VF Annual Report 2009 by QI Group

Vijayaratnam Foundation 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

CONTENT

2 Message from the chairperson 3 Vijayaratnam Foundation Board of Governance 4 Background Focus

5 Year in review 2009 events in detail

7 Contributions to individuals Special events

8 Photo gallery Vijayaratnam Foundation in the media

9 Financial Statements

MESSAGE FROM

THE CHAIRPERSON

ince its inception, Vijayaratnam Foundation’s operations have rested upon four pillars: education, the environment, community development, and arts and culture. Due to our strong belief in the importance of education in improving communities, we have thus far focused much of our attention on this area through various avenues that include study loans for needy students; motivational sessions for underachievers; mentoring programmes for underprivileged children; and skills training for rural youth. In line with our vision to be a change agent by rendering assistance to any segment of society that has a genuine need, we have responded to requests made by individuals and organisations; at the same time, we have initiated our own efforts to help make a difference. Our programmes in 2009 included the three-year RESCUE project, aimed at bringing change to the lives of under-achieving students in the Port Klang area; as well as the disbursement of study loans to undergraduates who did not have the means to pay for their education. We also joined forces with the Educational Welfare & Research Foundation (EWRF) in a programme called the C3G Skills Training Initiative, which involved conducting a series of workshops to equip rural youth with requisite skills that would enable them to capitalise on employment opportunities. In addition, we also conceptualised the Footprints project, a mentoring programme aimed at pairing underprivileged children from welfare homes with adults who would nurture them and provide them with the care and attention they needed on a sustainable basis. The first of the Footprints series kicked off in 2009 with a training programme for mentors selected from within the QI Group of Companies. In the year ahead, we will continue to focus our efforts on enhancing the educational experience of children and youth across Malaysia, and we will work towards ensuring the sustainability of the programmes we initiate for long-term results. Once the pilot Footprints programme is completed, we will seek to enhance the model and replicate it in subsequent years.

lso in the pipeline is the Maharani project, a series A of empowerment camps for adolescent girls aged between 13 and 16, which we intend to conduct around the country. Both the Footprints and Maharani programmes were designed based on research that children who have a mentor, or guidance, in the formative years of their lives, tend to show improvement in their school performance, have better social skills and are more resilient against drug and alcohol abuse. Another programme we will embark upon is Aruna, a series of talks delivered to undergraduates to equip them with entrepreneurial skills and motivate them towards discovering their true vocation. In addition to these educational programmes, we will also undertake projects to support the other pillars -– community development, the environment and arts and culture. In all that we do, we will aim for sustainability to ensure the funds contributed by our partners are disbursed with prudence and wisdom and will truly benefit the segments of society to which they are directed. Vijayaratnam Foundation was founded upon the values of Truth, Service and Care. These values form the core of all that we do, ensuring transparency in our operations, a heart for service and love for humanity, the very reason for our existence. I thank all those who have supported us over the past year – you have given us the impetus to carry on our mission of Empowering Lives, Transforming Communities – and I hope for your continued contribution to our cause.

Datin Umayal Eswaran Chairperson

VIJAYARATNAM FOUNDATION BOARD OF GOVERNANCE

Executive Board Members Founder

Datoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Vijay Eswaran Chairperson

Datin Umayal Eswaran Trustees

Tan Sri Datuk Seri Kamal M. Hashim Puan Sri Rathi Khoo Datuk R. Karunakaran Mr. Magandran Rajadurai Mr. Nicholas Goh Kaw Chin Executive Members

Mr. Kunaseelan Senathirajah Mr. Krishna Kumar Ms. Arudsakthy a/p Ponnampalam Mr. Guna Arulalan Krishta Ms. Mala Selvaraju Mr. Rajagopal Pillay Mr. Sundar Kumar

Secretariat Head

Ms. Sujitra Jayaseelan Project Officers

Ms. Priyadarshini Subramaniam Ms. Chandrakala Yoepan Public Relations Executive

Ms. Sharina Ros Kamal Admin Executive

Ms. Sumathi Krishnan

BACKGROUND

FOCUS

•••

Vijayaratnam Foundation was established in April 2006 by Dato’ Vijay Eswaran, Executive Chairman of the QI Group. It is the Malaysian Chapter of RYTHM Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the QI Group of Companies. While maintaining close ties with the RYTHM Foundation, we work on an independent mission: Empowering Lives, Transforming Communities. The Foundation focuses on four main areas –education; community development; arts & culture; and the environment. Vijayaratnam Foundation facilitates the inception and implementation of various initiatives and projects through its work with the public and private sectors, civil society, and the philanthropic community. While reaching out to the community at grassroots level, including impoverished families and disadvantaged members of society who are the main beneficiaries of our activities, the Foundation has also built ties and channelled our support to various charities and nonprofit organisations in the country through our humanitarian projects.

