KUALA LUMPUR: A whopping RM887,500 has been raised by Pintar Foundation to facilitate educational opportunities for rural children and underprivileged communities including those from Sabah and Sarawak.
The monies were raised at the Pintar Rockin’ CEOs fundraiser tonight, which was launched by Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah and witnessed by his consort Raja Permaisuri Tuanku Zara Salim and corporate captains.
The event saw corporate leaders performed songs for guests, while outfits designed by Datuk Seri Bernard Chandran, footballer Thanabalan’s jersey and songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza’s items were auctioned off to raise funds.
Pintar Foundation chairman Tan Sri Arshad Ayub said the funds would be used to assist target groups to undergo the foundation’s programmes tailored to develop confidence, proficiency, interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, apart from national pride and responsibility.
“The aim of the platform (fundraiser) is to garner public support and involvement in Pintar Programmes and specific projects so that our vision of assisting students of underperforming schools throughout the country can be realised.
“It is a platform to encourage the public to assist children in getting the education they deserved,” Arshad said in his speech during the event.
He said Pintar was an acronym which stood for “Promoting Intelligence, Nurturing Talent and Advocating Responsibility”, and its foundation was formed in 2006 as a social responsibility initiative mooted by Khazanah Nasional Bhd.
“The foundation has been working closely with government-linked companies, private companies, non-profit organisations and government bodies, to ‘adopt’ schools in rural areas and underprivileged communities.
“There are 539 Pintar schools nationwide that have been adopted by 50 Pintar members and partners, benefitting some 800,000 students and teachers nationwide.”
At the event, the foundation also launched its online public donation site which can be reached at www.mypintar.com.my.
Also present at the event was Genting Malaysia Bhd deputy chairman Tun Mohammed Haniff Omar and Brunsfield International Group chairman Tan Sri Gan Thian Leong.