Yayasan Sime Darby Annual Report 2025
Social Resilience
Over 9,500
individuals reached
83
stakeholders engaged
290
outreach programmes conducted
744 training and community scholarships
offered to parents, caregivers, school teachers and NGO practitioners
23 schools and higher learning institutions
reached
10 implementing partners
reached
1st teenage pregnancy transit shelter in Sarawak
Inclusion and Resilience
Empowering Lives Across Malaysia
In 2024, Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) embarked on a transformative journey to build social resilience—made possible through the RM5 million in funding from the Ministry of Finance (MOF) under the Belanjawan MADANI. The inaugural Program SINAR YSD (Sokongan Inklusif Autisme, Remaja, dan Komuniti Rentan) aims at uplifting marginalised communities across Malaysia. By mid-2025, the programme had empowered over 9,500 individuals from marginalised communities across Malaysia, particularly teenage mothers, children with autism, and families navigating stigma and systemic barriers —with the number expected to exceed 20,000 by the end of 2025. Through coordinated partnerships with 10 NGOs and local communities, YSD continues to strengthen support systems and foster more inclusive, resilient societies.
Our journey began in Sarawak, where one of SINAR YSD’s most groundbreaking milestones was achieved: the opening of “Dawn Hope”, the state’s first-ever transit shelter for young girls facing early motherhood and social challenges. Launched in February 2025 with Pertubuhan Pembangunan Insan Sarawak (PPIS) and fully backed by the Sarawak Health Department, Dawn Hope is now connected to public health facilities across the state. By July 2025, it was fully operational, having met all regulatory approvals and infrastructure standards.
“Dawn Hope is more than a transit shelter—it is a catalyst for change. It provides young mothers with protection, healthcare, mental health support, counselling, and parenting guidance, ensuring they receive the care needed to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.”
YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Haji Shukri
Minister of Women, Family & Community Development
In Kelantan, SINAR YSD enabled Generasiku Sayang and Reproductive Health Association of Kelantan (ReHAK) to deliver life-changing interventions in 10 districts, reaching over 2,500 individuals with comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education. Shelter upgrades and counselling support for pregnant teens and young mothers are making good progress.
Even one year of awareness can spark a lifetime of change.”
YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Rashidah Shuib
President of ReHAK.
In Sabah, SINAR YSD partnered with Good Shepherd Services to expand crisis shelters and conduct 20 awareness programmes. The impact is evident: 47% of participants demonstrated increased knowledge, while 70% of shelter residents reintegrated into society successfully—a clear sign that with care and support, futures can be reclaimed.
Building on this momentum, an interactive vehicle equipped with volunteering healthcare professionals, youth-friendly reference materials, safe counselling space, I-Medik – YSD Mobile Reproalert was launched in Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur to reach even more teenagers to empower them to make informed choices and build confidence, while improving critical reproductive health awareness among parents. The launch event was also attended by MOF senior officials YBhg. Datuk Johan Merican, Secretary General of Treasury and YBhg. Dato’ Sri Ab. Rahim Ab Rahman, Director of the National Budget Office at an engagement event with community leaders and more than 300 residents in Bandar Tun Razak.
With rising autism diagnoses and limited affordable support options for B40 families, there is an urgent need to strengthen Malaysia’s early intervention ecosystem. Launched in April 2025, SALAM Autisme YSD or Sentuhan Autisme Lestari Anak Malaysia represents YSD’s strategic response in bridging access gaps through early intervention, capacity building, and inclusive support for children living with Autism, in close collaboration with trusted implementing partners. The ceremony was officiated by YB Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah, Minister of Finance II, with the officiating speech delivered on his behalf by YBhg. Dato’ Sri Ab Rahim Ab Rahman. Also present at the launch event were YB Senator Tuan Isaiah D Jacob, representing the community of Persons with Disability (PWD); YBhg. Dato’ Jeffri Salim Davidson, Governing Council Member of YSD and Group CEO of Sime Darby Berhad; YBhg. Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha, Governing Council Member of YSD and Group Managing Director of SD Guthrie Berhad; Y.A.M. Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin Ibni Tuanku Muhriz, Chairman of IDEAS Board of Directors; and YBhg. Dato’ Mustamir Mohamad, Managing Director of Sime UMW.
With both parents often working, effective monitoring is difficult. Mobile Reproalert is a commendable initiative that should reach those in need.”
YB Dato’ Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Dr. Wan Ismail
Member of Parliament, Bandar Tun Razak and wife of the YAB Prime Minister
Source: Bernama
“The launch of SALAM Autisme YSD is a meaningful initiative supported through a RM30 million allocation from Ministry of Finance Malaysia of Finance to Yayasan Sime Darby, which includes matching grants as part of the Raise the Floor thrust under the Ekonomi MADANI framework.”
YB Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah
Minister of Finance II
This year, YSD awarded 200 community scholarships for Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) online training in collaboration with The Hope Project by Early Autism Project. The certified trainees—comprising parents and representatives from the Department of Social Welfare (JKM), National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM), Kuching Autistic Association, Pusat Permata Kurnia, Dignity for Children, Rumah Kita & Spectrum Heroes Care Centre, schools, hospitals and more—are already supporting nearly 600 children nationwide through improved communication, visual tools, and behaviour management strategies.
Additionally, we commenced a collaborative training programme with IDEAS Autism Centre (IAC) and the Ministry of Education (MOE) to upskill 544 special education teachers and district education officers nationwide, enhancing support for neurodivergent students in mainstream schools, while expanding affordable services for B40 families at IAC centres in Negeri Sembilan and Selangor. Since 2014, YSD’s long-standing partnership with IAC has supported over 226 children, with 64% successfully transitioning to mainstream schools, and trained over 15,000 educators, parents, and caregivers nationwide.
SINAR YSD also works alongside another 3 partners — OrphanCare Foundation, Pejabat Kesihatan Bahagian Miri, and Pusat Bimbingan Remaja Hamil Bayt Al-Rahmah.
YSD strengthens existing organisations and systems by fostering collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, and local communities; and will continue to champion progress across its five pillars, driven by the belief that every Malaysian deserves the opportunity to thrive.
“Previously, my son struggled every time we visited public places. Now, we can enjoy ordinary family outings. The support we received through YSD has been life-changing for us.”
Sze Chin, parent supported by SALAM Autisme YSD