SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER 2004

HONG KONG CSR NEWS

1. ABN AMRO Bank N V and The Walt Disney Company (Asia Pacific) Ltd Become "Corporate Citizens" of Community Business
   Community Business continues to grow and attract companies committed to CSR in Hong Kong.  For a full list of our Corporate Citizens, click here.
    
2. Launch of Asia Pacific CSR Group
   Community Business is the Hong Kong representative for the newly formed Asia Pacific CSR Group launched in July in Singapore.  Other representatives are from Australia, India, Pakistan, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Philippines and Sri Lanka.  The Group aims to enhance awareness in CSR in the region and work with companies to enhance their impact on society.   For more information, please contact shalini@communitybusiness.org.hk
    
3. Business & Human Rights: A Study of Corporate Risk in Hong Kong
   This research, undertaken by the University of Hong Kong, tracks the exposure of Hong Kong listed companies to alleged violations of human rights.  The report shows that many Hong Kong companies are involved in countries where their reputation could be harmed by allegations of human rights abuses. For research, click here.
    
4. Awareness and Attitudes to Environmental and Socially Responsible Investment in Hong Kong
   The research, jointly undertaken by the University of Hong Kong and ASrIA, finds considerable interest in environmentally and socially responsible investment in Hong Kong but very little supply of product.  Interest in alternative investment funds is higher amongst women, older age groups, the better educated, those with children and the more wealthy.  For research, click here.
    
5. Caring Company Scheme 2004/05 Invites Nominations
   The Hong Kong Council for Social Services is now inviting nominations for the Caring Company Scheme 2004/5.  The Scheme recognises those companies that meet certain 'Caring Company' criteria.  For details, click here.
    
6. Recognising Hong Kong's Women of Influence:  Nominations Now Open for Awards
   The Women of Influence Awards, organised by Amcham and supported by Community Business, is now open for nominations to recognise women leaders in Hong Kong.  There are four award categories: Professional of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Young Achiever of the Year, and the Best Company of the Year.  The deadline for nominations is extended to 13 September 2004.  For details, click here.
    
7. HSBC Launches Sustainability Programme for SMEs
   HSBC has launched Living Business, a programme to help Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) be more profitable and productive by implementing socially and environmentally responsible business practices.   For details, click here.
    
8. British Consulate General Releases CSR Report and CSR Website
   In line with the global commitment of the British Government to CSR, the British Consulate General in Hong Kong has released its first ever CSR report.  To view the report, click here.  In addition, they have launched their own CSR website in Hong Kong.  Click here.
    
9. New Asia CSR Website Launched
   This new website on Asian aspects of CSR provides daily news stories and links to further information.  It aims to keep people interested in CSR up to date with the issues and debates as they emerge in the region.  Click here.
    

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MAY NEWSLETTER 2004

HONG KONG CSR NEWS

1. PepsiCo International and The British Council become "Corporate Citizens" of Community Business
   Community Business continues to grow and attract a diverse range of companies committed to addressing CSR in Hong Kong. For a full list of our Corporate Citizens please click here.
    

2. Request for Employee Volunteering case studies for Community Business forthcoming publication, from NGO’s and companies
   Community Business is gathering case studies that have had a positive impact on society, employees and on business.  Interested parties are requested to complete the form available at  http://www.communitybusiness.org.hk/documents/EmployeeVolunteering.doc. Deadline date is 15 June 2004.
    

3. Donald Tsang mentions Community Business and Legco passes a motion for government to work with businesses and the voluntary sector to formulate and implement public awareness on CSR
   The Chief Secretary of Hong Kong recognises Community Business as one of the key civil society groups addressing the issue of CSR with the business sector.  For more information, please visit http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200403/17/0317287.htm
    

4. Financial Secretary, Henry Tang earmarks $200 million for tripartite relationships
   The Financial Secretary announced in his maiden budget that the HKSARG will earmark $200 million to encourage businesses and NGO’s to work closer on issues to help the disadvantaged (point 68 in the budget, available online at http://www.budget.gov.hk/2004/eng/budget16.htm).  The Health, Welfare and Food Bureau have been tasked to consult with the social welfare sector on how best to move forward.
    

5. MTR Corporation receives ACCA Hong Kong Award for Sustainability Reporting 2003
   MTR Corporation, a Corporate Citizen of Community Business received the ACCA Hong Kong Award for Sustainability Reporting 2003.  The runner up for this award was the Architectural Services Department. Hong Kong and China Gas received the ACCA Hong Kong Award for Environmental Reporting 2003, and the runner up was the Hong Kong Housing Authority. For more details, please visit http://www.accaglobal.com/sustainability.
    

6. World Bank Institute launches its course on “CSR and Sustainable Competitiveness”  with Community Business
   The online course materials developed by the World Bank Institute for government, students and business practitioners is delivered with a series of local workshops on the subject of CSR.   The course was first held in conjunction with the University of Hong Kong, General Education Unit and was well received by participants.  For more information please contact shalini@communitybusiness.org.hk.
    

