Kuala Lumpur, 8 Nov 2012 – In continuing its philanthropic spirit of community, UMW Toyota Motor rolled out a night to remember, the 21st Toyota Classics for classical music aficionados featuring world renowned Vienna Chamber Orchestra under the masterful baton of famed conductor Joji Hattori and featuring guitarist Soichi Muraji.
Toyota Classics 2012 celebrates the 30th anniversary of Malaysia’s Look East Policy, which was introduced by then Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.
“The Look East Policy (LEP) has inspired UMW Toyota Motor and many other organisations with roots in Japan to succeed in Malaysia through strategic assimilation of technological know-how, work ethics and good work values from Japan in developing Malaysia’s industrial sector,” said Datuk Ismet Suki, President of UMW Toyota Motor.
Toyota Classics is one of UMW Toyota Motor’s main pillars of Corporate Social Responsibility. Every year, the musical extravaganza brings internationally well-known orchestras to Malaysian shores, giving Malaysians the invaluable opportunity to enjoy world-class classical music in the country.
Over the last two decades, Toyota Classics has developed a life of its own, with performances by different orchestras and beneficiaries. Yet the philosophy behind the Toyota Classics programme remains, which is to allow Malaysians to enjoy an enchanting night of music, at the same time donate to charity.
“Since the inception of the Toyota Classics in 1990 we have raised RM6.6 million to benefit 50 organisations, through ticket sales and corporate donations. This is substantial fundraising for charity and speaks volumes on the generosity of Toyota’s business partners and the people of Malaysia,” said Datuk Ismet Suki.
The Vienna Chamber Orchestra performed nine songs to enthral the audience at the one night concert, which include reinterpretation of the late Tan Sri P.Ramlee’s favourites such as Malam Bulan Di Pagar Bintang, Di Mana Kan Kucari Ganti and Kwek Mambo. The guests of honour at the sold-out concert was Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Al-Haj, the Sultan of Selangor, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd.
Proceeds from this year’s ticket sales and corporate donations amounted more than RM 310,000 were channelled to two charitable and non-governmental organizations for specific purposes. Persatuan Pemulihan Orang-orang Cacat Selangor & Wilayah Persekutuan (PPOC) with a Toyota Hiace to facilitate its residents’ mobility. Meanwhile, Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) will receive a Toyota Prius 1.8 for its academia usage.
The assistance through Toyota Classics is set to benefit Persatuan Pemulihan Orang-orang Cacat Selangor & Wilayah Persekutuan’s (PPOC) residents with better logistic. Likewise, its assistance to Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) will help its students and lecturers to travel for assignment and researching purposes in gaining more knowledge.
The Toyota Classics concerts was conceptualised under the Philanthropic pillar of UMW Toyota Motors’ three pillars of CSR to raise funds for charitable organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). The other two pillars are the Environment programmes for secondary school students and the road safety campaign, which is focusing on preschool children.
UMW Toyota Motor’s commitment to CSR has been an integral part of its corporate culture since it was established in 1982. Its CSR approach is consistent with its philosophy of ‘A history of service to society’ whereby UMW Toyota Motor continually seeks opportunities to contribute to the communities in which they operate their business.
