Renuka (third from left) with a few beneficiaries of the English Enrichment Training Programme.
A BREWERY is celebrating more than 30 years of its active role in uplifting and supporting diverse groups of Malaysian communities, fostering positive change and growth in these communities.
Aligned with its Brew a Better World 2030 strategy, Heineken Cares programme is an initiative by Heineken Malaysia Bhd aimed at uplifting communities where it operates.
Building on its commitment, the company will continue its support of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with initiatives to empower local communities, the brewery said in a media statement.
To kick off the programme, Heineken is supporting 120 low-income Indian families in Desa Mentari, Petaling Jaya in Selangor, with essential food items this festive season.
Orang Asli women being trained in organic farming as part of the Heineken Cares initiative with Soroptimist International Region of Malaysia.
Heineken Malaysia managing director Martijn van Keulen said: “We believe that when our people, planet and surrounding communities are looked after, our business thrives.
“Over the last three decades, we have collaborated with strategic partners to uplift and support communities around our brewery and across various states, including Sabah and Sarawak.
“We are committed to continuing to make a positive impact where we operate by supporting those in need, staying true to our purpose of brewing the joy of true togetherness to inspire a better world.”
Through Heineken Cares, the company has invested in several initiatives like strengthening watershed protection, upskilling, uniting communities and empowerment beyond aid.
Heineken Cares initiatives include installing gravity water systems in villages to support communities and long-term water security.
Since 2007, Heineken Malaysia has invested RM15mil in protecting water resources and pledged an additional RM6mil through 2030, recognising that water is essential not only for environmental health but also for social well-being, supporting community health and resilience.
The brewery said that through awareness programmes and investments in nature-based solutions like river rehabilitation and reforestation, the company aims to support long-term water security in Sungai Way, Sungai Penchala and Sungai Selangor, in collaboration with NGO Global Environment Centre and local communities as well as in support of local government agencies.
The company also supported communities through its English Enrichment Training Programme by partnering with education experts to provide upskilling opportunities for 630 educators.
Over a period of 14 years, the company invested over RM6.6mil in the programme for participants from 369 institutions, comprising vernacular Tamil, Chinese and Sabah and Sarawak institutions.
For over 30 years, Heineken Malaysia has also invested in its Tiger Sin Chew Chinese Education Charity Concert programme, aimed at bringing communities together to raise funds for a greater cause.
Through the initiative, the company has raised over RM426mil for 549 institutions nationwide to improve facilities and enhance the learning environment.
Post-Covid-19 pandemic, the company is focused on long-term food security, collaborating with local communities to develop sustainable farming solutions in response to evolving needs.
The company has also supported communities by establishing rainwater harvesting systems and gravity water systems to improve clean water access.
These systems help communities by mitigating water disruptions, reducing reliance on treated water for non-potable usage and alleviating pressure on water resources.
Beneficiaries also receive training to maintain and manage the systems, fostering greater self-sufficiency.
“By working hand-in-hand with our partners and communities, we are able to make a lasting impact for underserved communities,” said Heineken Malaysia corporate affairs and legal director Renuka Indrarajah.
Keeping the momentum, Heineken Malaysia has launched a new phase of its Heineken Cares initiative.
The programme supports Hopes Malaysia, Soroptimist International Region of Malaysia, PWD Smart Farmability and MyKasih Foundation, focusing on important causes related to water access and food security.
The company invites the public to contribute and for each RM10 donated, Heineken Malaysia will top up with an additional RM40 towards the cause.
Contributions can be made through sokong.org/campaigns/heineken-cares-2024
