SLIM RIVER, 28 Jan 2010 – The mere mention of Orang Asli conjures up a picture of bamboo huts and barefooted children playing in the wilderness, far away from the hustle and bustle of a modern city or town.

At least that’s what 31 Sime Darby Management Trainees (MTs) expected before they arrived at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Pos Bersih in Ulu Slim, Perak for their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme on 28 January 2008.

One of the MT showing the right way to clean and wash hands during the hygiene session

After trekking for about 1 kilometre to the school because their bus could not pass through the small bridge leading to the school, they were in for a surprise when they set foot at the school, one of the two Orang Asli schools that have been adopted by Sime Darby under its PINTAR school adoption programme.

During the ice-breaking session with 26 Year Six students that began with a ‘Sing-Along-Song’ activity, the MTs were surprised with the amazing skills of the Orang Asli students in memorizing the dance steps after just a few practice. In fact, the Orang Asli students seemed to outshine the MTs themselves.

Fun was evident all around during this activity, which helped to establish a good rapport between the MTs and the students who astonished the crowd with their hidden talents. For the MTs, it was a truly an eye opener.

Sarvyeen Babu, one of the MTs, commented: “I’m so touched to see the kids so happy and content with their simple lives. It’s such an eye-opener. Based on my experience today, these kids need continuous support and development from the whole community to reach the standard of the educational level that we have in other parts of Malaysia.

“In time to come as we climb the corporate ladder, it is important to always have those who may be less fortunate close at heart and try to create as much difference as we can to them. It is our duty to give back to society,” she noted.

The MTs, who hail from the cities and towns, were humbled by what they saw during the whole day. They spent the day doing voluntary work and activities to help and motivate the 26 Year Six students to excel in their studies.

Gotong -royong between MTs and Standard Six pupils

An interactive hygiene briefing on the importance of personal cleanliness was one of the activities also took place, followed by a ‘gotong-royong’ activity that saw the MTs and the students worked hand-in-hand to clean the school compound as well as gardening and drawing of murals.

The students also demonstrated their competitive nature during the Treasure Hunt where they had to solve puzzles and find routes in an educational game.

The CSR project is in line with Sime Darby’s tagline, “Developing Sustainable Futures”, and is aimed at raising educational standards in rural areas and also designed to expose the MTs to vital knowledge and skills in project management.

The day ended with a motivational talk by Mr. Suki Mee, President of Yayasan Orang Asli Perak, and his assistant, Mr. Yas, to the parents of the Year Six students. The talk sent a strong message to the parents and the teachers of SK Pos Bersih on their responsibilities to drive and support the kids towards educational excellence in order to improve their lives and ultimately the condition of Orang Asli community in Pos Bersih.

Pupils helping out the MTs in cleaning the school's library

The Headmaster of SK Pos Bersih, Mr. Wazir, expressed his gratitude to Sime Darby for its CSR efforts. Sime Darby’s Head of CSR, Encik Ismail Hussin, who was also present, praised the commitment shown by the MTs.

“It was a good day, with the MTs being deeply involved with the kids since early morning and portrayed a splendid team spirit. They have touched the hearts of the kids and have done a lot of good things for the school. I think they school is thankful for that.”

The one-day program con­cluded with the students receiving souvenirs and prizes, while the parents received basic household items and clothes contributed by Sime Darby employees and family members.

Back to top