PM: Sekolah Angkat Madani goes beyond mere CSR

New Straits Times

4 hours ago

PUTRAJAYA: The public-private collaboration under the Sekolah Angkat Madani initiative goes beyond conventional corporate social responsibility (CSR), but reflects a deeper commitment to compassion and nation-building.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the initiative, joined by four government-linked investment companies (GLICs), namely Yayasan Sime Darby, Yayasan Petronas, Yayasan UEM and Yayasan TM, aims to uplift educational opportunities for underserved communities.
The initiative, he said, reflects a shared commitment among various stakeholders towards advancing a more inclusive and compassionate national agenda, as corporations, civil servants and local communities join forces to strengthen education in selected schools across the country.
"This collaboration goes beyond CSR. We are talking about compassion when they take on the responsibility to build this nation together and ensure that no one is left behind.
"There is no point in talking purely about impressive growth and investment figures if we choose to neglect the poor and the marginalised.
"We want to see large companies going to schools, engaging with students, introducing themselves, and inspiring these young minds with the meaning of success and how education can change their lives.
"This, to me, is a remarkable feat, and could only happen with the full support of ministries, particularly the Education Ministry, the Public Service Department and our committed teachers," he said in his keynote address during the launch of the initiative today.
Present were Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
The initiative is a continuation of the government's commitment to driving a whole-of-nation approach to narrow the education gap.
The initiative focuses on five core pillars, namely improving school infrastructure and facilities; academic and student mentoring programmes; teacher training and professional development; financial aid and scholarships; as well as character-building and skills development initiatives.
To date, around 1,000 schools nationwide have been selected to participate in the programme, with the involvement and support of 32 private companies, 29 government-linked companies (GLCs) and GLICs, 29 government agencies, and 27 companies owned by the Minister of Finance (Incorporated).
The initiative is also being implemented in collaboration with the Education Ministry, alongside the Finance Ministry, focusing on addressing fundamental school needs such as toilet repairs, provision of science labs, academic mentoring, and student character development.
Anwar said the original concept began with Kampung Angkat Madani, which provided funding of up to RM100,000 for each village.
The concept was later expanded to schools, following an overwhelming response from corporate and GLC stakeholders, he said.
"From the initial 300 schools, we increased the number to 500. Now, we have managed to reach over 1,000 schools, thanks to the encouraging response from many large, responsible companies.
"As such, I would like to thank the chief secretary (Shamsul Azri) and the teachers for embracing this initiative.
"Teachers have not only accepted it, but are also open and willing to adopt new approaches for the benefit of their students," he said.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, urged corporate leaders who contribute to the initiative to personally visit their adopted schools at least twice a year to motivate and directly engage with the students.
"If chief executive officers and general managers come down, introduce themselves, and speak about their company's operations, the children will be inspired.
"We want students in rural schools to know that they, too, have the right to dream big," he said.
Anwar also acknowledged that educational challenges remain in remote areas, including issues related to basic facilities, student attendance, teacher availability, and infrastructure maintenance.
He expressed hope that close cooperation between the government, corporate sector, and communities could be strengthened to ensure no one is left behind in the national education development agenda.
"This is the true spirit of Madani. We build the nation not just with investment figures and profits, but with hearts full of responsibility and love for the future of our children."