CSR Archives

Volkswagen’s ‘Buckle Up’ campaign educates children on importance of road and car safety

In these times of the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of messages to the public focus on social distancing and personal hygiene to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. However, traffic accidents still happen and road and car safety are still important.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has not forgotten this and is taking an initiative to educate the younger generation on the importance of road and car safety. The company has created the ‘Buckle Up’ animation series on YouTube for children.

Targeting children 3 – 7 years old
Part of the brand’s social responsibility here in Malaysia, the entertaining series brings online the much-loved Volkswagen mascot, a familiar face and adored by children at roadshows and events. Specifically targeting children aged between 3 to 7 years old, the content is communicated in a fun and entertaining way and covers topics such as how to cross the road, understanding traffic lights and the importance of wearing a seatbelt.

“As a responsible brand, we are socially accountable to our stakeholders and the public – at the same time not forgetting the little ones. It is never too early for us to teach children how to keep safe, and we believe that in the long run, this will help them develop the right attitude and behaviour on the road. Of course, with children being more internet-savvy, the perfect avenue to communicate this is online” said Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM.

The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research reported that road accidents are the fourth common cause of death in Malaysia, and more than 1,500 children under the age of 10 died in road accidents from 2007 to 2017. Last year, Malaysia had the third highest fatality rate from road accidents in Asia, behind Thailand and Vietnam.

A follow-up campaign
Volkswagen first launched the ‘Buckle Up’ campaign in 2015 and partnered with the Association of Registered Child Care Providers Malaysia or PPBM to educate the general public on the importance of child passenger safety through training modules across 280 childcare centres nationwide.

Since then, Volkswagen has constantly communicated child safety through training modules to dealers at the Volkswagen Academy in Selangor, to customers and owners via dealership events, and on social media platforms.

The Volkswagen ‘Buckle Up’ campaign series is available on Volkswagen’s YouTube channel here. Parents are encouraged to subscribe to receive the latest updates and notifications when new episodes are added.

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Shell Malaysia’s initiative helps small food businesses during Ramadan period

Shell Malaysia continues to find ways to help local communities in the areas where they operate. Its latest initiative, #RamadanWithShell, creates opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to sell their delicacies at Shell stations.

This nationwide initiative aims to support local and small-time food vendors by providing them an avenue to market their goods during this difficult time and to bring Ramadan local delicacies to customers at stations.

950 stations participating nationwide
Until May 23, 2020, customers will be able to purchase a variety of Ramadan local delights such as Nasi Campur, Nasi Beriani, Asam Laksa, various selections of local Kuih, Murtabak, Bubur Lambuk, drinks and many other local delicacies at 950 Shell stations nationwide for takeaway. Apart from these pre-packed Ramadan delicacies, customers are also able to make it a combo along with Shell SELECT and deli2go favourite snacks and beverages at promotional prices, starting from as low as RM6.

Siti Zubaidah, Shell Station retailer in Pontian, Johor, invited Azizah, a local vendor to sell her kuih at the station. “When I was informed about the #RamadanWithShell campaign, Azizah’s offering came to mind. Her spread of local kuih is delicious and I was extremely excited to provide her a platform to sell her Ramadan delicacies,” said Zubaidah.

“With the Movement Control Order which can make it difficult for small businesses like mine to thrive, this initiative by Shell is a welcome help as I am able to continue selling my kuih here at the Shell Station,” said Azizah, a single mother with 5 kids. “I am extremely thankful to Puan Zubaidah and Shell for inviting me to sell my selections of local kuih during this Ramadan month.”

Part-time vendor Mazlan and his 14-year-old son Mohd Alif Mazlan has been able to sell many bottles of sugarcane juice at a Shell station too. “In the beginning, we were rather worried for this year’s Ramadan. Every year, we would sell air tebu at the local Ramadan bazaar, and things looked bleak this year without the yearly Ramadan bazaar. Thankfully, with the Shell initiative, we are able to sell about 30-40 bottles a day at Shell Station Inderapura in Kuantan, Pahang. Thanks to Shell for helping us through this difficult time and providing us the avenue to promote our product.”

