NEWS: Promoting reading

N keeping with its commitment to promote an interest for reading, the Chemical Company of Malaysia Bhd (CCM) has donated RM30,000 worth of referral books on science, technology and health to 10 rural primary schools in Perak.

Group managing director Datuk Dr Mohd Hashim Tajudin said that it was vital for children to acquire a passion for reading from a young age, as it offered many advantages that aided their intellectual growth.

“While reading, you tend to subconsciously pitcture a vivid image in your mind about the story or topic.

“This exercises and challenges the mind to help keep build a capacity for enquiry and knowledge. In the process, one becomes more knowledgeable and confident,” he said.

“Without a doubt, a well-read student is more imaginative and has the ability and confidence to take an ingenious approach to connect the dots compared to others who might not be able to relate to a certain situation.
Mohd Hashim (seated, third from left) posing for a group photo with Mohd Radzi (seated, second from left) and school representatives.

“In spite of the introduction and availability of computers and internet, reading will continue to be a relevant and proven avenue to knowledge accumulation. Students need to know that the benefits of reading will definitely last a lifetime,” he added.

State education director Mohd Radzi Abd Jabar, who was present at the ceremony, commended the company for their initiative in promoting learning and confidence building amongst rural school children in the state through reading.

“I commend and thank CCM for its continuing efforts as it provides a chance for the students to discover and explore the wonders of reading, especially the latest developments in science, technology and health,” he said.

The donation is a corner stone of CCM’s corporate responsibility initiative to provide rural school children with equal opportunities as their urban peers to experience the joy of reading the latest books on science, health and technology.

Since the inception of the programme in 2006, 24,000 students from 37 rural schools in Perak have benefited from the company’s contribution of 2,000 books worth more than RM110,000 in English and Bahasa Malaysia, including encyclopaedia sets.