CSR Award 2009: Honouring Enterprises for Sustainable Community Development

 

CSR Award 2009 was hosted by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the National Assembly’s Committee for Social Issues, the Vietnam Labour Confederation, the Environmental Police, the General Department of Environment, and international partners.

 

The first prize in environmental protection category went to Dong Tien Joint Stock Company and the first prize in the responsibility for employees was handed over to Domesco Medical Joint Stock Company. Besides, there were five second prizes and ten third prizes in each category. In addition, 15 consolation prizes were also given to businesses with the achievements in improving community health, poverty reduction and educational development.

 

Dr Vu Tien Loc, President of VCCI and Head of the Steering Board of the CSR Award, said: “The objectives of the CSR award 2009 are to recognise and honour businesses who continuously contribute to the human development with human values, social progress and environmental development of top priority in the coming years.”

 

This is the fourth times of this award since its debut in 2005. Unlike the previous awards which were only for footwear and garment businesses, this year’s award is open for all businesses of various fields.

 

According to Mr Nguyen Quang Vinh, Deputy Director of the Office of Sustainable Development of Business under VCCI, last year, although the economy encountered numerous difficulties, many businesses were very interested in the award and the number of participants increased from previous years. This meant that the CSR has become increasingly important.

 

At the same time, the award also aims to enhance exchange and cooperation in CSR between concerned parties, including business community, government organs and civil and social organisations. Through this award, VCCI wants to support Vietnamese enterprises to associate with international corporations and forums in the field of CSR in order to acquire experience in obtaining sustainable development and integration.

In the light of "For the quality of life", the company always takes pride in product quality as well as environmental quality. The simultaneous application of management systems such as ISO 9001: 2000, ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 14000 and OHSAS 18000 helps to maintain working conditions of “Green - Clean - Beautiful - Ensuring workplace safety and hygiene” and friendly environment. All the staff of the company always actively participates in social work and helps with poverty alleviation for the locality.

 

Mr Phan The Hung, General Director of Can Tho Pesticides JSC (CPC) (second prize winner for environmental protection category)

On the way to expand the market and assert the brand name of pesticides in Vietnam and abroad, with the philosophy of "CPC with farmers enjoy bumper crop”, CPC regards the ecological environment protection as one of its strategic tasks to enhance business efficiency. CPC has applied strict quality management systems like ISO 9001: 2000 and ISO 14001: 2004 certified by BVQI and QUACERT. All processes of production, emission and waste discharge are thoroughly handled and closely monitored to ensure that chemicals do not infiltrate into the ground. Efforts of the company have been recognised by many agencies and organisations, highlighted by such awards as "Vietnam High Quality Goods" title in three straight years from 2005 to 2007, “Farmers’ Friend brand” in 2004-2005 and especially World of Respect Award in the US - the unique unit in Asia - Pacific to win the special award for environmental protection.

 

CPC attained revenues of over VND110 billion in 2009, exceeding the annual plan by 21.9 percent. The company officially floated its 4,108,800 shares, ticker CPC, on the Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX) on January 18, 2010.

Mr Kim Jung In, General Director of GM Daewoo Vietnam - Vidamco (third prize winner in environmental protection category)

For many years, Vidamco has constantly raised the awareness of environmental protection for its employees, invested in technology to treat environmental pollution and always complied with the regulations on environmental protection. In addition, the company has also taken part in raising funds for storm and flood prevention fund, disabled children care and protection fund, orphanages and supporting the construction of several primary schools for poor students in central provinces. Led by the philosophy of “Always find out the right direction,” Vidamco commits to continually create preeminent products and perfect services for customers and contribute to social development activities.

Mr George E.Kobrossy, General Director of Zamil Steel Vietnam (Consolation prize)

Apart from effective business objectives, the company is always aware of its corporate responsibility to the working environment, social environment as well as climate environment. Lying in the overall strategy to promote the capacity of employees, the company continuously equips its employees with the best knowledge and experience to realise its full capacity of each employee. In addition, the company is one of the founding members of the Vietnam Green Association. The company also actively and importantly helps to educate necessary knowledge for building up sustainable adaptation.

Mr Le Huu Phong, Director of Son Ha Garment JSC (consolation prize)

Operating in a labour-intensive industry, the company always pays high attention to attracting labourers and creating jobs for poor people and rural workers. To strengthen the attachment of the workers with the company, Son Ha has always maintained high labour productivity and increased incomes for workers by implementing many programmes to improve working conditions, labour safety and hygiene. As a result, the company has attracted more customers to ensure stable jobs for workers.