Starting as a small fundraiser nearly 40 years ago, Carlsberg Malaysia’s Top Ten Charity Campaign (Top Ten) has become a nationwide initiative supported by Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) committees, donors, media partners and members of the public.
To-date, Top Ten has raised RM600 million since its inception in 1987, following RM14.8 million collected this year.
The achievement reaffirms Top Ten’s role as Malaysia’s longest-running and most impactful Chinese charity fundraising platform, dedicated to strengthening vernacular education and championing sustainability across generations.
“Vernacular schools play an essential role in shaping the country’s multicultural education system, providing future leaders with access to quality education.
“However, many schools often seek public donations to upkeep and upgrade schools’ facilities – a purposeful endeavour that Top Ten has been championing for nearly four decades,” said Carlsberg Malaysia corporate affairs and sustainability director Pearl Lai.
Top Ten is highly regarded as the fund-raising platform that brought together people from all walks of life to support the development of primary schools, benefitting over 700 schools across Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah.
The campaign has improved learning environments, from upgraded facilities to AI-enabled smart classrooms. In doing so, it has not only broadened access to quality education but also safeguarded the country’s multi-lingual learnings.
Datuk Haw Chin Teck, chairman of SJKC Chung Hwa Sungai Sendok in Johor, which raised the most donations among participating schools this year, said the support from Top Ten has made a meaningful difference to the school.
“The proceeds received have enabled us to improve our facilities and create a more conducive environment for teaching and learning. Beyond proving a fund-raising platform, what truly stands out is how Top Ten brings the community together with parents, artistes and partners united for a shared belief that our children’s future is a responsibility we all share,” he said.
In Sabah, Lahad Datu Middle School permanent honorary chairman Tan Cheng Teng said the school has hosted the Top Ten Charity Campaign for three years, raising RM6 million.
The funds supported the redevelopment of a single storey building with labs, offices, a dance studio and a cooking room, improving spaces for teaching and activities.
“These enhancements have optimised our teaching capabilities and recreational spaces capacity. We are grateful Carlsberg Malaysia in funding all expenditures of the fund-raising event,” he said.
For the last two years, Top Ten has also extended to higher education institutions such as UTAR Hospital, reflecting on its broader mission of advancing education beyond vernacular schools but also higher education institutions.
UTAR president Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat said Top Ten has played an instrumental role in supporting UTAR’s mission to advance education and healthcare for the community.
“Funds raised through the campaign have helped us upgrading teaching facilities, medical equipment, and patient welfare at UTAR Hospital. We thank Carlsberg Malaysia for its continued support, which has helped us improve learning and healthcare facilities for future medical officers,” he said.
Beyond improving school facilities, the campaign also placed strong emphasis on cultivating environmental responsibility among students. Through its Go Green initiative, Top Ten has empowered nine schools nationwide to undertake hands-on projects, producing more than 228 litres of eco-enzymes and creating close to 538 kg of eco-bricks, equipping students with practical skills and environmental knowledge.
“We are committed to championing education today for a greener tomorrow by cultivating interest on among the curious minds and encouraging them to get involved today as a step for creating impacts in shaping a greener, better, brighter Malaysia,” Lai said.
The milestone underscores Carlsberg Malaysia’s long-standing commitment to education and community support, and lasting sustainability impact which is in alignment with its Together Towards Zero and Beyond sustainability programme, as well as the UN SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
