theSun leads by example in championing CSR initiatives

KUALA LUMPUR: theSun was today recognised for championing corporate social responsibility initiatives when it bagged the Company of the Year (Print Media) award at the inaugural CSR Malaysia Awards 2016 today.
theSun was awarded for its efforts in promoting CSR activities by various corporations as well as helping the needy and giving back to society through numerous aid undertaken through theSun Cares Fund.
Last April, theSun together with Pertiwi Soup Kitchen handed out food items and daily necessities to some urban poor.
"theSun plays an important role as a CSR agent by equipping Malaysians with fair and transparent reporting of news, both locally and globally.
"theSun also carries out various CSR activities that help the underprivileged," the citation read.
theSun managing editor Freddie Ng received the award from Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.
A total of 22 companies, three charity organisations and a foundation were recipients of the CSR awards organised by CSR Malaysia.
They include Carlsberg Malaysia Breweries, Petronas, and Axiata Group, among others.
Also present were CSR Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Yahya Ibrahim and its CEO Datuk R. Rajendran.
"I strongly believe that the CSR Malaysia Awards 2016 will set a powerful force in motion and it is important as each and every CSR leader present here today plays a role in assisting the ministry in planning and executing effective future programmes for the communities in need," Chew said in her speech.
In 2015, the Social Welfare Department recorded 647 corporate companies which have contributed RM7.2 million and the ministry had provided RM27.2 million which benefited 243 voluntary welfare associations.
"While the government can help to establish policies and frameworks, it is the innovative and enterprising companies who play the critical role to move CSR initiatives. It is essential to recognise CSR as more than just business or money, but the way businesses are run and planned," she said.