Kuala Lumpur, 22 November 2017 – Following its strategy to develop up and coming sports talent in Malaysia, Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) will focus on development programmes to hone junior talent in football.
Hence, YSD’s support for the Sime Darby Football Club (SDFC) with a commitment of RM16.3 million since 2014 ends this year. Prior to the support from YSD, Sime Darby Berhad funded the team since its establishment in 2010.
YSD Governing Council Member Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohd Bakke Salleh said the Council has decided to focus on programmes that provide a platform for junior talent to develop their skills in various sports, including football in Malaysia.
“The YSD Governing Council has been supporting programmes to provide young, aspiring athletes to develop their skills. Under the Youth & Sports pillar, we are already supporting development programmes for golf and track cycling which are among the core sporting activities supported by YSD at the moment.
“YSD would like to acknowledge the contributions of the SDFC team over the years. Since its establishment, the SDFC has come a long way. The team has made us very proud by clinching the FAM Cup this year for the second time and claiming the runner-up spot at the 2013 Malaysia Premier League,” he added.
The SDFC first clinched the FAM Cup in 2010 in a stunning debut and this year will be the final professional appearance of the team in the Malaysian football league. The players and coaches whose contracts ended on 31 October 2017 will be paid salaries until December 2017.
Under the Youth & Sports pillar, YSD has, to date, committed RM189.8 million towards programmes that promote sporting activities to help youths realise their full potential, cultivate sportsmanship and raise the standards of sports.
About Yayasan Sime Darby
Yayasan Sime Darby, or Sime Darby Foundation, was established in 1982 and is the primary driver of Sime Darby Berhad’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
The objectives of Yayasan Sime Darby are supported by its five pillars, namely: education; environment; community & health; youth & sports; arts & culture. While led by independent members of a Governing Council and managed by a dedicated team, Yayasan Sime Darby works closely with the Sime Darby Group, in areas of mutual interest.
Since its inception, Yayasan Sime Darby has awarded scholarships worth RM261.5 million to 3,614 students both in and outside Malaysia. It is supporting long term research projects of significant scientific value like the Stability of Altered Forest Ecosystems (SAFE) project which is the world’s largest ecological project, and the Reforestation and Rehabilitation of Orangutan Habitats in Northern Ulu Segama.
Yayasan Sime Darby is also actively involved in the development and improvement of sports in Malaysia namely track cycling, sailing and golf. Under its community & health pillar, Yayasan Sime Darby supports initiatives to promote the well-being of disadvantaged people irrespective of race, culture, religion, creed or gender and works with established organisations to promote the development of arts & culture.
For further information, please contact:
Meena Lakshana
Senior Executive, Public Relations
Yayasan Sime Darby
Tel: 013-256 7160
Email: meena.lakshana@simedarby.com