Latest news with #BACEducationGroup
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
BAC Education's MUSIC4GOOD 2.0: The Polymaths Are Back
SELANGOR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2025 – Get ready to turn up the volume for a night of unforgettable music and meaningful impact! The Polymaths featuring Raja Singham, Azlan Shaharbi, Siva Ramanathan, Sudesh Kumar Nair, Sundara Raj Ramamurthy and friends, are returning to the stage for MUSIC4GOOD 2.0, this time in aid of Uplift, an NGO under the BAC Education Group. Following the overwhelming success of the first Music4Good concert, which raised RM211,000 to support children in 25 orphanages via OrphanAid and assist the Society for the Severely & Mentally Handicapped (SSMH), this second edition aims to raise even more. 100% of donations will go directly towards providing education, essential aid, necessities, and life-changing opportunities to communities in need. Beneficiaries include: 1. OrphanAid ensures every child has access to quality education through free SPM tuition, refurbished laptops for orphanages, and a 75% bursary for tertiary studies. In partnership with Rotary International District 3300 Malaysia, it identifies and supports deserving students, with tax-exempt donations channelled via Yayasan Kelab-Kelab Rotary Malaysia (YKKRM) to ensure transparency and accountability. 2. Free Food Society provides food aid to anyone in need, regardless of race, creed, or religion. Founded by a group of concerned individuals, it was created to support the growing number of people who lost their livelihoods due to Covid-19. 3. Persatuan OKU Sentral champions the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities through entrepreneurship support, emergency relief, cultural showcases, and initiatives that promote accessibility and inclusion nationwide. 4. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – Kajang offers vital services such as feeding, sterilisation (TNR), healthcare, and rehoming for stray dogs. They aim to establish a multi-purpose facility that supports sheltering, rehabilitation, adoption, and education 5. Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped - For 40 years, the Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped (SSMH) has been providing therapy, care, and support to children with severe mental and physical disabilities, as well as their families. Event Details: Date: Saturday, September 20th, 2025 Time: 7:30pm – 10:30pm Venue: Horizon Banquet Hall, Menara BAC, Petaling Jaya Table Reservations (10 pax with dinner): RM2,500 | RM5,000 | RM10,000 Bookings can be made via or by contacting Ann – 012 339 9959, Jinie – 016 778 8625 or Mitha – 012 988 3487 Tax-exemption receipts are available for donations of RM250 and above. BAC Education Group: A Legacy of Social Good MUSIC4GOOD 2.0 builds on BAC Education's long-standing commitment to social good. Flagship initiatives include (over RM100 million in aid through 200+ partners), SPMFlix (Malaysia's largest free learning platform with 9,000+ lessons for 200,000+ students), and FreeMakan (a food bank that has supported 27,000 families with RM1.7 million raised). The Make It Right Movement (MIRM), launched in 2015, further drives impact by supporting 200+ charity and CSR projects annually, giving students, staff, and the public the chance to volunteer, champion causes, and create lasting community change. Music4Good is organised by Uplift, fully sponsored by BAC Education and supported by Yayasan Kelab-kelab Rotary Malaysia. About the Polymaths The Polymaths came together after a chance meeting between Raja Singham and drummer Siva Ramanathan at a friend's party. One casual conversation about music sparked jam sessions in a basement, bringing together professionals with a shared passion for music – because why not? 'We just needed a guitarist, a bassist... and a better keyboardist,' Raja joked. 'I like running around on stage too much to stay seated!' Band Members: · Raja Singham – Lead vocalist and Co-Founder of BAC Education Group, driving social impact through Uplift, the Make It Right Movement, and SPMFlix. · Azlan Ahmad Shaharbi – Keyboardist; veteran performer with over three decades on the local and international music stage. · Siva Ramanathan – Drummer; fintech leader and Partner, Chief Growth & Corporate Officer at Ksher. · Sudesh Kumar Nair – Bassist and CEO of Baycom Malaysia, with a background in film, TV, and satellite communications. · Sundara Raj Ramamurthy – Guitarist; Chief Digital Officer at PwC Malaysia and Vietnam, leading AI and digital transformation initiatives. A Nation-Building Initiative MUSIC4GOOD 2.0 is a nation-building initiative fully sponsored by BAC Education Group in aid of Uplift, supported by Yayasan Kelab-Kelab Rotary Malaysia. 'Music has the power to bring people together; not just to enjoy a great night out, but to make a lasting impact on lives. With Music4Good, every note we play is for a purpose - to create hope, open opportunities, and help build a better Malaysia,' said Raja.
