25 Oct CAHYA MATA SARAWAK BERHAD AND MALAYSIA ATHLETICS FEDERATION COLLABORATE TO ELEVATE MALAYSIAN ATHLETICS

Today, in a significant event marking a new chapter for the sport of athletics in Malaysia, Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad (Cahya Mata) and Malaysia Athletics Federation (MAF) announced a strategic partnership with the official signing of a sponsorship agreement between the two esteemed organisations. Cahya Mata, on its part, has pledged RM5 million to MAF effective from 2023 until 2025 with the collaboration focusing on the development of athletics programs and grassroots initiatives to promote the sport in Malaysia.

This venture is deeply committed towards the holistic well-being of the Malaysian athletes, emphasising on enhancing both their physical and mental state. By equipping them with requisite resources, training and support, we aim to amplify the careers of Malaysian athletes, ensuring they are competitive and well-positioned in the wider sporting landscape. Furthermore, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and experienced coaches, MAF is set on aligning its athletes with international benchmarks, fostering an environment that enables them to excel to their fullest potential. The ultimate goal is to help transcend them into victors in the international arena and, by doing so, elevate Malaysian athletics’ position further on the global stage.

Committed to the betterment of the Territory of Sarawak community since 1974, Cahya Mata is on the brink of celebrating its 50th anniversary. As the Group approaches this milestone, its alliance with MAF stands as a testament to its unwavering dedication to the growth and excellence of athletic sports in Malaysia.

Throughout its journey, Cahya Mata’s core principle has always been deeply rooted in enriching the well-being of the community, corporate philanthropy, safety, and environmental standards. Today, Cahya Mata adds another significant milestone to its legacy as it extends its support to local athletes in partnership with MAF. With roots dating back to 1906 and affiliations with the National Sports Council (“NSC”) since 1998, MAF has been instrumental in the development of Malaysian athletes over the years. Their influence was evident at the recent Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, with the Malaysian athletics contingent securing three commendable medals for the sport of athletics.

The partnership between Cahya Mata and MAF aims to:

• Champion athletes’ well-being: Prioritising athletes’ overall well-being and fostering a comprehensive approach to sports and health.

• Empower with financial and resource backing: Both entities are determined to financially back and sustain talented athletes, propelling them to reach the pinnacles in their careers.

• Promote leadership and character: Emphasise on instilling leadership qualities and character development in athletes, enabling them to maintain professionalism and dominance throughout their careers.

• Scout and nurture young prodigies: Cahya Mata and MAF envision a future where young athletic talents are identified early and nurtured towards professional sporting careers.

YABhg. General Dato’ Seri Diraja Tan Sri (Dr.) Mohd Zahidi bin Haji Zainuddin (R), Group Chairman of Cahya Mata, reinforced the significance of this collaboration: “Our partnership reflects our belief in Malaysian athletes’ untapped potential. Our commitment is to ensure their continuous growth and the harnessing of their potential, propelling them onto the international stage and amplifying Malaysia’s achievements in the sport of athletics.”

The collective vision of both Cahya Mata and MAF is clear – to elevate Malaysia’s athletics as a whole and invest in athletes, promising them unwavering support throughout their sporting journey.

About Cahya Mata

Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad (“Cahya Mata”) is a leading corporation listed on the Main Market of the Malaysian stock exchange, Bursa Malaysia. After 49 years of contributing to the ever-changing landscape of Sarawak and Malaysia, we are now expanding our presence onto the global stage. Our new logo encompasses our commitment to becoming a growing multinational corporation. Designed in a three-dimensional chrome set on a bold black base, it represents our drive to constantly innovate, and contribute to the betterment of the environment, and continuous improvement in governance. We are powered by our people, who are always determined to deliver excellence and care for our environment, societies and stakeholders.

Our core principles and values remain while we also continue to evolve to be bolder, stronger and more transparent. With our professionals working together at the heart of Cahya Mata, we are focused on sharing and contributing our knowledge and skills to build a better future for all.

Group Managing Director of Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad – YBhg Dato Sri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman B Abdul Taib and YBhg General Dato’ Seri DiRaja Tan Sri (Dr.) Mohd Zahidi bin Hj Zainuddin – Chairman of Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad officially inked a substantial sponsorship agreement with (From Left) Vice President of MAF YBhg Datuk Wira Mark Ling and YB Dato’ Seri Dr. Shahidan bin Kassim, the President of MAF, amounting to an impressive RM5 million in total, spanning from 2023 through 2025.
The collective vision of both Cahya Mata and MAF is clear – to elevate Malaysia’s athletics as a whole and invest in athletes, promising them unwavering support throughout their sporting journey.