Page 285 - Social Enterprise A New Business Paradigm for Thailand
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Since SCG first began publishing its Sustainability Report in 2001, then-President Mr. Chumpol
Na Lamliang remarked in his message: “…The Siam Cement Group has long upheld
environmental conservation as a strict and continuous part of its business operations. This is
reflected in one of our core principles: ‘Commitment to Social Responsibility.’ We have allocated
significant budgets and chosen the most advanced and environmentally friendly production
technologies…” 181 At that time, SCG was the only company in Thailand invited to become a
member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), an organization
composed of leading companies from various global industries that collaborate to advance
sustainable business practices. SCG believes that “Sustainable development not only directly
benefits the longevity of each organization but also forms the foundation for enhancing
Thailand’s overall competitiveness.” 182
Social Engagement Activities
SCG’s 2012 Sustainability Report outlines the background of the company’s social engagement
initiatives, noting that they began in a manner similar to many other organizations:
“…starting charity donations and developing into community involvement in creating new
activities that will truly benefit society. The knowledge and expertise of the Company has been
incorporated with the potential of the community, thus enabling the communities to develop
themselves sustainably…” 183 Based on this approach, SCG consolidated its experience in social
engagement and organized its structured initiatives into four key groups: (1) Leadership –
Model projects aimed at building strong communities. These are initiatives that SCG originated
and designed to be replicable or scalable. Examples include the “Rak Nam for the Future” water
conservation project and community waste management programs. (2) Advance – Projects that
support the development of specialized professionals. SCG provides funding or direct
participation in these efforts. Examples include rescue robotics competitions, youth art award
programs, and storytelling festivals in public parks. (3) Engagement – Programs that promote
employee involvement. SCG plays a central role in supporting and executing these activities.
Examples include science youth camps and SCG employee volunteer initiatives. (4)
Commitment – Broad-based social support initiatives that aim to improve quality of life or
alleviate hardship. Examples include school reconstruction projects and the renovation of
hospital emergency rooms. This categorization has served as a guiding framework since 2012.
As for the company’s sustainability strategy and value creation, the most recent 2023
Sustainability Report presents the budget allocated for community and social development.
These expenditures are framed as investments that generate “social capital and relationships”
for the company. The report also disaggregates this budget into four distinct categories. Notably,
2017 marked the first year in which CSR management expenses were reported separately (see
Table 9.6). Before that, the company’s social development and support budget was presented
181 SCG Sustainability Report 2001, page 2 (Message from President)
182 Ibid.
183 SCG Sustainability Report 2012, page 64.
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