Zawya
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Zawya
BAC Education's MUSIC4GOOD 2.0: The Polymaths Are Back
SELANGOR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2025 – Get ready to turn up the volume for a night of unforgettable music and meaningful impact! The Polymaths featuring Raja Singham, Azlan Shaharbi, Siva Ramanathan, Sudesh Kumar Nair, Sundara Raj Ramamurthy and friends, are returning to the stage for MUSIC4GOOD 2.0, this time in aid of Uplift, an NGO under the BAC Education Group. Following the overwhelming success of the first Music4Good concert, which raised RM211,000 to support children in 25 orphanages via OrphanAid and assist the Society for the Severely & Mentally Handicapped (SSMH), this second edition aims to raise even more. 100% of donations will go directly towards providing education, essential aid, necessities, and life-changing opportunities to communities in need. Beneficiaries include: OrphanAid ensures every child has access to quality education through free SPM tuition, refurbished laptops for orphanages, and a 75% bursary for tertiary studies. In partnership with Rotary International District 3300 Malaysia, it identifies and supports deserving students, with tax-exempt donations channelled via Yayasan Kelab-Kelab Rotary Malaysia (YKKRM) to ensure transparency and accountability. Free Food Society provides food aid to anyone in need, regardless of race, creed, or religion. Founded by a group of concerned individuals, it was created to support the growing number of people who lost their livelihoods due to Covid-19. Persatuan OKU Sentral champions the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities through entrepreneurship support, emergency relief, cultural showcases, and initiatives that promote accessibility and inclusion nationwide. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – Kajang offers vital services such as feeding, sterilisation (TNR), healthcare, and rehoming for stray dogs. They aim to establish a multi-purpose facility that supports sheltering, rehabilitation, adoption, and education Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped - For 40 years, the Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped (SSMH) has been providing therapy, care, and support to children with severe mental and physical disabilities, as well as their families. Event Details: Date: Saturday, September 20 th, 2025 Time: 7:30pm – 10:30pm Venue: Horizon Banquet Hall, Menara BAC, Petaling Jaya Table Reservations (10 pax with dinner): RM2,500 | RM5,000 | RM10,000 Bookings can be made via or by contacting Ann – 012 339 9959, Jinie – 016 778 8625 or Mitha – 012 988 3487 Tax-exemption receipts are available for donations of RM250 and above. BAC Education Group: A Legacy of Social Good MUSIC4GOOD 2.0 builds on BAC Education's long-standing commitment to social good. Flagship initiatives include (over RM100 million in aid through 200+ partners), SPMFlix (Malaysia's largest free learning platform with 9,000+ lessons for 200,000+ students), and FreeMakan (a food bank that has supported 27,000 families with RM1.7 million raised). The Make It Right Movement (MIRM), launched in 2015, further drives impact by supporting 200+ charity and CSR projects annually, giving students, staff, and the public the chance to volunteer, champion causes, and create lasting community change. Music4Good is organised by Uplift, fully sponsored by BAC Education and supported by Yayasan Kelab-kelab Rotary Malaysia. About the Polymaths The Polymaths came together after a chance meeting between Raja Singham and drummer Siva Ramanathan at a friend's party. One casual conversation about music sparked jam sessions in a basement, bringing together professionals with a shared passion for music – because why not? "We just needed a guitarist, a bassist... and a better keyboardist," Raja joked. "I like running around on stage too much to stay seated!" Band Members: Raja Singham – Lead vocalist and Co-Founder of BAC Education Group, driving social impact through Uplift, the Make It Right Movement, and SPMFlix. Azlan Ahmad Shaharbi – Keyboardist; veteran performer with over three decades on the local and international music stage. Siva Ramanathan – Drummer; fintech leader and Partner, Chief Growth & Corporate Officer at Ksher. Sudesh Kumar Nair – Bassist and CEO of Baycom Malaysia, with a background in film, TV, and satellite communications. Sundara Raj Ramamurthy – Guitarist; Chief Digital Officer at PwC Malaysia and Vietnam, leading AI and digital transformation initiatives. A Nation-Building Initiative MUSIC4GOOD 2.0 is a nation-building initiative fully sponsored by BAC Education Group in aid of Uplift, supported by Yayasan Kelab-Kelab Rotary Malaysia. "Music has the power to bring people together; not just to enjoy a great night out, but to make a lasting impact on lives. With Music4Good, every note we play is for a purpose - to create hope, open opportunities, and help build a better Malaysia," said Raja. Hashtag: #BACEducation The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About BAC Education The BAC Education Group is dedicated to transforming lives through education. With a network of world-class partner universities and organisations, BAC Education offers students an unparalleled educational experience. The Group's vision is to nurture the next generation of innovative leaders with a futuristic mind-set. With over 25 entities, the Group provides the future generation with strong grounding to navigate the Fourth Industrial Revolution by developing soft skills and instilling confidence to increase their competency in an increasingly globalised environment. For more information, visit BAC Education
