Myanmar to Host Asian Forum on CSR for First Time
The Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR) is set to convene for in Myanmar for the first time.
Now in its 15th year, the AFCSR is Asia’s most established regional dialogue on CSR thinking and practice, and will be taking place at the Kempinski Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on September 20-21.
In a press release the organisers of the AFCSR highlight that this year’s edition of the forum takes place at a key juncture in Myanmar’s history, following “high levels of optimism on future prospects and increasing foreign direct investment and global interest as the country broadens engagement with the world.
The agenda will focus on Corporate Social Innovation (CSI) to address major social challenges, uplift communities and create a better future.
Discussions will be led by renowned figures from Asia and around the world, including corporate citizenship experts, visionary business leaders, inspiring social entrepreneurs and development agencies who will share vital insights and unique perspectives to 350 attendees from 25 countries.
In the press release, conference chairman Dato Timothy Ong is quoted as saying, “These days, we live in a world of great challenge and great opportunity.”
“There is a rise of interlocking social, economic and environmental challenges that require new and fresh approaches,” he continued.
“Businesses, government and non-government organisations must work together towards transformative solutions for lasting impact to both businesses and communities.”
Among the key questions to be tackled are: Why is corporate Social Innovation today’s big thing in solving social challenges? How can inclusive innovation address poverty, disparity and climate change? What are creative partnership and how can they help achieve inclusive growth? How can CSI help build a company’s brand and strengthen competitive advantage?
The 15th AFCSR in Nay Pyi Taw will be preceded by a Myanmar Business Roundtable carrying the theme, ‘Doing Good and Doing Well in Myanmar’, which will be held this afternoon.
The AFCSR will then proceed with sessions on “Corporate Social Innovation: Why It Matters for a Better Future” on September 20, and will conclude with the prestigious annual Asian CSR Awards on the evening of September 21.
The awards are honours bestowed upon notable CSR programmes which bear significant impact on environmental preservation, education, poverty alleviation, health enhancement as well as to companies who have fully embedded CSR into their core business strategy.
The AFCSR is an annual regional conference co-convened by the Asian Institute of Management and Asia Inc Forum.
It is supported by Intel as the Strategic Partner; SPA Group Myanmar as Host Sponsor; Jebsen & Jessen as Diamond Sponsor; Bangkok Bank, Fuji Xerox, Phinma Group and edotco Group as Gold Sponsors; City Love and Hope Foundation, KT Care Foundation and Capital Diamond Star Group as Country Sponsors; and Myanmar Times, Frontier Myanmar, 3BL Media, The Media Alliance, Asia Outlook, Borneo Bulletin and EIN Presswire as Media Partners.
Association Partners include Asean CSR Network, AmCham Myanmar, Australia-Myanmar Chamber of Commerce, British Chamber of Commerce Myanmar, CCI France Myanmar, EuroCham Myanmar and the League of Corporation Foundations Philippines.