From exactly 5pm to 5.42pm on a recent Sunday, the heavy downpour did not stop 335 staff of OCBC Malaysia – OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad (OCBC Bank) and OCBC Al-Amin Bank Berhad (OCBC Al-Amin) – and their family members from moving for 42 minutes from wherever they were in support of the basic rights of children, including those whose names and photos were emblazoned across their T-shirts.

The virtual event, held for the second consecutive year in the Bank’s multi-year relationship with humanitarian group World Vision Malaysia, raised RM47,282 in support of the 42 rights of children under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). It is premised on every child’s right to grow and thrive in a safe environment, free from violence and harm.

Led by OCBC Bank CEO Dato’ Ong Eng Bin and OCBC Al-Amin CEO Syed Abdull Aziz Syed Kechik, the initiative was part of the World Vision Malaysia #RUNFORCHILDREN Virtual Run that ran from 1 – 16 May 2021.

The OCBC Malaysia staff who moved for the children from nations as diverse as Vietnam, Nepal, South Africa and Malaysia represented a good 13% of the overall 2,600 participants in the nationwide event.

The Bank’s staff, some accompanied by their family members, ran, cycled, jogged, walked or even danced for the 42 minutes, fully aware of the name of the particular child they were moving for.

OCBC Bank CEO Dato' Ong Eng Bin with his family (top left corner) and OCBC Al-Amin CEO Tuan Syed Abdull Aziz Syed Kechik (top right corner) are pictured here along with several of their OCBC colleagues and family members in photos taken during the World Vision #RunForChildren Virtual Run 2021 event recently.

According to Dato’ Ong Eng Bin, the partnership with World Vision was timely for advocating children’s rights amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

“In view of the ongoing challenges brought about by the pandemic we decided, in solidarity with the children and each other, to once again move for 42 minutes wherever we were – by running, cycling, jogging, walking or even dancing. As one who takes regular walks, I took the 42-minute slow journey with my entire family and what a meaningful time that was! I am very pleased that my colleagues showed full support to this significant programme by coming out in full force,” he said.

World Vision Malaysia CEO Mr Daniel Boey said the organisation was grateful for the partnership with OCBC Malaysia and thanked the many staff for their generous support.

“We are truly grateful for yet another successful year of partnership with OCBC Malaysia. The 335 staff that participated were an encouragement to us in our quest to create greater awareness of children’s rights.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented turmoil for children around the world, disrupting their access to basic amenities and putting millions of lives at risk. Based on research, more than 1.5 billion children globally are out of school, and up to 85 million boys and girls may be exposed to physical, sexual or emotional violence. A total of 8 million children have been pushed into child labour and begging. Proceeds from the Run will be channelled to child protection efforts in Malaysia and overseas to support children’s safety, call out violence when it occurs and work with survivors to heal and recover. It is only by working together that we can help make a difference in a child’s life!” he said.