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Gleneagles Hospital shows the way [New Straits Time (Malaysia)](New Straits Time (Malaysia) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) I WAS recently invited by Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur to launch its corporate social responsibility programme called "Sincerely Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur", an initiative that has made a difference in the lives of the poor in the field of health, education and social welfare. The private hospital also has the "A Heart for A Heart" initiative, in which more than 600 babies who suffer from congenital heart defects have been treated. These children need financial aid as their parents have limited financial means. These surgeries are performed at Gleneagles' cardiac centre with the help of companies, non-governmental organisations and the public. It is gratifying to note a private institution like Gleneagles serves the community in this manner. CSR programmes are common these days. They are an organisation's commitment to operating ethically while earning profit to benefit the people and the planet. The term "corporate social responsibility" came about in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Its aim is for an organisation to recognise and take responsibility for its actions while creating a positive impact on the community that it operates in. In Malaysia, many organisations now place CSR at the top of their to-do list. Carrying out these initiatives is not only to make a company look good but rather, as a way to do their bit in making the world a better place. Community-based development is the most common form of CSR. These activities are carried out mostly where an organisation operates or in nearby rural areas. Help can come in various forms, including provisions, funds or by building a facility that will benefit residents of the area. Some organisations devote their resources to providing tuition to children in the community. Another type of CSR activity is environmental protection. Activities include tree-planting, beach clean-ups and reforestation. I am eager to see more programmes that Gleneagles can bring to the community. It has shown that it is possible to be profitable, while being socially and environmentally responsible. I hope more organisations will make the world a better place by contributing towards the less fortunate in our society. Let me emphasise that we can make a difference by working together to achieve common prosperity, social progress and stability. Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, Kuala Lumpur (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |