The Top Ten Charity Campaign ("Top Ten") began as a community effort for education and has since grown into Malaysia's longest-running and highest-fundraising education platform. This November, it will provide a fundraising avenue for five vernacular schools across the Klang Valley, targeting a combined RM6.5 million for school building funds. Participating schools include SJKC Yak Chee, Puchong; SJKC Bukit Tangga, Rawang; SJKC Chung Hua, Klang; SJKC On Pong 2, Ampang; and SJKC Ladang Regent, Elmina.
Top Ten is a flagship community engagement project funded by Carlsberg Malaysia and co-organised by two Chinese dailies. Running since 1987, the proceeds collected by schools are channelled into enhancing teaching facilities and multipurpose halls, upgrading infrastructure, developing auditoriums, and procuring educational equipment. This aligns with Carlsberg Malaysia's commitment to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4): Quality Education, by helping build better learning environments for students and educators.
Speaking at this year's campaign press conference, Carlsberg Malaysia’s Managing Director Stefano Clini said: "What has sustained Top Ten for nearly four decades is our belief that meaningful change happens when communities come together behind a common purpose. While education needs have evolved over the years, the campaign has continued to evolve alongside them, supporting a broader range of educational needs while staying true to our purpose of Brewing For A Better Today and Tomorrow”.
“We are honoured to play a part in contributing back to the local communities we serve, recognising education as one of the most important foundations for growth. Malaysia has grown from an agriculture-focused economy to an industrial and manufacturing base and is now moving towards a more services- and knowledge-driven economy. This makes education even more critical
in ensuring local talents are future-ready to contribute to the country’s continued economic progress.”
“More than the proceeds raised, Top Ten is about and ensuring quality education remains within reach and equipping the future workplace with the knowledge, skills and confidence to compete in the new-age economy amid AI disruption." Clini noted.
Since 1987, Top Ten has raised a cumulative RM601.8 million, benefiting more than 700 schools and educational institutions across the nation and helping to deliver equal opportunities for quality education to generations of students. Founded on the generosity of donors and supporters, the campaign continues to showcase the meaningful impact of collective giving, and has been recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the longest-running and highest-fundraising charity show in support of education.
YB Tuan Wong Kah Woh, Deputy Minister of Education, delivered the keynote address at the launch, stating: "The Top Ten Charity Campaign is the longest-running and one of the most successful fundraising platforms for our schools in Malaysia. Thank you for being with us over the past 39 years, and for your continued support. I look forward to more collaboration in the years to come, so that our students can continue to prosper in a good learning environment."
Apart from the five fundraising schools, this year's campaign reaches into broader education initiatives, with RM10,000 channelled to the Dong Zong Chinese Education Complex and Future Education Fund and RM50,000 supporting STEM education advancement for SJKT Ladang Dovenby in Sungai Siput, Perak.
Rooted in vernacular education but evolving alongside the communities it serves, Top Ten has broadened its impact over the years to include educational institutions, tertiary education initiatives, schools in East Malaysia and, more recently, STEM-focused learning opportunities. This reflects a shared belief that quality education should be accessible to all, regardless of geography, background or learning pathway.
Ng Chai Heng, Assistant Secretary General of Dong Zong, stated: "As education continues to evolve, it is important that we prepare both learners and educators with the capabilities needed for the future. We thank Carlsberg Malaysia, donors and supporters, whose contributions will aid our efforts in education innovation, digitalisation, teacher development and talent cultivation, helping to strengthen the long-term development of Chinese education in Malaysia."
Murthy Vinaigar, Vice Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) at SJKT Ladang Dovenby, remarked: "A dedicated STEM learning facility is something our school has long aspired to, and this support is therefore especially meaningful for both our teachers and students. It will afford our students greater opportunities to learn through exploration and hands-on experiences, while cultivating curiosity, confidence and interest in science, technology and innovation."
Alongside its support for SDG 4: Quality Education, the campaign incorporates initiatives tied to SDG 13: Climate Action. In collaboration with participating schools and event partners, these initiatives encompass reducing single-use plastics, encouraging recycling and waste segregation, and promoting reusable alternatives during campaign activities.
Through these efforts, the campaign seeks to foster awareness of both education and environmental stewardship among participants.
These efforts form part of Carlsberg Malaysia's ESG programme, Brewing Tomorrow, which steers the Group's approach to responsible business practices and meaningful community partnerships. Through Top Ten, Carlsberg Malaysia continues to champion educational opportunities while upholding its purpose of Brewing for a Better Today and Tomorrow. For updates on Top Ten and upcoming fundraising shows, follow Carlsberg Malaysia on Facebook and Instagram.
