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Recognizing Asia's Socially Responsible Companies

Recognizing Asia's Socially Responsible Companies

Published 09-15-03

Submitted by Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Fourteen businesses are finalists in the first Asian Corporate Social Responsibility Awards, to be presented on September 19 in Bangkok, during the Gala Dinner of the Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility. The Awards, presented by the Asian Institute of Management?s Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr. Center for Corporate Responsibility will recognize corporate best practices in environment management, education support, poverty alleviation and policies to promote socially responsible practices.

In its inaugural year, the Awards drew 142 entries from 11 countries. "This overwhelming interest in the Asian Corporate Social Responsibility Awards is indicative of how CSR has been embraced by companies in the region," said Mr. Ramon R. del Rosario Jr., co-chairman of the Forum. "The finalists? projects, conducted by companies of diverse sizes and sectors, are truly outstanding in their innovation and impact."

The Philippines, Thailand, India and Indonesia contributed the most entries. Companies submitted entries into one or more of the following four categories:

  • Support and improvement of education (35%) for employees, the community and the nation through endowment or contribution;
  • Environmental excellence (25%) through integration into the company's sustainable development strategy and delivering proven business benefits;
  • CSR policies (22%) that show dedication to CSR practices; and
  • Sustainable poverty alleviation (18%) projects as part of the company?s mission.

    Finalists had to pass an exhaustive screening and selection process that included consultation with Asia-based representatives from the government, non-government and business sectors. "The selection process has identified companies that have substantively integrated the core principles of CSR, including ethical values, regulatory compliance, and respect for individuals, communities and the environment into the way they do business," said Malini Mehra, founder and director of Centre for social Markets, which has offices in the UK and India. Panels for each of the four categories, comprised of CSR experts from regional and international organizations, will select the winners.

    Panelist represent the following organizations: Asia Pacific Philanthropy Consortium (Philippines), Asian Business Coalition on AIDS (Thailand), Asian Institute of Management (Philippines), Business in the Community (UK), Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility (Singapore), Centre for Social Markets, Community Business Hong Kong, Department of Education, Culture and Sports (Philippines), Kenan Institute Asia (Thailand), League of Corporate Foundations (Philippines), Population and Community Development Association (Thailand), PPM Institute of Management (Indonesia), Shell (Philippines), Social Ventures Network (Thailand), Synergos Institute (Philippines), United Nations Development Programme, University of the Thai Chamber and Commerce (Thailand).

    The theme for the 2003 Asia Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility is "Business, Government and Civil Society Collaboration: Meeting the Challenges Ahead". Over three days, sessions will engage participants in discussions on multi-sector cooperation on issues of health, education, environment and sustainable development. For more information about the Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility, visit the Forum?s website www.asianforumcsr.com.

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