Seminar in Bangkok makes case for inclusive and environmentally responsible businesses in Asia
Environmentally friendly agricultural practices and empowerment of women were among key areas that panel speakers shared insightful ideas about at a seminar organised by Oxfam.
The “Asia Inclusive and Responsible Business Forum 2023” was held at Amari Watergate Hotel in Bangkok on Tuesday.
The discussion aimed to promote interaction between Asian society and the private sector to support economic and gender justice, and climate resilience.
“I have had a passion for empowering women since I was a young girl,” said Phrium Dyphan, CEO of MUCH Mobile Healthcare in Cambodia.
In Vietnam, especially in the rural areas, parents often stop daughters from working and force them to marry, said Dyphan.
“At MUCH Mobile Healthcare, we provide at-home nursing services and support women to work in a safe community as well as help their parents to understand the significance of their jobs,” she said.
Lam Thai Xuyen, director of Minh Phu Seafood Corp in Vietnam, said: “Our goal is to ensure food safety, protect the environment, balance social benefits, and take good care of animals.”
“We recognise the contribution of women, we promote women's empowerment, improve working conditions, and support women's economic initiatives,” said Xuyen.
Xuyen plans to build a completely organic farming village in Vietnam.
Prad Kerdpairoj, director of Sustainability, Asia, and human rights manager at Thai Union, gave insights on their sustainability strategy called, “SeaChange”.
It aims to promote sustainability, provide safe, legal employment and empowerment, and combat climate change by promoting a healthy diet through tenable seafood.
“The main risk in our area is unethical recruitment. We follow an ethical migrant recruitment policy and a non-discrimination policy to help workers know their rights and we also provide support for women workers,” he said.
“The social and environmental impact of your business is an important consideration,” said Ehab Usama, chief marketing officer and co-founder of Chitosan in Egypt.
Chitosan is a biotech company that manufactures high-competence chitosan solutions — a sugar that comes from the outer skeleton of shellfish and is used in medicine manufacturing.
“We focus on conquering and revolutionising local agriculture with organic fertilisers, and also help farmers work in an organic way,” he said.
In the concluding part of the presentation, Dyphan had a strong message for women: “Remember, you can do it and remember not to give up.” She urged men to continue to “support women and help unlock their potential”.
“Let us produce more organic products to support the environment and provide farmers with good working conditions,” said Xuyen.
Prad said, “it was important to be an inclusive and responsible business, whether you like it or not; it’s not about social benefits but about your ability to operate.”
Usama said, “It is important to have collaborations and partnerships to help you achieve social responsibility and make an impact.”
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