Assalamualaikum and a very Good Morning. 

1. As we usher in a season of renewal this Lunar New Year and celebrate the launch of ‘Dawn Hope: A Safe Haven for Girls in Need’, our thoughts and prayers are with our communities in Sarawak currently affected by the severe flooding. As part of the GDRN Network, YSD has recently mobilised relief efforts in 5 affected areas - Kuching, Bintulu, Serian, Miri, and Samarahan - providing dry food packs and hygiene kits to aid more than 2,000 families, as well as electrical appliances to 25 temporary evacuation centres - with more emergency relief support planned, as we continue to monitor the situation. Our commitment to Sarawak is steadfast, and we stand with every member of the community during these trying times. 
2. Today, we further our commitment to the community in Sarawak by addressing another pressing issue, to support young girls facing early motherhood and other social challenges through the launch of Dawn Hope. This new initiative marks an initial step in ongoing efforts in the region to provide a structured support system for girls, as part of our collective commitment to uplifting the rights and well-being of all community members, particularly girls in need. 
3. We are especially honoured by the presence of Yang Berhormat Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri and the involvement of the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development today. Thank you, YB, for advocating for effective community solutions to challenges faced by girls in need and for your support for a lot of our work in uplifting vulnerable communities across Malaysia.  
4.  ‘Dawn Hope’ is the first initiative to be launched under the YSD SINAR Programme, which is funded by the Ministry of Finance under Belanjawan Madani 2025. YSD SINAR is a nationwide effort with various NGOs that addresses a spectrum of social challenges, including teenage pregnancies and autism. We would like to thank Dato' Shahrol Anuwar bin Sarman, the Director of the National Budget Office, for being here and celebrating this occasion with us today.  We shall be announcing other impactful projects under YSD SINAR, which are also funded by the Ministry of Finance in the near future, so watch this space! 

Ladies and gentlemen,  

5. As the philanthropic arm of Sime Darby Berhad, SD Guthrie Berhad, and Sime Darby Property Berhad, YSD has been a proactive force in Sarawak since 2011, contributing more than RM60 million through 20 initiatives with longstanding impact to education, public health, and environment conservation in the region. 
6. Our support is holistic, ranging from health initiatives such as tackling HIV/AIDS through a tripartite collaboration with the Malaysian AIDS Foundation and the Ministry of Health, as well as a Patient Navigation Programme for breast cancer patients in public hospitals in partnership with Cancer Research Malaysia and the Ministry of Health; to environmental efforts like planting forest and endemic tree species while spreading awareness with SD Guthrie Berhad in Damai Estate, Bintulu as well as the Sarawak Red Langur Conservation project at Maludam National Park, in collaboration with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation which also aims to uplift local communities from the B40 group economically through eco-tourism.  

Ladies and gentlemen, 

7. Malaysia is currently facing a silent epidemic of unplanned pregnancies among young girls. The Ministry of Health’s recent data reveals a troubling rise in such cases, pointing to the urgent need for targeted support structures like the one we are launching today—to offer pathways to stability and self-reliance for these girls. 
8. Yayasan Sime Darby (or YSD) is honoured to be leading this ‘Dawn Hope’ initiative in partnership with Pertubuhan Pembangunan Insan Sarawak (or PPIS). We are pleased to be working with Ms Manjeet Kaur, the founder of PPIS, whose experience, knowledge, and resilience in this matter makes her a valuable partner in Sarawak! Together, we are providing a sanctuary where young women can access a comprehensive type of support, from healthcare and mental health support, to education and vocational training - to empower these young women to rebuild and take charge of their futures. 
9. However, ‘Dawn Hope’ goes beyond being just a refuge to provide a start-over avenue for personal growth and community integration. As part of our collaboration with PPIS, we also aim to address the important social issues of prevention of teenage pregnancies as well as baby abandonment - with education and awareness programmes, working with PPIS and various NGOs in Sarawak. Our localised response with ‘Dawn Hope’ is crucial in supporting the government to provide practical and immediate support where it is most needed. 

Ladies and gentlemen, 

10. Addressing the root causes of these societal challenges requires forward-thinking solutions, collective action, and above all, the courage to act. We look forward to seeing the impact ‘Dawn Hope’ will make in the lives of many young women who are at a crossroads with the support they need, to create a safety net for at-risk youth. 
11. My heartiest thanks to all our partners and collaborators for your continued support and commitment to this important work in Sarawak and beyond. Let us continue to work together to ensure that no girl in need has to face her challenges alone, Insya Allah. Thank you.