Environmental CSR Talk Held for Corporate Leaders

Kuala Lumpur, 28th July 2010 – More than 30 corporate leaders attended WWF-Malaysia’s “Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for a Living Planet” cocktail reception on 22nd July to learn more about how responsible and sustainable business practices can benefit corporations. HRH Raja Nazrin Shah Ibni Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah, the Crown Prince of Perak Darul Ridzuan, was the guest of honour.

“When it comes to issues of sustainability, whether economic, social or environmental, I believe that while it is the concern of everyone, leaders, both corporate and political, have a bigger role and responsibility simply by virtue of the power and influence they can wield. It is very encouraging to note that many Malaysian companies are demonstrating increasing environmental and social consciousness. In CSR Asia’s 2009 Asian Sustainability Rating, Malaysia ranked sixth among the top ten countries in the Asia Pacific that adhere to CSR disclosure. However, there is evidence most CSR work in Malaysia is relegated to corporate communications departments. We have not yet reached a stage where CSR cuts across every function, job and role in an organisation,” said HRH the Crown Prince of Perak Darul Ridzuan at the event.

“I ask that you look beyond CSR as an “add-on”, but instead as an intrinsic part of your business. As leaders, you are uniquely placed to persuade your organisation of the benefits of CSR. It will earn you and your organisation respect and credibility in the marketplace; it will enhance your brand; it will increase customer loyalty; it will improve your relationship with the community; it will spur innovation; it will motivate your workforce,” added HRH the Crown Prince of Perak Darul Ridzuan.

WWF-Malaysia Executive Director/CEO Dato’ Dr Dionysius Sharma highlighted the benefits of effectively exercising environmental CSR, “Many corporations have not yet realised that what is good for the natural environment is also good for their business. In Malaysia, consumers are starting to demand for products that come from sustainable and responsibly managed sources. A recent survey by the Nielsen Company showed that 88% of Malaysians in the peninsula agree that it is important for companies to be environmentally and socially responsible, while 72% would switch to a product associated with a good cause like nature conservation from one that is not, price and quality being equal.”

“Growing environmental awareness in all markets can potentially affect not only the income of corporations, but their valuable human capital as well. The Nielsen Company survey revealed that 72% of Malaysians in the peninsula would be happier to work for, and more loyal to, a company associated with a good cause, rather than a company that does not support charitable causes. Corporations have a large impact on the environment, and it is important that they practise environmental CSR to protect their public profile, brand and staff morale in addition to the natural resources on which we all depend,” he added.

Dato’ Dr Dionysius Sharma went on to highlight how a lack of environmental CSR has led to unsustainable development threatening wetlands ecosystems and critically endangered river and painted terrapins in Setiu, Terengganu as well as hawksbill turtle nesting grounds in Melaka. He contrasted this with WWF-Malaysia’s “Kinabatangan – Corridor of Life” project, where environmental CSR efforts: oil palm sustainability and the levy in Kinabatangan, have successfully led to forest conservation, sustainability within oil palm plantations and generated ecotourism.

“A strategic approach to sustainability will lead to business innovation and long-term value creation. It is important for Malaysian companies to realise that as our nation matures and aspires to become an Asian powerhouse through its 2020 Vision, it is imperative that a more holistic approach to environmental CSR be adopted. At the same time, suitable environmental solutions should be developed and used to conserve our natural resources on which industries – and all of us – depend,” concluded Dato’ Dr Dionysius Sharma.

Corporations who would like to find out more about the benefits of environmental CSR or support WWF-Malaysia’s conservation work can e-mail: corporaterelations@wwf.org.my. 

WWF-Malaysia thanks the event co-organiser the EU Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 

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About WWF-Malaysia:
WWF-Malaysia (World Wide Fund for Nature-Malaysia), the national conservation trust, currently runs more than 75 projects covering a diverse range of environmental protection work. Since 1972, WWF-Malaysia has worked on important conservation projects, from saving endangered species such as tigers and turtles, to protecting our highland forests, rivers and seas. We also undertake environmental education and advocacy work to achieve conservation goals. By conserving our natural resources, WWF-Malaysia is helping to protect our livelihoods, food and water supply, thus securing our good quality of life and our children’s bright future. We thank our supporters whose donations are our lifeblood. If you would like to donate to WWF-Malaysia or learn more about our projects, please call: +603-78033772 or visit our website at: wwf.org.my.


For media queries:
Subashni Bahsu, Media & Public Affairs Senior Executive, Tel: 03-78033772 ext 6306, Email: SBahsu@wwf.org.my