About 110 OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad staff from its Operations & Technology division along with a further 50 from the OCBC headquarters in Singapore recently banded together to help restore a hundred-year-old school in Tanjong Malim through RM95,000 in funds they raised themselves.

The OCBC staff banded together to make the school “greener”

With that, the more than 80 students at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Cina) Phin Min in Behrang Stesen, Tanjong Malim, now have a more conducive learning environment to study in. The Bank staff replaced worn cabinets, created inspiring murals and an eco-garden, painted the main entrance, classrooms walls, window frames, doors, and helped upgrade the hall, canteen, badminton court, and play areas.

According to Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Cina) Phin Min Principal, Ms Chin Yoke Kuan, the school was dilapidated and in dire need of rejuvenation.

It’s the thumbs up from everyone after a hard day’s work

“This was a blessing out of nowhere to us. What we have around us today is the result of the sheer hard work of the 160 OCBC staff who rolled up their sleeves and demonstrated what it means to care beyond one’s profession. It was a sight to behold watching them get down to work and I’m sure all our students and teachers will cherish their efforts for years to come,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of his team, OCBC Bank Chief Operating Officer Mr Lim Yau Seong said each member of the team was pleased to have left their desks to head out together to ensure the job got done and the school became a better place.

“It was all hands on deck, with everyone playing a part to see to each little detail - from getting the right nails and fixing the cabinets to choosing the best colours for the classrooms and ensuring only the most inspiring mural artwork got onto the walls.

“We hope this brought joy to both the teachers and students as the aim of the exercise was to ensure the students continue to pursue their education and learning in pleasant surroundings. And as a banking group with more than 90 years of giving to our communities, OCBC Bank looks forward to enabling individuals, SMEs and businesses to build a more sustainable future for now, and beyond,” he said.

OCBC Bank staff also contributed their knowledge and skills by conducting a fraud awareness session for the teachers and parents to raise their awareness on fraudulent activities so that they can safeguard themselves against being scammed. Additionally, the staff also shared information on sustainability, covering environmental, social and governance (ESG), helping the children better appreciate the importance of environmental protection and the need to safeguard Mother Earth.