It’s not every day that a child gets told a story by the chief executive of a leading bank, but that’s exactly what several lucky ones at the Serdang Hospital Paediatric Ward got when staff of OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd (OCBC Bank) and OCBC Al-Amin Bank Berhad (OCBC Al-Amin) came a-calling recently.
And OCBC Al-Amin CEO Syed Abdull Aziz Syed Kechik, who read to them from Short Kid Stories found it to be quite an experience himself!
The children were fascinated by the story and how it was rendered, judging from the rapt attention and the encores.
“I was particularly touched by the kids’ eagerness to listen. I’m happy they found joy in this simple story telling session as kids these days are more inclined to use electronic gadgets. It’s good to know that books are still significant and I hope these children will go on to find reading a truly pleasurable activity as we have left several books behind for them to read at their leisure,” he said.
The ward was decorated with balloons, colourful mats and interactive posters which created the perfect setting for the children and OCBC staff to have a rollicking good time together.
The range of story books presented by the Bank to the Hospital included Big Book of Fairy Tales, My First Mr Men, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and a set of Kisah Himpunan Dongeng Sang Kancil and many others. In addition, OCBC donated RM12,888.88.
“The books will ensure these kids don’t miss out on their reading when hospitalised,” said Syed Abdull Aziz, who has been spearheading the team’s annual visits to paediatric wards of government hospitals since 2010.
“It’s our eighth consecutive year visiting a paediatric ward as a team and each year we try to visit a different hospital to cater to their needs. It’s quite a delightful experience being able to put a smile on the faces of the little ones here,” he said.
Along with his staff, Syed Abdull Aziz distributed 100 goodie bags and packed foods to the children and donated funds collected by staff to Hospital Serdang.
During the event, the kids were also entertained to a magic show by Jaja the Clown, who got them laughing their hearts out.
Expressing the Hospital’s gratefulness to OCBC, its Director, Dr Rohana Johan said it was grateful for the cash donation of RM12,888.88 and, more importantly, to have the caring presence of a caring corporate citizen.
“We are thankful for the fun get-together session organised by the Bank,” she added.