SEB wins Gold Award for its community projects at Batang Ai

KUCHING, April 7, 2017 -  Sarawak Energy Berhad’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes have been accorded the Gold Award for improving the lives of the communities affected  by its projects in Batang Ai.

SEB's head of corporate social responsibility Jiwari Abdullah (centre) with (from left) Batang Ai HEP EOSH officer Fabian Wilson Jana, senior manager for Renewable Energy Goh Chin Chai, SEB senior manager for Social Investment and Community Development Joanne Tan and CSR executive Zoee Hillson.

The award was present at  recent 9th Annual Global CSR Summit & Awards in Langkawi.

The state-owned power builder was recognised in the “Best Community Programme” category for its overall CSR programmes at Batang Ai where the state’s first hydroelectric plant developed 30 years ago is located.

These programmes include supporting the Batang Ai communities in terms of education needs, culture and heritage preservation, development projects and the regeneration of social and economic opportunities.

The solar project,  river clearing initiatives and recreational event, the Batang Ai Mountain Bike Jamboree, were specially mentioned.

Jiwari Abdullah, SEB’s head of CSR, received the award from Ramesh Kana, President of United Nations Global Compact Network Malaysia. Also present were Joanne Tan, SEB's senior manager for Social Investment and Community Development and Goh Chin Chai, senior manager for Renewable Energy.

SEB's group chief executive officder Sarbini Suhaili said the company was both humbled and honoured by the award.

"This further validates our CSR strategy. We believe in developing long term, sustainable partnerships that meet real community needs and this shows we're on the right track".

“This will motivate us to do even more to contribute to the well-being of Sarawakians, especially through projects that leave a long-term positive legacy," he said.

SEB's executive vice president of Corporate Services Aisah Eden said the award added on to the accolades earned for its CSR efforts including the Gold Award in 2015 for its flagship Penan Literacy Programme and education initiatives for the Murum community and Silver Award in 2016 for its CSR initiatives in education and literacy for Baram’s rural communities.

On this award, we highlighted our long-term work with the communities in Batang Ai. Although the power station was commissioned some 30 years ago, we believe there is still more to be done to support the communities there and we do so guided by the International Hydropower Association Sustainability Assessment Protocol,” she said.

Out of 146 entries received from all over the world, a final selection of 38 companies were awarded top honours in the 16 main award categories which included Best Community Programme, Best Environmental Excellence, Excellence in Provision of Literacy & Education, Empowerment of Women and CSR Leadership.

Other winning companies this year include Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Bank Indonesia, XL Axiata, YTL Corporation Berhad, DHL Vietnam, Samsung South East Asia, Friesland Campina, Tata Consultancy and Indosat Ooredoo.

The event also featured a panel discussion on ’Rural Community Engagement Strategies – How to Keep Rural Communities Engaged & Committed to Sustainable Practices for the Long Run’ during which Jiwari  shared SEB’s experience in managing expectations of the communities, its active engagements and  how sustainability is incorporated in its operations.