Hundreds of guests at the fundraising dinner to support SIP’s many community and environmental projects. — Buletin Mutiara
ONGOING initiatives in education, environmental conservation and community empowerment got a boost via a fundraising dinner held by the Penang chapter of a global women’s group.
Hundreds of guests gathered for an event in support of the Soroptimist International Club of Penang’s (SIP) ongoing initiatives.
SIP president Suraya Ibrahim was quoted by state publisher Buletin Mutiara as saying that the club had hoped to raise more than RM200,000 through the dinner.
“Our club’s ongoing projects include education fund scholarships, STEM (Science, Technology, English and Mathematics) awareness programmes as well as initiatives focused on health and hygiene, environment and community strengthening,” she said in her speech at the dinner.
SIP is a part of Soroptimist International (SI), which operates in 124 countries to advocate for girls and women facing challenging circumstances.
With 3,000 clubs and 62,000 members worldwide, SI is also represented at the United Nations.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who launched the event at St Giles The Wembley Hotel in George Town, described the dinner as more than just a gathering.
“This fundraiser is crucial in securing funds necessary to support its impactful projects.
“These projects are vital to empowering women and girls in leadership, STEM education and their well-being,” Chow said.
He also pointed out SIP’s latest environmental project which involved rehabilitating an abandoned shrimp pond for seaweed cultivation.
The pioneering project in the northern region of peninsular Malaysia aimed to enhance food security, mitigate climate change and create sustainable incomes.
“These initiatives in education, community empowerment and environment, have a profound impact on the lives of many.
“With your support, I believe Soroptimist Penang will continue to inspire positive change,” he said.
Chow also encouraged more women to get involved in organisations like SIP, contributing to the development of women in various aspects.
