Kuala Lumpur – Mah Sing Foundation (MSF) has contributed RM300,000 as the main funder of the Play for Literacy (PFL) Programme, a school-based literacy initiative by PEMIMPIN that aims to strengthen foundational reading skills among lower primary B40 students through engaging and play-based learning.

The strategic partnership between MSF and PEMIMPIN represents a shared commitment to advancing educational equity and ensuring that children from underserved communities receive the support they need to build strong literacy foundations. Through MSF's RM300,000 contribution, the programme will establish dedicated Play for Literacy Hubs, equip teachers with effective literacy strategies and create engaging learning environments that will continue to benefit students beyond the programme period.

The programme is further strengthened through the support of HSBC Malaysia, which contributed RM200,000, and PPB Group Berhad, which contributed RM150,000. The collaboration between like-minded corporate partners demonstrates the value of leveraging collective strengths and resources to create meaningful and sustainable impact for underserved communities.

The programme was officiated by Tuan Haji Mohd Bahaudin Bokhari bin Manaf, District Education Officer of Keramat, at SK Jalan Kuantan 2. The launch was attended by MSF Chairman, Dato’ Indera Syed Norulzaman Syed Kamarulzaman, PEMIMPIN Executive Director, Samuel Isaiah and representatives of HSBC Malaysia and PPB Group Berhad.

Over the next two years, the Play for Literacy Programme is expected to benefit more than 750 lower primary B40 students enrolled in remedial classes across 15 primary schools within the Keramat District Education Office. Through dedicated Play for Literacy Hubs, play-based learning resources and teacher development, the programme aims to strengthen students’ foundational literacy skills, build their confidence in reading and foster a lifelong love for learning.

As part of the launch, representatives from each of the 15 participating schools were presented with Play for Literacy Hub placards, which will serve as signboards for their respective Play for Literacy classrooms. These dedicated learning spaces will provide students with engaging and supportive environments where they can develop their literacy skills through play-based activities.

Dato’ Indera Syed Norulzaman, Chairman of MSF said, “At MSF, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to develop the foundational literacy skills needed to learn, grow and realise their full potential. We also believe that learning to read and write can be a fun and meaningful experience. Through the Play for Literacy Programme, we aim to create engaging learning experiences that build children’s confidence, curiosity and lifelong love for learning.”

“As Malaysia advances the aspirations outlined in the Malaysia Education Plan 2026–2035, meaningful collaboration between schools, civil society organisations and the private sector will be increasingly important in ensuring that every child has access to quality learning opportunities. Our RM300,000 contribution reflects MSF’s commitment to supporting sustainable education solutions that create measurable and lasting impact. Together with PEMIMPIN and our fellow partners, we hope to strengthen foundational literacy, advance educational equity, and ensure that no child is left behind,” continued Dato’ Indera Syed. 

The Play for Literacy Programme is aligned with the aspirations of the Malaysia Education Plan 2026–2035, particularly its focus on improving learning quality, strengthening educational equity and encouraging greater collaboration among stakeholders. By providing targeted literacy intervention for remedial students, equipping teachers with effective classroom strategies and creating engaging learning environments through play-based approaches, the programme supports efforts to ensure that every child can achieve foundational learning success.

The partnership combines MSF’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities with PEMIMPIN’s expertise in designing and implementing evidence-based education programmes. Beyond improving literacy outcomes for students, the programme also aims to build teachers' capacity and empower schools to sustain effective literacy practices long after the programme concludes, creating impact that extends beyond the initial investment.

Samuel Isaiah, Executive Director of PEMIMPIN, said, “Foundational literacy is critical to a child’s learning journey, and early support can make a meaningful difference in helping children progress with confidence. Through the Play for Literacy Programme, we are working closely with teachers and schools to make literacy learning more engaging, accessible and enjoyable for students.”

“We are grateful to MSF, as the programme's main funding partner, for making this initiative possible through its RM300,000 contribution and its shared commitment to strengthening foundational literacy. Together, we hope to build sustainable literacy practices that will continue to benefit students, educators and schools well beyond the duration of the programme,” added Samuel Isaiah.

The Play for Literacy Programme adopts a holistic and school-centred approach that integrates dedicated literacy learning spaces, play-based learning resources and teacher development. Through structured professional development and ongoing support, teachers will be equipped to incorporate effective play-based literacy strategies into their teaching practices and take greater ownership of literacy initiatives within their schools.

Education is one of Mah Sing Foundation’s three core pillars, alongside Community Development and Health & Wellbeing. The Foundation continues to invest in strategic education initiatives that provide underserved children with greater access to quality learning opportunities.

In addition to the Play for Literacy Programme, MSF supports literacy programmes including Projek BacaBaca, in collaboration with Taylor’s University School of Education, across eight communities; K.A.M.I. Membaca, in collaboration with Thrive Well, in one community; and KidzRead, in collaboration with Generasi Gemilang, across two communities. Collectively, these three programmes have benefited more than 250 B40 students in 2026, reflecting the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to strengthening foundational literacy and creating meaningful learning opportunities for children from underserved communities.

Through its strategic partnership with PEMIMPIN, MSF remains committed to advancing inclusive and sustainable education solutions that empower children, strengthen educators and create lasting impact within communities.

This content is provided by Trio Hauz

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