Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - November 2013: Ten advanced divers from the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM), Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) and YTL Corporation descended beneath the waves in a collaborative effort to rehabilitate the coral reefs in the region around Pangkor Island, Malaysia. The placement of 20 cement blocks and subsequent coral transplantation took place on Sunday, 17th November 2013 near Mentagor Island off Pangkor Island, Perak. Weighing approximately 120 kilograms each, these sturdy blocks were fabricated especially for this project and provided by YTL Cement.

Marine ecosystems play a critical role, covering 70 percent of the earth's surface and hosting the coral reefs, the bottom of the feeding chain. These reefs are spawning grounds for reef fish and small fry that provide sustenance for the larger fish. Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh, an internationally renowned Malaysian actress and a native of Perak state, asserted that, "With nearly 95% of Malaysia's coral reefs currently threatened, it is very timely that YTL Corporation Berhad and their NGO Partner Reef Check Malaysia and Malaysia Institute of Architects (PAM) have come together to extend their reef rehabilitation programme to additional projects in Pangkor," she also asked that people join her in supporting these efforts and spreading much needed awareness.

This project saw personnel from PAM, RCM and YTL Corporation coming together in a concerted effort aimed at raising awareness among architects and the local and global community regarding the importance of biodiversity, hoping to nurture a sense of responsibility towards the marine environment. The rehabilitation project is also part of the corporate social responsibility initiatives of each company and of PAM.

The day began with breakfast at Feast Village in Pangkor Laut Resort followed by a safety and general briefing conducted by Mr Julian Hyde, General Manager of Reef Check Malaysia. Dives had been planned for the morning and afternoon; the first was to position the cement blocks at the site and the next dive was to glue coral fragments or nubbins onto each block. Also in attendance was Mr Ralph Dixon, Director of Environmental Investments at YTL Corporation and Ms Olivia Lim, Chief Operating Officer of PAM. The entire process of placing the concrete blocks into the water, harvesting coral nubbins and gluing them onto the concrete substrates took one day to complete.

"We expect the nubbins to be stable within six months after the planting date; RCM will continue to monitor the nubbins monthly to ensure the success of this project. Provided that all external environmental conditions remain fair, the nubbins should be able to grow independently, thereby creating and supporting a completely new ecosystem in the selected site off the coast of Mentagor Island," asserted Mr Hyde.

South of the reef rehabilitation site lies the private island of Pangkor Laut, home to YTL Hotels' award winning Pangkor Laut Resort who hosted members of PAM, RCM as well as YTL Corporation and its subsidiaries, YTL Hotels and YTL Cement during the rehabilitation initiative. This project received much support from the YTL Corporation principally in reef rehabilitation carried out in the vicinity of Pangkor Laut Resort, in line with the group's sustainable approach towards all facets of their business. Meanwhile PAM is the first and leading professional institute in the local architectural industry to promote coral reef rehabilitation.

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About Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM)

Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) - Malaysian Institute of Architects - is the national professional institute representing architects in Malaysia. PAM was founded in 1920 as the Institute of Architects Malaya. In 1948, the name and consequently the Constitution were changed to the Federation of Malaya Society of Architects (FMSA) which was allied to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Another change in name to reflect national sovereignty, and registration under the current name, came about when PAM was registered with the Registrar of Societies on 20 January 1967. The mission statement of the Institute is "To promote the advancement of architecture and the architectural profession for the betterment of society". The Institute provides a framework for its members to operate effectively: to do, to run and to get the business of architecture within the Code of Conduct and Scale of Fees.

About Reef Check Malaysia

Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) is a non-profit organisation that was registered in 2007 to engage with the local community to raise awareness for the importance of, and threats to, coral reefs. RCM partners with a global network of trained and certified EcoDiver volunteers to conduct annual Reef Check surveys to assess the health of reefs around the islands of Malaysia. RCM also conducts education and awareness programmes, as well as coral reef rehabilitation programmes.

About YTL Corporation Group of Companies

YTL Corporation Berhad is one of the largest companies listed on the Bursa Malaysia (Stock Code: 4677, Bloomberg: YTLMK; Reuters: YTLS.KL), and together with its four listed entities has a combined Market Capitalisation of about US$10.4 billion as at 31 October 2013. The company was first listed in 1985, has also had a secondary listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange since 1996. YTL was the first Asian non-Japanese company to be listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The YTL Group's core businesses are ownership and management of regulated utilities and other infrastructural assets, serving 12 million customers in three continents.

A strong focus on sustainability has always been a cornerstone of the business ethnics and success of the Group. This is underpinned by the mantra of being able to 'Bring Positive Change as a Force for Good' to others while doing good business.

For more information, please visit www.ytl.com.my and www.ytl.com.my/sustainability

About Pangkor Laut Resort

Pangkor Laut Resort is an exclusive luxury resort situated on a private island off the west coast of Malaysia. This piece of paradise is surrounded by secluded bays and pristine beaches, which house 140 luxury villas and suites and the award-winning Spa Village Pangkor Laut. Only a fraction of the island's 300 acres have been developed, leaving most of its two million year-old rainforest untouched. The Resort's numerous international accolades include 'Number One in the World' by Condé Nast Traveler.

About YTL Hotels

YTL Hotels owns and manages a prestigious collection of award-winning resorts, hotels, boutique experiences and Spa Villages in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Japan, France and the UK, including Pangkor Laut Resort, voted the world's best resort in 2003.

In July 2012, the company added Gaya Island Resort, a luxurious resort on the exotic tropical island of Borneo to the fold, while December 2012 saw the unveiling of The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, the second heritage jewel in the group's Classic Hotel collection.

With each new experience that it unveils, the company strives to embrace and highlight the natural essence of culture, character and tradition of its surroundings. YTL Hotels is the hospitality arm of YTL Corporation Berhad.

Visit www.ytlhotels.com for more information.

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