For more than 122 years, Ford has remained committed to supporting communities through both challenges and progress, driven by the belief that a stronger future is one that is built together. This principle forms the foundation of Ford’s global corporate social responsibility initiative, ‘Ford Building Together’. In Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford (Auto ConneXion-Ford) continued this legacy by reaching 600 beneficiaries from underserved communities across the Klang Valley, Penang, Ipoh and Kuantan through an 11-day campaign that delivered essential food aid and basic healthcare services. The initiative was powered by 55 Ford volunteers.
Auto ConneXion, the sole distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, identified a diverse group of vulnerable recipients, including B40 families, persons with disabilities (OKU), single mothers, Asnaf Fakir and Miskin, as well as Orang Asli communities who would benefit most from the support provided.
The campaign reached communities across four regions, including beneficiaries in the Klang Valley comprising B40, Asnaf and OKU households at Pangsapuri Putra Ria and Abdullah Hukum; B40 and Asnaf groups in George Town and Jalan Patani, Penang; single mothers, B40 families and Asnaf communities in Sungai Rokam, Ipoh; and the Orang Asli community in Kampung Paya Bungor, Gambang, Kuantan.
Jane Holloway, Senior Manager of Ford Philanthropy, International Markets Group, said Ford’s mission extends beyond producing high-quality vehicles. She emphasised the company’s commitment to empowering communities and creating positive, lasting impact. According to her, the Ford Building Together initiative reflects the belief that meaningful change is possible when partners, volunteers and communities work collectively.
A key component of the Malaysian campaign was the deployment of the Ford Mobile Clinic, introduced earlier in February. The mobile clinic is a collaborative effort by Auto ConneXion-Ford, Yayasan Sime Darby, Ford Philanthropy and MyFundAction. Through this initiative, healthcare professionals were mobilised to all four locations to deliver essential healthcare services, especially to rural areas.
Turse Zuhair Nahason Affan, Managing Director of Auto ConneXion-Ford, highlighted that the Malaysian programme aligns closely with the global mission. He stated that bringing the “full power of Ford” to Malaysia goes beyond financial aid. It involves combining employee passion with dealer network strength to meet community needs. He shared that through collaboration, the initiative not only provides critical aid but also fosters lasting relationships and contributes to building a sustainable future.
The success of the Malaysian initiative reflects Ford’s commitment to action, partnership and community empowerment. It was supported by dedicated volunteers from Auto ConneXion-Ford’s management and staff, authorised Ford dealers nationwide and non-profit partner MyFundAction, which played a key role in coordinating on-ground operations.
Turse Zuhair expressed appreciation for the team’s efforts, noting that their time, skills and dedication made the Ford Building Together programme meaningful for all involved. He reiterated the company’s commitment to continuing efforts that drive empowerment and sustainable impact across Malaysia.
The Malaysian activities formed part of Ford’s annual Global Caring Month, a worldwide volunteer initiative under Ford Philanthropy. This contribution supported what became the World’s Largest Auto Dealer Food Drive under the Ford Building Together banner, involving more than 1,600 Ford dealers across 31 countries and collecting over 2 million pounds (907,000 kg) of food — far exceeding the initial target of 500,000 kg.
This latest effort builds on Auto ConneXion-Ford’s longstanding community support in Malaysia through earlier initiatives such as the Clean Water Project in Gerik and Operation Better World in Kuala Lumpur.
