HEINEKEN Cares uplifts local communities

Aligned with its Brew a Better World 2030 strategy, HEINEKEN Malaysia Berhad (HEINEKEN Malaysia) commemorates more than three decades of community support through its HEINEKEN Cares programme. This initiative, dedicated to uplifting and empowering local communities, collaborates with Sokong to extend assistance to four non-governmental organizations (NGOs) — Hopes Malaysia, Soroptimist International Region of Malaysia (SIROM), PWD Smart Farmability, and MyKasih Foundation. The programme’s latest activities include the distribution of essential food supplies to 120 low-income Indian families in Desa Mentari, celebrating the spirit of giving this festive season.

Martijn van Keulen, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia, expressed the company’s commitment to community well-being, saying, “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.”

Investing in long-term well-being

In addition to food aid, HEINEKEN Malaysia’s focus extends to initiatives enhancing long-term resilience and sustainability. Since 2007, the company has allocated RM15 million toward watershed protection, with an additional RM6 million pledged until 2030 to safeguard water resources. Collaborating with the Global Environment Centre, local communities, and government agencies, HEINEKEN Malaysia is actively working on river rehabilitation and reforestation efforts, supporting water security in Sungai Way, Sungai Penchala, and Sungai Selangor.

HEINEKEN Malaysia’s contributions also include educational initiatives, such as the English Enrichment Training Programme, which has equipped 630 educators from 369 institutions with new skills, aiming to uplift vernacular Tamil, Chinese, and East Malaysian educational institutions. Through this programme, the company has invested over RM6.6 million to foster educational growth within underserved communities.

Building resilient communities

Furthering its commitment to social impact, HEINEKEN Malaysia has raised over RM426 million through the Tiger Sin Chew Chinese Education Charity Concert programme, benefiting 549 educational institutions nationwide. The initiative helps enhance learning environments by supporting schools and improving their facilities. Additionally, during the pandemic, the company offered food aid to vulnerable groups and has since shifted towards sustainable farming solutions to boost local food security.

HEINEKEN Malaysia’s efforts are bolstered by its partnerships, fostering collaboration with Sokong and other community organizations. Renuka Indrarajah, Corporate Affairs & Legal Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia, highlighted the importance of collaboration in creating lasting change, stating, “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.”

HEINEKEN Malaysia invites the public to join its mission through the Sokong platform. For every RM10 donated, HEINEKEN Malaysia will top up an additional RM40 toward local water and food security initiatives. Further information on HEINEKEN Malaysia’s sustainability programmes can be found on its official website, www.heinekenmalaysia.com, or the SPARK Foundation website, sparkfoundation.com.my.