“Volunteerism does not have to begin with something big. It begins with willingness and what you have.”

This was one of the key messages shared by Sime Darby Rent-A-Car Sdn Bhd (SDRAC) Chief Operating Officer Encik Nahar Hakimy at the Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) Volunteer Awards Ceremony 2026 on 10 September 2026.

Encik Nahar was invited as a panellist for “Volunteerism Starts with Us: Leading by Example”. The forum explored how organizations can encourage employee participation, create accessible volunteering opportunities and inspire meaningful social impact.

Everyone Has Something to Contribute

During the discussion, Encik Nahar reflected on the meaning of the Malay word 'sukarela'.

Suka carries the meaning of enjoyment and joy, while rela represents willingness and sincerity. Together, the word reminds us that volunteering should not feel like an obligation. It should come from a genuine willingness to contribute.

“Not everyone can contribute in the same way, but almost everyone has something they can contribute,” he shared.

While some employees may volunteer their time through community or environmental activities, others can contribute their knowledge, professional skills, networks, ideas or passion.

By providing different ways to participate, organizations can help employees contribute according to their strengths and circumstances.

Making Volunteerism More Accessible

Encik Nahar also highlighted that leadership through volunteerism goes beyond attending community activities. Leaders play an important role in creating an environment where employees feel supported and empowered to participate.

Volunteering opportunities can be made more accessible through smaller and more flexible commitments, including mentoring, webinars, online programmes or activities closer to the workplace.

“Small commitment does not necessarily mean small impact.”

When employees understand who they are helping, why the cause matters and how their contribution makes a difference, volunteering becomes more meaningful.

A Shared Commitment to Volunteerism

The forum was moderated by Dr. Hajah Yatela Zainal Abidin, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan Sime Darby.

Joining Encik Nahar on the panel were Mohd Azman Mohd Ismail, Regional CEO, Northern Region, SD Guthrie Berhad; Dr. Yasmin Rasyid, General Manager, Sustainability, Sime Darby Property Berhad; and social activist Kuan Chee Heng, also known as Uncle Kentang.

The ceremony was graced by Y.A.M. Tunku Tan Sri Imran Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar, Chairman of Yayasan Sime Darby, alongside representatives from Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat, senior management leaders and employee volunteers from the Sime businesses.

SDRAC extends its appreciation to Yayasan Sime Darby for the invitation and for providing a meaningful platform to celebrate and inspire volunteerism.

As SDRAC continues its community journey, the company remains committed to creating meaningful opportunities for its people to contribute, give back and make a positive difference.

“Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity to volunteer. Start with what you have.”

From Gratitude to Action

Encik Nahar concluded by encouraging those who have not yet started volunteering to begin with gratitude and contribute using what they already have.

“Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity to volunteer. Start with what you have.”

SDRAC remains committed to supporting meaningful opportunities for its people to contribute, give back to the community and create a positive social impact.

Discover More of Our Community Initiatives

Explore SDRAC’s community and employee-volunteering initiatives through our Latest News page.

To learn more about Yayasan Sime Darby’s wider volunteer programmes and community initiatives, visit the YSD website.