GEORGE TOWN, March 24 (Bernama) -- Sunway Group is embarking on a culinary journey, cooking traditional dishes, spreading smiles and sharing Raya cheer with over 4,000 people from underprivileged communities in Malaysia through its Sunway Sinar Ramadan 2024 programme.

Its deputy chairman Tan Sri Razman M Hashim said the programme, organised in conjunction with Sunway Group's 50th anniversary this year, will see five events taking place across five states over two weeks, bringing household celebrities and non-governmental organisation partners together on a mission to give back to society throughout the holy month. 

The Sunway Sinar Ramadan 2024 has gone to Johor, Perak and Penang, and will next be held in Terengganu and Selangor.

"Our philosophy has always been to also do good and not only do well. There is no point in doing well if we do not bring any good to the community," he told reporters after attending the programme here last night. 

He said Sunway Group has been advocating equal access to education and the group has spent close to RM670 million in giving out university scholarships so far.

He said Sunway Group believes that education is the quickest way out of poverty and would continue to give out scholarships.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, who was present, hoped that more corporations would emulate Sunway Group and partner with the government, particularly through Yayasan Kebajikan Negara (YKN), in carrying out corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Sunway Sinar Ramadan is under the group's corporate responsibility umbrella #SunwayforGood, which pledges to promote sustainability efforts and social inclusion through three areas, namely education, healthcare and community enrichment.

This is aligned with Sunway's commitment to advancing the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

Actor and Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) Red Ribbon Celebrity Supporter Datuk Aaron Aziz, who also attended last night's event, said this was MAF's first collaboration with Sunway Group.

He said MAF and Sunway Group would also work together on a few projects nationwide to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and fight the stigma that comes with it.

Aaron, a Red Ribbon Celebrity Supporter for over nine years, said education on HIV/AIDS is important, especially for teenagers, as people can make better decisions if they have enough information.

"We also hope to fight the stigma around HIV/AIDS and we hope companies will not discriminate against these patients," he added.

-- BERNAMA