NEC Malaysia Celebrates 125th Anniversary With Pickleball Charity Event
To commemorate its 125th anniversary, NEC Malaysia hosted a heartwarming Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) event titled Smash Barrier, Serve Hope: Giving Back Through Pickleball in Kuala Lumpur. The event, held in partnership with the Hiichiikok Home for Children Care, brought together NEC employees and underprivileged youth for a day of sports, mentorship, and community connection.
NEC Malaysia, a subsidiary of NEC Corporation established in 1988, has long been recognized as a leader in digital transformation within the country. The company’s commitment to leveraging technology for societal benefit was on full display during the event, as employees took to the pickleball courts alongside children aged 4 to 17, fostering a spirit of inclusion and camaraderie.
Pickleball As A Bridge For Connection And Empowerment
Why pickleball? The sport was chosen for its accessibility, offering a level playing field for participants of all ages and skill levels. Beyond its physical benefits, pickleball served as a medium for mentorship, allowing NEC employees to connect with the children on a personal level.
Each child was paired with an NEC employee, creating an “Adopt a Child for a Day” experience that extended beyond the game. Friendly matches and coaching sessions introduced the youth to a new sport while also instilling valuable life lessons in teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship.
“This event was more than just a celebration of our 125th anniversary—it was an opportunity to connect with our community and inspire the next generation,” said Wataru Irie, Managing Director of NEC Malaysia. “By merging sports and technology, we aim to empower youth with skills that will help them thrive in a digital world.”
Merging Sports With Digital Literacy
In addition to the pickleball sessions, NEC Malaysia employees shared insights about the transformative power of technology. They highlighted how digital solutions can address societal challenges and improve quality of life, reinforcing NEC’s ongoing commitment to Malaysia’s digital evolution.
NEC Malaysia’s Next Generation Leaders committee, an internal group established under the Managing Director’s mandate to drive transformation across the company, organized the event. This initiative is just one of many aimed at creating positive community impact, aligning with NEC’s broader mission of fostering trust through connection and care.
A Day Of Joy And Support
For the Hiichiikok Home for Children Care, the day was about more than just pickleball. NEC Malaysia also raised RM8,000, which was used to provide essential groceries and furniture for the home, further demonstrating the company’s commitment to social responsibility.
Frieda Ngui, Home Manager of Hiichiikok Home for Children Care, expressed her gratitude:
“We’re incredibly thankful to NEC Malaysia for spending time with the children. Many of them rarely get such opportunities to learn new sports or interact with mentors who genuinely care. The pickleball session and the ‘Adopt a Child for a Day’ initiative truly made them feel valued and included.”
Looking Forward: NEC’s Commitment To Community
As NEC Malaysia continues to celebrate its 125-year legacy, the company remains focused on creating meaningful connections through initiatives that blend technology, sports, and community outreach. With each event, NEC aims to foster a future where technology empowers individuals and builds bridges across generations.
For more information about NEC Malaysia’s community initiatives and ongoing digital transformation projects, visit NEC Malaysia.
