Toyota Classics 2012

Inspiring A World of Beauty through Music and Philanthropy On 8 November 2012, UMW Toyota Motor rolled out a night to remember, the 21st Toyota Classics for classical music aficionados at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, in continuing its philanthropic spirit to community. The concert featured the world renowned Vienna Chamber Orchestra under the masterful baton of famed conductor Joji Hattori and featuring guitarist Soichi Muraji. Toyota Classics 2012 celebrates the 30th anniversary of Malaysia's Look East Policy, which was introduced by then Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. From Left: Datin Azimar Aziz, UMWT President Spouse, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad,
Former Prime Minister, Datuk Ismet Suki, President, UMWT Toyota Classics is one of UMW Toyota Motor's main pillars of Corporate Social Responsibility. Every year, the musical extravaganza brings internationally well-known orchestras to Malaysian shores, giving Malaysians the invaluable opportunity to enjoy world-class classical music in the country. The Vienna Chamber Orchestra performing at its best to the audience. Over the last two decades, Toyota Classics has developed a life of its own, with performances by different orchestras and beneficiaries. Yet the philosophy behind the Toyota Classics programme remains, which is to allow Malaysians to enjoy an enchanting night of music, at the same time donate to charity. "Since the inception of the Toyota Classics in 1990 we have raised RM6.6 million to benefit 50 organisations, through ticket sales and corporate donations. This is substantial fundraising for charity and speaks volumes on the generosity of Toyota's business partners and the people of Malaysia," said Datuk Ismet Suki.

The Vienna Chamber Orchestra performed nine songs to enthral the audience at the one night concert, which include reinterpretation of the late Tan Sri P.Ramlee's favourites such as Malam Bulan Di Pagar Bintang, Di Mana Kan Kucari Ganti and Kwek Mambo. The guests of honour at the sold-out concert were Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Al-Haj, the Sultan of Selangor, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd.

1. His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah (left), Sultan Of Selangor receiving a token of appreciation from Mr Yukitoshi Funo (right), Executive Vice President, TMC
2. Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (left), Former Prime Minister receiving a token of appreciation from Mr Yukitoshi Funo (right), Executive Vice President, TMC
3. Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Spouse, receiving a token of appreciation from Puan Sri Habibah Salleh, spouse of UMWT's Chairman

Proceeds from this year's ticket sales and corporate donations amounted more than RM 310,000 were channelled to two charitable and non-governmental organizations for specific purposes. Persatuan Pemulihan Orang-orang Cacat Selangor & Wilayah Persekutuan (PPOC) with a Toyota Hiace to facilitate its residents' mobility. Meanwhile, Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) will receive a Toyota Prius 1.8 for its academia usage. The Toyota Classics concerts was conceptualised under the Philanthropic pillar of UMW Toyota Motors' three pillars of CSR to raise funds for charitable organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). The other two pillars are the Environment programmes for secondary school students and the road safety campaign, which is focusing on preschool children.

UMW Toyota Motor's commitment to CSR has been an integral part of its corporate culture since it was established in 1982. Its CSR approach is consistent with its philosophy of 'A history of service to society' whereby UMW Toyota Motor continually seeks opportunities to contribute to the communities in which they operate their business.