Introduction

a. Message from Sir Prof. Dr. Roger Haw, the Founder cum Chairman of ASRIA Awards

A warm welcome to the platform of cultivating and promoting Social Responsibility practice created by ANSTED!

It is my pleasure to take this opportunity to introduce to you the Ansted Social Responsibility International Awards (ASRIA). You have the opportunity to learn about the important aspects of this award meant to create positive impact to society at large and how you or your organization can achieve it.

Ansted Foundation and its University is committed to develop A Noble System of Technology for Educational Development to achieve academic excellence and a caring community around the world. Nation building could also be enhanced through the promotion of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), adding that Ansted University's aim is to promote peace and social responsibility through education. "The culture of peace should be cultivated in individuals, families, and all sorts of organisations,''

The Ansted University Foundation honours those individuals, organizations and corporations that are contributing to a better society by building better communities through setting up a social responsibility program and by putting it into practice on the local, state, or international levels. These leading persons and groups devote their time, efforts, money and talents to civic organizations, public and private schools, universities and colleges, professional groups, religious organizations, and more.

In line with the ASRIA Awards, the key factors or principles for practising Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) are: Transparency, Sustainability, Accountability and Reliability.

The 1st ASRIA Award was born on 23rd November 2004. The ceremony was held in Penang, Malaysia in conjunction with the 2nd International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility 2004 which was attended by delegates from around 30 countries. The event was well organized by Ansted Service Center and supported by Ansted Foundation.

ASRIA Mission(Download pdf)

The ASRIA Awards are known by 187 member nations to UNESCO commissions. ASRIA is a BRAND and ENDORSEMENT for CSR practicing Companies, Institutions, NGOs and individuals. The Award in recognizing responsible Corporate, Institutions, NGOs and individuals working together in collaboration with all countries around the world on six continents for Promoting World Peace by Cultivating Social Responsibility Practice as one of the keys to our Universal Mission

There were four ASRIA awards presented to three companies and one Association. We have also created a special certificate of recognition to one company.

1. Advanced Micro Devices Export Sdn. Bhd. & Spansion (Penang) Sdn. Bhd. from Malaysia. Award received by Mr. Mohd Sofi bin Osman, Managing Director of AMD and Cik Jariyah Hashim, Director of EHS & Operations Training).

2. Asociacion Cluster de Telecomunicaciones, GAIA from Spain (Award received by Mr. Antonio Garcia, Economic & Commercial Counsellor, Embassy Of Spain-Economic & Commercial Office In Kuala Lumpur)

3. Ire-Tex Corporation Berhad from Malaysia. Award received by Dr. Lee Yew Huat, Director and Mr. Jeffrey Tan, Group Finance Manager)

4. MUCOS Pharma CZ, Ltd. from Czech Republic. Award received by Dr. Zinovij Masinovsky, Vice President of MUCOS Pharma)

5. The special Certification Recognition goes to NEC Corporation from Japan. Award received by Mr. Takehiko Kato, Public Relations Division Manager, NEC Business Coordination Centre (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.)

Also at the same time, we have launched the first kind of World book of Record focus on Social Responsibility entitled "SRW Social Responsibility World of RecordPedia" It has been distributed to over 80 countries. The book was highly commented on by four Nobel Prize Laureates. However, the 2nd ASRIA Award recipient for the category of Cultural achievement in relation to social responsibility aspect was won by Mayor of Andong City, Korea. The ASRIA Award presentation ceremony was held on 29th September 2005 in conjunction with the International Organization of Folk Art in operational relation with UNESCO.

The 1st ASRIA Awards Ceremony was held within days of the Second International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility rounding out the conference experience and bringing many international experts to the Awards Ceremony.

The ASRIA Awards Ceremony dramatizes each recipient’s social contribution, spirit and career. It also provides a stage for the honourees to challenge and inspire young and old people to be responsible in their walks of life.

Today’s responsible companies will be tomorrow’s profitable companies. In the last couple of years, CSR has become a priority issue on the UN, US, Canada, EU agenda and it is now coming to ASIA (which recognizes that responsible businesses attract investment funds, and a quality workforce, more easily than others).

The successful firms of tomorrow will be the far-sighted and responsible enterprises that have responded to the demands of global citizens – as workers, as consumers, as investors and as inhabitants of their region and country, of Asia and of the world. I would like to say a little more about each of these aspects of citizenship and how business can respond to them.

It is apparent that any action which an organization undertakes will have an effect not just upon itself but also upon the external environment where it operates. In considering its Impact on the environment, it must be recognized that the latter includes the business scenario in which a firm operates, the local societal conditions in which the organization is located, and the wider global environment.

Corporate sector often tends to lose sight of its responsibility towards society, as it is under constant pressure to compete and remain in business. Thus, there is a social contract between organizations and their stakeholders. Recognition of the rights of all stakeholders and the obligation of a business towards the society in this wider context is a relatively recent phenomenon. Further, the economic view of accountability only to owners and its ramifications have been the subject of intense debate.

