KUCHING, 17 March 2018 

AEON CO. (M) BHD. imbedded their roots deep into the heart of Kuching by extending a helping hand to the environment through AEON’s Hometown Forest Programme, with the involvement of around 100 participants from local schools and AEON representatives.

The tradition of tree-planting is a step towards preserving and protecting the environment, as well as the surrounding ecosystem. This initiative is part of AEON CO. (M) BHD.’s corporate social responsibility programme that is always conducted together with the local community prior to the opening of any mall. As such, in conjunction with the upcoming opening of the first AEON MALL in Kuching, this initiative provide locals with an opportunity to partake in the launch activities and do their bid for the environment.

Managing Director of AEON CO. (M) BHD., Mr. Shinobu Washizawa said: “This initiative to go green gives us the opportunity to spread the message of ecological sustenance while creating a genuine working relationship with the residents within the vicinity of our first AEON Mall in Kuching Central. Most importantly, it also marks a commitment between AEON and the residents of Kuching as we look to not only cater to the needs of consumers but also to establish a green and sustainable environment.”

The tree planting exercise aims to further AEON’s efforts to promote peace through education on the importance of conserving the environment and initiatives to combat against eco-environmental issues to assist in building the environment for the benefit of future generation.

The Hometown Forest Programme was officiated by Mr. Wong Siong Kuan, Senior Assistant Director of Sarawak Forestry Department in the presence of Mr. Shinobu Washizawa, Managing Director of AEON CO. (M) BHD. They were accompanied by students from Sekolah Kebangsaan Tembawang, Bau, S.J.K. (C) Chung Hua Batu 7; and AEON MALL Kuching Central management and staff.

“It was a delight for us to witness the communal efforts of the local community as we work together to preserve the environment here in Kuching. In years to come, our effort will be visible and we will be able to see the fruits of our labour. Tree-planting has and will always be one of the most efficient and effective ways to make a big difference in our environment,” concluded Washizawa.

After a short brief by an official from the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), a total of 50 trees and 450 plants were systematically planted on the grounds at AEON Mall Kuching Central. Saplings such as meranti langgai, kapur, billion and kelempayan were amongst the species chosen for the trees, while shrubs such as heliconia, spider lily and ixora were planted to beautify and create a nature-friendly ambiance.

As a token of appreciation, the two schools that participated were each presented with RM5,000 worth of books, courtesy of Malaysian AEON Foundation.

Through various tree-planting initiatives, AEON CO. (M) BHD. has planted more than 500,000 trees within Malaysia over a period of 27 years.