Kuala Lumpur, 5 September 2024 – AEON CO. (M) BHD. (AEON) has launched the “Planting Seeds of Growth for Future: Creating Gardens in Schools” tree planting program across the country as part of its 40th-anniversary celebration. This program, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education Malaysia, is part of AEON’s ongoing commitment to community development and environmental conservation.
The program was officially launched on 4 September at Sekolah Kebangsaan Taman Bukit Maluri, Kepong. Approximately 100 students and 30 AEON volunteers planted 300 saplings on the launch day. The event was officiated by Dr. Zalina Mohd Tahir, Deputy Director of Education Planning and Management Sector, Department of Education, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
The tree planting activity at SK Taman Bukit Maluri marks the beginning of a series of similar events that will take place in 27 other schools across the country. Each school was identified with the assistance of the Ministry of Education Malaysia, based on its proximity to one of the 28 AEON Malls nationwide. Around 10,000 saplings will be planted in the participating schools.
Naoya Okada, Managing Director of AEON, said, “We are pleased to celebrate our 40th anniversary by giving back to the community in a meaningful way. Outdoor activities like today’s activity offer enriching educational experiences for students. They learn about the importance of nature and their role in contributing to their school and the environment.”
“AEON remains committed to driving positive change through various initiatives that engage our ecosystem. This program is yet another step in our journey towards creating a more sustainable future,” he added.
Since beginning operations in Malaysia in 1984, AEON has planted over 550,000 trees through various tree planting initiatives. Last year, AEON completed the final phase of the “Malaysia-Japan Friendship Forest Programme” in Perak. This project was launched to support the Forest Research Institute Malaysia’s (FRIM) efforts to rehabilitate and re-green the former tin mine area in Bidor. A total of 30,000 trees have been successfully planted since the project’s inception in 2014.
This year, AEON celebrates its 40th anniversary in Malaysia. To date, AEON has 28 AEON Malls, 35 AEON Stores, 6 AEON MaxValu, 62 AEON Wellness and 44 DAISO outlets across the country.