The Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA) 2023 is pleased to honor 78 outstanding business leaders and enterprises for championing sustainable and responsible business practices. Presented by leading regional NGO Enterprise Asia, the AREA is the most reputable award recognition program recognizing organizational efforts in creating a culture of compassion, integrity, and in being socially responsible corporate citizens. The AREA serves as a badge of excellence to spur further innovation and best-practice sharing for your organization and the world at large.
The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) was among the recipients who were conferred with the Social Empowerment Award. Thailand has been critically facing water-related crises and natural disasters such as floods, droughts, water retention, etc. especially problems along the Chao Phraya River which affects the management of Bangkok Port. Thus, since 2016, PAT’s “People…Saving Water, Saving Land” project has been the responsibility of its faculties and staff to voluntarily accomplish the Mission of sustaining all businesses of PAT and fulfilling its obligations to the country.
PAT, with a business deeply integrated with the nations’ waters, has recognized the crucial importance of the headwaters and resources that can be found here and are determined to be responsible for people living around the headwaters. The company is determined to respond to all needs and demands of the locals and wishes for their civic engagement in all sectors for the best and most sustainable benefits of all people and the country.
The company has 3 principles for the management of this project, which are, to give what is needed, to participate when necessary, and to strive for the best sustainable results. 7 strategies were used in the procedure and framework for this project.
PAT realized that if the company is strong, healthy, and firm, it should help others to be the same. That is what PAT in the public sector division, must maintain and continue spreading its fortune to others. So, internally, PAT has raised its officials’ awareness of CSR in various aspects, such as, through courses on communication and volunteer activities. PAT has also invited its alliances to participate in its check dam construction where they have then learned and understood how admirable this project is.
This project has had a journey of 7 years that should be rejoiced and celebrated. PAT volunteers, alliances, and the locals have shared in the joys, laughs, and smiles that came about from this project’s activities. From 2016 until the present, PAT has granted the budgets to construct not less than 80 check dams in the areas of headwaters of the Chao Phraya River (20 districts in 9 provinces of Thailand).
The project always starts at the beginning of the fiscal year, from October to September. The team in charge of this project consists of 4 roles: the head of the team, the design and construction team (civil engineering), the laws and legal team, and the secretariat to coordinate and summarize events.
Moving forward, the PAT intends to incorporate 16 goals in its projects to empower people to achieve happiness and sustainability socially. Overviewing these goals, the company plans to practice helpfulness and empathy, keep searching for innovation, overcome social issues by solving the core problem, encourage learning in the community, and be present and accessible. By giving back to the community, improving the local economy, and ensuring local businesses thrive by promoting business owner independence.
PAT believes that empowering people is the key to the sustainable development of the country. So the company will gear up with strong determination and great dedication to a future of responsible sustainability.
About Enterprise Asia
Enterprise Asia is a non-governmental organization in pursuit of creating an Asia that is rich in entrepreneurship as an engine toward sustainable and progressive economic and social development within a world of economic equality. Its two pillars of existence are investment in people and responsible entrepreneurship. Enterprise Asia works with governments, NGOs, and other organizations to promote competitiveness and entrepreneurial development, in uplifting the economic status of people across Asia and in ensuring a legacy of hope, innovation, and courage for the future generation. Please visit https://www.enterpriseasia.org for more information.
About Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA)
The Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards program recognizes and honors Asian businesses for championing sustainable and responsible entrepreneurship in the categories of Green Leadership, Investment in People, Health Promotion, Social Empowerment, Corporate Governance, Circular Economy Leadership, Corporate Sustainability Reporting, and Responsible Business Leadership. For more information, visit https://enterpriseasia.org/area.