UDA Holdings Bhd chairman Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini (left) officiating the event at SK Raja Dihilir Ekram, alongside Perak Education Department director Safuan Raba’ai (centre) and Perak Agricultural Department director Norsiyenti Othman (far right). – RONNIE CHIN / The Star
UDA Holdings Bhd has contributed 13 smart televisions to SK Raja Dihilir Ekram in Ipoh, as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.
The company’s chairman Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini said the smart TVs worth RM22,100, reflects UDA’s commitment as a government-linked company (GLC) under the supervision of the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry to support and strengthen the digital education ecosystem in the country.
He noted that enhancing digital education is part of UDA’s initiative to support the implementation of the Digital Education Policy, which aims to produce a digitally fluent and competitive generation.
This, he added, included initiatives in digital education, sustainability culture, sports development and community programmes within UDA’s business development regions.
“This effort aligns with the Prime Minister’s call for GLCs to allocate resources for development projects that benefit school communities.
“When the school requested for smart TVs, we ensured that the TVs were delivered, as it is one of the latest educational tools that can enhance students’ interest in learning through more technologically advanced methods,” he said after the smart TV handover ceremony at the school on Feb 20.
Also present were Perak Education Department director Safuan Raba’ai and Perak Agriculture Department director Norsiyenti Othman.
Mohd Annuar said the initiative is part of UDA’s broader efforts in digital education, sustainability, sports development and community programmes.
Mohd Annuar attended the school between 1962 and 1964 and has adopted the school under the “Satu Pemimpin, Satu Kampung” (One Leader, One Village) Santuni Madani programme.
All 55-inch smart TVs have been placed in 10 classrooms, including the preschool, mainstream education and Integrated Special Education Programme rooms, as well as the Special Recovery Programme classroom, the meeting room and the school resource centre.
Meanwhile, Mohd Annuar also stated that UDA is collaborating with the state’s Agriculture Department to develop a hydroponic farming project at the school.
He explained that this programme aims to instill awareness among students about the importance of food security while guiding them to cultivate an interest in food production activities.
In addition, he highlighted that UDA focuses on the development of local sports by providing a platform for young, talented athletes with limited financial resources, particularly through bowling at one of UDA’s shopping complexes, Angsana Ipoh Mall.
“A programme is being planned to identify talent and enhance the development of bowling among underprivileged students.
“This initiative is being implemented in close collaboration with the Education Department, the Youth and Sports Department, the State Sports Council, Yayasan Perak and Lite Superbowl JB9,” he said.
Mohd Annuar and Norsiyenti (centre) at the urban farming garden at SK Raja Dihilir Ekram in Ipoh.
To date, a total of 502 underprivileged students have received support through the “UDA Cares Programme: Back to School 2025” initiative which was implemented in Johor, Sabah and Pahang.
Mohd Annuar later told reporters that he believed technology would open the minds of students beyond the usual scope.
He said the fundamental role of a school should be to nurture the natural talents of every student.
“Yes, everyone should learn to read, write and do basic math. But not everyone will get straight A’s.
“But sadly, we treat those who don’t excel academically as if they have no place in school.
“During awards day, we should not only celebrate top scorers but also recognise students with other talents,” he remarked.
He said that the range of extracurricular activities should not be limited to sports, but should also offer alternatives for students interested in agriculture, carpentry and other practical skills.
“Recognition should be more inclusive so that everyone feels valued. If we don’t do this, we risk creating a culture where students feel unworthy,” he added.
