Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has always been seen as a company's PR tool. In the past, that might have been true and it is still true among some businesses.
But a superficial approach to corporate social responsibility has become a thing of the past. In the corporate world of today, for a business to have a truly socially responsible image, it must opt for serious engagement with charitable causes.
CSR FOCUS
- Resilient Bangkok?
- Editor's note
- Stimulating sustainability
- Levelling the playing field
- Inspiring the love of reading in children with free fairy tales
- Waste not, want not
- Coaxing turtle conservation out of its shell
- Giving nature a helping hand
Hence the concept of sustainability in CSR campaigns. Many CSR activities implemented by businesses are designed to create sustainable changes and encourage development – not as just a one-off effort to do good. Sustainability looks forward to a secure future for education, the environment, the economy, healthcare etc.
A commitment to sustainability is the current CSR trend, according to Forbes. What is social enterprise and how is it different from CSR? Social enterprise is a business with a social mission. Social entrepreneurship combines innovation, resourcefulness and opportunity in response to critical social and environmental challenges. CSR aims to maximise profits while giving a portion to social causes.
In CSR Focus, we explore the concept of social entrepreneurship and the importance of digital technology in paving the way for social enterprises. We examine some businesses whose CSR projects focus on creating sustainability.
The Stock Exchange of Thailand is at the forefront of dedicating its resources to raising awareness of sustainable development by establishing the Social Responsibility Centre.
PTT Exploration and Production and the hospitality sector in Phuket, notably Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, continue working towards environmental sustainability. PTTEP's Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park project in Bang Kachao is building an outdoor "ecological classroom" for young people. Anantara, on the other hand, is into turtle conservation that involves guests and raising funds for the Phuket Marine Biological Centre.
Giant retailer Tesco distributes its expired but still edible food to the needy and has established direct sourcing of fresh produce from farmers to reduce wastage.
Among businesses dedicated to learning are Pfizer Thailand Foundation and Vnet Capital. Both firms are helping Thai children to learn and read more.
In fact, a lot of organisations are striving for sustainable and positive change in society. We wish them all success.
Arusa Pisuthipan
Project Editor
