KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- Manulife Malaysia has launched its inaugural MY Community Grant, an initiative that provides in-kind grants worth up to RM100,000 to organisations who strive to make every day better for communities in Malaysia. The MY Community Grant applications were received throughout the months of April to May 2021 that saw over 100 applicants.
 
Organisations providing social services and their beneficiaries, especially vulnerable communities, have been impacted by a reduction in funding due to the evolving nature of the pandemic. This, in turn, has impacted the level of support these organisations can give to assist and empower communities in need.
 
Manulife Malaysia has since given grants of up to RM100,000 to the following ten shortlisted organisations:
 
• Pertubuhan Alam Sekitar EcoKnights Kuala Lumpur dan Selangor (EcoKnights); 
• Association of Science, Technology and Innovation (ASTI); 
• PanJam Food Rescue; 
• KRT Petaling Street; 
• Hopes Malaysia; 
• Fly Technology Agriculture Sdn. Bhd.; 
• Green Growth Asia Foundation; 
• The MareCet Research Organisation; 
• Persatuan Restu Amal Jasa Malaysia; and, 
• Kelab Kebajikan Pendidikan Explore. 
 
These organisations were chosen based on their strategic alignment with Manulife’s sustainability strategy focus areas: health and wellbeing, inclusive economic opportunities, and environmental sustainability.
 
Aaron Bosuang, Public Relations Executive, Hopes Malaysia, a Sabah-based welfare association, noted that the pandemic resurgence this past year has made lives challenging for rural families and care homes that experienced a lack of food aid. 
 
“This grant has not only supported our local rural farming families, but also provided essential fresh food aid to over five care centres that were in need, touching countless lives of all ages. Before receiving this assistance, our local care centres lived in constant worry about their next meal due to decreased donations. Thank you Manulife Malaysia for believing in our team and supporting us in serving the underprivileged," said Bosuang.
 
Dr. Louisa Ponnampalam, Executive Director and Co-Founder of The MareCet Research Organisation, an NGO dedicated to research and conservation of marine mammals in the country, noted the grant will enable MareCet to build a solar-powered Nature Gazebo to inculcate and foster eco-learning activities for children.
 
“We are grateful this grant will support the Nature Gazebo project that helps boost MareCet’s commitment to local community development for environmental conservation,” said Dr. Ponnampalam.
 
“Providing a helping hand to our communities, especially in challenging times like this, is part of Manulife Malaysia’s commitment as an active and caring corporate citizen in Malaysia. The MY Community Grant came about to enable a targeted yet wide reach to the communities in which we operate, enabling the organisations that support them to fulfil their objectives of helping and empowering those in need throughout the country,” said Vibha Coburn, Group Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Malaysia. “It has been heartening to witness the impact and reach that this project has translated into as we give back to our community by supporting them to live every day better.”
 
About Manulife Malaysia https://www.manulife.com.my/en/individual/about-us/about-manulifemalaysia.html  
 
Source: Manulife Insurance Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Asha Devi
Senior Manager, Brand & Communications
Manulife Insurance Berhad
Tel: (603) 2719 9294
Email: asha_devi@manulife.com 

--BERNAMA