(Front row, from second left) Adibah, Wong and Azman with the 19 strategic partners at the launch. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star
ONE million exercise books made from recycled paper will be given out to students from low-income families next year, in a bid to build environmental, social and governance (ESG) awareness among the young.
The corporate social responsibility initiative by Perbadanan Kota Buku (PKB), a digital book platform provider, is aimed at providing educational aid to the less fortunate.
Through the programme, school headmasters and principals may apply to receive 400 exercise books for their students.
The initiative was funded by private sector donations totalling RM600,000 which PKB will use to produce the exercise books.
PKB chief executive officer Adibah Omar said the funds were derived from 19 of its publication and printing industry partners.
She said those wanting to apply to receive the exercise books could contact PKB.
“The books can be produced according to school specifications such as logos printed on the covers.
“Reducing dependency on paper made from trees is part of PKB’s efforts in meeting the ESG framework,” she added.
A PKB spokesperson said a school might receive up to 400 books and eligible students could be given 10 copies each.
A ceremony to launch the initiative, attended by Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh, was held in Cyberjaya, Selangor.
The event was also organised as a thank you gesture to donors of the initiative.
Wong said the books would be distributed in February when the new school session began.
He lauded PKB’s initiative in promoting the use of recyclables in the production of education materials, noting the importance of environmental conservation.
He also called on more strategic partners to lend a hand in ensuring the programme’s success.
Formed on July 11, 2011, PKB is an Education Ministry subsidiary aimed at promoting the national book industry.
Separately, Adibah said PKB was projected to massively increase its income to RM300mil by the end of this year.
She said this was a significant jump from the RM3mil achieved last year and the 2022 income amount of under RM100,000.
She attributed this success to various partnerships with the private sector and support from the ministry.
To mark this milestone, Wong and Adibah launched a 10-year time capsule containing PKB’s vision and aspirations.
They were accompanied by Education director-general Azman Adnan.
For details on how to apply for the free exercise books, email moganam@kotabuku.my
