KIND Malaysia 2021 connects corporates and civil society to tackle pressing humanitarian issues

KIND Malaysia Virtual 2021 kicks off today, bringing together hundreds of stakeholders from the corporate sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in a quest to cultivate a culture of kindness among Malaysians.

The three-day virtual expo was officiated by the Secretary General of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali. Global Ambassador of Peace, Mr Prem Rawat had delivered a Special Address on Peace and Kindness. It drew over 5,000 participants with unique engagement from a diverse range of backgrounds. 

The event also features an exhibition of over 35 local NGOs and Corporates, each showcasing innovative humanitarian programmes and initiatives, as well as robust panel discussions on topics such as corporate social responsibility (CSR), volunteer recruitment, and creative new ways to drive community engagement for good causes.

This is the second expo organised by KIND Malaysia, following a successful event held in 2018. By serving as unique platform for corporates, civil organisations and like-minded individuals to come together to exchange ideas, KIND Malaysia seeks to drive collaboration amongst Malaysians who are working towards the betterment of society. 

With the theme Time To Be Kind, KIND Malaysia Virtual 2021 has a particular focus on ways of tackling the devastating effects of the current Covid-19 pandemic. “The pandemic has demonstrated that we cannot work in silos if we are to overcome big challenges. This what I have believed for a long time, that collaboration is key, if we are to address the most pressing and complex socio-economic issues facing our communities today,” said KIND Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin in his welcoming speech.

He added that kindness was the best way forward in helping local communities navigate the current crisis. “Strong, healthy, and resilient communities depend on a culture of empathy; where people are invested in relationships with others and have a common goal of uplifting their fellow man. Given our current situation, now is indeed the right Time To Be Kind,” he said.

Following the opening of the exhibition, the first panel discussion of the day saw vibrant conversation between notable Malaysian figures on the importance of empathy and kindness. Titled “Humanity During Hard Times”, the discussion was moderated by media veteran Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, and featured Eco World Foundation Chairman, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye; Comedian and founder of the HOPE Branch Harith Iskander; and Selangor Criminal Investigation Department Chief SAC Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal as panellists.

Kind Malaysia Virtual 2021 will also feature Mr. Kuan Chee Heng @ Uncle Kentang, Malaysia Community Policing; Datuk (Dr.) M. Gandhi, the Founder & Chairman Bumiati Holdings Sdn Bhd; Dr. Angie Lee Hooi Chie, Co-founder ShareAngel; Mr Azmi Bin Mahmood, Division Head Administration, Ranhill SAJ Sdn Bhd; and Dato’ Teo Yen Hua former CEO of SPAN and civil service veterans as the panellists for day 2 who will be discussing “Corporates’Roles During Crisis” to give a better understanding of what corporates should do, their social responsibility and commitment during crisis.  

Aside from upcoming discussions such as “Corporate Roles During Crisis”, participants can also look forward to specialised insights through talks by representatives of various charitable and civil society organisations, such as the National Council For The Blind, Malaysia; Women in Governance And Technology Association; the National Kidney Foundation; and NGOhub.

Participants at KIND Malaysia Virtual 2021 are also given the opportunity to connect with each other and explore potential collaborations via the event’s unique virtual platform, which is designed to provide an environment that encourages dialogue and discussion.

Complimentary exhibitor passes were offered for selected organisations, including corporate foundations, non-governmental organisations, support groups, and welfare associations, to allow them to showcase their humanitarian programmes and innovations to a larger audience. 

Kind Malaysia Virtual 2021 is jointly organised by Bumiati Holdings Sdn Bhd, DSA Exhibition And Conference Sdn Bhd, and Informa Markets Malaysia, while Swippy Sdn Bhd is a Virtual Platform Partner. The corporate social responsibility partners for the event are Artisense Group, CSR Malaysia, GO Communications Sdn Bhd, Malaysian Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (MACEOS), Multimedia Art Workshop Sdn Bhd and Taiwan Excellence.