When properly integrated with business, strategies, CSR policies can create a great competitive advantage.

We clearly live in a competitive age. Not just between individuals, but sections of society. One striking expression of this is the way there always seems to be one group under attack. A group may put its own interests first and take advantage of others.
What are CSR practicing companies benefits? Of course, their customers will trust them more. Their employees will feel a greater sense of commitment and motivation. Ethically aware investors will choose them. They will benefit from constructive co-operation with national and local authorities and from partnership with educational and research institutes as well as civil society. Finally, they will be helping promote country and/or organisation values and giving the country and/or organization a leading role in shaping international rules that are in everyone’s interests. This concept of corporate responsibility is not just a new and fashionable piece of jargon. It is a hard reality, and one on which the survival of developing countries depends. It is in the long-term interest of all of us – business, public authorities and institutions – to put this sense of responsibility into practice.

The key advantages of being socially responsible are summarized as reputation is improved among staff and customers, productivity is improved through increased innovation and efficiency, shareholder value is increased as social investment funds target the company and institution, the customer base is widened with no risk of losing existing ones, motivation and commitment of staff is improved, recruitment of young, bright and dynamic people is enhanced and the personal satisfaction of management is increased. These are benefits, which any business and institution can ill afford to ignore. Society expects firms to have more than an economic interest in the world. Customers have learned to demand more. More and more people have become concerned about a company’s overall impact.

Nowadays Governmental agencies and private organizations as well as NGO are recognizing the importance of engaging in dialogue with stakeholders in order to understand their expectations and needs, to align company values with those of society at large, and to make CSR a win-win strategy for all.
We all know that CSR cannot be imposed, or directed from above. But the voluntary nature of CSR does not imply that it should be unilateral. What is at stake is the credibility of the process, which is why we believe that it is necessary to work together, through an open and constructive dialogue, involving all actors of social responsibility, to further develop CSR. This is important to improve the quality, credibility and effectiveness of CSR tools.

CSR practice aims to help and encourage companies and stakeholders deliver on the commitments they already have:

The challenge
The theme of Corporate Social Responsibility continues to grow in importance. Sustainable development and business ethics are now high on the public policy agenda.
“The Corporate Social Responsibility is important part of mankind political and socioe-conomic system in relation to sustainable future of our civilization/mankind with Biosphere of Planet Earth Nature.” By Prof. Dr. Timi Ecimovic, Rep. Slovenia

For business, CSR is enlightened self-interest. Companies exist to make a profit and good CSR pays. Credibility and trust, the focal point of any CSR strategy, are also the key to hiring – and retaining – the best and brightest staff, and the key to branding which consumers and investors can identify with. It is a clear 'win-win' strategy, which goes straight to the 'bottom line'. ATTRACTING MORE CUSTOMERS. Companies which incorporate CSR build the trust and goodwill to the communities in which they operate by impliying a kind of benevolence or 'giving back' to the society. This is a very good method to attract more customers. This was proven by Mc Donald. IMPROVING RELATIONS WITH WORKERS WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. Company can organize a volunteer service project in its district of operation. By doing this way, the workers and the local community will have a common objective for the project and work hand-in-hand to clean up the area. In general, it can be said that CSR is a social license to operate.

For government, the task is to make sure that the process of global economic and social change is managed properly and fairly. If CSR can assist this change, all will benefit. CSR can contribute to Asia’s reform goals of full employment, better jobs and to reduce poor community. But CSR can also play a role in developing better global governance and improving living and working standards worldwide.

For the public at large, CSR plays another role. Trade liberalization and technological change have opened up unprecedented business opportunities over the past twenty years. Yet the speed of change brings concern about globalisation, economic restructuring and the ever-growing power of multinationals. If corporations demonstrate a sense of social and environmental responsibility, they help to ease the transition towards the new economic order.

Last but not least, we must keep in mind that CSR can enable all of us to benefit from living in a world in which common, positive, standards are respected by all. A wise man will desire no more than what he/she may get justly, use soberly, distribute cheerfully, and leave contentedly. The wealth of a nation cannot be stored in gold bars. It must remain in the spirit and attitude of the people; wholesome, hopeful, and reverent

If you come across those companies or institutions in any part of the world practising Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), please inform the person in charge of that organization to contact us. Once the company agreed to support the Ansted University Commemorative magazine project such as sponsor, advertiser, ASRIA Awardees or CSR paper contributors, a gift from Ansted will be given to you in recognizing your effort to promote CSR.

We highly appreciate your assistance in helping us. I sincerely hope that you will take part by giving at least one organization’s name which is practising CSR for us to contact them. In addition, if you are aware of an organizational directory that would be of help to our nominating committee or you can provide a list from the organizations you are associated with this would be a tremendous help to the ASRIA’s ongoing search for CSR practicing companies. The worldwide web is ever growing. If you know of websites that feature the names and addresses of CSR professionals, Companies, please let us know and our Board will review the site. Of course, your name will be listed on the publication too.

For more detailed information about ASRIA Awards nomination, please write to us by email, fax or mail.

I thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to assist us. We are extremely grateful for nominations received all year round, not just during a campaign. My best regards to you.

b. The creation and launched of Ansted Social Responsibility International Awards ASRIA:

The idea and proposal of “Ansted Social Responsibility International Awards (ASRIA)” was brought by Prof. Dr. Roger Haw to the President and Governing Board of Trustees of Ansted University Foundation on 10th October 2003. The proposal was approved and endorsed by the Ansted University Foundation Board of Trustees on 10th March 2004.

An announcement was made on 29th May 2004 in Malaysia to invite nominations which was launched by YB Dato’ Koay Kar Huah, Penang State Executive Councillor in Malaysia. The late Sir Prof. Dr. Dom A. Martin was appointed by the Ansted Foundation Board of Trustees to serve as the Honorary Secretary General for overseeing the department. Sir Prof. Dr. Martin passed away in 2005 after the 2nd ASRIA Awards presentation ceremony held in Korea. Consequently, the management had decided to take a year break and no ASRIA Awards presentation made in 2006. In 2007, everything is resumed and we are starting to receive nomination and a new Board has been appointed to serve as key personnel for overseeing and developing the ASRIA project. A panel of judges has been set up to evaluate nomination application documents.

In 2004, the 2nd International Conference Organizing and Scientific Committee were requested to promote the ASRIA project globally. However, effective on 2005, the ASRIA Awards has been promoting through Ansted’s website and some recommendation from our Ansted community to the public.

After the 2005 ASRIA Awards presentation ceremony held at IOV World Congress (a NGO in operational relations with UNESCO in Austria) which held their Congress in Korea, the management feels that to hold the ASRIA Awards presentation ceremony in conjunction with external organization organized World Congress or International Conference in a certain chosen events which is related to social responsibility affairs was an ideal move as it will gain more public awareness and publicity from delegates from various countries. Alternatively it will become a platform to promote WORLD PEACE in the long run. Basically the response was very encouraging. Therefore, we shall continue to hold the ASRIA Awards ceremony in conjunction with the annual International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility or other major Conference/World Congress until further notice. The Board of Trustees of ASRIA Election Board has decided to celebrate the ASRIA Awards presentation ceremony to be held in different countries each year.

Ansted Social Responsibility International Awards 2004 - An overview:

A group of ASRIA panel members from various countries has been appointed by ASRIA Board of trustees to serve as interviewers and are required to conduct a face-to-face interview in English or other languages with applicant (individuals and Corporate leaders) who has submitted completed nomination form to Ansted University for processing.

The ASRIA panel members are the Ansted community residing in different parts of the world. As our standard of operation procedure, we would prefer to conduct the interview session at the office of applicant. The serious and committed applicant will accept and invite our authorized personnel to carry out an official interview with the applicant management and staff upon receipt of our letter of notification after the applicant has submitted his/her complete set of supporting documents to ASRIA Department.

This is a kind of accreditation process implemented by the ASRIA Election Board to help applicant and awarding body increase the high level of mutual party understanding the objectives and directions as well as the commitment after obtaining the ASRIA Awards.

The entire session including introduction and interview meeting process needs about at least an hour excluding site visit to the projects that applicant has been conducting either to the indoor or outdoor community. This session can only be conducted when the applicant had submitted their supporting documents to ASRIA Department by email or hard copy by airmail/courier service mail.

A meeting programme agenda has been set for each meeting to ensure the process goes through smoothly and successfully. The type of questions to post to the applicant may not be the same for each individual applicant and/or corporate applicant. This is because the questions only established after the panel of judges read through and review the documents submitted by the applicant. The reason why we want to conduct this useful interview session is to have a clearer picture on how an individual or corporate conduct, initiate and implement the CSR or SR practice in the local or international scene. We realize that some of the things may not bring the good effect by just describing it on paper. Therefore, we need to make additional efforts to ensure the quality of the output; hence a video recording the interview session and submission the panel of judges for final decision is a Must.

In this case, we need a strong co-operation between our representative and applicant to ensure the best output we can obtain in a short interview meeting. A team of witnesses will be attending the session to serve as observer and a letter of citation or recommendation needs to be prepared by observers after the meeting is over. The results will be announced within 30 days. We will notify the applicant by email first while waiting for the official letter to reach the applicant. The winner of the award will be meeting with our SRW RecordPedia Head of Research to finalize the contents on how the winner wants to be put in the SRW Social Responsibility World of RecordPedia publication. Some winners may want to advertise their company products & services and also contribute some fund to serve as sponsor to enhance the company image like as many other companies are doing for the World Cup, Olympic Games and some regional events in this remarkable book, which, following its launch, will be distributed to more than 200 countries. In this case, the participating company will gain instant publicity globally as this book will be distributed to trade unions, libraries and Government offices, Universities & Institutions as well as to many Embassies worldwide. Of course, researchers and companies will purchase too.

