Heineken Malaysia 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, the company said it will continue its collaboration with Sokong to support four non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with several initiatives to empower local communities where it operates through its Heineken Cares programme.
The programme supported 120 low-income Indian families in Desa Mentari, Petaling Jaya with essential food items this festive season.
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 continue making 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, unlocking potential through upskilling and bringing communities together for a greater cause.
Since 2007, Heineken Malaysia has invested RM15 million in protecting water resources and pledged an additional RM6 million through 2030, recognising that water is essential not only for environmental health but also for social well-being, supporting community health and resilience.
Through awareness programmes and investments into 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 environmental non-profit organisation Global Environment Centre, local communities and in support of local government agencies.
Heineken Malaysia has also supported communities through its English Enrichment Training Programme by partnering with education experts to provide upskilling opportunity for 630 educators.
Over a period of 14 years, the company invested over RM6.6 million in the programme for participants from 369 institutions, comprising vernacular Tamil, Chinese and Sabah and Sarawak institutions.
For over 30 years, Heineken Malaysia has 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 RM426 million for 549 institutions nationwide supporting its beneficiaries in improving their facilities and enhancing the learning environment.
At the height of the pandemic in 2021, Heineken Malaysia supported needy communities with essential food aid. The company shifted its focus to long-term food security post-pandemic, 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 the communities by mitigating water disruptions, reducing reliance on treated water for non-potable usage, and alleviate pressure on water resources.
Beneficiaries also received training to maintain and manage the systems, fostering greater self-sufficiency.
Heineken Malaysia corporate affairs and legal director Renuka Indrarajah said meaningful change can happen through collaboration because it can make a lasting impact for underserved communities.
“By investing in sustainable community initiatives, we go beyond addressing the immediate needs of the community; it paves the way to build resilient communities,” she said.
Keeping the momentum, Heineken has launched a new phase of its Heineken Cares initiative. In collaboration with Sokong, 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.
Heineken Malaysia invites the public to contribute through the Sokong platform https://sokong.org/campaigns/heineken-cares-2024, and for each RM10 donated, Heineken Malaysia will top up with an additional RM40 towards the cause.
