20 Aug 2024
BENTONG – Axiata Foundation successfully launched its first flagship programme, Axiata Foundation Strength in Unity Programme, to empower the communities in Bentong, Pahang through its Education, Community Investments, and Environment pillars. The launch event, held on Tuesday, 20th August 2024, at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Piatu, Bentong, Pahang, was officiated by Yang Berhormat Dato’ Sri Ir. Haji Mohd Soffi bin Tan Sri Abd Razak, Pahang State Executive Councillor for Agriculture, Agro-Based Industry, Biotechnology, and Education.
Attendees at Axiata Foundation's Strength in Unity Flagship Programme Launch Event at SK Bukit Piatu, Pahang, including Guest of Honour Yang Berhormat Dato' Sri Ir. Hj. Mohd Soffi and other distinguished guests, gathered to celebrate the programme's launch.
Axiata Foundation's ongoing commitment to Bentong communities is demonstrated through several impactful programmes based on its 3 pillars:
- Community Investments Pillar
- Jalinan Kasih Murni Initiatives (2021): Provided essential needs like clean water systems and solar power to 357 Orang Asli from four villages.
- SmartAgri Project (2022): Introduced environmentally safe agricultural practices to improve the living standards and income of the Orang Asli communities.
Mohamad Kamal Nawawi (2nd from right) presented an appreciation gift of pineapples grown by the Orang Asli community under the SmartAgri project to YB Dato' Sri Ir. Hj. Mohd Soffi (2nd from left).
- Education Pillar:
- Back to School Programme Phase 1 (2022): Offered financial aid and school necessities to selected B40 students at MRSM Bentong and other MRSM across Peninsular Malaysia.
- Back to School Programme Phase 2: Conducted a 3-day leadership camp focusing on critical and creative thinking, emotional intelligence, and leadership skills.
- EduTuition Programme (2023): Partnered with Yayasan Pelajaran MARA to provide additional tuition for B40 students in Bentong.
- School of Hope Programme (2023):
- Axiata - School Transformation Reimagined (A-STaR) Programme: Collaboration with LeapEd Services Sdn. Bhd. to transform schools into student-centered, holistic learning environments.
- Pandai App Sponsorship: Premium subscriptions for 60 B40 students from SMK Khai Mun in collaboration with Pandai Education.
Yang Berhormat Dato' Sri Ir. Hj. Mohd Soffi and Yang Berhormat Puan Young Syefura Othman touring students’ exhibition at SK Bukit Piatu's RBT workshop.
- Environment Pillar
- Green Sprout Programme: Partnered with Forest Interactive Foundation to promote sustainability and eco-consciousness among youth, featuring activities like smart farm innovation, plastic upcycling workshop, aquaponic system installation and field Taman Tugu Nursery and Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands.
To date, the Strength in Unity Programme in Bentong has benefited a total of 2,695 individuals, including 1,267 students from Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Piatu and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Khai Mun, and 1,428 Orang Asli individuals from the aforementioned villages.
Yang Berhormat Dato’ Sri Ir. Haji Mohd Soffi
Pahang State Executive Councillor for Agriculture, Agro-Based Industry, Biotechnology, and Education
The Strength in Unity Programme represents a significant step forward for our education sector. By implementing initiatives that bridge educational gaps and support community growth, we are not only enhancing the quality of education but also promoting sustainable development. Programmes like these are crucial for paving the way towards a more inclusive and equitable future for the Bentong community and in the future, all Malaysians.
Mohamad Kamal Nawawi
Chief Executive Officer of the Axiata Foundation
The Strength in Unity Programme is a testament to our commitment to empowering communities through education, sustainable living, and innovative community investments. We are honored to have the support of the Ministry of Education and our strategic partners in driving this initiative forward.
