Shah Alam, 15 January 2021 – A common etiquette practiced during Chinese New Year is the gift giving tradition as a form of extending good luck and best wishes in the coming year. Carlsberg pledges to gift RM1 million via its ‘Celebrate Prosperity, Cheers For Tomorrow’ food aid campaign and extends another RM1 million via its Carlsberg-Huazong Education Fund to underprivileged Malaysians to weather current challenging times this festive season.

“We understand that many Malaysians are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the unfortunate floods in several states. As we remain hopeful for the new year, we are sensitive to the current sentiment and subsequently rolled-out Carlsberg’s ‘Celebrate Prosperity, Cheers For Tomorrow’ food aid campaign. We hope that with RM1 million worth of food essentials to 2,000 families, whose livelihoods have been impacted, can rejoice while keeping the celebrations moderate”, said Stefano Clini, managing director of Carlsberg Malaysia.

Carlsberg joined forces with theSun, Star Foundation, Yayasan Nanyang Press, The Borneo Post and See Hua Daily News to reach 2,000 underprivileged Malaysians, regardless of race and creed across the nation. Those who are affected by the pandemic may apply with the respective media foundations or corporations. Selection priority goes to applicants of the following categories: orphans, with single parent, and with disabled (OKU) family member; or individuals from B40.

"From our media interactions with Malaysians at large, many are trying hard to adapt to the new normal, but it is often the vulnerable that are left behind with little means to survive. To this end, Star would like to thank Carlsberg for initiating this project and inviting Star Foundation and non-profit MyKasih Foundation to be part of this noble cause. Together, we will help reduce the burden of needy families through the provision of essential supplies," said Star Foundation and Star Media Group chairman Dato’ Fu Ah Kiow.

“It is during times like this that we must show compassion and help those in dire need of help. Carlsberg’s move to alleviate some of the difficulties faced by the B40 group is indeed commendable. We hope other major corporations that are in a position to act similarly can give back to society by aiding underprivileged Malaysians.”, theSun managing editor Eddie Hoo said.

Yayasan Nanyang Press general manager Khor Yuyin commended, “Yayasan Nanyang Press has carried out several projects in response to the COVID-19 pandemic last year including raising funds for COVID-19 test kits, meal sponsorships and raising funds to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical frontliners. At the end of last year, we also launched a fundraising project in our efforts to stop hunger which focuses on helping poor families benefiting more than 2,500 individuals. We are grateful to Carlsberg for working with us to by offering RM200,000 to aid 306 identified families in Pahang affected by the floods and are opening applications to 94 vulnerable families in West Malaysia.”.

“As one of the major media organisations in East Malaysia, See Hua Daily News and The Borneo Post are pleased to work together with Carlsberg Malaysia to extend this charity event to Sarawak and Sabah. During these trying times, we will be helping 800 families, with many who are disadvantaged and living in poverty facing hardships. We also hope that this initiative can serve as an example for more corporations to follow suit”, said Mr Chia Chiew Boon, regional news manager of See Hua Daily News.

Believing that every Malaysian should have equal access to education, Carlsberg Malaysia through its partnership with The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) of the Carlsberg-Huazong Education Fund (the Fund), will allocate RM1 million in education aid for 333 tertiary students as a one-off donation. Open to all Malaysian citizens currently pursuing tertiary education, applicants may apply via Huazong at www.huazong.my from 1 to 12 Feb 2021. The Fund will also consider waiving interest-free study loan repayment for beneficiaries who are facing financial difficulties.

In addition, Carlsberg will be gifting 1-year supply of Carlsberg beers in its quest of ‘Cheers Together’ through its 2021 CNY campaign. Consumers can nominate their family and friends via Carlsberg’s social media pages. This CNY gift will bring smiles to their families, by sharing their stories with us on social media. Nominations start from 22 January until  29 January at www.facebook.com/CarlsbergMY and www.instagram.com/CarlsbergMY.

For more information, visit http://www.carlsbergmalaysia.com.my/covid-19/our-efforts/ on the ‘Celebrate Prosperity, Cheers For Tomorrow’ food aid and Carlsberg-Huazong Education Fund initiatives by Carlsberg Malaysia. Interested applicants can also reach out to Carlsberg Malaysia via Facebook at www.facebook.com/CarlsbergMalaysia.