In order to get our candidate(s) ready to face this interview, the international panel of judges for the Ansted Social Responsibility International Awards committee have set some additional questionnaires to ask our local representative in each country to conduct a short interview with the applicant. A letter of citation need to be prepared by the interviewer after having the interview session with the applicant at their good office prior to being submitted to the Final Review committee to select the winners of the year. Once the final review session is completed, a letter of declaration will be issued to all the winners of the year.

Road to ASRIA

The important thing is to keep things moving and achieving in a more persistent manner whatever the obstacles. This is the spirit that ASRIA should sustain. We have a lot more to do in other parts of the world but since we are doing things in phases, we should just patiently wait until the other areas are ready.
c. What does the ASRIA logo mean?

The logo is depicting the outline of four human beings signifying the family unit as a metaphor for the larger society. Is not the family unit, in whatever form or variation, the key building block of a larger society? Are not men, women and children the irreplaceable building blocks of society and the human race? Has not mankind, by virtue of his superior intelligence and God-given soul and conscience, been given responsible stewardship over this world and must responsibly govern this world in order to always preserve it for an innumerable succession of generations and generations to come? It represents the greatest, the ideal contribution to mankind and the world that Ansted could achieve through the domain of education, training, the quest for knowledge and expertise, research and human development and the search for lasting peace through social responsibility.

d. The Recognition and rewards

ADVANTAGES:

1. Ansted University Foundation Grant Opportunity *
2. Participate in Ansted SR Research and Sustainability Development Projects *
3. Awardees can use ASRIA’s logo for promoting social responsibility *
4. Awardees are invited to present their case(s) at the annual CSR Conferences
5. Awardees’ names will be listed on the Hall of frame at Ansted SR Department
6. Awardees’ names and articles will be published on the SRW RecordPedia
7. Awardees’ names and profile will be carried around the world through each road show conducted by Ansted Social Responsibility Research & Sustainable Development Department

Receiving the Ansted Social Responsibility International Awards is not only a kind of recognition of an individual and corporate success but also serves to further enhance its reputation. Award recipients receive valuable media exposure. The award recipients will be the role model or act as mentor for others to follow.

The awards ceremony dramatizes each winner’s social contribution spirit and career in narrative form and provides a stage for the honourees to challenge and inspire young and old people to be responsible in their given tasks, unselfishness, integrity with thoughtful minded and ready to lend a hand to people all along their life at any time and any where. Therefore the certificate of recognition and participation will serve the actual meaning because all the delegates have the chance to learn from each other together by sharing their experiences in an open-heart attitude at the annual CSR Conferences.

ASRIA AWARD CATEGORIE

1. Business, economic and/or entrepreneurial accomplishment in relation to the social responsibility aspect.
2. Political, legal and governmental affairs in relation to the social responsibility aspect.
3. Academic leadership and accomplishment in relation to the social responsibility aspect.
   
4. Cultural achievement in relation to the social responsibility aspect.
   
5. Moral and religious leadership in relation to the social responsibility aspect.
   
6. Contribution to children, world peace and/or human rights in relation to the social responsibility aspect.
   
7. Humanitarian and voluntary service in relation to the social responsibility aspect.
   
8. Scientific and technological development in relation to the social responsibility aspect.
   
9. Personal development and accomplishment in relation to the social responsibility aspect.
   
10. Medical innovation in relation to the social responsibility aspect.
11. Certificate of Recognition on CSR reporting (This category is not an award but just a certification level to recognize CSR practitioner for the works they have done.)
    

Instructions & Criteria:

• To be eligible, the nominee must be 18 years and above. Any citizenship is acceptable
  
• This nomination form must be completed in English
  
• The nominee is required to sign this form under Truth of Information Release.
  
• Please complete in Block capitals using typescript or black ink suitable for photocopying and ensure that you complete all sections before signing and dating the form on the back page.
  
• Official original Application form is required for processing although you may fax or e-mail your completed form.
  
• All questions must be answered accurately and in full. Incorrect or misleading statements can result in the denial of your application, or if you are admitted, your dismissal from Ansted University and its Foundation.
  
• Everyone in all fields of endeavour may be nominated for the SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY honours. Any Individual, Association, Institution or Organisation can nominate any number of nominees.
  

e. Who should learn about the Corporate Social Responsibility practice and its benefit?

Academic and Research Institutions

You need to prepare and carry out appropriate rules in order to provide social responsibility to your employees.
Corporate Responsibility Executives
You will maximize your effectiveness and save your company money

Public Affairs and Corporate Communications Executives
You need to get your company message accurate including the money with external stakeholder interests

Corporate Risk Managers
You need to know about the latest assessment, tracking and management techniques for minimizing risk and maximizing ROI

Social Reporting Managers
You need to find out what internal and external stakeholders are looking for in your non-financial report

Business Strategy Managers
You need to hear the latest advances in strategy from leading edge companies who are embedding responsibility in the core of their operations

Investment, Fund and asset Managers
You need to know what to look for, how to read the ethical balance sheet and how your investors be brought alongside

Investor Relations Executives
You need to know what mainstream and SRI analysts and fund managers are looking for before they invest.