THE INSPIRATION: MR. S. VIJAYARATNAM Vijayaratnam Foundation was founded by Dato’ Vijay Eswaran to continue the philanthropic legacy that was started by his father, Vijayaratnam Saravanamuthu, over 60 years ago. Born in 1934, S. Vijayaratnam has always been a philanthropist at heart. A champion of youth empowerment, he founded the Malaysian Hindu Youth Organisation (HYO) in 1949 that went on to shape the lives of hundreds of youth in the community through its many conventions and events. The HYO fondly refers to him as ‘Bapa HYO’, which means Father of the Hindu Youth. During the 60th anniversary of the organisation, HYO collaborated with Pos Malaysia to release a special commemorative postage stamp in his honour. He has also held the position of Hon. Secretary in the Malaysian Hindu Sangam, and has received the honourary title ‘Sanga Ratnam’ in recognition of his contributions. An eloquent speaker and youth leader from his younger days, he has travelled across the country extensively to deliver speeches on a wide range of topics in different forums related to youth development. Steeped in arts and culture, S. Vijayaratnam is also a talented Indian classical singer, an exponent of the Canrnatic music form and has won much appreciation for his singing talent. In recognition of

his spiritual contributions to the Indian community and his outstanding work among youth, The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), during its 50th Anniversary Celebration, honoured him with a Gold Medal, which was presented to him by former Malaysian Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad. S. Vijayaratnam currently resides in Sydney, Australia with his wife Pushpavathy and continues to be deeply involved in spiritual and philanthropic activities.

The Foundation focuses on four main areas: education; community development; arts & culture; and the environment.

MISSION

Community Development Vijayaratnam Foundation strives to support independence, entrepreneurship and leadership development by encouraging our beneficiaries to identify and solve problems through our projects. We believe the best way to help the disadvantaged communities is by providing them with knowledge and solutions that they can use to help themselves.

Vijayaratnam Foundation focuses on building human capital and is committed to the social empowerment of individuals in order to raise them to be better persons and contribute to the well-being of their families, communities and society at large. The Foundation believes in bringing about positive social changes in the lives of the most vulnerable strata of society and acts as a change agent by improving systems, developing and disseminating new approaches, and advancing sustainable solutions that create social values.

GUIDING PHILOSOPHY As a member of the QI family, Vijayaratnam Foundation was also built on the foundation of the same guiding philosophy that drives the rest of the QI Group – RYTHM, or Raise Yourself To Help Mankind. RYTHM, the corporate heartbeat of the QI Group of Companies, is ultimately about recreating the message of Mahatma Gandhi, who believed that in order to help others, one must first help himself. Hence, raise yourself first, before you can help mankind. Based on Gandhi’s principles, the Foundation lists out three important values as its guidelines:

TRUTH The truth within will develop the desire to change or improve for the better. With truth entrenched within the foundation, belief and trust from others will follow.

SERVICE Service is a fundamental value woven into the fabric of the Foundation, where one is constantly tuned in physically and mentally to be of service to others in every possible way, without expecting anything in return.

CARE Care translates itself to the compassion and dedication that we show towards the communities we live in and do business in.

Education Vijayaratnam Foundation aims to reach out and provide educational opportunities to those in society who have been excluded. The Foundation supports individuals, families and organisations who endeavour to improve their quality of life through education.

Arts & Culture Vijayaratnam Foundation supports various programmes to promote the appreciation of arts and culture among Malaysians. Our projects are steered towards creating mutual respect among the multiracial, multicultural Malaysian community. It is our aim to revitalise the cultural energies in the community and bring Malaysian arts and culture to the forefront to make it a vital part of our daily lives. Environment Vijayaratnam Foundation recognises the need to preserve and protect the earth’s vital natural resources. The Foundation is predisposed towards environment-friendly products and supports environment conservation activities. Our concern for the environment is not only an intrinsic value of the Foundation’s principles but a mark of our legacy for future generations.