30% discount for Shell SELECT items
Aside from the local delicacies offered at Shell stations nationwide, 100 Shell stations are collaborating with Foodpanda to deliver selected Ramadan combos to customers’ doorsteps. During the promotion period, Shell SELECT customers who order through Foodpanda with the promo code ‘SHELLRAMADAN’ will enjoy 30% off for all Shell SELECT items in Pandamart, with a minimum purchase of RM15. (*Terms and Conditions apply)

“At Shell, our customers are at the heart of everything we do. Now more so than ever, with the uncertainties and unpredictability brought about by COVID-19, we need to hold steadfast to the values that define us as an organization and enables us to contribute back to Malaysians,” said Shairan Huzani Husain, MD of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd.

“Our latest initiative allows us to help our fellow Malaysians carry on conducting their businesses. We believe in doing things that matter and, at the same time, we try to make a difference in the lives of those we serve,” he added.

War Against COVID-19: Shell contributes to frontliners, the nation’s heroes

War on COVID-19: Honda modifies Odyssey to protect crew when transporting COVID-19 patients

The war against the COVID-19 coronavirus is a global one as 196 out of 197 countries have cases. Besides government efforts, individuals, various types of organisations and companies are also contributing in various ways. Where the auto industry is concerned, R&D capabilities and mass production facilities have been used to make much-needed Personal Protection Equipment.

Some carmakers have also looked at how they can make their vehicles safer for healthcare workers to travel in. Unlike making conventional ambulances which would usually transport patients without infections, the ones used to transport people potentially infected with COVID-19 must be designed to protect the healthcare workers and also the driver and other crew.

In America, Honda has made modifications and installed additional items in 10 units of the Odyssey MPV for use by the City of Detroit. To protect the health of the driver from the potential for droplet infection during transportation, the MPVs have been fitted with a plastic barrier installed behind the front seating area. Modifications have been made to the ventilation system to maintain an air pressure differential between the front and rear seating areas.

Honda Odyssey COVID-19 transporter — *Installing the clear polycarbonate barrier to isolate the rear compartment from the front*

The MPVs were configured by a team of volunteers at Honda’s R&D centre in the state of Ohio. Senior engineers and fabrication experts quickly conceived and designed a method to modify the Odyssey at the company’s vehicle development centre where it was originally developed. They took less than two weeks from initial concept to completion.

All material fabrication and installation, and adjustments to the software for the Odyssey’s ventilation system, was done entirely in-house. The software controlling the ventilation system was tuned to assure the air pressure to create an environment inside the cabin like the negative pressure rooms in medical and research facilities.

Specifically, the software has been tuned to run the blower motor powering the fans in the front seating area faster than the fans for the rear seating area. The resulting air pressure differential creates a more negative pressure chamber in the rear seating area, with rear compartment air exhausted out the vents in the rear of the vehicle. This would greatly reduce the potential for droplet infection migration during transportation.

War on COVID-19: Mercedes-Benz converts bus specially for transporting patients

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors provides subsidies to sales consultants and dealers

Responding to the Prime Minister’s call to safeguard the welfare of employees to prevent loss of jobs and livelihoods during this Movement Control Order (MCO) period, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) is proactively offering subsidies for dealers and sales consultants to alleviate their financial constraints.

For sales consultants, HSDM will provide a special monthly Hardship Allowance for sales consultants from April to June 2020. This is only applicable to those who have been in service for 3 months or more, and not for those serving notice. The subsidy will be distributed through their dealerships.

Hyundai — *Sales consultants will receive subsidies in the form of monthly Hardship Allowances from April to June 2020. [File picture taken before MCO]*

Dealers are offered financial subsidies for online marketing expenses and purchase of hand sanitisers, disinfectants and thermometers for use at their sales and service outlets. This will be helpful for them as they have to comply with the strict Standard Operating Procedures for the protection of customers as well as staff.

“The pandemic has badly affected the auto sector. We understand the hardship of our dealers and sales consultants, and we hope the subsidy will help ease their financial burden and help with the cost of health and safety measures at all authorised Hyundai sales and service outlets,” said Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM.

HSDM assures customers and visitors alike that health and safety measures are already in place at service outlets that have reopened. The other sales and service outlets which will soon resume operations will also be taking health and safety measures such as hand sanitisation and temperature checks at all showroom entry points. Sanitisers will also be readily available at all customer touchpoints.

