For over 122 years, Ford has championed the belief that stronger futures are built together. This ethos forms the backbone of its global corporate social responsibility initiative, ‘Ford Building Together’, which seeks to make a meaningful impact in communities worldwide. In Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford (Auto ConneXion-Ford) recently carried this mission forward, positively affecting 600 beneficiaries from underserved communities across Klang Valley, Penang, Ipoh, and Kuantan through an 11-day campaign.
With the support of 55 dedicated Ford volunteers, the campaign delivered essential food aid and basic healthcare services to a diverse array of vulnerable groups, including B40 families, persons with disabilities (OKU), single mothers, Asnaf Fakir and Miskin, and the indigenous Orang Asli community.
The state-specific outreach included:
- Klang Valley: 200 beneficiaries from B40, Asnaf, and OKU communities at Pangsapuri Putra Ria & Abdullah Hukum.
- Penang: 100 beneficiaries from B40 and Asnaf communities in George Town & Jalan Patani.
- Ipoh: 150 beneficiaries, including single mothers, B40, and Asnaf communities in Sungai Rokam.
- Kuantan: 150 beneficiaries from the Orang Asli community in Kampung Paya Bungor, Gambang.
Jane Holloway, Senior Manager of Ford Philanthropy, International Markets Group, emphasized the initiative’s broader purpose: “At Ford, our mission goes beyond building high-quality vehicles. We are committed to empowering communities worldwide and driving positive change. Ford Building Together reflects our belief that when we unite with partners, volunteers, and communities, we can make a lasting difference.”
A key element of the local campaign was the Ford Mobile Clinic, launched in February this year in partnership with Yayasan Sime Darby and MyFundAction. The mobile clinic deployed healthcare professionals to all four locations, providing essential medical services to underserved populations in rural and urban areas alike.
Turse Zuhair Nahason Affan, Managing Director of Auto ConneXion-Ford, highlighted the alignment of the Malaysian programme with Ford’s global initiative: “Bringing the ‘full power of Ford’ to Malaysia means more than financial contributions; it’s the driving force behind our Ford Building Together global initiative. We are dedicated to combining the passion of our employees and the strength of our dealer network to address the needs of local communities. By working together, we not only provide necessary aid but also foster lasting relationships as we work towards building a sustainable future for all.”
The campaign’s success was made possible through collaboration between Auto ConneXion-Ford management and staff, its nationwide network of authorised Ford dealers, and strategic non-profit partner MyFundAction, which coordinated the on-ground execution.
Reflecting on the campaign, Turse Zuhair added, “We are grateful to everyone who made the Ford Building Together programme heartfelt and meaningful, sharing their time and skills to bring hope and wellbeing to locals in need. Our journey to empower communities continues, one location at a time.”
The Malaysian initiative formed part of Ford’s Global Caring Month, a worldwide volunteer programme under Ford Philanthropy. Locally, it contributed to the World’s Largest Auto Dealer Food Drive, which saw more than 1,600 Ford dealers across 31 countries collect over 907,000 kg of food—far exceeding the initial target of 500,000 kg.
This recent effort builds on Auto ConneXion-Ford’s legacy of community support in Malaysia, including past initiatives such as the Clean Water Project in Gerik and Operation Better World in Kuala Lumpur, demonstrating the company’s unwavering commitment to meaningful social impact.
