PETALING JAYA: On 18 February 2023, a group of entrepreneurs from the Industry 4.0 Entrepreneurs Association of Malaysia (IREAM) successfully raised over RM80k in cash aid for education-based charity projects benefitting B40 communities in a fund-raising dinner held at the Peace Embassy.
Jointly organised by IREAM, Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Malaysia, Women’s Federation for World Peace Malaysia and Ajar-ajar Malaysia, the event gathered some 160 participants in the Peace Embassy hall.
The charity dinner kicked off with an auspicious and lively lion dance by the talented children of Ti-Ratana Welfare Society. The opening ceremony was witnessed by Datuk Pahamin Rajab, Trustee of Perdana Global Peace Foundation and Board Advisor of UPFM who received the prosperity lettuce from the lions together with his wife.
In his welcoming speech, the President of UPFM, Assistant Professor Sudesh Balasubramaniam said, “Care and compassion in all segments of society are fundamental to a thriving society.”
“Just imagine if we wholeheartedly embrace the spirit of Madani – to build a sustainable and prosperous Malaysia based on care and compassion, mutual respect, innovation, and trust, then Malaysia is surely set for growth and prosperity for all,” he explained.
Professor Fan Ka Chun, who is the President of IREAM, recorded his appreciation to all sponsors and well-wishers.
“We all know that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant social and economic impact on Malaysians…many are still suffering from the aftereffects. Your contribution and mutual efforts can help make a change in the lives of families and communities.”
The organisers aim to raise a total of RM228,000 in order to fund three projects which will benefit deserving communities. These projects will provide humanitarian aid for 2,000 needy families, laptops for undergraduate women, and free tuition for 200 underprivileged kids in the year 2023.
Poverty erects all kinds of barriers such as poor nutrition, lack of school supplies, and decreased opportunities as well as the motivation to pursue an education. The B-40 groups are especially vulnerable.
The main highlight of the dinner was an exciting charity auction, which saw philanthropists bidding for several items such as hand-crafted historical figurines from China as well as a very rare freshwater Empurau fish from Sarawak and a TeraHertz Healthy Water Device.
The items on auction were donated by Prof Dato Christopher Won, Datuk Ravend Naiker and THZ(M) Sdn Bhd respectively. All proceeds from the auction will be channeled to fund the charity educational projects.
Participants also enjoyed entertaining song performances, multi-cultural dances as well as a delicious buffet dinner with traditional Yee Sang or ‘prosperity toss’, both sponsored by Assistant Professor Ts. William Lee.
The event concluded with the presentation of 12 hampers and cash aid by Prof Datuk Jerard Gan JP and Prof Dato Christopher Won to the children of Persatuan Anak Yatim dan Ibu Tunggal Hajah Kamariah and B-40 communities from Selangor.