Additionally, there will be regular disinfection of the outlet (especially at high customer touch-point areas), with periodic disinfection of all customer/prospect-related vehicles. Test drive vehicles will be disinfected before and after every test drive in the presence of the customer for assurance.

To create greater awareness for the public regarding good hygiene practises, relevant messages will be shown on table standees, leaflets and posters.

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Pledge to maintain social distancing and Volvo Car Malaysia will reward you

To further reinforce the Movement Control Order (MCO) which came into effect on March 18 and will continue until May 12, 2020, Volvo Car Malaysia is pledging its support for social distancing – one of the vital measures to cut the transmission of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Via an online pledge campaign – the Ramadan Safe Pledge – the company will reward Malaysians who pledge to maintain social distancing with RM10 GrabFood vouchers. The pledge posted by participants will be on Instagram.

The campaign, with its own microsite, starts today and will run till May 23, 2020 (from 10 am to 3 pm daily). For a period of 20 days, Volvo Car Malaysia will give out 10,000 vouchers worth RM100,000.

Click here to visit Volvo Ramadan Safe Pledge Campaign microsite

“It is undeniable that all of us are affected by COVID-19 and the implementation of the MCO means we have adopted a new norm in our daily lives. Onward from this, we want to do what we can to help ease the burden of Malaysians. This has resulted in the Ramadan Safe Pledge campaign that provides a platform for Malaysians to reinforce their ‘stay at home’ commitment. Each chosen pledge will be rewarded with a voucher. What goes beyond is the sense of affirmation in everyone to play their role in flattening the curve, while our healthcare professionals continue to protect and save lives,” said Nalin Jain, MD of Volvo Car Malaysia.

Mr. Jain added that the company hopes the 500 vouchers given out daily will enable as many individuals as possible to purchase necessities such as food and groceries, from the safety of their homes. “The ideology of safety is a fundamental driving force for Volvo, so this campaign truly echoes our ethos and enables us to humbly contribute to the community,” he said.

Volvo Pledge — *Three of the five pledge images that can be downloaded*

The Pledge for Social Distancing
Participating in this campaign is simple and participants will need to demonstrate solidarity by reposting on Instagram, one of five different images found on the Volvo Ramadan Safe Pledge Campaign microsite. Alternatively, the pledge can be done directly through Volvo Car Malaysia’s Instagram page by clicking on the link in the bio or through its Instagram Stories. All postings will need to tag @VolvoCarMalaysia, accompanied by the hashtag #MYVolvoSafePledge.

The vouchers will be emailed directly to successful participants via the email address used to sign the pledge. Each voucher has a validity of 6 months and successful participants are selected daily, on a first-pledge-first-repost basis.

“Every little bit helps the people to do the right thing and as a responsible corporate citizen, we want to be able to give back in any way that we can. As a car brand that resonates with Malaysians and has brought many fond memories, we hope that through this campaign, we can help alleviate some of the challenges that may be experienced during this time because we are all in this together and a little help goes a long way. We also would like to take this opportunity to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters a blessed Ramadan,” Mr. Jain said.

Click here for other news and articles about Volvo.

War on COVID-19: Geely donates RM5.5 million of medical supplies to Malaysia

From the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak in China, the Geely Holding Group was already actively working on ways to join in the fight against the virus. Apart from making donations and providing support vehicles for frontliners, the company also used its R&D capabilities to quickly develop an in-car ventilation system that can keep the cabin air virus-free.

Now that the critical situation in China has diminished and the country is progressing towards normalcy, Geely Holding is helping other countries that are having the pandemic. In the case of Malaysia, where Geely and its local partner DRB-HICOM own and operate Proton, assistance is being given in the form of medical supplies.

The donation, consisting of disposable 3-ply surgical masks, protective medical clothing, medical goggles and PL 700 ADV ventilators, all of which are constantly required as they are replaced frequently. These items will be distributed to 55 hospitals located throughout the country through the Ministry of Health.

The donation, worth approximately RM5.5 million, is part of a larger initiative by Geely Holding to supply medical equipment via the Li Shufu Charity Foundation to affected areas in China and to countries where it has significant international operations. It aims to help local healthcare providers and communities at large in their battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The foundation was established in 2006 by Geely Holding’s founder, Li Shufu, with a focus on poverty alleviation and helping with national disasters. In January 2020, it set aside RMB200 million (about RM120.33 million) to support the fight against COVID-19 on a global basis.

