Maybank

Some 140 children from four different orphanages had a magical start to their Christmas celebrations when they were mesmerized by magic tricks performed by a trio of magicians during the annual Maybank Christmas celebration at Menara Maybank.

The children, from Stepping Stones Living Centre, Shepherd’s Centre Foundation, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Yesuvin Mahligai Selangor and Shelter Home for Children, were honorary guests at the event where they were treated to a fun-filled afternoon which included the opportunity to join Maybank Board and EXCO members in making traditional Christmas gift crackers. They were then presented with Christmas gifts by Maybank Chairman, Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor and Group President and CEO, Datuk Abdul Farid Alias before being treated to a sumptuous lunch.

The event was enlivened with a special performance of Christmas carols by the children from Stepping Stones Living Centre which was enjoyed by all present.

The Christmas celebration was part of Maybank Group’s annual programme to celebrate the different major festivals of Malaysia with the less fortunate in line with its mission to humanise financial services. They also help reinforce Maybank’s philosophy of embracing diversity and inclusivity as well as fostering unity and harmony with the community.

In his welcoming speech, Datuk Farid said that celebrating Malaysia’s major festivals with the less fortunate had always been part and parcel of Maybank’s mission to give back to the community. “We work hard so we can continue to be able to organize events such as this, we are here today to be hospitable to our guests, and to each other, and to give away presents, in conjunction with the celebration because we all know the hands that give are always happier than those which receive. But the real value is not about the gift but in the intention behind it – that it is given with great affection, just like today.”

He added, “We need to support those who don’t have, so that hopefully no one gets left behind, and everyone will have a chance to pursue their dreams.”

The children present at the event said they enjoyed themselves and were honoured to be part of the celebration with Maybank. Said Caran Matthew from Pertubuhan Kebajikan Yesuvin Mahligai, “I enjoyed the celebration especially the magic show and the other performances because I really do love watching people perform magic tricks. They were very exciting and it was an honour to be part of Maybank’s Christmas celebration.”

Six non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were also invited by Maybank to sell their handicraft items such as cookies and cakes as well as other handmade items at affordable prices to employees of Maybank at the Menara Maybank grounds.

Besides the performances and activities on that day, Maybankers were also given apples and pears by the Group EXCO members in the spirit of spreading Christmas joy to the employees.