Yusli was quoted as saying, “By having good CSR, companies will practise business in a more sustainable way over a longer term and that is what will attract investors. If we are going to invest in a company, we want to make sure the company is going to grow over a sustained period and not just do well one year and make losses the next. So, through good corporate governance, business will be more successful in the long term."

Yusli added that corporations in Malaysia could also participate in the Rat Race as part of their CSR. Bursa Malaysia has played host to the Rat Race since 2000 and came on board as co-organiser in 2005. This year, it will be sending 10 teams for the race’s 10th anniversary.

“Times are hard for companies, but it is even harder for the less fortunate as they will receive fewer donations during this time. My biggest wish is for companies to come forward and show generosity,” Yusli was quoted as saying.

This year, Bursa Malaysia has pledged to plant a tree for every team that signs up for the race as part of its efforts to offset the event’s carbon footprint and mitigate the effects of global warming.

The Edge and Bursa Malaysia are co-organisers for the charity event. Donations collected from participating local and foreign companies in Malaysia will be channelled towards beneficiaries involved in various causes. This year’s Race will also have 20 beneficiaries.