UOB Malaysia colleagues and customers raised a record RM1.2 million for charities through the Bank’s annual UOB Heartbeat Run/Walk. The funds raised will go towards improving the lives of disadvantaged children and vulnerable communities from five local beneficiaries.
The UOB Global Heartbeat Run/Walk is an annual flagship volunteering and fundraising programme held globally across 18 markets. In the two months leading up to the event, colleagues from UOB Malaysia held numerous fundraising activities including virtual concerts, auctions and charity bazaars, which contributed to the record sum.
Ng Wei Wei, Chief Executive Officer, UOB Malaysia, said, “In line with our Purpose of ‘Building the future of ASEAN’, UOB Malaysia believes in making a difference in the areas of children, education and art, which can contribute to the progress of society. This is the 14th edition of our UOB Heartbeat Run/Walk fundraising event, and I am heartened by the generosity of our colleagues and customers for raising a record RM1.2 million for five beneficiaries. This is an affirmation of our collective commitment and capacity to help improve the communities in which UOB operates in.”
In line with the Bank’s brand promise to do right by its communities, the funds raised by UOB Malaysia will be channelled primarily towards providing food support and bridging the digital divide. Five key beneficiaries – namely Food Aid Foundation, HOPE Worldwide Malaysia, Kechara Soup Kitchen, Pintar Foundation, WORLD Vision Malaysia – will use the funds to bolster ongoing efforts aimed at improving the lives of underprivileged children and better equipping them with digital tools and skills.
Darick Wong Kai Yin, Country Director of HOPE Worldwide Malaysia, said, “We are grateful for UOB Malaysia’s generous donation and are appreciative of the Bank’s strong support. We believe that all children deserve an opportunity to learn regardless of their socioeconomic background. With the funds raised through the 2022 UOB Global Heartbeat Run/Walk, we can help underprivileged children to continue their education. The money will go towards building a digital learning platform for underprivileged children, providing them access to digital learning tools and materials.”
UOB Heartbeat returns for a physical run and walk
The 14th edition of the flagship event resumes the annual tradition of an in-person event being held at Kepong Metropolitan Park. In addition to Malaysia, four other markets namely Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, also held a physical UOB Heartbeat Run/Walk event.
More than 3,000 UOB Malaysia colleagues, family and friends signed up to participate in the Heartbeat Run/Walk event this year. Participants were also invited to a carnival where they enjoyed fun games, performances and activities catered for both the children and the adults.
The UOB Heartbeat Run/Walk is part of the Bank’s ongoing UOB Heartbeat Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, which aims to create sustainable good for more caring and inclusive societies through corporate philanthropy, stakeholder partnerships and employee participation. Guided by the Bank’s Values of Honour, Enterprise, Unity and Commitment, UOB draws together colleagues, customers and business partners to make a positive difference to our communities.