Government Agencies
You need to make and enforce rules and laws for CSR (at the state, national, and international levels, etc.) that relate to the environment, human health, and other areas of concern.

Non-Governmental Organizations
You need to be informed about CSR issues to assist you in preparing and enforcing your organization's CSR rules and future goals.

Consultants
You need to have up-to-date knowledge about laws and issues dealing with CSR so that you can give proper and correct advice to workers, etc.

Public Relation Firms
You need to be abreast of the current CSR issues and rules so that you can properly communicate them to the public.

Human Resources and Internal Communications Executives
You need to know CSR issues and laws in order to properly communicate and carry them out at your organization(s).

Corporate social and environmental executives
You need to keep up-to-date with the new issues, techniques and process structures within corporate responsibility and sustainable development.

Corporate branding and marketing executives
You need to know how CSR issues can affect your role, your company message
and that all-important 'License to operate'.

f. Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the Ansted Social Responsibility International Award?
A: In recognition of the importance of Individuals and Corporate Social Responsibility practice.

Q: Who are the judges?
A: An independent panel of judges comprising Scientists, Nobel Prize & Noble Laureates, Academicians & Professors, Business Developer and Entrepreneurs, Government personnel, Country Ambassadors, Chartered Accountants, Surgeon & Medical Doctors, Chartered Engineers, Lawyers, Socialists and Ansted Foundation Board members.

Q: What are some of the qualities the judges look out for?
A: The independent panel of judges considers a number of criteria when selecting nominees and award recipients, including: socially responsible initiatives that demonstrate “giving back” to the community, nominees’ motivational and demonstrated leadership, etc.

Q: Who are the stakeholders/consortiums of this program?
A: Ansted University and its Foundation Board

Q: How does this program support vision & mission of Ansted & committee?
A: CSR is a kind of sustainable development project, which will bring value to practicing companies and individuals. Ansted University belief in Education will change the world and we have been cultivating various type of Sustainable development projects since 2000. Anything to do with Human factors are our concern; therefore our motto for the University is: “Will to succeed" and our motto for the SRW Recordpedia is "A leading example to mankind". We trust that Ansted should have "A Noble System of Technology for Educational Development;" this is how our name has been chosen as "ANSTED" with the view to creating awareness to mankind leading to world Peace.

Q: Which award categories are more appropriate for company?
A: It is very subjective. We need to access the detailed information provided by a company and then help to find out which area that company has focus in relation to the CSR aspect.

Q: What are the 3 most common top award categories?
A: We have 10 categories in different aspect of the CSR award. Each category has its own value and representing the area of each applicant company focused on. Each Company has its own concern area and each may have its own strategy to promote its company. There is no specific measurement regarding which ones are in the top award categories. I would say all our Award categories are under one roof except that we have to identify clearly on which area the company emphasizes the most contribution part in the issue of CSR practice. No company in the world can focus on all categories.

Q: Are most of the award participants enrolled as individual or organisation?
A: Majority of applicants are companies or organizations. Based on our present record, around 20% are individual applicants.

Q: What are the requirements to participate in the award?
A: There is no fee for participating in the Ansted Social Responsibility International Award nomination. We encourage a company to send a delegation to register as paid delegate or sponsor their staff to attend the CSR Conference to get better exposure and learn from others. We do encourage company to sponsor for the Conference or SRW Recordpedia book. This will get the company has a better chance to expose their name to more than 187 countries as part of the marketing channel and also to raise awareness from around the world.

Q: What are the benefits of obtaining the award, for both parties?
A: In today's world, where ideas are increasingly displacing the physical in the production of economic value, competition for reputation becomes a significant driving force, propelling our economy forward. Many companies incorporate CSR as a marketing tool to build the trust and goodwill of the communities in which they operate by implying a kind of benevolence or 'giving back' to the society. If CSR is harnessed to its fullest extent, it is a vehicle for pro-actively seeking out means of being an agent for positive social change and demonstrating company's values through real actions, which may eventually be used as a unique selling point as hallmark.

Q: Are there any expected outcome from winners such as sharing knowledge with the public?
A: The outcome of the winners will be recorded into SRW Social Responsibility World Recordpedia, which will be distributed to more than 187 countries.

2. ASRIA Awards launching ceremony

a. Message by YB Dato’ Koay Kar Huah, Penang State Executive Councillor in Malaysia.
Dear the 2nd International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility Organising and Scientific Committee members from around the world, in the spirit of peace and harmony, do so much to make this global village a better place in which to live.

