Bursa Malaysia raises RM1.8 million
The 6th edition of the Bursa Bull Charge took off on a high note under a clear blue afternoon sky on 4 November 2019, with over 1,300 capital market participants taking to the streets to run for others in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s central business district.
One of Bursa Malaysia’s flagship events, the Bursa Bull Charge has successfully established itself over the years as an all-inclusive premier capital market charity run, capturing the hearts of runners across the marketplace, uniting communities and people from all walks of life. Open to corporate runners, be they veteran runners, young executives, or university students, the Bursa Bull Charge aims to encourage solidarity across a broad demographic spectrum. To promote gender diversity and inclusivity, the Bursa Bull Charge also requires a female runner in each participating team.
The event was graced by guest-of-honour Dr Ong Kian Ming, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry. A running enthusiast, Dr Ong ran alongside 165 CEOs and C-suite executives of the exchange’s public-listed companies, as well as a group of 20 para-runners in the 1.5km run category. The other race categories included the 3km Corporate Challenge and the 5km Corporate & Future Leader Challenge.
Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift, Chief Executive Officer of Bursa Malaysia said: “As a frontline regulator and market operator, Bursa Malaysia is uniquely placed to influence and instill a strong culture of sustainability in our marketplace. We look forward to seeing more runners and participating organisations next year, further growing the culture of social activism through sports in our marketplace.”
The Bursa Bull Charge serves as an effective platform for the exchange to help improve the lives of the communities, especially those who need it most. These targeted communities include the Orang Asli (aboriginal) community, women (including single mothers), children and persons with disabilities. To ensure sustainable development of these communities, specific programmes are tailored to promote financial literacy, encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as raise awareness on climate change. Similarly, these key focus areas act to reinforce Bursa Malaysia’s support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on quality education and SDG 13 on climate action.
Since 2014, the Bursa Bull Charge has seen over 9,800 runners with more than RM11.5 million disbursed to 157 beneficiaries. Beneficiaries are selected based on the criteria stated in the Beneficiary Framework, which sets out the priority areas and target groups to whom efforts and funds will be channelled. This year, over RM1.8 million was raised and a total of 15 beneficiaries were selected. Part of the funds were channelled to two new beneficiaries, who contribute towards improving financial literacy among the underprivileged community.
Bursa Malaysia also continued its collaboration with the Global Environment Centre on initiatives that will protect the environment and promote the sustainable use of natural resources. Improvements have also been made towards the Bursa Bull Charge’s green efforts by opting to remove printed programme booklets. To achieve carbon neutrality, a carbon footprint assessment had been carried out. As a counter-measure on carbon emissions created this year, Bursa Malaysia will be implementing relevant CSR programmes, such as tree planting initiatives in 2020, as an offset.
Bursa Malaysia strives to develop a responsible marketplace – one that plays a crucial role in enabling sustainable development and long-term value for the nation. The Bursa Bull Charge hopes to achieve this by highlighting the importance of giving back to society. Hence, it is 'The Day the Marketplace Runs for Others' in support of the greater good and in the spirit of inclusivity.