An impressive RM200,000 has been pledged to enhance clean water access, food security, and provide aid for underprivileged communities

As part of its Brew a Better World 2030 strategy, Heineken Malaysia Berhad has launched initiatives under its Heineken Cares programme to support local communities. This holiday season, the company has committed an additional RM200,000 to support clean water access, food security, and food aid for underserved communities across Malaysia.

For more than three decades, Heineken Malaysia has worked to uplift Malaysian communities, creating positive change and growth through various programmes. In collaboration with Sokong, Heineken Malaysia is currently supporting four NGOs to help empower local communities. To start the festive programme, Heineken Malaysia recently provided essential food supplies to 120 low-income Indian families in Desa Mentari.

Martijn van Keulen, Managing Director of Heineken Malaysia, said, “We believe that when our people, planet, and surrounding communities are looked after, our business thrives. Over the last three decades, we have collaborated with strategic partners to uplift and support communities around our brewery and across various states, including Sabah and Sarawak. We are committed to continue making a positive impact where we operate by supporting those in need, staying true to our purpose of brewing the joy of true togetherness to inspire a better world.”

Through the Heineken Cares programme, the company has invested in various initiatives, including:

STRENGTHENING WATERSHED PROTECTIONS

Since 2007, Heineken Malaysia has invested RM15 million in watershed protection and has pledged an additional RM6 million through 2030. Recognising that water security is critical to environmental health and community resilience, Heineken Malaysia supports long-term water security through awareness programmes and investments in nature-based solutions like river rehabilitation and reforestation. Working in collaboration with the Global Environment Centre and local government agencies, the company focuses on securing water resources in areas like Sungai Way, Sungai Penchala, and Sungai Selangor.

UNLOCKING POTENTIAL THROUGH UPSKILLING

Through its English Enrichment Training Programme, Heineken Malaysia has partnered with education experts to provide skills training for 630 educators over the past 14 years. This initiative, with an investment exceeding RM6.6 million, supports teachers from 369 vernacular Tamil, Chinese, and East Malaysian schools.

BRINGING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER FOR A GREATER CAUSE

For over 30 years, Heineken Malaysia has hosted the Tiger Sin Chew Chinese Education Charity Concert, raising more than RM426 million to support educational institutions nationwide. Funds from this initiative assist schools in enhancing their facilities and creating better learning environments.

EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES BEYOND AID

During the height of the pandemic in 2021, Heineken Malaysia provided essential food aid to struggling communities. Since then, the company has shifted its focus toward long-term food security, collaborating with local communities to develop sustainable farming solutions. The company has also worked on improving water access by establishing rainwater harvesting systems and gravity-fed water systems to help communities become more self-reliant and alleviate pressure on public water resources.

Renuka Indrarajah, Corporate Affairs & Legal Director of Heineken Malaysia, commented, “We recognise that meaningful change happens through collaboration. By working hand-in-hand with our partners and communities, we are able to make a lasting impact for underserved communities. By investing in sustainable community initiatives, we go beyond addressing the immediate needs of the community; it paves the way to build resilient communities.”

WORKING TOGETHER FOR CHANGE: MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY

Heineken Malaysia continues its commitment to local communities with a new phase of the Heineken Cares initiative. In collaboration with Sokong, this initiative will support Hopes Malaysia, Soroptimist International Region of Malaysia (SIROM), PWD Smart Farmability, and MyKasih Foundation. The programme’s focus includes enhancing water access and food security.

The company invites the public to contribute via Sokong, pledging to add RM40 for every RM10 donated to the cause. Contributions can be made at sokong.org.

For more information on Heineken Malaysia’s sustainability efforts, visit Heineken Malaysia or SPARK Foundation.

Feature image (top): Heineken Malaysia’s Renuka Indrarajah, Corporate Affairs & Legal Director, together with some of the beneficiaries of the English Enrichment Training Programme