ALTHOUGH the Hai-O group started as a Chinese company, not many people are aware that about 95% of Hai-O Marketing Sdn Bhd’s distributors from its direct selling division are Malays.
“It’s a reflection that we don’t regard ourselves as a Chinese company, but a truly Malaysian company that provides employment to every race,” said Hai-O group chairman Tan Sri Osman S. Cassim.
As an extension of its multi-racial philosophy and support for charity, Hai-O Marketing Sdn Bhd will be sponsoring RM15,000 worth of the Mystical Steppes: Along the Silk Road show tickets for several Malay shelter homes in the Klang Valley.
The four homes are Rumah Anak-Anak Yatim Shifa in Setapak, Rumah Bakti in Hulu Kelang, Rumah Kanak-Kanak Tengku Budriah in Cheras and Pusat Jagaan Kanak-Kanak Nur Hikmah in Kampung Attap.
“We’re doing our bit for charity by sponsoring 170 tickets for the children to watch the show. It’s a worthy cause to support as the organisers said all proceeds will go to charity,” said Osman.
“I understand that the show’s troupe is from the Muslim region in China. It’s one way of showing that Islam is universal.
“The show would be a good way to expose the children to different types of cultures and people,” he added.
Rini Darma, 14, and Norlina Musa, 16, from Rumah Anak-Anak Yatim Shifa, as well as Mariamah Sundarabala, 17, and Nurul Izayati Man, 12, from Rumah Kanak-Kanak Tengku Budriah are among the lucky children who will be attending the performance courtesy of Hai-O Marketing.
“We’re very excited and look forward to watching the dances,” said Rini.
Rumah Anak-Anak Yatim Shifa supervisor Che Tom said this opportunity would allow the children to experience something new and let them learn about new cultures.
“The children might even pick up some of the dance steps from the show and practice during their dance sessions at the home,” said Che Tom, who teaches the children dances like joget, zapin and cha cha in addition to living skills like sewing and gardening.
Mystical Steppes is a showcase of music and dances from Xinjiang, the Chinese autonomous region bordering Mongolia, Pakistan, India and Russia.
It is presented by The Star and Osim (M) Sdn Bhd and supported by the Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry.
The official partners are Cathay Pacific Airways, Cititel Kuala Lumpur, Astro, Utusan Malaysia, Nanyang Siang Pau, China Press, KL Monorail, PowerScreen and REDfm’s 104.9 and 988.
The show will be held on Jan 26 to 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
The RM50 tickets for the 11.30am show on Jan 27 and 28 are sold out. The RM30 tickets for the 11.30am show on the two days are going fast.
Tickets are priced from RM20 - RM350. To purchase tickets, call 03 - 77115000.