As corporate responsibility increasingly takes center stage in today’s world, businesses are focusing on making a positive impact on society. A prime example of this commitment is Yayasan MR D.I.Y., a foundation that seamlessly blends sustainability, health and culture to uplift communities and transform lives. In an exclusive interview with CSR Malaysia, Zaleha Mohd Mydin, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan MR D.I.Y., shares valuable insights into the Foundation’s remarkable journey and how it has empowered Malaysians while driving impactful change across the nation.
Yayasan MR D.I.Y., the philanthropic arm of Malaysia’s largest home improvement retailer, MR D.I.Y. Group, was established in June 2023 with a clear mission: To implement community-driven initiatives that have a positive, lasting impact on the lives of Malaysians. Under the leadership of CEO Zaleha Mohd Mydin, the Foundation has quickly made its mark, focusing on four core areas: Environmental Protection, Health and Well-being, Capacity Building, and the Promotion of Arts and Culture. In 2023 alone, Yayasan MR D.I.Y. ran 190 programmes, benefiting over 59,000 individuals, and is set to expand these efforts, further contributing to Malaysia’s sustainable development.
Sharing the story behind the formation of the Foundation, Zaleha shares that it grew out of MR D.I.Y.’s longstanding commitment to community support. “Being an active supporter of our communities has always been part of MR D.I.Y.’s ethos. For many years our community outreach programmes have been carried out by a group of volunteers known as the MR D.I.Y. Cares team. They tirelessly worked to help those in need and champion causes that positively impact communities,” she shares. “Yayasan MR D.I.Y. was born from this spirit, formalising and expanding these efforts. The wonderful work that they do in part inspired our decision to set up Yayasan MR D.I.Y.. Today, the establishment of Yayasan MR D.I.Y continues the good work started by the MR D.I.Y. Cares team, helping to focus our charitable works, and making them more structured, impactful and meaningful,” adds Zaleha.
“The key distinction lies in how Yayasan MR D.I.Y. translates MR D.I.Y.’s overarching mission into philanthropic initiatives. While MR D.I.Y. focuses on providing high-quality, affordable solutions for everyday needs, we at Yayasan MR D.I.Y. address broader societal issues through donations, community aid and sustainability projects,” explains Zaleha. The two entities work in harmony, ensuring that the success of MR D.I.Y. Group contributes to tangible, meaningful benefits for society.
Shifting focus to the four core pillars that define Yayasan MR D.I.Y. – Environmental Protection, Health and Well-being, Capacity Building and the Promotion of Arts and Culture – Zaleha elaborates on how each area meaningfully contributes to Malaysia’s socio-economic and cultural landscape. “These four areas align well with Malaysia’s vision and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They address critical national needs, ensuring inclusivity and resilience. By prioritising these pillars, Yayasan MR D.I.Y. helps to build a progressive, cohesive, and sustainable Malaysia.”
“Even small contributions can make a significant difference.”
Zaleha then reflects on each focus area, highlighting the various initiatives tied to each one and their national relevance. In connection with the ‘Environmental Protection’ initiative, she explains how the Foundation supports efforts like tree-planting drives, recycling campaigns, partnerships with wildlife conservation organisations and education programmes promoting sustainable practices. These initiatives contribute significantly to combating environmental degradation, supporting biodiversity conservation and cultivating a culture of sustainability.
Under ‘Health and Well-being’, the Foundation has provided medical equipment to underserved hospitals, run health screening programmes, promoted mental health awareness and supported disaster relief efforts, all of which align with national health objectives such as improving health literacy and reducing non-communicable diseases. Regarding its Capacity Building endeavour, the Foundation offers skills development workshops, scholarships, internships and support for entrepreneurial ventures, aimed at fostering a skilled workforce and aligning with Malaysia’s ambition to become a high-income nation. Finally, in the realm of Arts and Culture, the Foundation sponsors cultural events, restores heritage sites and supports local artists and cultural preservation initiatives, all of which contribute to preserving Malaysia’s multicultural identity and boosting tourism, ultimately strengthening the nation’s resilience and inclusivity.
As the conversation turned to Yayasan MR D.I.Y.’s recent CSR milestone, the Foundation’s commitment to community-focused initiatives became even more apparent. At the CSR 2024 Award Ceremony, Yayasan MR D.I.Y. was honoured with the prestigious Foundation of the Year [Home Improvement Retailer] Outstanding Community Spirit Award, just one year after its establishment. Zaleha humbly acknowledged the recognition and took a moment to reflect on the Foundation’s journey, particularly its dedication to working closely with local communities to understand and address their unique needs. “At Yayasan MR D.I.Y., we believe in actively engaging with communities. Our mission is to add value to the lives of Malaysians, which is why it’s essential for us to listen to their voices, whether through research, surveys, or partnerships with local non-governmental and governmental organisations,” says Zaleha.
