Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford (Auto ConneXion) was recognised on a global scale for its exceptional commitment to community service, as the recipient of the prestigious ‘Salute to Dealers’ 2025 award presented by the Ford Motor Company. As one of only six dealers worldwide to receive this honour, this accolade underscores Auto ConneXion’s long-standing dedication to impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which have been continuously carried out for more than a decade. These initiatives include efforts in education, healthcare, elderly welfare, food security and environmental sustainability, among others.
Turse Zuhair, Managing Director of Auto ConneXion said, “We are truly honoured to take home the ‘Salute to Dealers’ award. This recognition demonstrates our ongoing efforts to support Malaysian communities and drive positive social change centred on education, public health, well-being and environmental sustainability. As the sole distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, our CSR initiatives are guided by Sime’s core value of care for all, ensuring that we provide tangible and lasting solutions for sustainable and thriving communities.”
For more than a decade, Auto ConneXion has remained active in giving back to communities through a wide range of impactful initiatives. Among its recent CSR projects are the Clean Water Project, the Ford Mobile Clinic and The Lost Food Project.
Auto ConneXion carried out the Clean Water project in collaboration with MyFundAction, a Malaysian youth-led non-profit organisation (NGO). Aimed at providing clean and safe water to underserved communities in Gerik, Perak, the project entailed the installation of a sustainable water tank system using advanced boring techniques, ensuring a reliable, clean and long-term water supply for low-income households. A team of 30 Auto ConneXion volunteers were on the ground to take part in this initiative, dedicating their time and effort to improve the daily lives of approximately 70 Orang Asli families in Gerik.
The ‘Salute to Dealers’ award highlights Ford’s 25-year commitment to supporting dealers worldwide who are making a positive difference in their communities. Auto ConneXion, in collaboration with Ford Philanthropy, the global philanthropic arm of Ford, continues to drive CSR initiatives to support underserved communities in Malaysia.
Auto ConneXion also continues to address food security challenges through its partnership with The Lost Food Project. Together with Ford Philanthropy, Auto ConneXion contributed USD45,000 (approximately RM200,000) to The Lost Food Project to support its mission of rescuing surplus food and redistribution to vulnerable communities. This donation provided approximately 855,000 nutritious meals to communities in need. Additionally, a team of 25 volunteers from Auto ConneXion participated in food sorting and preparation activities at The Lost Food Project warehouse located in Jalan Chan Sow Lin, Kuala Lumpur, rescuing 3,820kg of food—equivalent to 10,914 meals.
Another area of focus for Auto ConneXion is improving access to healthcare for rural and flood-affected communities. Auto ConneXion, together with Yayasan Sime Darby and Ford Philanthropy, recently contributed to the launch of a fully equipped Ford Mobile Clinic for MyFundAction. Through the Ford Mobile Clinic initiative, a collaboration with MyFundAction, essential healthcare services are now reaching Orang Asli villages and flood-affected communities across the country. As part of this initiative, Auto ConneXion and Yayasan Sime Darby donated a Ford Ranger, while Ford Philanthropy contributed USD55,000 (approximately RM250,000) towards the clinic’s setup and modifications. Equipped with critical medical devices, including a vital signs monitor, respiratory aid equipment and diagnostic tools, the Ford Mobile Clinic aims to provide health screenings and treatments, benefiting over 2,200 individuals in 2025.
According to Isma Fildza Hazry, Chief Development Officer of MyFundAction, “Our partnership with Auto ConneXion has been transformational. Through their support, we have been able to support marginalised communities, providing essential resources and fostering hope. We are proud to work together with a partner who is truly committed in uplifting our communities.”
Auto ConneXion and Ford Philanthropy remain steadfast in their mission to support community welfare, food security and healthcare access. These initiatives reaffirm their passion to empower communities and foster positive social change across Malaysia.