I am honoured to be given the opportunity to give a speech on the CSR International Conference Official Launching Ceremony at Equatorial Hotel Penang. Thank you to the Organiser, Ansted University Asia Regional Service Center and the Organising Committee for inviting me to do the CSR International Conference Official Launching Ceremony.

Together with the 1.4 million populations in Penang and 26 Million populations in Malaysia, I am very pleased that the 2nd International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility, an annual event will be held in our warm and lovely country especially to be held in Penang. I feel very proud and honoured that Penang has been selected by Ansted University Foundation and Ansted University as the host venue for this timely, remarkable and one of the most meaningful Conferences. The Corporate Social Responsibility activities have answered the Malaysia Government’s call to help in “nation building” and also to instil in our people the spirit of “Malaysia Boleh”

I am also pleased that through this CSR International Conference we will be able to come in contact with a variety of know-how and technology accumulated by the international experts and researchers in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility. As this event will provide an opportunity for various field of experts and government departments from many nations in the world to meet, cooperate and share information, I feel certain that it will also serve to give you and all people engaged in Corporate Social Responsibility a chance to reflect upon and justly feel proud of your efforts, before taking the next step forward.

The 21st century is an age when all people should learn to live together in harmony. Accordingly, the best way we can put this spirit of the times into practice shall be to decide for ourselves to become a socially responsible person and organization committed to the service of others.

The present age sees the disintegration of boundaries between nations, and the systemization and subdivision of our communities. Nevertheless, the number of organizations that practise the Corporate Social Responsibility is severely lacking. I sincerely hope this CSR International Conference will continue to grow and to go from to strength in the future. Also I sincerely hope that all of you will enjoy the warm-hearted friendship of the people of Penang and of its culture open to the world.

This is a great opportunity for corporate and individual to play their part to promote Social Responsibility activity and at the same time to promote WORLD PEACE.

The objectives of the 2nd International Conference on the Importance of Corporate Social Responsibility in the world is increasing awareness, sharing research experience and refining techniques through interactive discussion as the most appropriate method to achieve the aims of this conference.
Corporations play an important role in society nowadays. No matter how big or how small the size of a company in any part of the world, it will involve human beings within the firm responsible for making organizational activity happen but the effects of that activity will be felt by society at large. Therefore, the firm has a social responsibility for the effect of its actions and the way in which these are achieved. It is apparent however that any actions, which an organization undertakes will have an effect not just upon itself but also upon the external environment within which that organization resides. In considering the effect of the organization upon its external environment it must be recognised that this environment includes both the business environment in which the firm is operating, the local societal environment in which the organization is located and the wider global environment. This effect of the organization can take many forms, such as:

It can be seen from these examples that an organization can have a very significant effect upon its external environment and can actually change that environment through its activities. It can also be seen that these different effects can in some circumstances be viewed as beneficial and in other circumstances be viewed as detrimental to the environment. Indeed the same actions can be viewed as beneficial by some people and detrimental by others.
Over the last decade the question of the relationship between organizations and society has been subject to much debate, often of a critical nature. The decade has seen protests concerning the actions of organizations, exposures of corporate exploitation and unfolding accounting scandals. At the same time ethical behaviour and a concern for the environment have been shown to have a positive correlation with corporate performance. The nature of corporate social responsibility is therefore a topical one for business and academics.
This conference is designed to act as a forum for the debate and analysis of contemporary issues in this broad area. It is intended to attract people from a wide variety of disciplines and geographic regions for an exchange of views. The conference is intended to be interdisciplinary and welcomes contributions from anyone who has a perspective on this important issue. Papers are welcome on any topic related to this broad issue and suggested themes for papers include:

Now, I would like to declare the Official launching of the 2nd International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility, Ansted Social Responsibility International Award (ASRIA) and the Social Responsibility an International Journal in Penang, Malaysia.

Thank you.
29th May 2004
Equatorial Hotel in Penang

b. Photo gallery

3. ASRIA Awards presentation 2004

a. Message by the Founder cum Chairman of ASRIA Awards

Welcoming address by Prof. Dr. Roger Haw, the Founder and Chairman of the ASRIA award on 23rd November 2004 at “Gala Dinner and ASRIA Award night”

Good evening to Prof. Dr. Dana Barry, Honorable President of Ansted University Scientific Board. Honorary Advisory Council members of Ansted University, Organizing and Scientific Committee members, ASRIA award winners, distinguished guests, CSR Conference delegates and friends.

I would like to start with a statement “A wise man will desire no more than what he/she may get justly, use soberly, distribute cheerfully, and leave contentedly. The wealth of a nation cannot be stored in gold bars. It must remain in the spirit and attitude of the people; wholesome, hopeful, and reverent.”- “Achievement begins as we take the first step towards change” is particularly relevant. Challenge and change are paramount forces in every aspect of life.

