The CSR Malaysia Carnival 2019 saw the participation of some thirty NGOs that are passionate in contributing to our society through corporate social responsibility activities.
The CSR activities and initiatives were presented by NGOs to the public and corporate companies at their individual booths and tables respectively. Through this carnival, many CEOs and founders from various companies have shown their support by purchasing the products that were sold at the carnival as the money spent would be used to help families and individuals in need.
“The annual CSR Malaysia Carnival has brought together many charity homes as they come up with creative initiatives to raise funds for the needy such as orphans, old folks and underprivileged families,” says Dato’ R. Rajendran, Chairman and Founder of CSR Malaysia. “This carnival also provides them the opportunity to display their works and activities that are being conducted and raise awareness of the needs of the people whom they are helping.” The table and booth spaces were allotted to these NGOs without any charges by CSR Malaysia.
Led by Dato’ Rajendran and Managing Editor Lee Seng Chee, CSR Malaysia is a KDN-approved publication, also a social project that acts as a bridge between corporate companies and the underprivileged by organising various events that benefit the needy. Recently, CSR Malaysia has also taken the initiative to host sustainability-related webinar forums and connect corporate companies and the needy to continue reaching out and helping the underprivileged,” says the Chairman.
“CSR Malaysia comes under the auspices of Pertubuhan Amal Tanggungjawab Kemapanan Dan Korporat Malaysia (Sustainability Malaysia), the national body for Corporate Sustainability and Social Responsibility in Malaysia that conducts activities and programmes to promote sustainability efforts on a national scale,” says Dato’ Rajendran who is also the Chairman of Sustainability Malaysia.”
“CSR Malaysia aims to share the resolute commitment of corporations in Malaysia towards the community and the roles they play to transform lives and socio-economic status of people in the country. It promotes sustainable economies by featuring CSR initiatives of corporations in Malaysia and also serving the needy.” says Dato’ Rajendran. “CSR Malaysia also organises and holds the annual CSR Malaysia Awards to honour outstanding public listed companies for their sustainability and social responsibility initiatives with the support of the Ministry of Women, Family & Community Development Malaysia.”
The CSR Malaysia magazine themed “Beyond Profits, Making Our World a Better Place” is a quarterly publication that started in 2013. “Our first CSR Malaysia magazine issue was printed on November 2013. The magazine features the success stories of the efforts of various sustainability heroes that include NGOs, public listed and private limited companies. Its objective is to inspire Malaysian individuals and companies on the importance and benefits of CSR and sustainability,” says Dato’ Rajendran.
CSR Malaysia possess a publication permit that is approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs and a trademark label recognised by the Intellectual Property Corporation. “The funds generated through the CSR Malaysia publication are used to conduct our own CSR and sustainability initiatives,” says the Chairman.
“We also have our own TV programme called ‘CSR Malaysia’. It commenced during the year 2018 and 2019 and it was aired on Bernama TV (also known as BNC) on Channel Astro 502. The programme featured winners of the annual CSR Malaysia Awards,” shares Dato’ Rajendran. “In the year 2019, CSR Malaysia once again collaborated with Bernama TV as a CSR Partner in airing another TV programme called ‘Pit Stop’. The programme featured a CSR Malaysia segment highlighting the efforts of numerous companies and personalities engaging in corporate social responsibility and sustainability causes.
A study conducted by CSR Malaysia revealed that companies that engage in CSR and embraces sustainability would have a clear vision in ensuring the companies’ longevity.
According to Dato’ Rajendran, besides doing good for the communities, corporates in Malaysia should also adopt a greener supply chain, reduce pollution and waste and minimize its footprint. They should also eliminate the use of disposable plastic items, optimise product life cycles, promote good environment quality, energy and water efficiency while increasing productivity and optimising material usage. Adopting good labour practices and looking after employees’ welfare plus promoting health and safety is also essential at the workplace.
“Sustainability concepts should be adopted and integrated into more than one aspect of a business and across many levels of its organisation. The practice of sustainability includes consideration and involvement of all the stakeholders while not neglecting the community and the environment,” says Dato’ Rajendran.
