Auto ConneXion-Ford Strengthens Community Support Through Global ‘Ford Building Together’ Initiative

For more than 122 years, Ford has remained committed to standing with communities in both good times and challenging ones, guided by the belief that a stronger future is one that is built collectively. This philosophy continues to shape the brand’s global corporate social responsibility initiative, ‘Ford Building Together’. Reflecting this commitment locally, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford (Auto ConneXion-Ford) recently completed an 11-day outreach campaign that provided essential food aid and basic healthcare services to 600 beneficiaries from underserved communities in Klang Valley, Penang, Ipoh, and Kuantan, supported by 55 Ford volunteers.

As the sole distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, Auto ConneXion-Ford selected a diverse cross-section of vulnerable groups who would benefit most from the initiative, including B40 families, persons with disabilities (OKU), single mothers, Asnaf Fakir and Miskin, and the Orang Asli community. The campaign’s reach spanned major regions, supporting residents in Pangsapuri Putra Ria and Abdullah Hukum in the Klang Valley, communities in George Town and Jalan Patani in Penang, families in Sungai Rokam in Ipoh, and the Orang Asli villagers of Kampung Paya Bungor in Gambang.

Jane Holloway, Senior Manager of Ford Philanthropy for the International Markets Group, underscored Ford’s mission in her remarks. She noted that Ford’s commitment extends far beyond producing high-quality vehicles, reflecting a genuine dedication to empowering communities and contributing to positive, lasting change. She emphasized that Ford Building Together embodies the belief that meaningful impact is achieved when partners, volunteers, and communities unite with a shared purpose.

[From left to right] Turse Zuhair, Managing Director of Auto ConneXion-Ford, hands over a donation box to a community recipient alongside Dr Ghafur Rahim Mustakim, CEO of MyFundAction, during the successful Ford Building Together initiative.

A key feature of the Malaysian campaign was the deployment of the Ford Mobile Clinic, launched earlier this year. The mobile clinic initiative, created through the collaboration of Auto ConneXion-Ford, Yayasan Sime Darby, Ford Philanthropy, and MyFundAction, brought healthcare professionals directly to all four locations, expanding access to essential medical services in rural and underserved areas.

Turse Zuhair Nahason Affan, Managing Director of Auto ConneXion-Ford, highlighted how the local effort aligns with Ford’s global initiative. He explained that bringing the “full power of Ford” to Malaysia involves more than financial contributions it reflects the collective energy of employees and the strength of the nationwide dealer network working together to address local needs. He added that these efforts not only deliver crucial aid but also help nurture meaningful relationships with communities, contributing to a more sustainable future.

The Malaysian programme, grounded in the global values of action and partnership, was made possible through the dedication of volunteers from Auto ConneXion-Ford’s management and staff, its network of authorised Ford dealers, and its strategic partnership with non-profit organisation MyFundAction. Their combined efforts ensured the smooth execution of the initiative from planning to on-ground implementation.

Auto ConneXion-Ford brings to life the ‘Ford Building Together’ across Malaysia, a global initiative which reflects Ford’s legacy and commitment to the community for more than 122 years.

Expressing his appreciation, Turse Zuhair extended gratitude to everyone involved in the programme, noting that their commitment and generosity helped bring hope and support to communities most in need. He reaffirmed the company’s ongoing dedication to championing empowerment and creating meaningful impact across Malaysia.

This year’s Malaysian activity formed a significant part of Ford’s annual Global Caring Month, a worldwide volunteer effort under Ford Philanthropy. The local contribution supported the World’s Largest Auto Dealer Food Drive, held under the Ford Building Together initiative, which saw participation from over 1,600 Ford dealers across 31 countries. Collectively, the global effort yielded more than 2 million pounds (over 907,000 kg) of food collected exceeding the original target of 500,000 kg fourfold.

The latest initiative builds on Auto ConneXion-Ford’s long-standing history of community involvement in Malaysia, following previous efforts such as the Clean Water Project in Gerik and Operation Better World in Kuala Lumpur. The company remains committed to continuing its legacy of service, one community at a time.