The Sun
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
RM1.2 billion cyber-related losses recorded last year
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia recorded about RM1.2 billion in cyber-related losses last year, underscoring an urgent need for a more coordinated approach to national cybersecurity readiness, said National Tech Association of Malaysia secretary-general Anthony Raja Devadoss. He said the losses, which involved both commercial and consumer sectors, were driven by a surge in cyber scams and increasingly sophisticated attacks powered by artificial intelligence. He added that scam calls alone rose by 82%. Anthony said while Malaysia has made regulatory progress with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and the proposed National Cyber Security Bill, the country continues to struggle with uneven awareness and inconsistent implementation, particularly among SMEs. 'Framework-wise, Malaysia is moving in the right direction. But we tend to announce regulations first and expect compliance the next day. That's a major concern. 'We need scalable cybersecurity practices, not just firewalls. Small firms must have access to certified talent, and if they can't afford to hire directly, government-supported partnerships should be made available.' He suggested establishing a gov-tech alliance, a government-industry initiative focused on modernising public sector digital infrastructure, improving cybersecurity standards and ensuring that local councils and agencies adopt the latest technologies, in line with national security priorities. 'Cybersecurity is not exclusive. The impact cuts across every sector. Whether you're in finance, telco or healthcare, the consequences of a breach are widespread – reputational and financial.' He said cybersecurity must be treated as a cultural shift, not just a technical challenge. 'We're not just talking about software but also awareness, behaviour and trust. That starts at home, not just in the workplace.' He said Malaysians often underestimate personal responsibility in digital safety, and high levels of social trust have led to risky habits such as unsecured device use as well as sharing of sensitive information within households. 'The trust bank is so high here. We leave our devices unlocked, we give out our passwords,' he told theSun. 'So, when we talk about needing to enhance our tech, human errors and complacency need to be looked into as well.' BAC Education Group founder and managing director Raja Singham echoed similar concerns, particularly about the compliance burden placed on smaller businesses under current regulations. He said the 20,000 data-subject threshold for compliance under PDPA effectively pulls in almost every organisation, from supermarkets to educational institutions. 'Even a mid-sized college like BAC holds well over 20,000 data records. Everyone gets caught.' Raja said SMEs, which make up over 90% of Malaysian businesses, are often left scrambling to comply with new mandates without adequate time or support. 'We roll things out very quickly and then threaten penalties. However, most SMEs don't have the manpower, training or budget to respond immediately.' He added that the shortage of skilled professionals, such as privacy officers and cybersecurity leads, has left many firms unable to comply meaningfully. 'These are now mandatory roles. But for many businesses, they're seen as added expenses, and no one knows whom to hire or how to train them.' On recent leaks involving government websites, Raja attributed the problem to outdated infrastructure.
Malay Mail
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Music4Good — An evening with ‘The Polymaths' — Vasanthi Ramachandran
MAY 8 — To be orphaned is a deep and life-altering misfortune, and to live with physical or mental challenges is difficult enough. But when these challenges are met with a lack of support, the impact can be deeply isolating. In a world brimming with voices and visibility, these children remain voiceless, distant from public attention and even farther from opportunity. They need all the help they can get. To be orphaned is a deep and life-altering misfortune, and to live with physical or mental challenges is difficult enough. But when these challenges are met with a lack of support, the impact can be deeply isolating. — Picture via Unsplash/Farhan Abas For nearly 3 decades, Raja Singham, Managing Director and Chief Future Officer of the BAC Education Group, has been an advocate, tireless champion for orphans, people with disabilities, vulnerable and marginalised communities, ensuring they are seen and heard, and their issues addressed Over the weekend, Raja Singham spearheaded Music4Good presenting The Polymaths — a powerful two-day celebration of love, hope and humanity, that successfully raised almost RM210,000 for two very meaningful causes. OrphanAid, a heartfelt nation-building initiative by the BAC Education Group and Uplift and the Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped (SSMH), and a voluntary welfare organisation that provides specialised care, education, and therapy for children with severe mental and physical disabilities, many of whom require lifelong support. On Saturday, in a striking departure from convention, Music4Good opened with a transparent and meticulous breakdown of how every ringgit was used to fulfil items on the orphanages' wish list. Raja Singham announced how each table's contribution directly supported a specific home — funding everything from basic groceries to essential appliances like fridges, stoves, water heaters, rice cookers, essential groceries. Music4Good was amplified by purpose with the