA Holdings Bhd (UDA) corporate social responsibility programme dubbed UDA Cares; Back to School 2024.
IN an effort to give back to the community, UDA Holdings Bhd (UDA) provided 200 primary school students with RM350 worth of school supplies each through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.
UDA Holdings Bhd president and chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Salem Kailany said these students, hailing from families in need in Johor Baru and surrounding areas near UDA's business district, were chosen to benefit from the UDA Cares; Back to School 2024 initiative.
“This year, we have selected 200 students to receive school essentials totalling RM70,000 in value.
“Items such as school uniforms, shoes, bags, and stationery were distributed to the students during a special shopping session held at Angsana Johor Baru Mall.
“This gesture aims to support these students in their educational journey and alleviate some financial burden on their families,” he said in a statement.
Mohd Salem added that UDA’s roles in the country’s development are not mainly in building the physical infrastructure but also in helping in the development of the socioeconomic status of the local residents.
“UDA has always been committed to it, and the UDA Cares; Back to School 2024 programme has become our important event, as it would not only help the parents but also motivate the students to start their new school session.
“The effort in helping the community is in line with our new brand dubbed ‘LIFE’, an acronym for Legacy, Integrated, Finesse, and Enrich.
“LIFE is a symbol for UDA to continue our commitment to supporting nation and community sustainability aspirations by focusing on social and economic activities en route to elevating the socioeconomic status of the locals,” he said.
Meanwhile, during the programme, UDA property investment and management senior vice president Mohd Nazri Jamiran said selected students were from 10 different schools around Johor Baru.
“We have taken 20 students from each school and provided them with transportation and lunches to come here with their parents and guardians. We hope this will be able to help them prepare for the coming school season,” he added.
Also present are Angsana Johor Baru Mall chief operating officer Imran Salleh and UDA Group corporate communications division head Radziah Mohamed Fadzil.
The schools involved are SK Sungai Danga, SK Kompleks UDA, SK Bandar UDA 2, SK Kampung Pasir, SK Pengkalan Rinting, SK Tasek Utara, SK Taman Cempaka, SK Seri Kenanga, SK Seri Melati, and SK Perumahan Tampoi 2.
Housewife Azreen Nor Abdul Razak, 39, shared that this is the second time her children have been selected to be part of the UDA Cares; Back to School 2024 programme.
“It really helps us a lot, especially nowadays with the ongoing increase in the price of goods.
“I used to help my husband with his food truck business, but due to the pandemic, we had to shut down our business and have not been able to recuperate until today,” she said, adding that now her husband works as a gardener in Pasar Tani Datin Halimah.
Sharing the same thankful feeling is p-hailing rider Muhammad Fakrur Razi Ishak, 33, who is hoping that the programme could be expanded to other schools so that more families will receive the benefit.
“I was quite shocked and happy when I was informed that two of my children had been selected as recipients of the programme.
“This is our first time receiving such aid, and I hope that I will be able to join again next year—not only me but other parents in need as well,” the father of four added.