Business Leaders Gather to Discuss Growing Demands for Corporate Responsibility

Kuala Lumpur

The session provided a platform for the leaders to discuss the growing demands on corporations to be more responsive to a broad range of sustainability challenges of climate changes, rising food prices, product safety, diversity and stakeholder engagement.

The panellists included Y. Bhg Dato' Saw Choo Boon, Country Chairman, Shell Malaysia and President, BCSDM; Y. Bhg Dato' Dionysius Sharma, Executive Director/CEO, WWF Malaysia; Dr Rajah Kumar, Chairman & CEO Philips Malaysia; Mr Tay Kay Luan, ACCA Director, ASEAN & Australasia; En Abdul Wahab Bin Abu Bakar, Vice President, Malaysian Federation of Employers; and En Azmanuddin Haq Ahmad, Managing Director, UEM Environment Sdn. Bhd.

Corporate Responsibility (CR) is a company’s commitment to operate in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable manner whilst balancing the interests of a diverse range of stakeholders.

“Whether it is Sustainability, CSR or simply CR, the common emphasis in these terminologies is on businesses to undertake decision-making practices that are ethical, compliant with legal requirements, and respectful of people, communities and the environment,” explained Dato’ Saw in his opening remarks.

For Shell, contributing to Sustainable Development means helping meet the world’s growing need for energy in economically, socially and environmentally responsible ways. “Today, this statement carries an added weight in view of the current climate of rising oil prices and climate changes. In addressing the challenges, Shell is looking at implementing new technologies, creating new products, finding new sources of fuel, and even instilling fuel-saving driving habits in motorists,” said Dato’ Saw.

In conjunction with the dialogue, an ACCA-BCSDM-Shell publication entitled “Corporate Responsibility Guide for Busy Managers” was jointly launched by Dato’ Saw Choo Boon, Shell Malaysia, Mr Tay Kay Luan, ACCA, ASEAN & Australasia, and Datuk Ir Wahiruddin Abd Wahid, Executive Director, BCSDM.

The guidebook is being introduced to promote greater awareness of CR, with the hope that it will encourage more corporations to initiate and carry out these activities, as part of practising good, sustainable business.

“The Corporate Responsibility (CR) Guide for Busy Managers is very timely. It is readable, informative and has a wealth of knowledge, and it provides easy reference for busy CR drivers and practitioners on what they can do to be part of the CR agenda.  This guidebook provides an overview of the main responsibility issues companies should consider and the means to address them in an uncomplicated manner,” said Mr Tay.

As it is recognised that initiating CR activities may be challenging, case studies of how different companies have applied their CR practices have been included to help corporations or managers gain insights on how they can innovate the activities especially amidst the broad business issues faced today.

“We wish to record our appreciation to CSR Asia for their support as the content provider for the guidebook, which we adapted with local issues and best practices,” expressed Mr Tay.

A PDF version of the guidebook is available for download from either the Shell Malaysia website at www.shell.com.my or the ACCA website at www.accaglobal.com. or you can download the attached pdf below.

ENQUIRIES:
For further editorial information, please contact Shell Malaysia Media Relations: Cindy Lopez at tel: 603 – 2091 3719, mobile: 012 –282 1765, email: cindy.lopez@shell.com or Stephanie Khoo at tel: 603 – 2091 2115, email: stephanie.khoo@shell.com