Latest news with #WeststarGroup
New Straits Times
28-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Corporate Malaysia backs Sejahtera Madani with RM120mil, surpassing target
KUALA LUMPUR: Corporate Malaysia has stepped up in a big way to support the government's mission to eradicate poverty, with 38 companies collectively contributing close to RM120 million to the Sejahtera Madani Fund—a national initiative aimed at uplifting poor and hardcore poor households registered under the eKasih National Poverty Database. The fund, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last week, exemplifies a whole-of-nation commitment to targeted poverty eradication and sustainable socio-economic upliftment, having already more than doubled its initial RM50 million target. Among the top contributors is the Weststar Group, leading with a RM15 million donation. Other key corporate giants such as YTL Corporation Bhd, Berjaya Corporation Bhd, MMC Corporation Bhd, Genting Bhd, DRB-Hicom Bhd, and Tradewinds Group (M) Sdn Bhd/Yayasan AlBukhary each pledged RM10 million, demonstrating strong private sector commitment to national development goals. Other notable contributors include Sapura Secured Technologies with RM3 million and Yayasan Pembangunan Ekonomi Islam Malaysia with RM2.61 million. A wide range of companies have also pledged between RM1 million and RM500,000, reflecting diverse industry participation across infrastructure, healthcare, logistics, and property sectors. These include Malaysia Resources Corporation Bhd, Yinson Holdings Bhd, WCT Bhd, Westports Malaysia Sdn Bhd, S P Setia Bhd, SD Guthrie Bhd, and ITMAX System Bhd. Smaller but meaningful contributions were also received from FGV Holdings Bhd (RM150,000), Farm Fresh Bhd, Pharmaniaga Bhd, YHA Travel and Tours, and Darul Fikir, each contributing RM100,000—demonstrating that companies of all sizes are participating in this national effort. Beyond financial contributions, several companies have launched parallel programmes to support economic resilience. Telekom Malaysia pledged RM10 million for a Digital Entrepreneurship Programme, Grab Malaysia introduced a RM5 million Economic Empowerment Initiative, while Prudential BSN Takaful committed RM3 million to expand its Microtakaful Jariyah (MTJ) programme. National champions Petronas and Khazanah Nasional Bhd have also been appointed strategic partners of the fund, ensuring sustainability and institutional backing. The Sejahtera Madani Fund reflects a powerful synergy between government policy and private sector commitment, aimed at driving inclusive and sustainable development. Beyond delivering targeted aid to vulnerable communities, the fund supports long-term economic empowerment through initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, micro-insurance, and digital inclusion. The strong response from corporate Malaysia underscores a growing recognition of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) responsibilities—and highlights the evolving role of businesses as key partners in shaping the nation's socioeconomic future.
Barnama
28-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
TIMOR-LESTE PM'S VISIT TO WESTSTAR SIGNALS STRONGER BILATERAL TIES IN AVIATION, ENERGY
BUSINESS KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- The official visit by Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao to Weststar Group's headquarters reflects the shared commitment of both Weststar Group and the Timor-Leste government to strengthening bilateral cooperation in aviation, energy support services, and economic development. Group managing director Tan Sri Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim said Weststar's relationship with Timor-Leste dates back to 2014, beginning with the supply of 10 units of 4x4 general service cargo vehicles to the Timor-Leste Defence Force. 'This year, we have proudly expanded our operations to include rotary-wing aviation support with the deployment of two AW189 helicopters based in Dili, operating under a contract with Santos in the Bayu Undan field,' he said in a statement, in conjunction with Gusmao's visit to its corporate headquarters here today. As part of Weststar's long-term commitment to the region, the company is working in partnership with Timor-Leste's national oil and gas company, Timor GAP, to further strengthen its presence in the country through the introduction of the AW139 helicopter fleet. The statement said that this next phase of operations will include support for utility, VIP, and emergency medical services (EMS). 'Weststar has already conducted two EMS missions in Timor-Leste, one of which included the honour of facilitating the air transport of the late Padre Domingos Maubere, a deeply respected spiritual leader in the country. This reflects not only the capabilities of our operations, but also the humanity that drives our mission,' said Syed Azman. He also said that the visit served as a platform to recognise Timor-Leste's impending full accession to ASEAN, a milestone Weststar fully supports. 'We look forward to seeing Timor-Leste take its rightful place within the ASEAN community. Weststar stands ready to support this transition by contributing to the region's infrastructure and human capital development,' he said. According to the statement, the group's subsidiary, Weststar Aviation Services' growing footprint in Timor-Leste is part of a broader strategic vision to strengthen the company's presence in Southeast Asia, focusing on safety, service excellence, and sustainable growth in the energy and government aviation sectors.
