My Speech at the My Kasih Cheque Presentation Ceremony

It is my pleasure to be here today to witness the launch of the Quill Capita Trust - MyKasih Community Programme.

The Government is constantly appreciative of efforts by the private sector in making this kind of contribution to help the less fortunate members of our community. Whilst the Government’s efforts have been mainly focused in raising the general standard of living on a macro basis, the private sector’s efforts have been to offer direct assistance to deserving families on a micro basis. In this respect, both our efforts have been complimentary. We should continue to jointly contribute in this manner.

The increase in incidences of the private sector pursuing and practicing a culture of Corporate Social Responsibility has been a positive development in our country. It is my personal hope that companies in the future will commit a fixed percentage of their profits toward this social responsibility.
Looking further into the future, it is again my personal hope that investors will give priority to invest in companies that practise a high standard social responsibility.

I have noted with great satisfaction that there are three parties who are working closely with one another to reach the recipients. Firstly, the Donor in this case Quill Capita Management Sdn Bhd, secondly, the Administrator in this case MyKasih Foundation and finally the Dispenser in this case The Store Supermarket. This kind of cooperation has one great advantage in that there is no duplication of work and hence it offers great savings in both resources and time.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

MyKasih Foundation is somewhat unique in their approach. They do this through their food aid, counseling, financial literacy and skills training programmes.
The food aid programme is carried out using leading-edge technology via MyKad provides recipients with the means to shop, select and pay for exactly what they need, and all without any cash changing hands.

MyKasih with volunteers to provide household budgeting and financial skills counseling to participating families. It also provides after school tutoring and life skill training to children and works with volunteer groups to organize education programmes and training activities for teens and young adults.

Needy families are identifying by Local NGOs such as the Program Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (PDK), Pertubuhan Perkhidmatan Sosial dan Pembangunan Komuniti ( PSPK ) and National NGOs such as Lions & Rotary Clubs subsequently evaluate and approve the families for the programme.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We, Malaysia, practice the culture which supports the philosophy that ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive’ from our forefather. Participating in community services and activities to help the needy provides all of us with a sense of happiness. I am sure you will find it a priceless and meaningful experience sharing the joy around!

Last but not least, I am pleased with Quill Capita Management’s commitment in giving back to society as all good corporate citizens. This will complement the government’s effort in helping this segment of our society. We hope this initiative will inspire more participation from corporate and individual donors.

Thank You.