The IJN Foundation Charity Golf Challenge (IJNF CGC) successfully hosted its ninth edition at the Kota Permai Golf & Country Club on 24 August 2024. This biennial charity event once again demonstrated impressive success, raising a substantial RM1,444,000 through entry fees and sponsorships from various corporate entities.
The funds collected will support the IJN Foundation’s mission to provide financial assistance to underprivileged heart patients. This aid will cover the cost of heart treatments and surgeries, either partially or fully, at the National Heart Institute (Institut Jantung Negara/IJN). The theme of “Golfing for A Good Cause” resonates with participants and sponsors, reflecting a shared commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and improving the quality of life for heart patients and their families.
The event was honoured by the presence of Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Sultan Perak Darul Ridzuan, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Azlan Muhibuddin Shah Al-Maghfur-Lah, who attended the mock cheque presentation and the prize-giving ceremony.
Dato’ Zainal Abidin Putih, Organising Chairman of the IJN Foundation Charity Golf Challenge 2024 and a Member of the Board of Trustees at the IJN Foundation, expressed his sincere gratitude. He highlighted the critical impact of the funds raised: “Most of them would not be able to afford to pay for their treatments, as the costs escalate every year, and would probably pass away if not treated in time. The impact on their families would be devastating, both emotionally and financially, especially if the non-treated person is also the sole breadwinner. Your participation today in this fundraising charity golf gives these underprivileged people a chance to be healthy again, and play their vital role to their families in particular, and society in general. The Institut Jantung Negara – IJN, is a world-class heart hospital – one of the very best in Asia and probably among the top 100 in the world. This is where they shall be treated.”
Given the increasing demand and growing number of patients, the Foundation welcomes contributions from both corporates and individuals. Dato’ Zainal Abidin Putih further noted, “I am very pleased to inform you that so many organisations and individuals have ‘opened their hearts,’ so to speak, to support our cause, to help fund poor and needy patients to have treatment for their diseased hearts.”
TRIVIA: Heart disease has been the leading cause of death among adults in Malaysia for the past two decades. Congenital heart disease is the most common congenital malformation observed in children, with a prevalence of 1 case in every 100 live births. It is estimated that 5,000 babies are born each year with congenital heart problems in Malaysia.
The event saw significant support from various sponsors:
- Platinum Sponsors (RM70,000 each): Yayasan Sultan Azlan Shah, Maybank Islamic Bhd (RM440,000), Ancom Nylex Bhd, Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn. Bhd., Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Ronald McDonald House Charities Malaysia (RMHC), and Westports Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
- Gold Sponsors (RM40,000 each): Dwitasik Sdn. Bhd, Genting Malaysia Bhd, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, Public Bank Bhd, Sime Darby Holdings Bhd, ZTE (Malaysia) Corporation Sdn. Bhd.
- Silver Sponsors (RM20,000 each): Affin Bank Bhd, Federal Oats Mills Sdn. Bhd, Land & General Bhd, M.S. Ally Pharma Sdn Bhd, Telekom Malaysia, and Tenaga Nasional Bhd.
- Bronze Sponsors (RM15,000 each): AmanahRaya Investment Management Sdn Bhd, Jasmine Food Corporation Sdn Bhd, Petron Malaysia Refining & Marketing Bhd, Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd, Touch ‘n Go Digital Sdn Bhd, and UDA Holdings Bhd.
- In-Kind Sponsors: BeGolfPro Sdn Bhd, Dorsett Hospitality International, Spritzer Berhad, and V Eternal Wellness Sdn Bhd.
- Hole-in-One Sponsors: Corum Watches (M) Sdn Bhd and Hap Seng Plantations Holdings Bhd.