This evening we are gathered together to recognize and honour those organizations and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding effort and made great contributions to the area of Social Responsibility. Congratulations to all the ASRIA awardees. The ASRIA award 2004 ceremony is witnessed by delegates coming from 22 countries. The speakers and delegates are from various reputable universities, Non-Governmental Organizations and Multinational Corporations, the university’s globally distributed academic faculties, professors, doctorate holders and associate professors from many other prestigious universities, international corporate figures and professionals.

The Ansted University Foundation honours those individuals, organizations and Corporations that are contributing to a better society by building better communities through setting up a platform and putting it into practice at local, state, or international levels. These leaders or organizations contribute their time, effort, money and talents to civic organizations, public and private schools, universities and colleges, government organizations, professional groups, religious organizations, and more.

Just as individual persons have a responsibility to society and the environment, so too all corporations, organizations and even governments around the world have such a duty of care and responsibility towards maintaining and upgrading society and the environment. For such corporations, organizations and governments, this is even more so, as the effect such incorporated entities have on society and the environment is far larger if compared with an individual.

The Criteria for the Ansted Social Responsibility International Award are based on merit and involving such aspect as uniqueness approach on social responsibility practice, fairness, social responsible innovation of strategic and practical administrative systems put into place, project sustainability, which have been proven and certified by reputable third party. Of course, the activities will bring positive value and affect future generations. The Ansted Social Responsibility international Award stands for exceptional deeds and dedication to vision, mission, goals and objectives.

b. Report after the event celebration for the year 2004

Report

Ansted Social Responsibility International Award (ASRIA) 2004 - The 1st ASRIA Awards ceremony

On 23rd November 2004 in Penang, Malaysia, all the 2004 awardees of the prestigious Ansted Social Responsibility International Award (ASRIA) received their awards from Prof. Dr. Dana M Barry (the Honourable President of Ansted University’s Scientific Board) at the “Grand Gala Dinner and ASRIA Awards night” ceremony. The event was successfully organized and hosted by Ansted Service Center. Teams of dedicated and committed volunteers from Malaysia helped organize the three days event, with support from the scientific committee.

Penang is an Island known as “Pearl of the Orient” in the world. Also it is a birthplace of “SRW Social Responsibility World of Recordpedia” - the first kind of world book of records with a focus in the area of social responsibility affairs. The book was published by Ansted Service Center with support from the Ansted University Foundation, sponsors, and Ansted University. The SRW RecordPedia book acknowledges and honours people and organizations throughout the world for their excellent contributions, practices, and achievements in Social Responsibility. All of the 2004 ASRIA Awardees’ profiles are included in this SRW RecordPedia book. The ASRIA AWARDEES 2004 will become the role models for others to follow.

The ASRIA Award ceremony was held on the third day after the closing of the 2nd International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility. Conference delegates took this opportunity to enlarge their network contacts through this meaningful gathering in Penang, Malaysia. Indeed the event was a great opportunity for networking, idea exchange, and business discussions.

The ASRIA awards ceremony dramatizes each winner’s social contribution, spirit and career in narrative form and provides a stage for the honourees to challenge and inspire young and old people to be responsible in their given tasks. It also encourages others to be unselfish, honest with a thoughtful mind and ready to give a hand to people in need at anytime and anywhere. Therefore the certificate of recognition and participation will serve the actual meaning because all the delegates have the chance to learn from each other together by sharing their experiences in an open-heart attitude at this important meeting.

The ceremony kicked off with a Malaysian cultural costumes welcoming parade to welcome VIPs as they entered into the Equatorial Hotel Grand Ballroom. All participants stood up and listened to Ansted University’s song to show their respect.

The first welcoming speech was delivered by Prof. Dr. Roger Haw, Chairman of ASRIA Awards. One of his enlightenment statements in his speech was “A wise man will desire no more than what he/she may get justly, use soberly, distribute cheerfully, and leave contentedly. The wealth of a nation cannot be stored in gold bars. It must remain in the spirit and attitude of the people; wholesome, hopeful, and reverent.”- “Achievement begins as we take the first step towards change” is particularly relevant. Challenge and change are paramount forces in every aspect of life. Just as individual persons have a responsibility to society and the environment, so do all corporations, organizations and even governments around the world have such a duty of care and responsibility towards maintaining and upgrading society and the environment. For such corporations, organizations and governments, this is even more so, as the effect such incorporated entities have on society and the environment is far larger if compared with an individual’s. Usually, when we ask a person “what do you value most?” It is not uncommon for him or her to answer immediately the word “money” but hardly people rate the practice of social responsibility as equally important. Today, after the “Tsunami disaster” mankind has started to put social responsibility on a globalisation agenda, which is the hottest topic to talk about. “Time and tide wait for no man” be he a King, Billionaire or Celebrity. One cannot stop time or recover time or even buy it at any price. Men may come, and men may go but time goes on forever. Nobody will regret his contributions to society at large, because a beneficiary will always remember him or her.