7. Citibank sponsors the Asia Pacific NGO Awards for Excellence
   The NGO Award, sponsored by Citibank and organised by the Resource Alliance, will recognise and raise awareness on the professionalism and excellence which exists in NGO sector in Asia. The Award will highlight good practice and standards for resource mobilisation while providing valuable lessons to learn from.  For more information, please visit http://www.communitybusiness.org.hk/documents/citibank.doc
    

8. Time wastage at work is due to poor communication and management skills of job superiors, research from City University reveals
   A recent survey undertaken by Professor Leung Kwok at City University of Hong Kong’s School of Management reveals that the most common reason for time wastage at work is due to poor communication and management skills of job superiors.  For more information please visit http://www.communitybusiness.org.hk/documents/LeungKwok.pdf.
    

9. An invitation to list your company in ECO-PAGES 2004 the first bilingual directory of global environmental contacts
   ECO-PAGES 2004 is the first bilingual directory listing comprehensive environmental contacts from all over the world. It provides environmental products and services providers an effective platform to communicate to their buyers. The directory will be launched in June 2004 and will be distributed to environmental concerned parties free of charge.  For more information please visit http://www.communitybusiness.org.hk/2_0_lpartners.html#ecopages
    

10. Business Environment Council launches The Hong Kong Business Guide to Sustainable Development
    This first bilingual, web-based, comprehensive information base targeting the Hong Kong business sector in Hong Kong.  Please visit  http://203.129.88.105/BEC/sd-guide/e_home.php
     

11. Business Environment Council launches the 2004 Hong Kong Awards for Industry in Environmental Performance
    This award aims to promote the benefits to business of embracing environmental protection.   The award is opened to manufacturing or manufacturing-related companies which possess valid business registration certificate in Hong Kong. For more details please visit http://www.hkindustryaward.org/
     

12. Community Business launches internship programme
    Community Business is pleased to invite individuals who have a strong interest in working on Corporate Social Responsibility, specifically in Community Investment, Diversity, and Work-life Balance. For more details, please visit http://www.communitybusiness.org.hk/2_0_internship.html.
     

13. Hong Kong youth take an interest  in Global CSR Issues
    30 of Hong Kong University’s best and brightest second year students are looking to spend the summer of 2004 interning with an organisation abroad that is engaged in CSR issues. The students are hand picked to go through a Corporate Values and Professional Ethics Programme. Companies and NGO’s with operations abroad that are interested in taking on these students as unpaid summer interns may contact Dr Albert Chau at awlchau@hkucc.hku.hk

LOCAL AND REGIONAL CSR EVENTS

1. "Access for All", XV International AIDS Conference, 11-16 July, Bangkok
   The XV International AIDS Conference links community and science to galvanise the world’s response to HIV/AIDS through increased commitment, leadership and accountability.  For more information, please visit http://www.aids2004.org/
    

2. “ Spirit of CSR- Time for Action”  The First Asia Pacific CSR Seminar Series, 12- 13 July, Singapore
   The Centre For Corporate Social Responsibility (CCSR) Singapore is pioneering an initiative to launch the First Asia Pacific Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Seminar Series in Singapore on 12th and 13th July 2004 . The Highlight of the conference will be the launch of 10 Asia Pacific Centres for CSR who will form an Asia Pacific CSR Group consisting of Community Business in Hong Kong and members from Australia, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Thailand who are resolved to heighten regional co-operation and understanding in the field of CSR. Special Prices organised for Corporate Citizens of Community Business.   For more information, please visit http://www.centreforcsr.org.sg/AsiaPacCSR/FactSheet.pdf or email Justin Wee, Conference Chair at justinwee@lokeseah.com.sg
    

3. ASrIA Annual Conference 2004, 15-16 July 2004, Singapore
   Responsible business and investment practice is spreading daily from the boardrooms in Europe and the US to impact businesses on-the-ground in Asia. As operations and production lines shift to Asia, many global companies strive to implement global business strategies with sustainability at the fore and many smaller Asian companies struggle to meet international standards in best practice. This day is designed to assess the status of SRI in the region and the penetration of global business principles into Asia. There will also be a focus on methodologies for developing SRI specifically in the Asian context.  For more information, please visit http://www.asria.org/events/singapore/july04/home
    

4. Asian Forum on CSR, 2-3 September 2004, Malaysia
   This is the largest CSR event in Asia with over 300 delegates from companies and NGO’s expected.  Companies committed to CSR in Asia are recommended to attend.  Community Business is an organising partner of the Asian Forum on CSR and CEO Shalini Mahtani will be a speaker at the event.
   For details please visit: http://www.asianforumcsr.com
    

5. Ethical Corporation Asia 2004 "Is corporate responsibility really relevant in Asia?", 14-15 October 2004, Hong Kong
   This conference in Hong Kong will focus on the relevance of CSR for Asia.  Community Business is an organising partner of this event.  For details, please refer to http://www.communitybusiness.org.hk/4_0_newsdiary.html#20041014

 

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FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER 2004

CSR IN HONG KONG: A SURVEY OF BEST PRACTICE
This is the first such research conducted in Hong Kong and is a useful benchmark for companies.  The results show clearly what "best practice" companies in Hong Kong are doing in many different areas of CSR including equal opportunity, community investment, human rights, working hours, corporate governance and stakeholder dialogue.  Please download your free copy at www.communitybusiness.org.hk/documents/BestPractice.pdf
 

REMINDER: BOOK YOUR SEAT NOW!

