News Release - 24 October 2024

UOB Heartbeat Run 2024 raises RM2.185 million for charity

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 24 October 2024 –UOB Malaysia colleagues and customers raised RM 2.185 million for charities, surpassing last year’s amount of RM2 million through the UOB Heartbeat Run.

The funds raised will be donated mainly to four local beneficiaries – Food Aid Foundation, Generasi Gemilang, HOPE Worldwide Malaysia and SOLS Foundation – to improve the lives of underprivileged children and bridge the gap in education opportunities.

Ms Ng Wei Wei, Chief Executive Officer, UOB Malaysia, said, “In UOB Malaysia, we believe that banks can serve a broader purpose beyond banking. The passion demonstrated by UOB Malaysia’s staff in fundraising during the UOB Heartbeat Run 2024 campaign, reflects our commitment in improving lives and helping the less fortunate. I’m grateful to all my colleagues, customers and business partners who contributed and joined us on this journey in building stronger and inclusive communities.”

The UOB Global Heartbeat Run is an annual flagship volunteering and fundraising programme held globally across 18 markets where UOB has a presence. As part of the Bank’s ongoing UOB Heartbeat Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, the yearly event 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 being Honourable, Enterprising, United and Committed, UOB brings together colleagues, customers and business partners to make a positive difference to our communities. To raise funds, UOB Malaysia colleagues organised various activities which included food bazaars, charity sales, treasure hunts and charity pledges from several members of the Bank’s senior management.

The fundraising culminated with UOB Malaysia’s 16th edition of the run held at The Arc @ Rimbayu on 29 September 2024, where more than 5,500 participants, including UOB Malaysia colleagues, their families and friends, customers and business partners gathered. The event also featured fun games, performances and activities for participants of all ages to enjoy.

Lighting up marginalised communities in Malaysia

Earlier this year, UOB Malaysia had launched a new CSR programme with SOLS Foundation, one of the UOB Heartbeat Run beneficiaries.

Through this programme, UOB Malaysia aims to improve the lives of marginalised communities through several initiatives such as the financial sponsorship and mentorship of underprivileged students at SOLS Solar Academy. Other initiatives include the installation of PICO solar panels in the homes of marginalised communities at off-grid locations and the sponsorship of solar photovoltaic systems in local non-government organisation charity centres.

Most recently, the Bank undertook volunteer outreach programmes in Kampung Tanhain and Kampung Bongor, two Orang Asli settlements located in Royal Belum, Perak. Volunteers from UOB Malaysia fitted PICO solar panels in the homes of the Orang Asli, to provide them with a cleaner alternative compared to diesel generated electricity.

Ms Daniela Strîmbei, Executive Director, SOLS Foundation said, “With the funding support from UOB Malaysia and our ongoing CSR programmes with the Bank, we will continue to provide transformative programmes for B40 youth and communities in the form of education and training, employment support, and rural electrification for Orang Asli homes. This contribution goes beyond providing education and energy access but will also drive meaningful improvements in quality of life and community development. Such impact can only be achieved through powerful collaborations such as this one and we are extremely grateful for the opportunity.”