Maybank launches MaybankHeart

KUALA LUMPUR: Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank), which has launched an online crowdfunding platform called MaybankHeart for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and charitable bodies, hopes to handle RM1 million within a year, from over RM400,000 to date.
MaybankHeart aims to connect NGOs and charitable bodies with private sector partners and enable them to reach out to a wider audience for support of their charity projects and campaigns.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference yesterday, its CFO Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir said the platform has closed about 12 campaigns to date, handling more than RM400,000 since its pilot launch last September.
Amirul said the platform is the first of its kind in Malaysia, which would provide the public with an insight into projects by NGOs which require funding, together with an indication of the amount required by them.
He said once the target amount required for a particular project is achieved, it is closed and donors can choose to contribute to other projects listed in the platform.
Amirul, who is also the chairman of MaybankHeart Governing Council said the platform promotes end-to-end transparency, as it provides a breakdown of how funds will be used and a real-time status of the total amount of funds collected. “Donors can be assured that 100% of their contributions will go directly to the project,” Amirul said.
Meanwhile, in his keynote address, Maybank chairman Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor said this initiative would also enable the NGOs to reach out not only to the general public but also tap on the group’s 22 million customers worldwide.
“With combined and strengthened efforts from all, we are confident that this initiative will gain more traction, contributing to an inclusive, sustainable and resilient future for our people and environment,” he added.
The public can contribute directly through its website at www.maybankheart.com via direct debit from their Maybank account or by using credit or debit card, with a minimum donation of RM10.
Meanwhile, NGOs and charitable bodies can apply through its email at maybankheart@maybank.com to be listed in the platform, which will be reviewed and approved by a council comprising senior management of the group.
So far, among the platform’s corporate donors include Eco World Development Group Bhd, Top Glove Corp Bhd, Glomac Bhd, SP Setia Bhd and IGB Corp Bhd.