Kuala lumpur:<Text>

RHB Banking Group continues to strengthen its commitment to community empowerment through its employee volunteerism and community engagement programme, RHB Touch Hearts, which has now entered its 10th year of implementation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, RHB Banking Group managing director Datuk Mohd Rashid Mohamad stated that the programme, themed 'Empowering Futures, One Heart at a Time' this year, reflects the Group's belief in creating a lasting and meaningful impact by placing people at the centre of its community initiatives. He emphasized the importance of making connections with individuals as a way to create a wider impact on society.

Mohd Rashid, who is also RHB Banking Group chief executive officer, explained that the 2025/2026 cycle focuses on empowering students and enhancing school learning environments, aligning with the Group's sustainability agenda under its PROGRESS27 framework. The programme includes financial litera cy education, upskilling programmes, and school enhancement projects aimed at equipping students with practical life skills and improving their learning experiences.

Meanwhile, SMK Sungai Pelek principal Affandi Hussin noted that the initiatives introduced by RHB assist students in preparing for life after school by providing clearer direction and improving their employability, particularly in areas like financial literacy. He highlighted the importance of industry support from strategic partners such as RHB in producing students who are better prepared for future challenges.

Since its inception in 2016, RHB Touch Hearts has implemented 326 community initiatives, benefiting over 105,000 individuals and communities across ASEAN, with a total investment of RM5.26 million in community support. The programme has involved more than 5,000 employee volunteers, contributing over 11,200 volunteer hours.

For the 2025/2026 cycle alone, the programme executed 44 initi atives across Malaysia and other ASEAN markets, reaching 33,616 beneficiaries, with RM370,000 in social investment. This effort reinforces RHB's ongoing commitment to advancing education, economic empowerment, and community wellbeing.