NEWS RELEASE 2023

UOB Malaysia raises a record RM2 million through 2023 UOB Global Heartbeat Run/Walk
to support underprivileged children

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 11 September 2023 – UOB Malaysia colleagues and customers raised a record RM2 million for charities through the Bank’s annual UOB Global Heartbeat Run/Walk. Surpassing last year’s fundraising amount of RM1.2 million, the money raised will go towards improving the lives of disadvantaged children and vulnerable communities from five local beneficiaries.

The UOB Global Heartbeat Run/Walk is an annual flagship volunteering and fundraising programme held globally across 18 markets where UOB has a presence. Since 2009, the programme has raised close to RM6.0 million to help improve the lives of communities in need and support causes that are aligned to the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility focus areas of art, children and education.

Every year, employees, customers and partners rally together for this flagship event, through volunteerism, fundraising as well as participating in the physical run/walk. Numerous fundraising activities were organised by UOB Malaysia colleagues over the past two months, including food bazaars and charity sales, which contributed to the record sum.

Ms Ng Wei Wei, Chief Executive Officer, UOB Malaysia, said, “We are deeply humbled to raise a record RM2 million in the 15^th edition of our UOB Global Heartbeat Run/Walk fundraising event to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and vulnerable communities in Malaysia. For us, this figure goes beyond dollars and cents; it represents the immense generosity of our colleagues and our customers, and the difference we can make as we do right by our community.

The successful fundraiser further reinforces our commitment to the Bank’s Purpose of ‘Building the future of ASEAN’.  We will continue to focus on the areas of children, education and art, which are important pillars in building a progressive society.”

The funds raised by UOB Malaysia will be channelled primarily towards building an inclusive society and supporting the social development of communities. Five key beneficiaries – namely Food Aid Foundation, HOPE Worldwide Malaysia, SOLS 24/7, Special Olympics Malaysia and World Vision Malaysia – will use the funds to bolster ongoing efforts to improve the lives of underprivileged children and bridge opportunities to help them reach their potential.  

Ms Danutcha Singh, Managing Director of SOLS Foundation, said, “Thanks to the generous support of UOB Malaysia through the 2023 UOB Global Heartbeat Run/Walk, we will bring much needed light to off-grid Orang Asli communities and charity homes across Malaysia. The funds raised is the spark that powers our rural electrification solutions, allowing us to bridge the gap and bring essential services to those living off-grid as well as long-term financial relief to NGOs electricity bills. Together, we are not just lighting up villages; we are lighting up hope, education and opportunities. Thank you for working with SOLS Foundation towards a brighter and more inclusive Malaysia.”

The 15^th edition of the annual flagship event was held at The Arc @ Rimbayu, with a turnout of more than 4,000 UOB Malaysia colleagues, their families and customers. There was also a carnival where participants enjoyed fun games, performances and activities.

With the acquisition of Citigroup’s consumer banking business in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, the event marks the first time that ex-Citi employees are joining the UOB family for this flagship event. In addition to Malaysia, the event was also held in Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.

The UOB Global Heartbeat Run/Walk is part of the Bank’s ongoing UOB Heartbeat Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, which aims to create sustainable good for more caring and inclusive societies through corporate philanthropy, stakeholder partnerships and employee participation. Guided by the Bank’s Values of Honour, Enterprise, Unity and Commitment, UOB draws together colleagues, customers and business partners to make a positive difference to our communities.

Appendix: 2023 UOB Global Heartbeat Run/Walk beneficiaries