This commitment has been a longstanding cornerstone of their approach, even during their time as MR D.I.Y. Cares. For example, in 2022, it partnered with Soroptimist International Damansara (SID) to promote creativity and sustainability among schoolchildren through the Walk With Style programme. Additionally, since 2017, it has collaborated with public institutions such as Universiti Malaya, positively impacting students, faculty, and healthcare communities, as well as with local councils like Majlis Perbandaran Hulu Selangor, engaging in activities such as river clean-ups.
As the saying goes, “what gets measured, gets improved.” To ensure its initiatives drive meaningful social and environmental change, Yayasan MR D.I.Y. places a strong emphasis on measuring impact through both qualitative and quantitative metrics. “We track a range of indicators, including community feedback, participation rates and tangible outcomes such as the number of activities conducted and the funds invested in key initiatives each year,” explains Zaleha. However, she underscores that the true impact of their programs goes beyond the numbers. For example, the Walk With Style initiative not only contributed to environmental sustainability by reducing landfill waste, but also fostered social change by educating communities on sustainable living through a collaboration with Soroptimist International Damansara (SID). The initiative’s educational benefits were evident as well, with schoolchildren learning to repurpose materials, while the economic impact was felt by underprivileged children who received the repurposed shoes, directly benefiting from this community-driven effort.
When asked what sets Yayasan MR D.I.Y. apart from other foundations in Malaysia and how it addresses social and environmental issues, Zaleha points to the Foundation’s unique approach, which is grounded in a dedicated team, strategic alignment with its parent company, and the tangible outcomes of its initiatives. “Yayasan MR D.I.Y. stands out through the unwavering commitment of our team, our innovative approach, and our strong connection to MR D.I.Y.,” she explains. “This relationship gives us invaluable access to a vast network of stores, resources, and logistics capabilities, enabling us to implement impactful initiatives with far-reaching outreach.”
“Yayasan MR D.I.Y. bridges the gap between corporate resources and community needs.”
Zaleha also highlights the vital role MR D.I.Y.’s employees play in supporting the Foundation’s initiatives: “Our teams are fully committed to advancing the Foundation’s mission and bringing its goals to life.” She elaborates on how these employees actively engage with local communities to implement various initiatives, leveraging the company’s extensive logistics network for the efficient distribution of aid. “By working closely together, our retail operations and Foundation teams can create lasting, meaningful change,” she adds. “Yayasan MR D.I.Y. bridges the gap between corporate resources and community needs, delivering a grounded, grassroots approach to its philanthropic work,” Zaleha continues. “By aligning with national priorities, scaling initiatives effectively and prioritising sustainability, we ensure the Foundation’s enduring relevance and long-term impact in Malaysia.”
Reflecting on the progress of Yayasan MR D.I.Y., Zaleha shares a particularly meaningful success story that is close to her heart. “One of the most impactful programmes has been our work with the Orang Asli communities, some of the most marginalised people in the country. While this programme is smaller compared to others, it truly brings to life our belief that even small contributions can make a significant difference,” says Zaleha. She explains that the villagers of the Bateq tribe in Taman Negara, Pahang, often faced the danger of elephant attacks, forcing them to relocate quickly for safety. “In 2023, we provided them with portable solar lights. These lights proved to be life-changing, enabling the villagers to move more quickly and safely during wild elephant attacks. Seeing how such a simple solution could bring safety and peace of mind to the community was truly humbling and inspiring.”
Zaleha also highlights the healthcare challenges faced by the Orang Asli community, especially due to their remote locations, which often make access to healthcare services difficult. “We provided over 100 families in Pos Simpai, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, with hygiene kits and conducted free health screenings, helping them to adopt healthier lifestyles and prevent major health issues,” she shares.
“Our mission is to add value to the lives of Malaysians.”
Her reflections brought a sense of warmth and humility to everyone present during the interview. “Our work with the Orang Asli is a perfect example of how the Foundation’s simple initiatives can have a direct and positive impact on daily lives. It comes from listening closely to communities, understanding their unique challenges, and finding solutions that truly make a difference,” Zaleha continues. “Knowing that we were able to help them live safer, healthier and more secure lives is something we are incredibly proud of,” she adds. “This is something we hope more Malaysian companies will emulate. If every company contributed just a little, we would be in a much better place,” Zaleha concludes, leaving an inspiring note that fully encapsulates the warmth and dedication the Foundation pours into its mission for the betterment of society.