OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad (OCBC Bank) has launched its #OCBCCares Adopt-A-School programme, with a targeted commitment of RM1 million in annual contributions to provide sustained support to 40 schools nationwide.

Under this initiative, OCBC Bank will adopt schools through its branches and divisions for a minimum period of three years to ensure sustained and meaningful support. The selected schools are located near the Bank’s branches and offices, enabling OCBC to give back directly to the communities it serves while creating positive, long-term impact for students, families, and the wider community.

OCBC Bank CEO, Mr Tan Chor Sen said: “We created this programme because we believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed. For many students, practical support such as better learning tools, a more conducive environment, and exposure beyond the classroom can make a real difference in how they learn and grow. Through our #OCBCCares Adopt-A-School Programme, we want to support schools and teachers in their efforts to help create better learning experiences for students. Having been in Malaysia for more than 100 years, we are deeply rooted in the communities we serve and remain firmly committed to supporting the country’s long-term growth, and education plays an important role.”

The programme was launched at Program Pendidikan Khas Integrasi (PPKI) SMK Bandar Tasik Selatan in Kuala Lumpur, one of the schools adopted by OCBC Bank, which includes a special education integration programme for more than 100 students with special needs. The event was officiated by Puan Hajah Zainab binti Zakaria, Senior Principal Assistant Director, Special Education Sector, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Education Department (JPWPKL).

Puan Rohazlina binti Othman, principal of SMK Bandar Tasik Selatan welcomed the initiative, saying: “Support from private organisations such as OCBC Bank adds meaningful value to public schools, particularly inclusive schools like ours. OCBC Bank’s involvement helps enrich our students’ learning experiences while reinforcing the importance of inclusion and shared responsibility within the community. We sincerely thank OCBC Bank for its support.”

About #OCBCCares Adopt-A-School Programme
The #OCBCCares Adopt-A-School programme was launched simultaneously today at five schools across Malaysia, namely Kolej Vokasional Batu Lanchang and SMK Batu Maung in Penang, PPKI SMK Bandar Tasik Selatan in Kuala Lumpur, as well as Sekolah Kebangsaan Ladang Pendas and SJK (C) Ban Foo in Johor. With this launch, OCBC Bank has adopted a total of nine schools under the programme.

The programme is part of OCBC Bank’s broader #OCBCCares platform, which focuses on education, the environment, support to vulnerable communities, community building, and humanitarian efforts.

The programme centres on three key areas: providing essential learning tools and equipment for students and teachers, enhancing school environments to support better learning and well-being, and offering opportunities beyond the classroom, including exposure to STEM, sustainability, agriculture and digital skills to broaden students’ horizons.

In addition, under its Education pillar, OCBC Bank continues to support access to higher education by offering 10 bond-free public scholarships annually to students pursuing tertiary education in Malaysia.