dedicated performers. Sudesh Kumar Nair, the bassist, leads Baycom Malaysia as its CEO. Sundara Raj Ramamurthy, the guitarist, drives digital innovation as Chief Digital Officer at PwC Malaysia and Vietnam. On drums, Siva Ramanathan brought his high-energy presence and leadership as Partner and Chief Growth Officer at Ksher, Azlan Shaharbi commanded the keyboards with the wisdom of three decades of musical experience, and Raja Singham himself, brought his signature energy to the stage as a vocalist and keyboardist. Adding a youthful spark on both days was Singham's daughter Alisha Raja Singham, whose presence reflects how purpose and passion can span generations Percussionist Edwin Nathaniel, Founder of the Aseana Percussion Unit and the RISE programme for children with special needs, also joined the group with heart and meaning, and backup vocalist Lathah, tied it all together with soul and grace. In an age where many chase titles and personal gain, Raja Singham and friends continue to build platforms, initiate movements, and break new ground, sacrificing their time and energy, in service of others. While BAC garnered the Asean Business Awards (Best in CSR) in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021, the Asean Business Awards for Combating Covid-19 in 2020, and Raja Singham was named Education Man of the Year by Brand Laureate, it isn't the accolades that drive him — it's the real, measurable impact on people's lives. At the heart of Raja Singham's mission is a bold ambition: to transform 10 million lives by 2030, with a special focus on education. This concert was one of many ways Raja Singham brings his mission to life, by blending what he loves with what truly matters. Sharing the stage with The Polymaths, a band of professionals who channel their personal passions into purposeful action, the night became a powerful testament to what can happen when people come together for something bigger than themselves. As they wrapped up each night with soul-stirring performances, The Polymaths reminded us all that when passion is paired with purpose, music becomes more than just sound — it becomes a movement. For many of us, signing a cheque offers a comforting illusion, we have done our part, fulfilled our duty, and can move on. But real charity doesn't end with a transaction. It begins there. True giving demands engagement, accountability and presence. Yet we often look away — not because we do not care, but because facing the full picture asks more of us. Perhaps, the next time we give, we should stay for the story, ask the hard questions, and ensure our giving reflects not just kindness, but involvement. * This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
The Star
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
RM5mil in scholarships, loans for 57 students
BAC Education Group founder and managing director S. Raja Singham making a symbolic presentation of scholarships to Surendran. A NON-PROFIT organisation is offering RM5mil worth of scholarships and financial assistance, in partnership with 10 universities and colleges. The partnership, called the HOPE initiative (Harnessing Opportunities for Pathways in Education), will offer 57 financially disadvantaged Malaysian students an opportunity to pursue foundation, diploma and bachelor degree programmes across multiple disciplines. The universities and colleges will offer tuition fee waivers between 50% and 100% to qualified students, while Amma Foundation will provide financial grants or interest-free study loans to finance part of the fees. Universities and colleges participating in Amma Foundation's HOPE Initiative are Asia Pacific University of Innovation and Technology (APU), Brickfields Asia College (BAC), HELP University, IACT College, Mahsa University, Reliance College, Sunway University, Sunway College, University Malaysia of Computer Science & Engineering (UniMy) and Veritas University College. Malaysian students who have completed their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)/O-Level or equivalent and the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)/foundation/pre-university programmes may apply for foundation, diploma or bachelor degree programmes in disciplines such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, robotics & automation, psychology, law, business, finance, media and communications, early childhood, hotel management and culinary arts. Sunway University head of scholarship and student life Soo Ee Sarn making a symbolic presentation of scholarships to Surendran. Amma Foundation president Datuk Surendran Menon said, 'The cost of quality tertiary education in Malaysia continues to soar and is often beyond the means of many Malaysians. 'Amma Foundation wants to help increase access by creating various routes and opportunities for financially disadvantaged students to achieve their educational goals. 'To reach a wider target audience, we created the HOPE initiative to provide financial aid to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and support students with academic resources, mentorship and career development opportunities,' he said. A fundraising dinner raised RM500,000 in pledges for Amma Foundation. Many guests also pledged to support this initiative over the next three years. At its next nationwide roadshow, the foundation will identify and shortlist well-deserving Malaysian students from B40 and M40 households. Applicants must be Malaysian citizens below 25 years old with household incomes within the B40 and M40 income ranges. Applicants must show academic excellence and commitment to the pursuit of higher education and demonstrate leadership potential and strong community engagement.
