KUALA LUMPUR: Nestlé Malaysia's Salary For Life contest has again made a significant impact in uplifting Malaysians and supporting those in need.
The initiative rewarded contest winners while also providing substantial financial support to 18 charities and non-governmental organisations across the nation.
Out of the 11 contest finalists, two winners were awarded a Salary For Life of RM3,500 per month, while the remaining nine winners received the Salary For A Year of RM3,500 for a year.
Participating together with a charity of their choice, this initiative showcases Nestlé Malaysia's ongoing commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of Malaysians and communities.
At the closing ceremony, 16 charitable organisations were presented with RM42,000 each, while two organisations chosen by the two grand prize winners received a double donation of RM84,000 each.
This brings Nestlé's total charitable contribution through the Salary For Life contest to RM840,000.
The aim of this contribution is to support these charities in their vital work, which takes care of many social needs, from advocating awareness and support for mental illness to aid for the visually impaired, or caring for underprivileged children, among many other worthy causes.
Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad chief executive officer Juan Aranols said: "Our mission is deeply rooted in creating shared value for the communities in which we operate, as we strongly believe and have been consistently demonstrating through our 112 years of presence in Malaysia.
"The Salary For Life contest represents all this and more. It is part of our commitment to give back and uplift Malaysians in ways that resonate with their values and aspirations.
"Beyond rewarding with prizes, we are investing in the lives of Malaysians and the future of our communities."
The two grand prize winners — Spencer Lim, 37, from Sarawak, and Lim Yuen Heng, 47, from Johor — will each receive a monthly RM3,500 for life.
This prize not only provides long-term security for the winners, but also includes a RM500,000 insured amount for their beneficiaries, ensuring the well-being of their families.
"As a newlywed planning for a family, winning feels like an incredible blessing.
"What's equally meaningful is the chance to support MIASA's important work in mental health awareness. This cause is close to my heart, and I'm grateful to contribute to such an important issue that often gets overlooked," said Spencer, who selected the Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association to receive the donation.
Yuen Heng, who chose Yayasan Orang Buta Malaysia for the RM84,000 contribution, said: "This contest has provided not just financial security for my family, but also the opportunity to make a tangible difference.
"Supporting Yayasan Orang Buta Malaysia means we are contributing to enhancing the lives of visually impaired individuals, especially children, who need additional support.
"I am thankful to Nestlé for creating this opportunity."
Demonstrating how the impact of Nestlé's initiative extends far beyond the contest winners, appreciation was also expressed by the charity representatives.
MIASA founder and president Anita Abu Bakar said: "We are deeply grateful for Nestlé's donation, which will support our work in mental health advocacy, particularly in underserved communities.
"This generous contribution helps expand access to essential services like peer support, counselling and crisis intervention.
"Through this collaboration, we hope more individuals will become aware of MIASA and feel empowered to seek the help they need."
"This contribution will help us continue our work in providing services to the blind and visually impaired, particularly in areas such as education, training, employment, welfare and day-to-day living.
"It is inspiring to see Nestlé recognise the importance of the role we play in supporting the less fortunate and we appreciate their commitment to making a positive difference," said Yayasan Orang Buta Malaysia chairman and chief executive officer Silatul Rahim Dahman.
For further details on Salary For Life and to learn more about the charitable causes supported, visit www.dearnestle.com.my/gaji-seumur-hidup-2024.