More than 1,000 OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad (OCBC Bank) and OCBC Al-Amin Bank Berhad (OCBC Al-Amin) (together known as OCBC Malaysia) staff and their family members recently raised RM100,000 from among themselves to support World Vision Malaysia’s efforts to fight child violence globally.

Led by OCBC Bank CEO Mr Tan Chor Sen and OCBC Al-Amin CEO Tuan Syed Abdull Aziz Syed Kechik, they did so by contributing RM70 or more each at the fifth World Vision #RunForChildren held at the OCBC KL Car Free Morning at Dataran DBKL. The event, which was flagged off by Deputy Minister of Youth & Sports, YB Adam Adli, saw more than a thousand donors converge at the venue to support the cause. Another thousand supported the cause from elsewhere including in other states.

Flagging off alongside YB Adam were Datuk Haji Azmi bin Abdul Hamid, Executive Director of Social Economic Development, DBKL (representing the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur); World Vision Malaysia CEO, Ms Terry Leong; and OCBC Bank CEO Mr Tan Chor Sen.

OCBC Malaysia is the main sponsor of both the OCBC KL Car Free Morning and World Vision #RunForChildren.

According to World Vision Malaysia CEO, Ms Terry Leong, the partnership with OCBC Bank, which began more than five years ago, was again helpful to raise awareness about violence against children as advocated by the #RunForChildren event this year.

Deputy Minister of Youth & Sports, YB Adam Adli (centre, in black jacket), joining participants at the starting line of the fifth edition of World Vision #RunForChildren. On his left is World Vision Malaysia CEO, Ms Terry Leong; while on his right is Datuk Haji Azmi bin Abdul Hamid, Executive Director of Social Economic Development, DBKL (representing the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur). OCBC Malaysia was represented at the starting line by OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad CEO Mr Tan Chor Sen (extreme right); OCBC Al-Amin Bank Berhad CEO Tuan Syed Abdull Aziz Syed Kechik (fourth from left, with green cap); and OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad Advisor Dato’ Ong Eng Bin (second from right)

“Often times, violence against children goes unnoticed, unaddressed and ignored by our society. We are grateful for OCBC Bank and their employees who recognise the importance of taking action and advocating for vulnerable children. We look forward to seeing the impact we are creating together and many more years of partnership,” she said.

World Vision #RunForChildren is founded on the premise that every child has the right to grow and thrive in a safe environment, free from violence and harm. Funds raised from the Run will support vulnerable children in the communities World Vision serves in Cambodia, China, DR Congo, India, Indonesia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Malaysia.

According to OCBC Bank CEO Mr Tan Chor Sen, the partnership with World Vision for advocating children’s rights and acknowledging their scars is a reminder of the pressing need to care for children in every area, including those areas not immediately apparent.

“The story behind every abused child is one that deserves to be heard and attended to. We desire to place the spotlight on child violence because it is often left unattended while innocent children languish in fear amidst their scars. We are glad that World Vision Malaysia has taken a leading position in this and are pleased to partner with them. I am also delighted to have participated in World Vision #RunForChildren together with over a thousand of my colleagues who gave willingly to the cause through both their morale and financial support,” he said.

According to a World Health Organization 2022 report, nearly 300 million children aged two to four regularly suffer physical punishment and/or psychological violence from parents or caregivers.