Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford (Auto ConneXion) has been recognised on a global scale for its exceptional commitment to community service, as the recipient of the prestigious ‘Salute to Dealers’ 2025 award by the Ford Motor Company.
This year, Auto ConneXion was one of only six dealers worldwide to receive this prestigious honour. The accolade underscores Auto ConneXion’s dedication to corporate social responsibility initiatives, which have been continuously carried out for more than a decade.
These initiatives include efforts in education, healthcare, elderly welfare, food security and environmental sustainability.
Auto ConneXion managing director Turse Zuhair said the recognition demonstrates its ongoing efforts in supporting Malaysian communities and driving positive social change centred on education, public health, well-being and environmental sustainability.
“As the sole distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, our CSR initiatives are guided by Sime’s core value of care for all, ensuring that we provide tangible and lasting solutions for sustainable and thriving communities,” he said.
For over a decade, Auto ConneXion has remained active in giving back to communities through a wide range of impactful initiatives. Some of its recent CSR projects include the Clean Water Project, Ford Mobile Clinic and The Lost Food Project.
Auto ConneXion carried out the Clean Water project in collaboration with MyFundAction, an NGO, aimed at providing clean and safe water to about 70 Orang Asli families in Gerik, Perak.
The project involved the installation of a sustainable water tank system using advanced boring techniques, ensuring a reliable, clean and long-term water supply for the low-income households. A team of 30 Auto ConneXion volunteers participated in the project, dedicating their time and effort to improve daily lives.
Auto ConneXion together with Ford Philanthropy, the global philanthropic arm of Ford, contributed USD45,000 (approx. RM200,000) to The Lost Food Project to support its mission of rescuing surplus food and redistribution to vulnerable communities. The donation helped provide about 855,000 nutritious meals to communities in need.
Additionally, a team of 25 volunteers from Auto ConneXion participated in food sorting and preparation activities at The Lost Food Project warehouse, rescuing 3,820kg of food – equivalent to 10,914 meals.
Another area of focus for Auto ConneXion is improving access to healthcare for rural and flood-affected communities.
Through collaboration with MyFundAction, Yayasan Sime Darby and Ford Philanthropy, the company contributed to the launch of a fully equipped Ford Mobile Clinic to provide healthcare for rural and flood-affected communities.
Through the Ford Mobile Clinic initiative, a collaboration with MyFundAction, essential healthcare services are now reaching Orang Asli villages and flood-affected communities across the country.
As part of this initiative, Auto ConneXion and Yayasan Sime Darby donated a Ford Ranger, while Ford Philanthropy contributed USD55,000 (approx. RM250,000) towards the clinic’s setup and modifications.
Equipped with critical medical devices, including a vital signs monitor, respiratory aid equipment and diagnostic tools, the clinic aims to provide health screenings and treatments, benefiting over 2,200 individuals in 2025.
“Our partnership with Auto ConneXion has been transformational. Through their support, we have been able to support marginalised communities, providing essential resources and fostering hope,” said MyFundAction chief development officer Fildza Hazry.
The ‘Salute to Dealers’ award highlights Ford’s 25-year commitment to supporting dealers worldwide who are making a positive difference in their communities.
Auto ConneXion, in collaboration with Ford Philanthropy, continues to drive CSR initiatives to support underserved communities in Malaysia. These initiatives reaffirm their passion to empower communities and foster positive social change across Malaysia.
