AmBank Group brings Digital Connectivity and Learning Opportunities to Kampung Sungai Gayung, Pahang - first Orang Asli Village in the district to receive internet connectivity

The initiative builds on last year’s community support, bringing internet access, digital learning and essential resources closer to the Orang Asli community.
 
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- AmBank Group, through AmGroup Foundation, continues its commitment to supporting underserved communities with the introduction of Starlink internet connectivity at Kampung Sungai Gayung, Muadzam Shah, Pahang, making it the first Orang Asli village in the District of Rompin to be equipped with internet connectivity.
 
Building on the community support extended last year, the initiative reflects AmBank Group’s ongoing efforts to help bridge the digital divide and create opportunities for learning, connection and community development. What began with the provision of essential items and solar-powered street lighting has now grown into a more holistic initiative that brings together digital access, educational resources, infrastructure improvements and meaningful employee volunteerism.
 
Last year, AmBank Group supported two villages, Kampung Sg Gayung and Kampung Batu Putih through the installation of solar street lights, dry food items and clothing to help address some of the community’s immediate needs.
 
This year, the initiative takes another step forward with the installation of Starlink internet connectivity, additional street lights and the reconstruction of the Kampung Sg Gayung Rumah Adat into a Digital Resource Centre. At the same time, the Bank also took similar efforts in rebuilding the present Rumah Adat in Kampung Batu Putih.
 
The Digital Resource Centre is envisioned as a shared space where villagers, particularly children and young people, can access digital resources, explore educational opportunities and develop essential skills for an increasingly connected world.
 
To support this effort, AmBank Group has also sponsored refurbished laptops for villagers’ use, alongside study tables and lamps to provide a more conducive environment for learning. Books have been contributed to encourage children’s education, while pre-loved clothing donated by AmBank staff and dry food items have been provided to support the wider needs of the community.
 
Recognising that access to technology is only the first step, AmBank Volunteer Network (AVN), comprising mainly employees from the Wholesale Banking department, are on the ground to conduct digital literacy classes. Through these sessions, villagers will have opportunities to become more familiar with digital tools and build confidence in using technology for learning, communication and everyday activities.
 
For AmBank Group and AmGroup Foundation, the initiative is not simply about bringing internet connectivity to a remote village. It is about helping create an environment where people can access information, nurture their aspirations and discover new possibilities, while respecting the community’s identity, traditions and way of life.
 
Datuk Jamzidi Khalid, Managing Director of Wholesale Banking, AmBank Group, said, “Meaningful community support begins with understanding what matters to the people we serve. While access to basic necessities remains important, we also recognise the growing role that connectivity, education and digital skills play in opening up opportunities for future generations.

“We are humbled to be able to build on our efforts in Kampung Sungai Gayung, from providing essential supplies and solar street lights last year to supporting internet connectivity, a Digital Resource Centre and digital literacy this year. For us, this is not just about providing equipment or facilities; it is about helping create an environment where children can learn, families can stay connected and the community can explore new opportunities by venturing into online business platforms, for instance. We hope that the resources provided will be put to good use and that the relationships built through this effort will continue to grow beyond this programme.”
 
The initiative is undertaken in collaboration with Global Peace Foundation Malaysia, whose community engagement and development efforts help connect partners, volunteers and local communities in working towards sustainable, people-centred progress.
 
Dr Teh Su Thye, Chief Executive Officer of Global Peace Foundation Malaysia said, “Community development works best when it starts with what people themselves aspire to. At Kampung Sungai Gayung, the Digital Resource Centre gives children a place to study and villagers a way to get online and explore new opportunities. We are grateful to AmBank Group and its volunteers, and we look forward to seeing the community make this space their own.”
 
Established in 2011, Global Peace Foundation Malaysia is a non-profit organisation working with Orang Asli and rural communities on clean water, solar energy, sustainable livelihoods and youth leadership.
 
As the community begins to make use of these new resources, AmBank Group via its corporate responsibility arm - the AmGroup Foundation hopes that the initiative will contribute to a more supportive learning environment for children, greater digital confidence among villagers and stronger connections between the community and the wider world.
 
About AmGroup Foundation
AmGroup Foundation is the corporate responsibility arm of AmBank Group, dedicated to creating sustainable and meaningful impact through initiatives that empower communities, promote education and well-being, and improve the lives of underserved Malaysians. Through strategic partnerships and employee volunteerism, the Foundation strives to build stronger, more inclusive communities across the nation.
 
About AmBank Group