Yayasan Sime Darby officially launched
KUALA LUMPUR, 10 August 2009 -The Sime Darby Group took its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts to a new level today with the launching of Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD).
The foundation, officially launched tonight by Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, will seek to play a role in improving the lives of the community at large, not just in Malaysia but also beyond its shores, reflecting the global status of the Sime Darby Group.
Dato’ Sri Najib said such efforts should be emulated by the corporate sector at large, given that meeting the bottomline was no longer the only role expected of corporations today. “Corporate citizenship offers no less onerous a responsibility than that of the individual citizen,” he pointed out.
YSD is wholly funded by Sime Darby Berhad. The home grown conglomerate has pledged that it will allocate between RM50 million and RM100 million annually for YSD. These funds will be allocated to the five pillars that have been identified to support the foundation’s mission and objectives. They are community development; education; youth, sports and recreation; arts and culture; conservation of the environment, and protection of ecosystems.
The foundation is led by a Council of Governors that is chaired by YABhg Tun Musa Hitam. The other members of the Council are YM Tunku Tan Sri Dato' Seri Ahmad Tunku Yahaya, YBhg Tan Sri Dato' Sri Abang Haji Ahmad Urai, YBhg Tan Sri Dato' Wan Mohd Zahid Mohd Noordin, YBhg Datin Paduka Zaitoon Dato' Othman, YBhg Datuk Dr M Jegathesan and Ms Caroline Christine Russell. In his welcoming address, Tun Musa, who is also chairman of Sime Darby Bhd, said Yayasan Sime Darby was committed to helping communities that have been marginalised or neglected, to bring them on par with mainstream society. The foundation aims to ensure that all people - particularly those with the fewest resources - gain access to the opportunities they need to succeed in life.
Also present at the launch were Sime Darby President & Group Chief Executive Dato’ Seri Ahmad Zubir Murshid and board members of Sime Darby Bhd. Dato’ Seri Zubir said YSD was formed because Sime Darby believes it should observe the highest standards of responsibility in all areas. “Responsibility and sustainability are a part of who we are. We have consistently challenged ourselves to better our systems and processes, thinking and strategies. Ideally, we should extend this thinking to encompass all aspects of our lives,” Dato' Seri Ahmad Zubir said.
YSD was established in 1982 to focus on education - namely, awarding scholarships to deserving Malaysian students. To date, YSD has produced 1,610 scholars.
The restructured YSD however, has expanded its scope to encompass outstanding students not just in Malaysia but also in Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, Australia and Thailand to pursue undergraduate studies locally or abroad. For the last financial year, YSD awarded RM18.8 million worth of scholarships for 285 students. In fact, YSD has set aside almost one third of its funds for scholarships.
In addition, YSD also has a bursary programme that provides financial assistance to students from low-income families to pursue higher education at Malaysian universities.
Among some of the other major projects supported by YSD are its support of the Tabin Wildlife Reserve Programme in Sabah and the Borneo Rhinocerous conservation programme.
YSD has committed RM2.3 million to support the management and infrastructure needs of the Tabin Wildlife Reserve Conservation programme. Tabin Wildlife Reserve covers an area of 120,500 hectares and is the largest wildlife reserve in Malaysia. It is perhaps most recognised as the last major stronghold of the Borneon Rhinoceros. Other than the rhino, other species found in Tabin include the pygmy elephant, clouded leopard, sun bear, the hornbill, proboscis monkey, tembadau and the orang utan. These form eight of YSD’s Big 9, or the nine animal species identified for support. The ninth animal is the Malayan tiger.
“We intend to fulfill all our obligations as a responsible corporate citizen. The way forward is clear - we are all equally accountable for the world we live in and thus we have to walk the talk if we are serious about developing sustainable futures,” Dato’ Seri Ahmad Zubir said. “YSD is a reflection of how serious we are.” YSD disregards race, colour and creed when making decisions on activities or financial support to be handed out to the public.