What started as a community effort to support education has grown into Malaysia’s longest-running and highest fundraising education platform – Top Ten Charity Campaign (“Top Ten”). This November, the campaign will continue to provide a fundraising platform for five vernacular schools in the Klang Valley, with a collective target of RM6.5 million for school building funds. Participating schools comprise SJKC Yak Chee, Puchong; SJKC Bukit Tangga, Rawang; SJKC Chung Hua, Klang; SJKC On Pong 2, Ampang; and SJKC Ladang Regent, Elmina.
Top Ten is a flagship community engagement project funded by Carlsberg Malaysia and jointly organised by two Chinese dailies. Running since 1987, proceeds collected by the schools will be channelled towards the enhancement of teaching facilities and multipurpose halls, infrastructure upgrades, auditorium development and educational equipment. This is aligned with Carlsberg Malaysia’s pledge towards United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4): Quality Education by helping create better learning environments for students and educators alike.
Speaking at this year’s campaign press conference, Carlsberg Malaysia’s Managing Director Stefano Clini said: “What has sustained Top Ten for nearly four decades is our belief that meaningful change happens when communities come together behind a common purpose. While education needs have evolved over the years, the campaign has continued to evolve alongside them, supporting a broader range of educational needs while staying true to our purpose of Brewing For A Better Today and Tomorrow”.
“We are honoured to play a part in contributing back to the local communities we serve, recognising education as one of the most important foundations for growth. Malaysia has grown from an agriculture-focused economy to an industrial and manufacturing base and is now moving towards a more services- and knowledge-driven economy. This makes education even more critical in ensuring local talents are future-ready to contribute to the country’s continued economic progress.”
“More than the proceeds raised, Top Ten is about and ensuring quality education remains within reach and equipping the future workplace with the knowledge, skills and confidence to compete in the new-age economy amid AI disruption. ,” Clini noted.
Since 1987, Top Ten has raised a cumulative total of RM601.8 million and benefited over 700 schools and educational institutions nationwide, helping to provide equal opportunities for quality education for generations of students. Built on the generosity of donors and supporters, the campaign continues to demonstrate the meaningful impact of collective giving, earning recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records as the longest-running and highest fundraising charity show in support of education.
Delivering the keynote address at the launch, YB Tuan Wong Kah Woh, Deputy Minister of Education, said: “The Top Ten Charity Campaign is the longest-running fundraising platform in Malaysia for our schools, and one of the most successful. Thank you so much for being with us over the past 39 years, and for your continued support. I look forward to more collaboration in the years to come, so that we can ensure our students continue to prosper in a good learning environment.”
Beyond the five fundraising schools, this year’s campaign also extends support to broader education initiatives, with RM10,000 channelled to the Dong Zong Chinese Education Complex and Future Education Fund and RM50,000 supporting STEM education advancement for SJKT Ladang Dovenby in Sungai Siput, Perak.
While remaining rooted in supporting vernacular education, Top Ten has evolved alongside the communities it serves, broadening its impact over the years to include educational institutions, tertiary education initiatives, schools in East Malaysia and, more recently, STEM-focused learning opportunities. This reflects a shared belief that quality education should be accessible to all, regardless of geography, background or learning pathway.
Ng Chai Heng, Assistant Secretary General of Dong Zong, said: “As education continues to evolve, it is important that we equip both learners and educators with the capabilities needed for the future. We are grateful to Carlsberg Malaysia, donors and supporters whose contributions will support our efforts in areas such as education innovation, digitalisation, teacher development and talent cultivation, helping to strengthen the long-term development of Chinese education in Malaysia.”
Murthy Vinaigar, Vice Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG), SJKT Ladang Dovenby, said: “Having a dedicated STEM learning facility is something our school has long hoped for, making this support particularly meaningful for both our teachers and students. It will provide greater opportunities for our students to learn through exploration and hands-on experiences, while nurturing curiosity, confidence and interest in science, technology and innovation.”
In addition to supporting SDG 4: Quality Education, the campaign incorporates initiatives associated with SDG 13: Climate Action. Working together with participating schools and event partners, these initiatives include reducing the use of single-use plastics, encouraging recycling and waste segregation, and promoting the use of reusable alternatives during campaign activities.
Through these efforts, the campaign aims to raise awareness of both education and environmental stewardship among participants.
These efforts form part of Carlsberg Malaysia’s ESG programme, Brewing Tomorrow, which guides the Group’s approach to responsible business practices and meaningful community partnerships. Through Top Ten, Carlsberg Malaysia continues to support educational opportunities while continuing its purpose of Brewing for a Better Today and Tomorrow.
For updates on Top Ten and upcoming fundraising shows, follow Carlsberg Malaysia on Facebook and Instagram.
Also read: Carlsberg Malaysia Debuts ChongQing Beer, Iconising Decades of Chinese Brewing Heritage Locally