Disney on Ice – Princess Wishes

RESCUE Project

Study Loan Grants in 2009

5 YEAR IN REVIEW

2009 EVENTS

•••

PROJECTS • March 21, 2009 Complimentary tickets to underprivileged children to watch the Disney on Ice Show • May 11, 2009 Providing assistance to Hashim Bin Ariffin’s family • April 24, 2009 Commemorating S. Vijayaratnam on his 75th Birthday. • July 5, 2009 RESCUE Project • July 15, 2009 Aid provided to single mother, Mary Edward • August 22 to September 11, 2009 Support for C3G-STI by EWRF • September 1, 2009 Grant of Study Loans • October 14, 2009 DeepaRaya celebration in association with MAKNA • December 25, 2009 Christmas celebration with underprivileged children

Disney on Ice – Princess Wishes Vijayaratnam Foundation gave out complimentary tickets to 40 children from Rumah Kasih Petaling Jaya and Rumah Bakti in Ulu Klang to attend the Disney on Ice show on 21 March 2009. The tickets were sponsored by QI subsidiary QuestNet Malaysia. The objective of the event was to treat these children to a magical day out and to provide a fun and enriching experience for them and their guardians. The children were treated to this special show at Stadium Putra in Bukit Jalil along with other distinguished guests. Prior to the show, the children were provided with refreshments and had the opportunity to take pictures with some of the Disney characters. The Disney on Ice - Princess Wishes showcased a visual treat that combined artistic skating, graceful acrobatics and glamourous costumes. This series beautifully recreated the defining moments when the wishes of seven popular Disney princesses are fulfilled. RESCUE Project As a foundation that supports educational empowerment, Vijayaratnam Foundation collaborated with the Hindu Youth Organisation (HYO) in Port Klang on a project called RESCUE on July 5, 2009. RESCUE stands for Realise, Empower, Self-esteem, Committed, United and Education which are also the core values embedded in the programme. It focuses on

under-achieving secondary school students and aims to holistically empower them to bring out the best in themselves. The decision was made to initiate the project with children in the 13-year age group as both HYO and Vijayaratnam Foundation noted that students at that age are more malleable to change and hence would be the most suited target group for such a program. This project is designed to run for a period of three years to help these students bring about a change in their lives through a series of empowerment and academic programmes. Study Loan Grants in 2009 In line with its mission to empower lives and transform communities, Vijayaratnam Foundation offers financial assistance to qualified young Malaysians who have a passion for furthering their academic goals. In 2008, study loans worth RM1,057,841.05 were disbursed to 70 students and in 2009, RM321,800 was given to 24 deserving students to pursue their medical degrees in local and foreign universities. The interest-free loans are open to all Malaysians pursuing their second year of degree or diploma studies in their respective fields. However, to be eligible for the loan, students had to meet a number of prerequisites which include excellent academic results and a cumulative household income of RM3,000 or below.

Support for C3G-STI by EWRF

DeepaRaya celebration with

Sharing christmas cheer with

children of MAKNA

underprivileged children

6 The loan is only valid for the existing school year; therefore, applicants who have succeeded in getting their loans will need to reapply for loans through the foundation at the beginning of the new school year. This is to ensure that the students maintain their performance record throughout the duration of the academic program. In order to select the right recipients, a study loan committee was formed consisting of the Foundation Trustees and academics with extensive teaching experience to ensure a fair selection process. The committee followed a specific set of guidelines for the selection process that included written tests and interviews with the students and their parents to determine their eligibility. Successful candidates are expected to repay the Foundation in instalments upon completion of their studies to facilitate the recycling of loans for other needy students in the future. The foundation also plans to set up an alumni association for those who have graduated as beneficiaries of the Foundation and encourage them to offer their mentoring services to the new candidates. Support for C3G-STI by EWRF The Vijayaratnam Foundation joined forces with Astro Vanaavil and The Malaysia Community & Education Foundation (MCEF), to fund a programme called C3G Skills Training Initiative (C3G-STI) initiated by The Educational Welfare & Research Foundation (EWRF). This training aims to create awareness of skills-training opportunities and increase the participation of Malaysian youth in Government-run skills training institutes, especially for those who come from rural areas.

For the year 2009, 16 workshops were conducted involving a total of 938 students. The project duration was from August 22 to October 11, 2009. To ensure the success of the project, a special team of volunteers comprising various NGOs and individuals was appointed to organise these workshops in their respective districts. Participants who attended the workshops were generally SPM holders and working adults who were keen to learn further and were interested in joining the skills-training institutes either part time or full time. With the support of the Foundation, it is hoped that the mindset of Malaysian youth towards skills training can be changed and many more young people will be encouraged to join skills-related work in the future. DeepaRaya celebration with children of MAKNA QuestNet Malaysia and Vijayaratnam Foundation celebrated the double festive seasons of Hari Raya and Deepavali along with 30 children suffering from cancer. The celebration took place on October 14, 2009 and was held at the QuestNet Malaysia corporate headquarters. The children, aged between three and sixteen years, come from low-income families and are currently under the care of the National Cancer Council (MAKNA), which funds their medical treatment. They were treated to a magic show, a spread of Indian and Malay delicacies and given gifts during the celebration. MAKNA founder and President, Datuk Mohd Farid Ariffin, said he was happy to have helped create awareness about cancer in Malaysia and have the support of

