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5 More Brands That Are Embracing Corporate Social Responsibility During This Pandemic

Find out the organisations we featured in Part 1 of this article. They’ve demonstrated exemplary corporate citizenship values throughout the pandemic. 

In these extraordinarily tough times, the harsh impacts of COVID-19 are acutely felt by all Malaysians irrespective of race, background, or creed. From facing increased financial difficulty, burnout from working around the clock, drastic lifestyle shifts to food shortages, the detrimental effects of this pandemic are countless.

However, this difficult fight has also shown us the power of coming together as a community. In the spirit of togetherness, many Malaysians have stepped up to the plate to tackle the disruptions brought on by the pandemic. 

In solidarity with these efforts, many companies have escalated their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to help communities in need. They have also demonstrated a strong commitment in protecting the health and well-being of the country.

Want to find out more about the amazing initiatives taken on by these socially responsible companies? Delve into their CSR journey by reading below! 

1. CIMB Group

Through its financial assistance programs and CSR projects, CIMB Group has played an active role in alleviating the burdens of those negatively affected by COVID-19.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19, CIMB has contributed RM6.3 million for relief initiatives to help communities in need. On top of teaming up with NGOs to provide food aid and contributing medical equipment to hospitals, CIMB also seeks to address the digital learning gap. With this objective in mind, laptops were provided to more than 1,700 students as part of their CERDIK programme[1]

Recognising cash flow disruptions faced by SMEs amidst movement control orders, CIMB immediately strengthened its efforts to provide digital solutions for struggling businesses. With the help of its partners Shopmatic and BusinessHR, CIMB launched a program called Go Digital to help microenterprises increase their online brand presence, streamline HR tasks using simplified systems and therewith, connect with customers more seamlessly[2]. Monthly webinars were also held to guide SMEs in scaling up their businesses through these platforms.

CIMB also seeks to ensure no child feels left behind during festive seasons. In the spirit of #KitaJagaKita, CIMB Foundation initiated a Baju Raya programme to benefit 250 underprivileged children from 9 children’s homes. Aimed at easing their financial burdens in preparing for celebrations, CIMB provided goodies directly to these homes and brought the children shopping for Raya clothes so that they can look their best for the big day[3]

Having recently pledged another 10 million in pandemic aid via its Komuniti Kita COVID-19 Relief project, CIMB shows no signs of slowing down in supporting communities in need across Malaysia. 

CIMB deeply empathises with the hardships faced by communities who continue to be affected by the prolonged pandemic. We hope our contribution, even if only in some small way, will help to alleviate the burdens of those affected by the pandemic. – Datuk Mohd Nasir Ahmad, Chairman of CIMB Group

2. ECM Libra Foundation

The ECM Libra Foundation, funded by the founders of ECM Libra Berhad, has pledged to do as much as possible for those worst affected by the COVID-19.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the foundation has been actively playing its part through numerous community initiatives. With over RM3 million set aside for food aid, their programme benefited over 1,400 families and 600 urban poor within just the first two rounds of their distribution (July and August 2020). Additionally, more than 27,000 packs of food were given to old folks’ homes, orphans and single mothers living in Seremban and surrounding areas during movement control orders[4]

Keen to elevate the unwavering efforts of key charities, ECM Libra has also been working closely with local organisations such as Pertiwi Soup Kitchen, Kechara Soup Kitchen and Buku Jalanan Chow Kit to help the homeless and underprivileged[5].

Acknowledging the stress and workload shouldered by medical frontliners, the Foundation sought to alleviate their burden by providing 4500 nights of free hotel stays at Tune Hotel PWTC for health care workers from Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) and National Heart Institute (IJN). This was to assist doctors and nurses who, after working long shifts, faced difficulties going home before having to report for duty again — a much-needed respite from having to sleep in corridors and on stretchers[6]. The Foundation has also provided ventilators, personal protective equipment (PPE), face masks and shields to hospitals and health care facilities.

Committed towards safeguarding the wellbeing of fellow Malaysians, ECM Libra Foundation hopes to expand the impact of their CSR efforts to reach even more communities in need.

The frontline workers have shown selfless commitment and risk their lives daily for Malaysians. We will never be able to express our gratitude enough. We just wish we could do more. – Dato’ Seri Kalimullah bin Hassan, Chairman of ECM Libra Foundation Board of Trustees

3. Coway Malaysia

In the spirit of its ‘We Stand As One’ campaign, Coway Malaysia has been actively supporting communities throughout COVID-19.

Being one of the first multinational corporations to leap into action, Coway Malaysia made a RM300,000 monetary contribution to the Health Ministry in April 2020, alongside donating 300 air purifiers to over 38 hospitals across Malaysia treating COVID-19 patients[7]

In support of the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme, they also contributed over 100 units of Coway air purifiers to four mega vaccination centres in the Klang Valley. This was  to provide better air quality and peace of mind to the individuals going for their vaccination appointments, as well as to the dedicated frontliners and volunteers on duty[8]

In efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19, Coway’s Health Planners and Homecare Technicians have also been carrying out disinfection services at public spaces such as schools, police stations, government offices and residential areas. In addition to this, 100,000 pieces of three-layer surgical face masks were donated to Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) as a symbol of appreciation for their role in maintaining law and order during this challenging period[8]. Thousands of “Stay Safe” kits comprising hand sanitisers and masks were also handed out to GrabFood riders and customers. 