“As a socially responsible company, we have a duty to support the well-being of every market in which we operate. I am proud that we have the resources and logistics capability to ship vital supplies to areas hard-hit by this global pandemic. We will play our part, whenever possible, to lend support to communities and medical authorities to overcome this global challenge”, said Geely Holding’s Chairman, Li Shufu.

PROTON X70 — *Some of the X70 SUVs loaned by Proton to the Health Ministry.*

In addition to medical supplies received from China, Proton has loaned 50 units of its X70 to the Ministry of Health for their logistical operations. The carmaker has also produced 60,000 units of face shields at its factory.

Meanwhile, DRB-HICOM has been an active supporter of COVID-19 relief efforts in Malaysia. Along with other subsidiaries under its parent company, the Albukhary Group, the Malaysian conglomerate has contributed cash donations, medical equipment, meals for government hospitals, media frontliners and university students, as well as long-range drones for monitoring and surveillance purposes.

“As a key contributor to the nation’s economy, we felt compelled to assist the government in its battle against the spread of COVID-19. The frontliners form the country’s backbone in this fight, and it is essential for us to assist them in any way possible. We are especially fortunate to have a partner like Geely who has been extremely generous in leveraging their resources to make this happen,” said Dato’ Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Chairman of Proton.

Geely sends medical equipment and supplies to Malaysia and other countries

War on COVID-19: Toyota Boshoku UMW makes PPE for frontliners

While the general public have been staying home to do their part in helping to stop the spread of the COVID-19, companies in the corporate sector have been offering their design, engineering and manufacturing facilities to help produce much needed equipment for the frontliners in hospitals.

UMW Toyota Motor is one of the companies supporting by producing the much-needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at its subsidiary, Toyota Boshoku UMW Sdn. Bhd (TBU). This equipment, which protects the healthcare personnel from being infected while they attend to patients, is required in the thousands as it is constantly replaced.

“This is the time when we want to demonstrate good corporate citizenship by assisting in whatever way we can to help our frontliners in their vital duties. We have the facilities that can make the PPE so we can support the Health Ministry replenish its stocks more quickly – at no cost,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

TBU, which produces seat sets, door trims, headlinings, package trays for use in many models assembled locally, has the facilities to produce various PPE items easily. The facilities include automatic layout cutting machines and industrial sewing machines, with 75 workers who are skilled at sewing the seat covers.

1,500 pieces of PPE daily
Templates were made from sample units of Boot Covers, Tudungs and Gowns and uploaded to the Automatic Layout Cutting Machine. The final design is approved by the Health Ministry. TBU expects to be able to produce up to 1,500 pieces daily and has already delivered 10,000 pieces in the first batch for use by the Health Ministry.

“Toyota Motor Corporation has been actively supporting the efforts in many countries to overcome this global pandemic. The support varies according to needs and in Malaysia, we understand that PPE is vital for the frontliners so together with Toyota Boshoku Corporation, we are focusing on assisting in all the ways that we can,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.

War Against COVID-19: UMW Toyota Motor and dealers provide support for PDRM and Malaysian Relief Agency

Honda Malaysia and SOCAR offer cars for use by frontliners

Collaborating with SOCAR Mobility Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Honda Malaysia is providing 50 units of its City model to frontliners in the War on COVID-19 who are also Honda customers. This programme, on a first come, first served basis, is initiated for frontliners who are unable to use their vehicles during this difficult time, in order to help ease their travel challenges.

Available for one-month duration of usage (Honda Malaysia will bear all rental charges), this collaboration with the car-sharing platform provides mobility aid for the frontliners. The move is Honda Malaysia’s way of showing appreciation to the frontliners who have a brave spirit as well as making self-sacrifices.

*The latest Honda City which is available for use by frontliners.*

The company hopes this initiative with SOCAR can reduce the transportation hassle of frontliners, and thus help them perform their jobs with more peace-of-mind. “Everyone is playing their part in the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak, and frontliners hold an even more important role in these difficult times. Despite having to withstand extra strain that is being put on them by the current situation, their selfless dedication and sacrifice have gained utmost respect from people in Malaysia and earned worldwide recognition,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and CEO, Toichi Ishiyama.