many corporate bodies. He commended Vijayaratnam Foundation for taking a similar initiative by involving children in its charity project, considering the painful experiences they are going through. He pointed out that it is such initiatives that keep them in high spirits and encourage them to keep fighting. Sharing Christmas Cheer with Underprivileged Children Vijayaratnam Foundation and QuestNet Malaysia feted 24 children from the Praise Emmanuel Children’s Home at a Christmas event at the QuestNet Malaysia office. This initiative was part of QuestNet’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme, “QuestNet Pays Forward”. The venue was gaily decorated with colourful streamers and Christmas trees decked with dazzling ornaments, clearly stoking up the festive spirit. Children were given Santa hats to get into the spirit of the season! The highlight of the day was Mike the Magician who enthralled the kids wtih his many tricks. To add to the festive cheer, Santa Claus himself also made an appearance, mingling with the children and surprising them with gifts. Energetic and eager for more excitement, the children joined a Christmas carol sing-along session and received presents from QuestNet. The celebration gathered momentum when a mouth-watering spread of sumptuous food was brought out for both children and staff. The busy programme certainly whetted their appetites, as the children dug in heartily. It was truly a beautiful and heartwarming sight to see the children smile and laugh in the company of friends.

Top: Assisting Mr Hashim Bin Ariffin’s Family Middle: In Aid of a Single Mother Bottom: Celebrating S. Vijayaratnam’s birthday

As for the staff present, it was satisfaction and fulfillment at the meaningful difference they made in the lives of the children, even if only for a day.

SUPPORT PROVIDED TO TWO INDIVIDUALS •••

Assisting Mr Hashim Bin Ariffin’s Family Under our community development initiatives, Vijayaratnam Foundation collaborated with local TV station TV3 to help a family of six in Gombak, Kuala Lupur. The head of the family, Hashim bin Ariffin, is unemployed and has been living in a squatter area without electricity and water for several years along with his wife and five children. His eldest child, aged 22, suffers from a rare illness that has yet to be diagnosed by doctors. Two other children work as odd-job labourers but their income is not enough to support the family. The rest of the younger children do not have identification cards, preventing them from getting proper education. The Foundation conducted a fund raising exercise among the staff of the QI Group and also helped collect old clothes and other necessities. Foundation members along with volunteers from the Group paid a visit to the family on May 12, 2009 and handed over RM 5000 that was raised as a result of this exercise. These funds will go towards securing a new home for them, and for the father to set up a small business to support his family. The volunteers also helped the family shift their belongings to the new premises and provided them with the provisions collected during the fund raising drive. The visit was covered under the Bersamamu programme by TV3. In Aid of a Single Mother Vijayaratnam Foundation came to the aid of a single mother, Mrs Mary Edward, whose plight was made known through the Inner Wheel Club, a subsidiary of the Rotaract Club.

Mary Edward has been raising six children aged eight to 15 years singlehandedly for several years on a meagre income of RM 400 that she earns as a part time domestic help. Her day starts early as she prepares three children for school before heading to her workplace. She then has to rush back in the afternoon to prepare the other three children who attend afternoon school. Apart from the fact that her income is insufficient to sustain a family of seven, she was also being forced to move out of her residence as she was unable to pay the rent and the landlord wanted to sell the place. When the Foundation was made aware of her plight, members of the Foundation paid her a visit and donated RM 4800 towards her rental for a year. Miss Sujitra Jayaseelan, Head of Vijayaratnam Foundation, also spent time with the children and advised them to focus on their studies to ensure a better future for themselves.

SPECIAL EVENTS •••

Commemorating the Inspiration behind the Foundation April 24, 2009 marked the 75th birthday of S. Vijayaratnam, the inspiration behind the Foundation and the man after whom we are named. As a way of paying tribute to this remarkable man, the foundation organised a celebration to commemorate Mr. Vijayaratnam’s 75th birthday at the Executive Chairman’s office in Malaysia. The event was attended by more than 150 people comprising QI Directors, employees and external guests. The celebration was also graced by the presence of S.Vijayaratnam’s brother, Kumarakulasingam, who took the opportunity to speak about the inspiration his brother has been to him. For Dato’ Vijay Eswaran, the Executive Chairman of the QI Group of Companies, it was an emotional moment as he spoke about the influence his father has had on his thinking and how grateful

he is for the foundation of learning he has provided him. The event was also attended by members of the Hindu Youth Organisation of which S.Vijayaratnam was the founding member. They honoured him with garlands, gifts and a poem in praise of his contribution to the community. The highlight of the event was a cakecutting ceremony after which the celebrated guest addressed everyone and advised them to always attribute their success to the Almighty.

VIJAYARATNAM FOUNDATION IN MEDIA •••

Financial Statements

for the year Ended 31 December 2009