Professor Dr. Roger Haw has been a primary and important moving force behind many of Ansted’s projects and successes! He has been and continues to be a great influence and inspiration to many of the Ansted family members. He has tirelessly worked to further the cause of Ansted locally and abroad.

Indeed the event was well organized and in a harmonious environment, with a friendly and warm atmosphere to make everyone feel at home. While everyone enjoyed the oriental delicious food, they were entertained by a series of Malaysian cultural shows performed by professional dancers regaling the audience. Delegates were also invited to join them for cultural songs and dancing. Everyone enjoyed these wonderful evening activities.

That evening was a happy moment. The speakers and delegates were from various reputable universities, Non-Governmental Organizations and Multinational Corporations, the university’s globally distributed academic faculties, professors, doctorate holders and associate professors from many other prestigious universities, international corporate figures and professionals. They came from 22 countries and gathered together to recognize and honour those organizations and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding effort and made great contributions to the area of Social Responsibility (winners of the ASRIA Awards 2004).

Since the inception of the Ansted University Foundation, Ansted has had as its social responsibility mission “To promote World Peace through cultivating social responsibility practice.” The 2004 were the very first year the Ansted University Foundation created ASRIA Awards. We have received 113 ASRIA nominations from 39 countries. This is proof that there are already a lot of individuals and organizations, which have started practising CSR (some began many decades ago), in one way or another but not necessarily openly announced it to the public.

One thing that our awardees have in common is their initiative effort to think for others and help others to live a better life in whatever way they can help. They have contributed so much in the area of social responsibility practice by using various approaches to contribute back to society with the support from their corporate management. All these companies have their own Corporate Social Responsibility goals even before the ASRIA award was established. Never before have these individuals and organizations thought about applying for awards in “social responsibility contributions to society at large” but until they received invitations from Ansted .

During the 38 minutes ASRIA Awards presentation, Ansted University had invited Prof. Dr. Timi Ecimovic to read the citation of each ASRIA awardees and invited each award recipient to personally come up to the stage to receive the ASRIA Awards 2004 plaque and certificate from the honourable President of Ansted University’s Scientific Board.

There are 10 award categories and 1 special certification of recognition on CSR reporting category of ASRIA awards:

The Ansted Social Responsibility International Award recognizes socially responsible individuals, families, corporate/organizations, Institutions and NGOs working together in collaboration with all countries around the world on six continents for promoting WORLD PEACE through cultivating Social Responsibility Practice. This is a key universal mission. Gradually more and more people will gain benefit from these high profile recognitions. It is because “Accepting responsibility is accepting challenge. Any person who enjoys responsibility usually gets it. The ability to accept responsibility is the measure of the man. The price of greatness is responsibility.” The Award is a recognized personalized mark of distinction that speaks volumes to everyone you talk to.

We had five finalists for winning the ASRIA Awards 2004 and special certification recognition on CSR reporting.

After everyone received their ASRIA Award, all the awardees were invited to come up to the stage once again to take a group photograph with the ASRIA Awards Committee. All the Organizing and Scientific Committee members had also received certificate of appreciation from The President of Ansted University Scientific Board before the closing ceremony. It was a happy and sweet memory evening.

The Ansted University Foundation honours those individuals, organizations and Corporations that are contributing to a better society by building better communities through setting up a platform and by putting it into practice on the local, state, or international levels. These leaders or organizations contribute their time, efforts, money and talents to civic organizations, public and private schools, universities and colleges, government organizations, professional groups, religious organizations, and more.

The “ASRIA awards” is only the first step on the road to our awardees prosperous future in building social responsibility value and we trust that our first year of ASRIA awardees will inspire more people and organizations to take part in CSR practice actively. We believe that our ASRIA awardees serve as a role model for others to follow. Therefore, SRW RecordPedia has specially created this section called “We Recognize” with the intention to help our SRW readers and general public at large to know the reasons behind why the ASRIA Panel of Judges has selected them.

Everyone in all fields of endeavour may be nominated for the SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY honours. Any Individual, Association, Institution or Organization can nominate any number of nominees. The Award winners will have gone through a selection process by a panel of international distinguished judges.

The Criteria for the Ansted Social Responsibility International Award are based on merit and involving such aspects as uniqueness in approach on social responsibility practice, fairness, social responsible innovation of strategic and practical administrative systems put into place, and project sustainability, which have been proven and certified by a reputable third party. Of course, the activities will bring positive value and effect future generations. The Ansted Social Responsibility international Award stands for exceptional deeds and dedication to vision, mission, goals and objectives.

Ansted University is committed to develop ‘A Noble System of Technology for Educational Development’ to achieve academic excellence and a caring community around the world. Since the university’s inception, we have been cultivating and promoting Social Responsibility through various channels by creating Peace, Culture and Educational programs cum publication, establishing collaboration with other universities/institutions, Corporations, NGOs and Government agencies to implement various sustainable development projects and also it has been organizing interactive seminars, forums and confer