Auto ConneXion-Ford Drives Positive Impact in Malaysian Chapter of Global CSR Initiative ‘Ford Building Together’
For more than 122 years, Ford has stood with communities through good times and bad, driven by a belief that a stronger future is one that is built together. This spirit is at the heart of the global corporate social responsibility initiative ‘Ford Building Together’. Upholding the global commitment to give back, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford (Auto ConneXion-Ford) positively impacted 600 Malaysian beneficiaries from underserved communities in Klang Valley, Penang, Ipoh, and Kuantan in an 11-day campaign, providing crucial food aid and basic healthcare services with the support of 55 Ford volunteers.
Auto ConneXion, the sole distributor of Ford vehicles in the country, selected a diverse cross-section of vulnerable groups, including B40 families, persons with disabilities (OKU), single mothers, Asnaf Fakir and Miskin, and the Orang Asli who would benefit most from the impact-driven aid.
The campaign’s state-by-state support comprised:
- *Klang Valley: 200 beneficiaries (B40, Asnaf, and OKU communities at Pangsapuri Putra Ria & Abdullah Hukum).
- *Penang: 100 beneficiaries (B40 and Asnaf communities in George Town & Jalan Patani).
- *Ipoh: 150 beneficiaries (Single mothers, B40, and Asnaf communities in Sungai Rokam).
- *Kuantan: 150 beneficiaries (The indigenous Orang Asli community in Kampung Paya Bungor, Gambang).
Jane Holloway, Senior Manager, Ford Philanthropy, International Markets Group, said, “At Ford, our mission goes beyond building high-quality vehicles. We are committed to empowering communities worldwide and driving positive change. Ford Building Together reflects our belief that when we unite with partners, volunteers, and communities, we can make a lasting difference.”
A cornerstone of the local campaign was the deployment of the Ford Mobile Clinic launched in February this year. The Ford Mobile Clinic, a collaborative effort involving Auto ConneXion-Ford, Yayasan Sime Darby, Ford Philanthropy, and MyFundAction, mobilised healthcare professionals to all four locations to provide essential healthcare services in rural areas.
Turse Zuhair Nahason Affan, Managing Director of Auto ConneXion-Ford, highlighted the local programme’s alignment with the global initiative: “Bringing the ‘full power of Ford’ to Malaysia means more than just financial contributions; it’s the driving force behind our Ford Building Together global initiative. We are dedicated to combining the passion of our employees and the strength of our dealer network to address the needs of local communities in Malaysia. By working together, we not only provide necessary aid where it matters most but we also foster genuine, lasting relationships as we work towards building a sustainable future for all.”
Premised on the global values of being grounded in action and partnership, the successful Malaysian initiative reflects the dedication of passionate volunteers from Auto ConneXion-Ford’s management and staff, its nationwide network of authorised Ford dealers, and strategic partnership with non-profit MyFundAction, which was instrumental in planning the on-ground execution.
Turse Zuhair added, “We are grateful to the entire team who made the Ford Building Together programme here heartfelt and meaningful, sharing precious time and skills to bring hope and wellbeing to locals in need. The company remains unwavering in our journey to foster empowerment and impact, one location at a time.”
The Malaysian activity was a key part of Ford’s annual Global Caring Month, a worldwide volunteer programme under Ford Philanthropy. This local effort contributed to what became the World's Largest Auto Dealer Food Drive, held under the Ford Building Together initiative. which saw over 1,600 Ford dealers across 31 countries collect more than 2 million pounds (over 907,000 kg) of food, far surpassing the initial target of distributing 500,000 kg of food aid.
The recent effort builds upon Auto ConneXion-Ford’s established legacy of community support in Malaysia, which includes past projects like the Clean Water Project in Gerik and Operation Better World in Kuala Lumpur.
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