By Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
The 2020 school year started on a high note for 674 Orang Asli students who received full back-to-school essentials via the A Brighter Future with 
.
The Orang Asli focused campaign by TOP, an innovative detergent brand from Japan, has set a record for the number of beneficiaries and the extensive contribution that includes new uniforms, shoes, socks, bags, stationeries, exercise books, workbooks, activity books, art and craft supplies, and musical instruments.
TOP collaborated with the Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA), to deliver the back-to-school necessities to seven Orang Asli communities deep in the interior of Perak, Pahang and Negeri Sembilan so the children are dressed for success, and the financial pressure on families is reduced.
JAKOA Director-General, Professor Juli Edo said the campaign has positively uplifted hundreds of Orang Asli families by easing their finances, providing motivation for children to stay in school.
“TOP has made the largest single back-to-school contribution to Orang Asli communities from the private sector, ever. It adds value to the existing assistance provided by JAKOA to Orang Asli students. This strategic public-private collaboration has sparked positivity among children, parents and teachers,” Professor Edo said.
TOP has held the campaign for five years to motivate students from underserved communities and B40 households to achieve more by boosting their self-confidence and self-esteem, and to educate them on caring for their clothing so that they are clean, and hygienically laundered. A total of 2474 students have benefitted to-date.
