Shining a Light on Corporate Responsibility: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia teams up with ECOMY to bring solar lights to Orang Asli Communities
Kuala Lumpur. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia comes together with Ecotourism & Conservation Society Malaysia (ECOMY) in a meaningful partnership for the KampungKu Project, contributing a total of RM 10,000 towards installing solar lighting for 20 Orang Asli families of the Bateq tribe in Kampung Sungai Garam and Kampung Bencah Kelubi, Merapoh, Pahang.
As part of the Mercedes-Benz Grants for Good programme, employees delivered and installed 20 SunKing Pro Solar Lights with panels, along with essential items like towels, blankets, clothes, and toys for children, generously donated by its employees. This initiative not only demonstrates the brand's dedication to sustainability and community support but also improves the daily lives of these families through clean energy, fostering a sustainable future while bridging innovation with traditional living.
Amanda Zhang, CEO & President, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia said, “We are deeply moved and humbled by the opportunity to support the Orang Asli community in Kampung Sungai Garam and Kampung Bencah Kelubi. Providing solar lights, a fundamental yet crucial necessity, mirrors our deep-seated commitment to making a significant and positive impact on these communities.”
She added, "I am also very proud of how our employees rallied together for this cause, showcasing their spirit of generosity and teamwork. Their personal contributions, whether in the form of donations or by dedicating their time and effort to personally deliver the essentials, have been nothing short of inspiring. This collective action underscores the strength of our corporate culture, where we not only strive to achieve excellence in our work but also make a profound difference in the communities we serve. It’s a clear testament to the compassion and commitment that lie at the heart of our company values."
Andrew Sebastian, CEO & founder of Ecotourism & Conservation Society Malaysia (ECOMY) said, “We are immensely grateful for the collaborative effort with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia in our KampungKu project. This joint initiative has successfully provided much-needed aid to 20 homes, addressing their basic needs. Witnessing the joy and brightness in their lives not only reinforces our commitment but also highlights the essence of our responsibility towards society. It is a vivid reminder of the powerful role empathy and collective effort play in not just meeting immediate needs but in fostering a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.”
Given the unsustainable living conditions of the community, Mercedes-Benz employees also donated food items, carefully selected to meet the specific needs of the people within the community. These contributions were personally delivered by the employees, who travelled in a fleet of Mercedes-Benz SUVs for 3 hours to reach the village in Merapoh, Pahang.
The Mercedes-Benz Grants for Good Programme
The Mercedes-Benz Grants for Good programme was launched as a pioneering initiative, positioning the company's employees at the forefront of its charitable efforts. In 2023, the programme commenced with a substantial contribution of RM100,000, which was allocated to seven nonprofit organisations under the "Grants for Good" programme. These included the Food Aid Foundation, Zoo Negara Malaysia, the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation, Hospis Malaysia, among others. This innovative approach allows employees to actively participate by nominating and voting for their preferred nonprofits, effectively putting them in control of the donation selection process.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s 2023 Corporate Citizenship strategy focuses on three core themes: environmental sustainability, education and community relief. These pillars of corporate responsibility define the framework for directing resources towards creating a significant and enduring impact on the society.
About Ecotourism & Conservation Society Malaysia (ECOMY)
Ecotourism & Conservation Society of Malaysia (ECOMY) is the premier national non-governmental organisation that is focused on sustainable ecotourism as the way forward to ensure that conservation values are upheld at all key natural heritage sites in Malaysia. ECOMY was founded by leading naturalists in Malaysia, with the objectives to Conserve Malaysia’s unique habitats, plants and wildlife, to actively promote and pursue sustainable tourism as one key element in conservation, to support like-minded local communities and initiatives and to celebrate Malaysia’s unique wilderness and the unique features it supports. ECOMY works towards uniting conservation, communities and sustainable tourism, promoting greater understanding and appreciation for nature, local society and culture. For more information on how to get involved, kindly visit https://www.ecomy.org/donate
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