CHEMICAL supply chain solutions provider Akashichem Sdn Bhd has contributed RM50,000 as a Diamond sponsor towards Penang’s Charity Dinner and Art Auction fundraising initiative for sports development.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the contribution will go towards the Penang State Sports Council’s (MSNPP) Sports Development Fund, aiming at strengthening athlete support and preparation.
“This contribution is highly meaningful in ensuring the success of the fundraising initiative while supporting our continuous efforts to empower sports development in the state,” he said at a press conference at Stadium Jalan Betek in Bukit Mertajam today.
Gooi mentioned the inaugural Gala Dinner and Art Auction Fundraising Event will be held on May 9 at the Grand Ballroom of the Eastern & Oriental Hotel in George Town.
He added that the event serves as a strategic platform to encourage greater involvement from the private and corporate sectors in supporting sports development.
“The organisation of this event is part of the IMPACT initiative, which brings together experienced individuals and MSNPP management to strengthen fundraising efforts through financial contributions as well as ideas and strategies,” he said.
“All funds raised will be channelled into the state’s Sports Development Fund to support and enhance overall sports development,” he added.
Gooi noted that the initiative comes as Penang ramps up preparations for the 22nd Malaysia Games (Sukma) with a focus on ensuring athletes are in optimal condition.
He said corporate support such as Akashichem’s reflects the growing role of the private sector in strengthening the state’s sports ecosystem and safeguarding athlete welfare.
“This contribution not only strengthens our fundraising efforts but also helps provide a better platform for the welfare, training and development of Penang athletes towards achieving excellence at higher levels,” he said.
Gooi also welcomed more corporations, agencies and individuals to step forward and collaborate with the state.
“The state government encourages more strategic partnerships to further strengthen Penang’s sports ecosystem and produce high-performing athletes capable of excelling at both national and international levels,” he added.
Akashichem Sdn Bhd managing director Loo Heng Ern expressed his hopes to witness the athletes progress from local talent to global competitors.
“Through partnerships with corporate programmes like this, we are confident that this vision can be achieved,” he said.
MSNPP IMPACT Committee member Datuk Roland Choong Tae Kwon was pleased to witness the collaboration, and to be part of the noble fundraising initiative.
Also present during the press conference was MSNPP director Harry Chai.
Earlier in Komtar today, Gooi pointed out that MSNPP aims to collect RM400,000 to empowering sports development.
According to him, the main focus was to strengthen athlete welfare, improve the quality of training, and enhance the readiness of Penang athletes to face challenges at both the national and international levels.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi and Alissala Thian