More than 2,000 people participated in the "Walk for Education" event held by Astro Kasih, the sustainability of Astro, last Saturday.

The event, which aims to raise awareness of the hardships faced by students in the interiors of Sabah and Sarawak in walking for 2 kilometres or more to school daily, was officiated by Tan Sri Azlan Zainol, Chairman and Trustee of Yayasan Astro Kasih, and Henry Tan, Group CEO of Astro Malaysia.

Participants from all walks of life and age groups gathered in the wee hours of Saturday morning at Taman Wetland Putrajaya, for the walk that kicked off at 6am and ended at noon. They carried a bag filled with learning supplies throughout the 5km trail, specially customised for this event, to simulate the students' daily hike to school.



All the school bags will be donated to the children in the hostels Astro supports, including SK Magandai in Kota Marudu and SK Malinsau in Ranau, both in Sabah, SK Sungai Paku in Kapit, Sarawak, five hostels and 1 youth center under Starfish Malaysia Foundation (East Malaysia), as well as other remote schools in the Kota Marudu, Ranau and Kapit districts.

The event was supported by Radiance Assets Berhad, BookXcess, C.R.M Solutions Sdn Bhd, Kinohimitsu, Multimedia Entertainment Sdn Bhd, Pantai Hospital Cheras, as well as 7 Days, VitaHealth and 100PLUS.



Among the ambassadors who lent their support for the event include DJs of Astro owned radio stations, as well as local celebrities Timah, Wani Kayrie, Masya Masyitah, Abigail, Irfan Haris, Lil J, Ara Johari and Dem Lepak Boyz. In addition, Astro talents Aril Pilus, Syainie Shuhaimi, Yanie, Syameel, Edzlyn, and Wafiy were also in attendance.

Astro has been championing education for over a decade and has invested over RM120 million in creating learning programmes such as Tutor TV SK, Tutor TV SMK, SPM Pro+ and more for all students in Malaysia. To make it easier for students to attend school, Astro Kasih also built Astro Hostels for SK Magandai, SK Sg Paku and SK Malinsau, located in the deep interiors of Sabah and Sarawak.

Astro Kasih has helped the students save over 190,000 hours on their daily school commute as well as providing them with hostel facilities, laptops, revision books, shoes, uniforms and other education supplies. As Astro Kasih champions education, it is to open the children’s minds for a brighter future.