YTL Foundation: Creating Lasting Value Through Education and Community Empowerment
Introduction
YTL Foundation, the corporate foundation of Malaysia’s award-winning YTL Group, is dedicated to creating lasting value for communities by focusing on education and value-driven leadership. Since its establishment in 1997, the Foundation has remained steadfast in its belief that education is the cornerstone of societal progression. Through its focused initiatives, YTL Foundation aims to empower communities in Malaysia, helping individuals reach their full potential.
Objectives and Support Programs
The Foundation’s objectives are deeply rooted in providing financial assistance, scholarships, and relief to those in need, regardless of race, religion, or creed. Additionally, it supports the creation of educational institutions and other initiatives to alleviate human suffering. YTL Foundation is also committed to ensuring that education is accessible to all, particularly to underserved communities within Malaysia.
Education and Leadership Development
YTL Foundation’s award-winning commitment to education is reflected in the various programs it offers to support deserving students and foster leadership potential. Through the YTL Foundation Scholarship Programme and the Yeoh Tiong Lay Award, financial support is extended to students who embody values such as hard work, honesty, moral responsibility, togetherness, and vitality.
Beyond scholarships, the Foundation also focuses on creating educational spaces for children from underserved communities. This is demonstrated through initiatives such as the 54C Learning Space, Learn From Home, Leaps Academy, KelasKITA, and Ruang KITA, which provide both digital and physical platforms for collaborative learning.
In its efforts to promote value-driven leadership, YTL Foundation partners with organizations like Acumen Academy to offer opportunities for high-potential individuals to develop critical skills. The Foundation also funds programs from Teach For Malaysia and PEMIMPIN GSL to ensure that leadership development efforts are sustainable across Malaysia.
Key Community Impact Initiatives
YTL Foundation focuses on two main community impact initiatives. The first is Ruang KITA, located in the low-cost residential area of PPR Seri Perak in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur. Ruang KITA serves as a safe space for low-income residents, providing access to education, nutrition programs, and holistic training.
The Foundation also played a key role in refurbishing a local multipurpose hall to facilitate community meetings and educational activities. Additionally, the Foundation led the 1000-day nutrition initiative in partnership with Toy Libraries Malaysia and the International Medical University (IMU), focusing on educating low-income parents about the importance of nutrition during pregnancy, postpartum, and early childhood development. The initiative also includes the creation of Kuala Lumpur’s first toy library, promoting play-based education for children.
Leaps Academy and Long-Term Impact
The second major initiative is Leaps Academy, an online after-school program aimed at supporting underprivileged children, including those from low-income and refugee families. Launched in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to the closure of community learning centers, Leaps Academy ensures that children continue to have access to educational opportunities, both virtually and in person.
The program partners with organizations like Teach For Malaysia to identify children and schools in need of educational support, ensuring that these efforts remain sustainable in the long term.
Conclusion
Through these initiatives, YTL Foundation is making a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of underserved communities in Malaysia. By focusing on education and leadership development, the Foundation is equipping individuals with the skills and values needed to succeed in life, ultimately fostering a more equitable and progressive society.
