The recently concluded Maybank Bali Marathon (MBM) 2019 stands testimony to PT Bank Maybank Indonesia’s commitment to empowering communities through corporate social responsibility (CSR), particularly communities in the famed tourist destination.

Maybank Indonesia president director Taswin Zakaria and Maybank Group chairman Datuk Mohaiyani Shamsudin, as well as local government officials and Maybank Indonesia directors and commissioners, attended the MBM 2019 on Sunday, Sept. 8.

The marathon opened with a ceremony at Taman Bhagawan in Benoa to distribute CSR aid to the local people.

The event saw 4,500 students and 172 teachers from 43 schools gather along the race route to cheer on the runners. Aid packages containing stationery and sports equipment were distributed to all schools that turned out at the MBM 2019.

Held since 2012, the Maybank Bali Marathon has won praise from around the world. It has been hailed as one of 11 remarkable races in the world. Runnersworld mentioned the event as one of 52 best races on Earth in 2016 “you must participate before you die.” The event was recognized as best marathon 2016, best half marathon 2015 and the most popular sport event 2018 by the Venue.

This year’s MBM featured three race categories: a full marathon, a half marathon and a 10-kilometer run.

The wheelchair division has been a regular feature since the inaugural Bali Marathon. This year’s event saw 60 wheelchair athletes participating in the 5 km race.

Maybank Indonesia is also committed to supporting and promoting disability rights with its microfinancing program through the Puspadi Bali, an NGO that provides rehabilitation and education for people with disabilities.

“Maybank Indonesia has been running a CSR program in Bali since 2012 as part of our mission of humanized financial services. The CSR program proves a well forged partnership between Maybank Indonesia and Bali, highlighted by the organization of an international event,” said Maybank Indonesia president director Taswin Zakaria.

“The Bali event is part of our efforts to share, develop and empower people, particularly youths and cooperatives. In past years, we conducted CSR initiatives in sports, public health and education,” he said.

The spirit behind the MBM 2019 is Maybank Peduli Bumi, the bank’s environmental movement that was launched to mark Maybank Indonesia’s 60th anniversary.

Nice batik: Maybank Indonesia president director Taswin Zakaria (left) and Maybank Group chairman Datuk Mohaiyani Shamsudin (center), accompanied by Maybank Indonesia’s board of directors and commissioners, Bali administration representatives and beneficiaries of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, visit an exhibition of batik products on the sidelines of the Maybank Bali Marathon in Benoa, Bali, on Sept. 7. (./.)

As part of its environmental spirit, Maybank Indonesia distributed 10,000 eco-friendly bags to the runners as they crossed the finish line at Bali Safari Marine Park in Gianyar. The reusable bags were developed in partnership with the House of Lawe, a community enterprise that specializes in handcrafted textile products, and were made by craftsmen with disabilities.

Maybank Indonesia also held a pre-race beach cleanup event on Sept. 7 at the Taman Bhagawan in Benoa that involved the bank’s directors and employees.

It also held a youth seminar in cooperation with D’Tech Engineering for 80 senior high school and vocational school students in Gianyar and Klungkung. The seminar was part of Maybank’s program to empower youths through developing skills competency and critical thinking.

D’Tech Engineering is based in Salatiga, Central Java, and has created several patented products that compete on the international market, including a bracket designed for US company General Electric’s commercial aircraft engines.

“Critical thinking makes us believe that no matter who we are, if we have passion, commitment and competence, we will possess high international competitiveness,” said Taswin.