Nestled among palm trees in the TDM estate complex, SK Padang Kubu in Kemaman is home to 225 pupils, many from families of estate labourers earning a modest income. Every year, nearly 50 families in the community face devastating floods, but December 2023 brought one of the worst disasters yet. Rising waters up to six feet high submerged the entire school, damaging classrooms, hostels, and even teachers’ quarters. Thick mud filled the drains, walls cracked and stained, and essential school furniture was destroyed. For many students, returning to school seemed uncertain.

Thanks to vital support from FINCO and The Pacific Insurance Berhad, with donations exceeding RM26,000, new desks, chairs, and bookshelves transformed classrooms into comfortable learning spaces once again. Back-to-school kits—including uniforms, track bottoms, shoes, and stationery—have allowed children, no matter what their background, to quickly return to school. Students are once again fully engaged in their lessons!