• Struggling for survival |
IDENTIFICATION Corporations learn that caring counts Relief drives heighten awareness of corporate social responsibility ''We won't survive if the community we live in doesn't accept us,'' says Bangchak's Mr Anusorn. Although the tsunami washed away thousands of lives and properties along the Andaman coast, it brought another wave of sympathy and compassion in its wake. After the tragedy hit the three southern provinces of Phuket, Krabi and Phangnga, many organisations - including the government, foreign and local aid agencies and private companies, as well as individuals - quickly arrived to help those who suffered. Food, water, clothing, medicine and other necessities, as well as financial donations, were sent to the tsunami-hit areas, although there were doubts over whether local people would eventually receive this aid. The tsunami may have prompted some positive changes. Organisations have not only learned to prepare themselves for unexpected natural disasters, but also to reach out to other people. Anusorn Sangnimnuan, the president of Bangchak Plc, said the wave encouraged companies, regardless of their size, to think about about social contributions and responsibility when a big disaster happens. ''In my opinion, it is a good start for many Thai companies to think about society. The degree of corporate social responsibility [CSR] will vary, depending on their management visions and policies. Anyway, some companies may continue to have CSR as a policy in the longer term,'' he said. Those who extended help to tsunami survivors, Dr Anusorn said, were willing to do so and felt happy that they were able to help. Bangchak, which has initiated many social projects in Thailand in more than two decades, has placed CSR at the heart of its corporate culture. ''We won't survive if the community we live in doesn't accept us. We have learned to be a good part of society and share with others. This will lead to sustainable growth in the future,'' he added. After the tsunami, Bangchak immediately provided clean water and some basic necessities to the devastated areas. It then donated three million baht as an introductory budget and sent a team of staff to clear debris at Kamala beach, Phuket. Another team was later sent to renovate a school for children in Phangnga. At Toyota Motor Thailand, Suparat Sirisuwannangkura, the company's vice-president, said the Toyota Foundation had established a tsunami relief programme with donations worth 26 million baht. The carmaker is concerned about continuing relief projects and assistance provided to people in the areas hit by the killer wave. ''It's the way of life. You can't just give them money or a house. The wave took everything from them. You must build a new community, a place they can really live in and can earn a living,'' Mr Suparat said. Toyota is now looking for additional projects working with state agencies to create jobs and help the new communities function well in long term. An executive at Siam City Cement Plc said it was committed to donating up to 40 million baht for tsunami relief. Of this, 33 million came from its parent company, Switzerland's Holcim Group, and seven million baht from the company itself, its employees and customers. The company also donated cement and a van for the forensic team in Phangnga. It has been building 120 permanent houses for survivors at Tambon Pru Teaw and Tambon Pra Thong in Takua Pa district, Phangnga. About 60 houses are already completed. It is also working on a road project and rebuilding a school in Krabi. ''It's good to be part of the tsunami relief and reconstruction programme. It's a huge job that needs a lot of co-operation from many organisations. We never expect anything in return,'' the executive said. He said that being a good corporate citizen should include social responsibility and awareness. ''You can't expect big profits without giving back or sharing something with society. The corporate image is something that happens later. It's up to you and your work,'' he added. Siam City Cement has worked on CSR projects for a decade including construction training for students at vocational schools, cement donations to build schools, training in new construction techniques for teachers and some job-creation projects for communities. |
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