There are 7.3 million people who live in rural areas throughout Malaysia. About 3.1 million reside in 46 remote districts in the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak. Of the 10,218 schools in Malaysia, 42% (4323) are categorised as rural schools. About 22% (4,734,047) of the total number of school students are attending these rural schools (Educational Planning and Research Division, 2020. (2020).

The prolonged closure of schools nationwide during the pandemic has widened the gap between students in urban and rural areas. These schools would continue to lag if no efforts were made to improve its infrastructure, the quality of teachers and other learning resources. 

Through its social impact arm RYTHM Foundation, the QI Group aims to support more marginalised individuals, groups, and communities with its Gift of Life (GOL) initiative.

QI Group Founder and Executive Chairman Dato’ Sri Vijay Eswaran and RYTHM Foundation Chairperson Datin Sri Umayal Eswaran started GOL as they wanted to do something meaningful for birthdays and special occasions. It is their way of paying forward – giving back to society – together with their family and friends. 

Find out how they are changing the landscape of rural education in Malaysia.