Hemaraj –25Years of Responsibility towards Neighboring Schools.

In recent years the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has evolved, to consider ethical and environmental concerns when making key business decisions. This makes CSR integral to the way one’s business relates to the world, to everything one does, and to one’s potential for success. CSR is defined as a business outlook

that acknowledges responsibilities to stakeholders not traditionally accepted, including suppliers, customers, and employees as well as local and international communities.

It is well-known that Hemaraj Land And Development Plc. possesses a strong record regarding its commitment towards society. Since 1988, the company has placed great emphasis on environment, education and community matters that are linked to the progress and prosperity of the Kingdom. Hemaraj remains committed to the ideal of ensuring that its business projects are environmentally sound and community-friendly. The overriding goal is sustainability. With that in mind, the company has been

inspired by and strives to replicate the basic tenets of sufficiency economy as put forward by HM King Bhumipol Adulyadej. For instance, this practical philosophy emphasizes on moderation, perseverance, social responsibility, and grass-roots development.

According to Ms. Siyaphas Chantachairoj, Director of Corporate Marketing and Residential Customer Development, Hemaraj for the past two decades has demonstrated consistently a civic duty to the creation of green industrial estates, the provision of support for teachers and students in the Eastern Seaboard and the nurturing of neighboring communities around its estates. Hemaraj aims for its customers not simply to invest, but to invest with confidence, knowing that the company practices and embodies “corporate citizenship”. In fact, it is Hemaraj’s numerous CSR activities that complement the company’s wide range of world-class amenities and services at its industrial

estates. Hemaraj seeks to create the best possible manufacturing environment but also to set the standard regarding corporate social responsibility in Thailand.

Hemaraj works with local communities on projects that are important to them. As far as education is concerned, for more than a decade, Hemaraj has supported primary education in the areas around its industrial estates through the Hemaraj Annual School Contribution program. The company coordinates the contributions from its industrial estate customers and suppliers and donates education kits and school supplies to more than 15,000 students at 52 schools in Rayong and Chonburi.

Hemaraj management knows that by assisting primary schools the company is laying a foundation for the youth of today to become tomorrow’s leaders in their communities and the country. Such philanthropic activity not only helps the residents of neighboring communities but also boosts Thailand’s development. Likewise, every year Hemaraj grants scholarships to enable students to attend universities and vocational schools, works with the schools to upgrade their facilities, and funds salaries for teachers in subjects that are important to the individual schools. The reality found across Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard is not the paucity of schools but rather of teachers.

Aware of the necessity to elevate the primary school system in the Eastern Seaboard so as to further the region’s human resource development, Hemaraj has taken the initiative and set up an Hemaraj : Tercher English Camp in March 2013, under the “Adopt-ASchool” umbrella program which Hemaraj collaborates with the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM). Of paramount importance is getting Thai youngsters to improve their English language proficiencies – writing, reading, speaking, and comprehension- for the coming ASEAN Economic Committee. The camp sessions will last for four days and hosted at Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate (Rayong). To ensure a high level of professionalism and expertise, Hemaraj has contracted English Solutions to conduct training seminars and workshops for Thai educators on how to teach the English language competently in a provincial classroom. The purpose is to instill particular skills and methodologies to Thai primary school teachers that will assist them in English language instruction once the new academic year commences in May 2013.

Similarly, a Teacher Fellowship program has been put together by Hemaraj and AMCHAM in grant matching that provides a monthly salary subsidy to a select group of four Thai teachers who have met certain criteria and who have been acknowledged by their peers for their commitment to excellence. For Hemaraj the cornerstone of a successful education system is a dedicated and knowledgeable teaching corps.

And, last but not least, there is the Art Camp which has involved some 19 schools each year. Hemaraj understands the importance of art in the intellectual and emotional development of primary school children, and recognizes the lack of art teachers in the Eastern Seaboard region.

By enhancing educational opportunities for the youth of today and sponsoring activities that are important to the community, such as the Teacher Fellowships and

Hemaraj : Tercher English Camp, Hemaraj is demonstrating that it wants to be fully engaged with local residents of the Eastern Seaboard region.