“On behalf of Honda Malaysia, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the frontliners; the battle against COVID-19 would have been tougher without their unwavering perseverance. Inspired by the like-minded challenging spirit, Honda Malaysia would like to assist in any way we can in this unprecedented situation,” he added.

So if you are a frontliner, especially in the healthcare area, do contact Honda Malaysia. You can do at www.honda.com.my where there is also more information about the program.

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Shell Rimula campaign offers free face masks to truck drivers

While most Malaysians are staying at home during this period of the Movement Control Order (MCO), there are also many who are in essential services who are working daily. Apart from the brave and dedicated frontliners in the healthcare services, there are also those who ensure that supplies of food, equipment, materials and other essential items are not disrupted.

These are the truck drivers who have to collect the goods from the port or warehouses and then drive long distances across the country. No doubt their journeys are different now with less traffic on the roads but the driving is still the same, perhaps with completion in a shorter time.

Recently, as part of the Shell Rimula #HeroKami campaign, Shell Malaysia has been distributing face masks to the truck drivers to provide them with protection against the possibility of getting infected by the virus.

The distribution has been done in the Port Klang, Selangor area and so far, some 20,000 face masks have been given out. The masks were handed over at selected participating truck service centres and the Northport.

War Against COVID-19: Shell contributes to frontliners, the nation’s heroes

War on COVID-19: Proton starts shipping face shields made in its factory to East Coast

Following our earlier report about Proton producing face shields for frontliners, the carmaker has started shipping out the first batch of 8,000 units to Kelantan and other East Coast states.

The face shields are an initiative by the company which designed and tested prototypes as well as obtained feedback from end-users to ensure the final product met their needs. While that process was underway, a project team planned for a production line that was both safe and efficient to meet with health protocols.

50 people, picked from a pool of volunteers, work on an assembly line in the factory at Shah Alam, Selangor, which had been quiet since March 18 when the Movement Control Order (MCO) started virtually all factories and businesses had to cease operations.

Up to 3,000 face shields can be produced in a single day, and Proton is expected to take approximately 20 days to produce the 60,000 units it has committed to deliver. Face shields are part of the Personal Protective Equipment frontliners need to protect them when attending to COVID-19 patients. They have to be constantly replaced and the Health Ministry said that at this time, the stocks available can last for 25 days.

Contributions from other companies
While Proton is responsible for the assembly and distribution of its face shields, the company has received contributions from its vendor community who are eager to get involved. One such contributor is Pos Logistics Sdn Bhd, one of the biggest logistics service providers in Malaysia, which supplied over 2,000 large carton boxes to pack the face shields. and make it easier to transport them.

Automotive component supplier, HICOM-Teck See Manufacturing Malaysia Sdn Bhd, contributed 1,500 kgs of polypropylene, one of the main components in the car bumpers which it makes, that will be used to produce the frame of the face shields.

The original design for the face shield was contributed by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UITM). The designers at Proton Design then developed the frame based on feedback from users and also added the slogan ‘STAY STRONG! We will get through this!’.

“Proton is humbled by the response received both internally and outside of the company to our face shield project. The number of staff volunteering their services was overwhelming, despite inherent risks involved in leaving home and coming to work. Therefore, we have taken steps to ensure everybody is kept safe by providing Personal Protection Equipment and maintaining a minimum distance between each workstation to maintain social distancing,” said Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed, Deputy CEO of Proton.

War on COVID-19: Proton to produce 60,000 face shields for frontliners

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CSR

Volkswagen’s ‘Buckle Up’ campaign educates children on importance of road and car safety

Shell Malaysia’s initiative helps small food businesses during Ramadan period

War on COVID-19: Honda modifies Odyssey to protect crew when transporting COVID-19 patients

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors provides subsidies to sales consultants and dealers

War on COVID-19: Geely donates RM5.5 million of medical supplies to Malaysia

War on COVID-19: Toyota Boshoku UMW makes PPE for frontliners

Honda Malaysia and SOCAR offer cars for use by frontliners

Shell Rimula campaign offers free face masks to truck drivers

War on COVID-19: Proton starts shipping face shields made in its factory to East Coast

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