The families at Bateq tribe in Kampung Sungai Garam and Kampung Bencah Kelubi in Merapoh, Pahang (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia)
Helping the underprivileged is not just addressing their immediate needs but also fostering a sustainable living environment and creating a future that includes them. This was what Andrew Sebastian, founder and CEO of Ecotourism and Conservation Society Malaysia (ECOMY), had in mind when he partnered with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia to equip 20 Orang Asli families of the Bateq tribe in Kampung Sungai Garam and Kampung Bencah Kelubi in Merapoh, Pahang, with solar lighting.
In this meaningful collaboration called KampungKu Project, employees of the automaker delivered and installed 20 SunKing Pro Solar Lights worth RM10,000 to improve the daily lives of the community while promoting clean energy. Essentials such as towels, blankets, clothes, toys and food items were also donated to the homes, which took the crew nearly three hours to reach owing to the harsh road conditions leading to the village.
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“Witnessing the joy and brightness in their lives not only reinforces our commitment but also highlights the essence of our responsibility towards society,” says Sebastian. ECOMY was founded by naturalists in Malaysia who actively promote sustainable tourism as one of the key elements in conservation to protect our unique biodiversity and wilderness.
“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,” says Amanda Zhang, CEO and president of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.
This KampungKu Project is part of Mercedes-Benz’s Grant for Good programme, which positions the company’s employees at the forefront of its charitable efforts. Starting with a substantial contribution of RM100,000 in 2023, the initiative has benefitted seven non-profit organisations, including the Food Aid Foundation, Zoo Negara Malaysia, Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation and Hospis Malaysia.
This article first appeared on Apr 1, 2024 in The Edge Malaysia.
