Juniper
Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof (left 4) launched the MRCA Foundation Iconic Brands, joined by Foundation’s Board of Directors, from left Datuk Seri Nelson Kwok (拿督斯里郭庭东), Datuk Albert Chiang (拿督张兴庆), Dato’ Tay Sim Kim (拿督郑生金), Dato’ Eddie Choon (拿督钟义翔); from right Dato‘ Seri Ivan Teh (拿督斯里郑凯文), Dato’ Liaw Choon Liang (拿督廖俊亮), Datuk Lee Hwa Cheng (拿督李华清), Organising committee Chairman Edison Choon King Han (锺金汉), and Foundation Chairman Datuk Seri Garry Chua (拿督斯里蔡家胜)
The Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) Branding Education Charity Foundation officially unveiled its landmark publication, MRCA Foundation Iconic Brands, this evening during a gala launch held at the Manhattan Ballroom, Berjaya Times Square Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
The milestone ceremony was graced and attended by Deputy Prime Minister YAB Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, who officiated the launch of the MRCA Foundation Iconic Brands. His presence underscored the crucial role played by homegrown enterprises and public-private collaboration in driving sustainable socioeconomic empowerment across Malaysia.
The landmark occasion brought together retail captains, corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and key industry stakeholders to commemorate homegrown brand milestones while reinforcing an enduring commitment to education, human capital development, and charitable outreach.
Published under the tagline “Trust. Resilience. Legacy,” MRCA Foundation Iconic Brands serves as a high-level reference publication for government agencies, institutional investors, trade delegations, and industry players. It documents the achievements, operational resilience, and success stories of prominent Malaysian enterprises, setting a distinguished benchmark for entrepreneurial excellence across diverse economic sectors.
Beyond celebrating corporate achievements, the book operates as a dedicated philanthropic vehicle designed to translate business success into meaningful community impact. Marking an unprecedented chapter in its history, this initiative represents the first time ever that the MRCA Foundation has produced such a landmark volume, boldly aiming to raise more than RM1 million through its publication and patronage. This ambitious fund-raising milestone will directly fuel long-term socioeconomic relief and educational empowerment across Malaysian communities.
Established in 2010 under the visionary leadership of then-President Dato’ Tay Sim Kim with an initial seed fund of RM1 million, the Foundation stands as a lasting symbol of MRCA’s pledge to social stewardship and nation-building. Driven by its core mission to extend financial relief to the poor and underprivileged, foster educational advancement, celebrate academic excellence, and alleviate human suffering, the Foundation continues to expand its positive social footprint across the nation.
A central hallmark of the Foundation’s long-standing charitable commitment is its sustained, hands-on community engagement. Over the years, the Foundation has consistently spearheaded dedicated charity initiatives and festive visitations to welfare homes, orphanages, and senior citizen shelters nationwide during all major Malaysian festivities, including Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and Christmas. During these visitations, essential daily necessities, food supplies, care provisions, and financial contributions are channelled directly to vulnerable groups, embodying the spirit of unity and compassionate giving.
Funds raised through Patron Sponsorships will provide critical impetus to the Foundation’s key welfare and talent empowerment pillars throughout the 2026–2028 tenure, which include:
- Education Scholarships for Needy Children: Delivering direct financial assistance to support the academic pursuit and future aspirations of deserving students from economically disadvantaged families.
- Education Encouragement Fund: Commending and rewarding academic excellence among eligible children of member company employees who achieve outstanding results in national examinations.
- Upskilling & Professional Development: Assisting eligible retail personnel and member employees to undertake certifications, professional accreditations, and technical capability programmes to boost career mobility.
- Opportunities for Sponsors’ Employees: Extending eligibility for scholarships, academic recognition, and skills development grants directly to the workforce of participating sponsor organisations.
- Ongoing Community & Festive Welfare Initiatives: Sustaining continuous aid, vital care provisions, and festive benevolence for underprivileged communities, children’s shelters, and elderly homes across Malaysia.
The Foundation’s strategic direction, charitable governance, and fund allocations are steered by a dedicated Board of Directors comprising respected industry leaders: Dato’ Eddie Choon, Datuk Albert Chiang, Datuk Lee Hwa Cheng, Adjunct Professor Dato’ Tay Sim Kim, HE Adjunct Professor Datuk Seri Nelson Kwok, Dato’ Liaw Choon Liang, Adjunct Professor Datuk Seri Garry Chua, Ms. Shirley Tay, Dato’ Sharan Valiram, and Adjunct Professor Datuk Dr. Ken Phua.
Speaking at the launch, Adjunct Professor Datuk Seri Garry Chua, Chairman of the MRCA Branding Education Charity Foundation 2026-2028, emphasized the deeper social purpose behind commercial triumphs:
A brand achieves true iconic status when it builds lasting value beyond commerce and genuinely uplifts the society that fostered its growth. MRCA Foundation Iconic Brands is not merely a documentation of corporate milestones; it is a collaborative platform where industry success is channelled directly into human empowerment. By embarking on this book for the very first time and setting our sights on raising RM1 million, we are bringing together our business fraternity to champion education, talent development, and compassionate outreach. Together, we are creating opportunities that will benefit future generations and leave an indelible mark on our nation’s social fabric.” said Garry Chua
The official launch was held in partnership with Sin Chew Daily as the Official Media Partner.
To foster inclusive participation across the Malaysian business ecosystem, sponsorship opportunities across the Founding Patron, Distinguished Patron, and Principal Patron categories remain open until 30 November 2026.
For enquiries regarding book sponsorships or the Foundation’s philanthropic initiatives, please contact the MRCA Secretariat at +6016 393 8891 / +603-5882 4333 or email mrca.secretariat@gmail.com.
