LEADING property development and asset management company UDA Holdings Bhd, continues to strengthen its commitment to community development through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative ‘UDA Cares: Building Communities, Producing Champions’.
UDA chairman Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini, said: “Recognising that participation in bowling involves high costs, and driven by the intention to ensure that no young talent is left behind due to financial constraints, this programme was initiated to provide access and opportunities for students from low-income families to explore and develop their talents in the sport.”
“Bowling often excludes young talents – particularly those from the B40 group – due to its high participation costs.
“UDA believes that within this group lies immense potential that can be nurtured into champions if given the space, opportunity, guidance and support,” he added.
“Through strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors, UDA sees this programme as a platform to elevate bowling as a holistic development avenue for youth, instilling character, discipline and sportsmanship.”
The ‘UDA Cares: Building Communities, Producing Champions’ CSR programme began in February 2025, starting with initial meetings with relevant agencies to ensure smooth implementation with significant impact.
The participant selection session was held on June 10 and 11 involving 120 students from Sekolah Kebangsaan Sri Kinta, SJK (T) Kampung Simee, SK Cator Avenue and SJK (C) Chung Tack Simee.
From this pool, 30 promising students were selected and are currently undergoing an intensive 16-week training programme from June 16 to Oct 6, 2025.
Mohd Annuar added that the 16-week training is led by Syaidatul Afifah Badrul Hamidi, a former national bowler from Ipoh.
“With Syaidatul Afifah as the head coach and two other local professional coaches on the team, we hope to unlock the participants’ full potential and achieve the programme’s core goal – to produce quality, competitive champions,” he said.
A total of 30 promising students are currently undergoing a 16-week intensive training programme under the guidance of former national bowler Syaidatul Afifah Badrul Hamidi.
He also noted that the selection of Angsana Ipoh Mall as the official venue was a strategic move to reinforce the role of UDA-owned commercial centres in community empowerment, in line with the brand’s values of L.I.F.E.— Legacy, Integrated, Finesse and Enrich.
“Angsana Ipoh Mall is more than a shopping destination – it is an inclusive community hub that reflects UDA’s mission of promoting entrepreneurship in urban areas.
“The presence of Lite Superbowl JB9 aligns with our efforts to revitalise the bowling centre at Angsana Ipoh Mall, which was once a popular attraction,” he said.
Mohd Annuar also extended his appreciation to strategic partners whose roles were crucial to the success of this CSR programme, underscoring UDA’s ongoing commitment to sustainable social change and sports development.
To ensure the programme’s success, UDA collaborated with the Perak State Education Department (JPN), Perak Youth and Sports Department (JBS), Perak State Sports Council (MSN), Yayasan Perak, and private sector supporters such as Perak Transit Berhad and FND Empire Sdn Bhd (operator of Lite Superbowl JB9 at Angsana Ipoh Mall).
Each agency played a vital role by contributing logistics, resources, manpower and expertise.
JPN Perak coordinated student participation and attendance, while Yayasan Perak sponsored training attire for the 30 selected students to encourage active involvement.
Perak Transit Berhad provided free transportation for students and accompanying teachers. FND Empire Sdn Bhd – a business operating in a UDA property – provided the facilities and training support at Lite Superbowl JB9.
JBS Perak and MSN Perak were tasked with identifying young talents with potential to be developed further.
The programme’s finale will be held on Oct 12 in Ipoh, featuring the grand finals and official launch ceremony in conjunction with National Sports Day and the UDA Carnival 2025.
For more information, visit www.uda.com.my, Instagram (@uda_official) or Facebook (UDA Holdings Berhad).
