CAHYA MATA SARAWAK BERHAD AND MALAYSIA ATHLETICS FEDERATION COLLABORATE TO ELEVATE MALAYSIAN ATHLETICS

Petaling Jaya, Selangor (Wednesday, 25 October 2023) – Today, in a significant event marking a new chapter for the sport of athletics in Malaysia, Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad (Cahya Mata) and the Malaysia Athletics Federation (MAF) announced a strategic partnership with the official signing of a sponsorship agreement between the two organisations. Cahya Mata has pledged RM5 million to MAF from 2023 until 2025, with the collaboration focusing on the development of athletics programmes and grassroots initiatives to promote the sport in Malaysia.

This venture is deeply committed to the holistic well-being of Malaysian athletes, emphasising both their physical and mental state. By equipping them with the requisite resources, training and support, we aim to amplify the careers of Malaysian athletes, ensuring they are competitive and well-positioned in the wider sporting landscape.

Furthermore, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and experienced coaches, MAF is set on aligning its athletes with international benchmarks, fostering an environment that enables them to reach their fullest potential. The ultimate goal is to help them become champions in the international arena and, by doing so, elevate Malaysian athletics further on the global stage.

Committed to the betterment of the Sarawak community since 1974, Cahya Mata is on the brink of celebrating its 50th anniversary. As the Group approaches this milestone, its alliance with MAF stands as a testament to its unwavering dedication to the growth and excellence of athletics in Malaysia.

Throughout its journey, Cahya Mata's core principles have been deeply rooted in enriching the well-being of the community, corporate philanthropy, safety and environmental standards. Today, Cahya Mata adds another significant milestone to its legacy as it extends its support to local athletes in partnership with MAF.

With roots dating back to 1906 and affiliated with the National Sports Council ("NSC") since 1998, MAF has been instrumental in the development of Malaysian athletes over the years. Its influence was evident at the recent Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, where the Malaysian athletics contingent secured three medals.

The partnership between Cahya Mata and MAF aims to:

Champion athletes' well-being: Prioritising athletes' overall well-being and fostering a comprehensive approach to sports and health.

Empower with financial and resource backing: Both entities are determined to financially back and sustain talented athletes, propelling them to the pinnacle of their careers.

Promote leadership and character: Instilling leadership qualities and character development in athletes, enabling them to maintain professionalism and dominance throughout their careers.

Scout and nurture young prodigies: Cahya Mata and MAF envision a future where young athletic talents are identified early and nurtured towards professional sporting careers.

General Dato' Seri DiRaja Tan Sri (Dr.) Mohd Zahidi bin Haji Zainuddin, Group Chairman of Cahya Mata, reinforced the significance of this collaboration: "Our partnership reflects our belief in Malaysian athletes' untapped potential. Our commitment is to ensure their continuous growth and the harnessing of their potential, propelling them onto the international stage and amplifying Malaysia's achievements in the sport of athletics."

The collective vision of both Cahya Mata and MAF is clear – to elevate Malaysia's athletics as a whole and invest in athletes, promising them unwavering support throughout their sporting journey.

Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad ("Cahya Mata") is a leading corporation listed on the Main Market of the Malaysian stock exchange, Bursa Malaysia. After 49 years of contributing to the ever-changing landscape of Sarawak and Malaysia, we are now expanding our presence onto the global stage. Our new logo encompasses our commitment to becoming a growing multinational corporation. Designed in a three-dimensional chrome set on a bold black base, it represents our drive to constantly innovate, contribute to the betterment of the environment and continuously improve our governance. We are powered by our people, who are always determined to deliver excellence and care for our environment, societies and stakeholders.

Our core principles and values remain while we continue to evolve to be bolder, stronger and more transparent. With our professionals working together at the heart of Cahya Mata, we are focused on sharing and contributing our knowledge and skills to build a better future for all.