More recently, Coway donated RM400,000 to MERCY Malaysia’s Food Aid Programme, benefiting 3,600 vulnerable families such as the urban and rural B40, the disabled, refugee populations as well as shelter homes[9]

Having demonstrated a strong commitment to stand with Malaysians during these tough times, Coway hopes to continue lending a helping hand .

We believe that every single act of help, no matter how big or small, makes a lasting impact in the long run. We are stronger together, and that will help us all fight this pandemic for a better Malaysia[10]  – Kyle Choi Ki Ryong, Managing Director of Coway Malaysia

4. 7-Eleven Malaysia

Throughout the pandemic, 7-Eleven Malaysia has been consistently engaging with marginalized and less-fortunate communities across the country to provide them aid and support. 

To date, 7-Eleven has collectively contributed more than RM1.6 million worth of essentials, from test kits, personal protective equipment, groceries and foodstuff to various beneficiaries, nationwide. Driven by the desire to ‘Always Be There For You’, 7-Eleven is answering the public call for help by extending its goodwill initiatives[11]

One of their CSR efforts include #BuatBaikTogether, a programme to support low-income, disadvantaged communities. Through this initiative, over 200 charity homes and non-profit organisations received contributions consisting of food and non-food products such as groceries, canned food, biscuits, snacks, and medical supplies[11]

Source: The Sun Daily

The campaign also successfully raised RM5,000 for its CSR partner Damai Disabled Person Association Malaysia, an organisation that has been at the forefront in equipping the disabled community with the necessary skills to live independently.

To empower the female community, 7-Eleven Malaysia has taken the initiative to contribute to UmieAktif, a non-profit social enterprise which works with economically challenged women in areas such as Chow Kit, Kampung Melayu Ampang, Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu. By providing sewing machines and marketing knowledge, 7-Eleven hopes to give them the opportunity to make a living through sewing using recycled materials and fabric[11].

During Hari Raya, 7-Eleven partnered with NGOhub to reach out to disenfranchised communities adversely affected by restricted movement orders. Acknowledging the challenges faced by these less fortunate communities during this festive season, 7-Eleven Malaysia arranged for the distribution of groceries and basic necessities such as rice, cooking oil, canned sardines, cookies, instant oatmeal and condensed milk to Rumah Titian Kaseh, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Dan Perlindungan Al-Haq, and other selected charitable organisations to ease their burden during these trying times.

Having touched many lives since its inception, 7-Eleven seeks to continue expanding their CSR efforts to reach even more communities in the future. 

CSR is about fostering empathy, bringing hope, and uplifting the lives of those who need support. It is also to inspire members of the public to be an agent of change in the betterment of their community and the world we live in[12]. – Ronan Lee, 7-Eleven Malaysia General Manager of Marketing

5. Linaco Group

Staying true to its corporate heartbeat “he who builds will himself be built”, Linaco group is dedicated towards building sustainable futures and helping communities. Throughout the pandemic, they have expanded programmes and aid efforts for those in need.

In September 2021, Linaco partnered with the Bountiful Eye Foundation (TBEF), Klinik Kesihatan Betau, Pejabat Kesihatan Daerah Lipis to conduct a health programme in 3 Orang Asli villages (i.e. Kampung Ulu Semul, Kampung Sagong and Kampung Tenlan). Through talks conducted by medical staff from these organisations, participants received insights on the importance of a healthy diet, food safety and protective measures one can take against Malaria and Covid-19[13]

Acknowledging the significant barriers faced by Orang Asli in accessing healthcare, Linaco hopes to continue supporting and encouraging the Orang Asli to approach available public options so as to ensure the health and wellbeing of their families.

Additionally, volunteers from Linaco have also been preparing and packing Waybox food aid packages to be distributed to underprivileged families. Working closely with MyKasih Foundation, Dignity for Children Foundation, House of Hope Penang and several other organisations, Linaco is committed towards delivering 500 sets of WayBox monthly to their beneficiaries[14].

The heart of giving has always been the core identity of Linaco. Project by project, individual by individual, Linaco is committed to paying it forward by sharing their time, talents and resources to help others live better.

It’s about sustaining what we’re doing for the people and not giving up on them. When the organisation grows, the giving must also grow[15]. – Joe Ling, Managing Director of Linaco Group 

Explore Our Sources

  1.  2021. CIMB. CIMB Group launches Komuniti Kita COVID-19 Relief Project. Link
  2. CIMB Islamic. 2021. CIMB Go Digital supports SMEs resilience through digitalisation. Link
  3. CIMB Islamic. 2021. CIMB Foundation spreads hari raya cheer to underprivileged children. Link
  4. 2020. ECM Libra Foundation. Allocating RM3 mil. in COVID-19 food aid. Link
  5. 2020. ECM Libra Foundation. Feeding vulnerable communities during COVID-19. Link
  6. 2020. ECM Libra Foundation. Previously sleeping rough, HKLs frontliners find relief in free rooms. Link
  7. 2020. NST. Coway Malaysia donates RM300000 to the Health Ministry. Link
  8. 2021. Coway. We stand as one. Link
  9. 2021. NST. Coway partners with Mercy Malaysia. Link
  10. 2021. NST. Coway supplies 1010 air purifiers to vaccination centres. Link
  11. 7-Eleven. Always there for you. Link
  12. 2019. Minime Insights. 7-Eleven wins CSR Award For 3 Consecutive Years. Link
  13. 2021. Linaco. Of toothbrush, shampoo, and games with Klinik Kesihatan Betau. Link
  14. 2021. Linaco. Waybox making its way to families in need. Link
  15. 2019. Youtube. Linaco: The Legacy of Giving. Link

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