Once Datin Joanne Wong, Executive Director of IOI Corporation Berhad’s IOI Foundation (formerly known as Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng), mooted the idea of selling pre-loved items via Bargain Basement, the social enterprise, launched in 2016, has donated RM526,844 to 33 charity organisations upon its opening.
Datin Joanne proudly unveiled the fourth Bargain Basement outlet at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Sungai Long Campus on 27 June 2022. Five months ago, the third outlet opened at UTAR Kampar Campus following the success of the first flagship store at IOI City Mall in June 2016, and the second retail shop at IOI Mall Puchong in October 2017.
UTAR President Ir Professor Dr Ewe Hong Tat, proud of the collaboration between IOI Foundation (formerly known as Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng) and UTAR, said: “Responsible consumption is everyone’s business, and I am glad that UTAR is partaking in the Bargain Basement project to promote the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12, which is to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. We need to remind ourselves that we have more than what we need. I hope everyone can donate your pre-loved and unused items at home or office since these items are likely to fulfill a need in another.”
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The Memorandum of Agreement was signed by IOI Foundation (formerly known as Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng) Executive Director Datin Joanne (second from right), UTAR President Ir. Professor Dr. Ewe Hong Tat (second from left), Vice President (Student Development and Alumni Relations) Professor Dr. Choong Chee Keong (left) and IOI Foundation (formerly known as Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng) Senior Executive CSR cum Retail Ms Elain Teoh (right). Yang Amat Berbahagia Toh Puan Ena Ling, the wife of Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik (next to Datin Joanne), was also present to grace the occasion and witness the signing ceremony. Thereafter, a lion dance performance was held by UTAR’s students from the Wushu Club to officiate the opening. Bargain Basement marked its first sale to Toh Puan Ena Ling, who bought two reusable food bags.
Bargain Basement not only provides a platform for the UTAR students to declutter their homes and contribute their used and unused items to benefit others, but also allows them to gain hands-on experience from planning and sourcing for items, to promoting and operating the outlet. From books to clothes to jewelleries to household items, there are various items that are in good condition and also reasonably priced.
Strategically located at UTAR Sungai Long Campus’ Sub-Basement along Persiaran Sungai Long 1 and Jalan Sungai Long 1/2, the outlet is ideally positioned across a row of restaurants and shophouses as well as the night market, which takes place every Tuesday. It is operated under the care of the UTAR students of the Department of Student Affairs, and will be opened every week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 11 am to 2 pm.