JOHOR BAHRU: More than 1,700 students and 103 teachers at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Impian Emas are now better protected from the harsh Malaysian weather thanks to a generous RM33,480 contribution by OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad for the installation of a new awning at the school’s hall.

The contribution, made through the Bank’s Johor Bahru branch, comes under the “Aided to Aspire” education initiative, a key component of the Bank’s larger corporate social responsibility platform, #OCBCCares.

The new awning covers what was previously an exposed space, transforming the school’s multipurpose hall into a more functional and weather-resilient area.

With the structure now in place, students and staff will benefit from greater comfort and safety during school assemblies, co-curricular activities, and community events.

The upgraded space also enables uninterrupted use regardless of weather conditions, whether under the blazing sun or torrential rain — a longstanding issue for the 22-year-old school.

SMK Impian Emas principal, Wong Cheui Keen, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Bank, noting the impact the improved facility will have on the daily life of the school community.

“Our school hall is central to student life, playing host to numerous important events and gatherings. However, we have long needed an infrastructure upgrade to better serve its function,” she said.

Wong pointed out that the awning donated by OCBC Bank has solved a practical challenge the school faced for years.

Rain or shine, she said the students now have a comfortable and safe place to come together.

“We are truly grateful for this timely and generous contribution,” she asserted.

The contribution is part of OCBC Bank’s wider commitment to community engagement.

The Bank’s southern region cluster manager and Johor Bahru branch senior manager, Fiona Gan Huei Chin, said the initiative reflects OCBC’s broader aim to support long-term societal wellbeing through sustainable efforts.

“We are driven not only by our mission to be Asia’s leading financial services partner for a sustainable future, but also by our responsibility to the communities in which we operate,” she said.

“The #OCBCCares platform, through its Education, Environment and Healthcare pillars, allows us to identify local needs and respond meaningfully,” stressed Fiona.

She pointed out that the new awning at SMK Impian Emas falls under the Education pillar through our Aided to Aspire programme.

According to Fiona, the protective structure will contribute significantly to student wellbeing, offering shelter and improving the school’s outdoor usability.

“It might seem like a small change, but the effects are long-term. Students will now have a shaded and safer environment, protected from harmful UV rays, sudden rain, and heat exposure. This also aligns with our goal of promoting sustainable and inclusive education spaces,” explained Fiona.

In addition to the infrastructure support, OCBC Bank staff also took the opportunity to engage directly with students by conducting a financial literacy and online scam awareness session during their visit to the school.

The programme aimed to equip students with essential financial management skills and the knowledge to navigate growing cybersecurity risks.

“Our contribution goes beyond infrastructure,” she said.

“We believe in equipping young people with knowledge. That’s why our team came together to provide practical education on money management and how to avoid online scams,” she elaborated.

With this kind of awareness, said Fiona students can start building better financial habits early and stay safer online.

The #OCBCCares platform was established as a long-term commitment by OCBC Bank to enhance lives across Malaysia. Its education-focused “Aided to Aspire” arm supports projects that encourage better learning environments and educational opportunities.

Other pillars include “Plate to Plant,” which promotes food composting and sustainability under its Environment focus, and “Equipped to Enable,” which provides healthcare equipment to underserved facilities.

As SMK Impian Emas looks ahead to the new academic term, the school community is expected to benefit greatly from the addition, which not only meets an immediate physical need but also reinforces the value of public-private collaboration in enhancing educational environments.

The installation of the awning is just one of many initiatives under OCBC Bank’s goal of creating meaningful and lasting impact in communities through targeted, sustainable outreach.

“At OCBC Bank, we understand that small changes can bring big improvements in everyday life. The awning at SMK Impian Emas is a perfect example of how we can help build environments where young people can thrive, learn, and grow — rain or shine,” added Fiona.