1. Employee Volunteering:  Lessons learned from multinationals
   Friday, 27 February 2004, 12.30 - 2.00pm
   
   David Halley, Head of International Development at Business in the Community is in Hong Kong to share his experiences in developing employee volunteering programmes with multinationals such as Citigroup, Microsoft, CISCO and GE Capital.  For more details and how to enroll, please visit http://communitybusiness.org.hk/4_0_newsdiary.html#20040227. 
   
   
2. Business Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility: 2004 Survey Results
   Wednesday, 3 March 2004, 4.30 - 6.00pm
   
   This research seeks to define and identify the elements of Corporate Social Responsibility that businesses can use as a basis for their CSR policies and practices.  The survey covers what some of the largest companies are doing in Europe, North America and Asia.  In total 450 companies were surveyed in 15 different countries (including Hong Kong SAR). For more details and how to enroll, please visit http://communitybusiness.org.hk/4_0_newsdiary.html#20040303.
   

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JANUARY NEWSLETTER 2004

Community Business would like to wish our Corporate Citizens, subscribers and friends all the very best for Year of the Monkey.  Kung Hei Fat Choi.

We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming Community Business events taking place over the next few weeks. 

In this issue we cover:

1. HONG KONG NEWS
2. HONG KONG EVENTS
3. ASIA EVENTS

HONG KONG NEWS

1. Community Business welcomes APCO, BP and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer as its newest Corporate Citizens
   These companies have joined Community Business to enhance their impact on the local community by addressing the issues of Diversity in the workplace, Corporate Community Investment or the wider agenda of Corporate Social Responsibility.
    
2. Community Business launches the Race for Mentors Project with CSFB
   On 7 February 2004, Community Business will launch the Race for Mentors pilot project which is sponsored by CSFB.  The project will involve CSFB employees mentoring an equal number of students from an ethnic minority government school in Hong Kong.  The aim of the project is to develop a "model" mentoring project for corporate volunteers to transfer invaluable skills and experience to the youth of Hong Kong.  For more information on this project, please email Shalini Mahtani at shalini@communitybusiness.org.hk
    
3. Community Business, with the Corporate Environmental Governance Unit  of the University of Hong Kong, releases research on CSR best practice in Hong Kong
   This is the first such research conducted in Hong Kong and will be available, for no charge, in soft copy from www.communitybusiness.org.hk on 18 February.  To attend our briefing on this on 17 February 2004 please see below.

HONG KONG EVENTS

1. Corporate Social Responsibility in Hong Kong: A Survey of Best Practice
   Tuesday 17 February 2004, 4.30 - 6.00pm
   Community Business with the Corporate Environmental Governance Unit of the University of Hong Kong has undertaken research on what is CSR Best Practice amongst companies in Hong Kong.  For more details and how to enroll, please visit http://communitybusiness.org.hk/4_0_newsdiary.html#20040212. 
    
2. Making Money Out of Corporate Social Responsibility
   Tuesday, 24 February 2004, 9.00 - 5.30pm
   The British Consulate-General in association with Community Business and Business in the Community (BiTC), UK is holding a high-level workshop on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) that will focus on the business and economic case for CSR.  For more details and how to enroll, please visit http://communitybusiness.org.hk/4_0_newsdiary.html#20040224. 
    
3. Employee Volunteering:  Lessons learned from multinationals
   Friday, 27 February 2004, 12.30 - 2.00pm
   David Halley, Head of International Development at Business in the Community and author of The Complete Guide to Employee Community Involvement", European Commission 1999, and "The ECI Company Workbook," CSR Europe 2000 will share his experiences in developing 
   employee volunteering programmes with multinationals such as Citigroup, Microsoft, CISCO and  GE Capital.  For more details and how to enroll, please visit  http://communitybusiness.org.hk/4_0_newsdiary.html#20040227. 
    
4. Business Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility: 2004 Survey Results
   Wednesday, 3 March 2004, 4.30 - 6.00pm
   This research seeks to define and identify the elements of Corporate Social Responsibility that businesses can use as a basis for their CSR policies and practices.  It then goes on to carry our survey of what some of the largest companies are doing in Europe, North America and Asia. In total 450 companies were surveyed in 15 different countries (including Hong Kong SAR). For more details and how to enroll, please visit http://communitybusiness.org.hk/4_0_newsdiary.html#20040303. 

ASIAN FORUM ON CSR

1. ASrIA’s Third International Conference
   Thursday and Friday, 15 and 16 July 2004
   Singapore
   For details please visit: http://www.asria.org
    
2. Asian Forum on CSR – "Making the Business Case for CSR"
   Thursday and Friday, 2 and 3 September 2004
   Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
   This is the largest CSR event in Asia with over 400 delegates from companies and NGO’s expected.  For details please visit: http://www.asianforumcsr.com