INTRODUCTION
Oriental Holdings Berhad (“OHB”) recognises the need to place a firm commitment towards corporate social responsibility (“CSR”) and sustainable development activities, of which stems from fundamental principles of good corporate governance and striking a harmonious synergy between corporate pursuits and social obligations.
OHB remains committed to the community, environment, customers, employees and stakeholders. OHB aims to foster not only positive community relationships, but also help create sustained economic growth by building human and institutional capacity from our operational sectors.
Highlights of CSR initiatives carried out by the respective Group operational sectors for 2008 include the following:
THE COMMUNITY
At OHB, community development and care activities are recognised as one of the most important corporate priorities with various community activities carried out across the Group’s business operations during the financial year 2008.
Companies within the Group continue to donate to local schools, charitable organisations and religious institutions (mosques, temples and churches) for their improvement and well being.
Continuation of development programs and initiatives (e.g. supply of basic health amenities, maintenance of roads and schools, construction of access roads and wells to improve the livelihood of local communities in rural operation areas) by our plantation companies.
In the wake of the earthquake tragedy that hit the central region of People’s Republic of China in May 2008, the Group’s hotel division embarked on various fundraising activities to raise the much needed funds for the victims of the quake.
Under the Honda Inspiring Lives Fund, Kah Motor Singapore raised funds for the four adopted beneficiaries, i.e. AWWA Special School, Lion Befrienders, MINDS IDEA Employment Development Centre and Samaritans of Singapore.
On 9 Sept 2008, the Community Service Committee of Kah Motor Singapore brought 26 senior citizens of Kreta Ayer Senior Activity Centre to the Moon Cake Lantern Festival at the Chinese Garden. The senior citizens enjoyed the beauty of the spectacular display of handmade lanterns and cultural show performed by troops from Xiamen, People’s Republic of China, besides the delicious moon cakes and sumptuous dinner.
In Indonesia, the Group’s plantation companies continue to provide various community activities to improve the well being and foster a good and harmonious relationship with the local community. Such activities include donations to mosques neighbouring the estates, giving out food packages during Hari Raya and providing the use of the estate’s heavy equipment to improve and maintain the roads and drainage systems and to level grounds for use by the local communities as football fields.
THE ENVIRONMENT
OHB Group is committed in protecting and respecting the environment through efficiency in the conduct of its operations.
The manufacturing sector in the Group fully supports the CSR initiatives in terms of the operational improvements to the manufacturing processes to reduce the discharge of effluents and industrial waste from daily operations.
OHB’s hotels and resorts sector observes strict concerted efforts to reduce energy and water consumption as well as reduction of hotel supplies waste due to improvement in its waste management option by adopting Avoid, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Compost principals.
In Indonesia, the plantation operations are carried out in compliance with the PROPER program set up by the local Ministry of Environment to conserve and protect the environment from oil palm plantation activities.
To promote paperless environment, E-card for festive seasons, go green banner and environment brochure on recycled paper had been developed for the Group.
THE WORKPLACE
OHB Group employs a significant number of employees in both its domestic and overseas operations. The employees are highly appreciated and are given various staff benefits including annual awards, health insurance and medical care.
The employees are encouraged to develop on both personal and professional level. Besides, OHB as a Group also encourages the provision of a safe and healthy work environment for its employees.
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