UTAR, in collaboration with Samaiden Group Berhad, launched a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative titled Shine Bright with Solar Energy at Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-anak Yatim/Miskin Dahikmah, located in Kampung Pintu Padang, Gopeng on 9 August 2025.
The event marked the symbolic commissioning of a 14.715 kWp Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System, comprising 27 solar panels. This installation will deliver an estimated emission reduction of 14 tCO₂e annually and achieve an impressive 88.94% savings on the home’s average electricity bill. These benefits will substantially reduce the orphanage’s long-term operating costs while serving as a practical model for renewable energy adoption. The initiative also aimed to raise environmental awareness among the home’s residents.
Jointly organised by UTAR’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) and the Centre for Economic Studies under the Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance (THP FBF), the initiative brought together a series of activities that blended learning with community connection. The day began with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and the symbolic launch of the solar PV system, followed by an informative talk on renewable energy by Samaiden Group Berhad Assistant Manager (Technical) Puan Najihah Azafen. Participants also enjoyed interactive sessions with the local community, while children took part in a lively Shine Bright with Solar Energy colouring contest.
The event was graced by Samaiden Group Berhad Project Development Director Ts Mohd Makhzumi bin Ghazali, UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, and Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-anak Yatim/Miskin Dahikmah Chairman Tuan Haji Jamal bin Din, alongside UTAR academic staff, student volunteers, and members of the local community.
Prof Choong, in his speech, highlighted the alignment of the initiative with UTAR’s commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles. He said, “By installing a solar PV system at the welfare home, we aim not only to reduce its long-term energy costs but also to foster awareness of green technology among the younger generation.” He also expressed his appreciation for Samaiden’s contribution, noting that the partnership reflects the synergy between university, industry and community in achieving shared environmental and social goals.
Ts Mohd Makhzumi said, “Through this project, we have installed a 14.715 kWp Rooftop Solar PV System with 27 solar panels to support the home’s electricity needs. The clean energy generated is expected to avoid approximately 14 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, a positive environmental impact comparable to planting around 583 trees. In addition, the system is projected to achieve up to 88.94% savings on their average electricity bill, significantly reducing their operational costs.” He added, “Samaiden is pleased to collaborate with UTAR on this initiative. We hope this contributes, even in a small way, to making renewable energy more accessible to the community and encouraging practical, long-term sustainability.”
This CSR initiative supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
The foundation for this initiative was laid with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between UTAR and Samaiden Group Berhad on 17 January 2024 at UTAR Kampar Campus. The partnership seeks to promote sustainable development and innovation through joint expertise in solar PV systems, engineering projects, curriculum co-development, industrial placements, staff and student mobility, research and consultancy, and skills training programmes.
Samaiden reaffirmed its commitment to supporting renewable energy education and community well-being, while UTAR reiterated its mission to generate transformative societal impact through collaborative and impactful partnerships.
The event concluded with the announcement of contest winners, the distribution of giveaways by UTAR and Samaiden, group photography, and warm interactions between UTAR, Samaiden, and members of the local community.
This CSR initiative exemplifies UTAR’s and Samaiden’s shared commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and real-world experiential learning, especially in the areas of social responsibility and green technology.
UTAR staff, students and Samaiden representatives with the residents of Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-anak Yatim/Miskin Dahikmah during the Shine Bright with Solar Energy CSR initiative in Gopeng
Samaiden representatives handing over donated goods to Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-anak Yatim/Miskin Dahikmah as part of the Shine Bright with Solar Energy CSR initiative in Gopeng
Chairperson of Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-anak Yatim/Miskin Dahikmah, Tuan Haji Jamal (in purple), with the residents holding their prizes from the Shine Bright with Solar Energy colouring contest
Prof Choong highlighting the alignment of the initiative with UTAR’s commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles
Ts Makhzumi hoping the initiative will help make renewable energy more accessible to the community
Prof Choong and Ts Makhzumi exchanging souvenirs
Puan Najihah delivering an informative talk on renewable energy
Children taking part in the Shine Bright with Solar Energy colouring contest
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