Tapping Together
Volkswagen and Tarik Jeans collaborate to save the Malayan Tapir
A key pillar for Volkswagen has always been sustainability, and the brand is constantly striving for economic, social and ecological goals equally and at the same time. The aim is to create lasting values, offer good working conditions and treat the environment and resources with care. The group is investing heavily investing heavily in this cause with over 500 sustainability projects worldwide, with 15 projects in Asia and Oceania regions.
As a way to contribute to making a difference, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has teamed up with local denim streetwear brand, Tarik Jeans to raise funds and awareness for the endangered Malayan Tapir with an exclusively designed capsule collection, "Modern Nostalgia".
The limited edition "Modern Nostalgia" collection features key elements from both brands, where modern and iconic Volkswagen models are married with local classic and vintage design elements. The collection comprises of a variety of items such as T-shirts, caps, bandannas, tote bags, key chains and clothing patches.
Merchandise from the "Modern Nostalgia" collection can be purchased on Tarik Jeans' website, Shopee, Zalora and at all Volkswagen authorized dealers nationwide. A total of 50 percent of all proceeds generated from the sales of this campaign will be donated to the Kenaboi Forest Reserve in Negeri Sembilan on World Tapir Day (27th April 2020).
The Malayan Tapir is an endangered species here, together with the Malayan tigers, Borneo elephants or orangutans. As 'gardeners of the rainforest', the tapir plays a crucial role in maintaining the biological diversity of their habitat as they help disperse and fertilize seeds much needed for the reproduction of trees.
It is the only Asian species native to the island of Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia and Southern Thailand with a distinctive coat pattern. The tapir has a lifespan of up to 30 years, but agricultural developments and deforestation, being hunted for food and sport and illegal animal trafficking have resulted in an alarming decrease in their numbers. It is estimated that there are only less than 3,000 of them left.
Tapir Trivia: 10 things you didn't know about the tapir
1. There are four living species of the tapir, and they live in Central and South America with the exception of the Malayan tapir, which is found in Southeast Asia.
2. The Malayan tapir is the largest species of tapir and can weigh more than 300 kilograms.
3. It might not look it, but the tapir's closest relatives are horses and rhinos.
4. Tapirs have four toes on their front feet and three toes on their back feet.
5. Tapirs are called "gardeners of the forest" for a good reason. They disperse seeds with their feces as they move from one location to another. This helps the re-growth of trees.
6. A group of tapirs is called a "candle".
7. Tapirs can stay underwater for a few minutes using their snouts as snorkels. This is especially helpful to hide from predators.
8. Tapirs are herbivorous and consume leaves and fruits.
9. Tapirs have been around for 20 million years and have changed very little. They are the most primitive large mammals in the world.
10. Baby tapirs look nothing like their parents. They are covered in spots and stripes, which fade with age.