INTEL VOLUNTEERS ADVOCATE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION THROUGH MANGROVE TREE PLANTING

4,000 mangrove trees planted by 400 volunteers for the 4th consecutive year

PENANG, Nov 4, 2008 – Intel Malaysia recently organized a mangrove tree planting activity at Kampung Sungai Sembilang, Juru. The project is aimed at creating a protective buffer zone between the open sea and populated land areas, where the mangrove trees act as natural barriers to erosions and large tidal waves including tsunamis. This initiative is also beneficial to the community of Kampung Sungai Sembilang, Juru, mainly because the mangroves naturally cultivate to become a habitat to many food sources and increased fishing.

The Intel Mangrove Tree Planting Programme, which is now into its fourth year, is one of Intel Malaysia’s annual corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects. Organized in collaboration with the Penang Inshore Fisherman’s Welfare Association (PIFWA), the project brings together the support of various sections of the community to increase awareness, responsibility and action towards maintaining a healthy and sustainable coastal environment. Prior to selecting the location, Intel had invited environmentalists from Universiti Sains Malaysia to assess the suitability of the planting site by running a series of tests. “Intel has long had a strong culture of employee volunteerism, and our approach to corporate responsibility is the understanding that business success comes hand in hand with the health of the planet and economies around the world. This year is even more meaningful to us as we celebrate our 40th corporate anniversary, where we will be giving the gift of one million volunteer hours to the communities worldwide,” said Mr. Lee Koh Wing, Corporate Services Manager, Intel Malaysia.

“We are very proud to continue the Mangrove Tree Planting Programme for four consecutive years and we hope to increase the number of mangroves as we progress. It is our intention to create a positive impact on the community that we operate in by being directly involved with initiatives such as this,” he added.

Yang Berhormat Tuan Wong Hon Wai, State Assemblyman for Bukit Tambun, was the guest of honour at the event. In his welcome address, Wong noted that corporate social responsibility should be an essential aspect in how organizations conduct their business.

“I believe that this philosophy will go a long way towards building a solid reputation for an organization, and will strengthen the bond between the organization and its various stakeholders.
Intel’s long term commitment towards environmental sustainability and its contribution to the community has brought about tremendous benefits for all Penangites, and I look forward for this commitment to continue for a long time to come,” added Wong.

The activity, which is part of Intel Corporation’s 40th Anniversary pledge to clock in one million hours of volunteer service to the communities worldwide, managed to garner the support of over 400 volunteers who planted a total of 4,000 mangrove saplings. The volunteers consisted of representatives from Intel Malaysia, Intel Involved Matching Grant Programme (IIMGP) schools, residents of Kampung Sungai Sembilang, representatives from the Chief Minister’s office, the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) and participating non-governmental organizations (NGO).

Volunteer hours recorded under this project will also go towards raising funds for participating IIMGP schools and NGOs. Under the IIMGP, Intel Foundation will donate funds to match every hour of Intel employee volunteer time.