ESCAP, Myanmar development partnership seeks to boost agricultural sector and enhance rural livelihoods

Nobel laureate Stiglitz leads expert discussions on restoring country as rice bowl of Asia


The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Government of the Union of Myanmar today held a wide-ranging dialogue aimed at boosting the countrys agricultural sector and to help it reclaim its status as the rice bowl of Asia.

At the invitation of ESCAP, Nobel Prize-winning economist Prof. Joseph Stiglitz and other eminent experts discussed strategies for Myanmar to cut poverty in light of Asias regional and subregional experiences.

It is my hope these ideas and analysis will open a new space for policy discussion and a further deepening of our development partnership, UN Under-Secretary-General and ESCAP Executive Secretary Noeleen Heyzer said at the event held in Myanmars capital, Naypyitaw.

These development objectives can only be achieved through the successful engagement of local experts and people who know what is happening on the ground. This development partnership, requested by the Government of Myanmar, provides a unique platform for eminent international scholars and local researchers to exchange experiences and ideas with government agencies and civil society, Dr. Heyzer added.

This is the second in a series of events launched by Dr. Heyzer during her visit in July to Myanmar, and was organized by ESCAP with the countrys Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development.

In his presentation, Towards a more productive agrarian economy for Myanmar, Professor Stiglitz noted that Myanmar was well-positioned to learn from other countries in the region that have developed on the back of gains in agriculture. There are large opportunities for improvement. Myanmar should take a comprehensive approach, he said.

He urged the Government of Myanmar to: promote access to appropriate agricultural financing; take measures to boost access to seeds and fertilizers; dramatically boost spending on health and education; and create well-paid jobs in construction of rural infrastructure in order to stimulate development and raise incomes and spending.

Professor Stiglitz also noted that well-functioning institutions were critical to success, and that Myanmar could learn from the mistakes made by other resource-rich countries. Revenues from oil and gas can open up a new era, if used well. If not, then valuable opportunities will be squandered, he said.

Economics and politics can not be separated, Professor Stiglitz added. For Myanmar to take a role on the world stage and to achieve true stability and security there must be widespread participation and inclusive processes. This is the only way forward for Myanmar.

Maj. Gen. U Htay Oo, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation of Myanmar, noted that climate change has had significant effects on the countrys agriculture and livelihood, particularly in the dry zone. To mitigate such pressure we are implementing short-term and longer term measures, such as promoting access to irrigation water to increase productivity, and developing resource-based as well as knowledge-based sustainable agriculture and livelihoods built on existing infrastructures, he said.

We are adopting a holistic approach informed by the human development perspective to address the needs of the most vulnerable, he added. We cannot afford to be complacent thus the tasks for agriculture and rural development must be implemented through mass movement.

The Minister also welcomed and supported the continued close cooperation and collaboration of ESCAP in the development partnership series. I look forward to the joint activities to come in 2010, in particular the regional development programme for sustainable agriculture towards inclusive rural economy development, he said.

Col. Thurin Zaw, Deputy Minister of National Planning and Economic Development, delivered a presentation on Myanmars National development plans and the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The meeting was organized into two segments: The morning roundtable was devoted to expert discussions and included presentations on Recent socio-economic development, by Daw Khin Ma Ma Swe of the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development, and on Approaches for agriculture and rural development, by Daw Dolly Kyaw of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation.

There were also presentations on Establishing the virtuous cycle of food security, sustainable agriculture and rural economy development, by U Tin Htut Oo and U Tin Maung Shwe of the Academy of Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock and Fisheries Sciences, and on Enhancing Myanmars rural economy, by Ikuko Okamoto of the Institute of Developing Economies-JETRO.

The afternoon high-level development forum covered, Economic policies for growth and poverty reduction: lessons from the region and beyond.

On 21 December in Singapore, Professor Stiglitz and Dr Heyzer will hold a press conference about the forum at the Singapore Foreign Correspondents Association. The press conference will take place at the Singapore Management University, Administration Building, from 9am-10am.

‘Roses of the North’ Charity Exhibition

Flowers can make everyone feel happy…. H.E.Privy Councillor Palakorn Suwanrath and Thanpuying Dhasaniya Suwanrath recently presided over at ‘Roses of the North’ charity oil painting exhibition inspired by Bhubing Palace organized by L’Occitane and Baan Saen Doi Resort in Chiang Mai. The art of mercy rose oil painting exhibition was held at Peninsula Plaza and part of sales went to support schools and hospitals where are needed in Chiang Mai. Many kind hearted celebrities attended the event including Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan, Mr.Harald Link, Arunee Bhirombhakdi, Atchara Tejapaibul, M.L.Sirichalerm Svasti, M.L.Thongmakut and Jarujit Thongyai, Yuwadee and Nidsinee Chirathivat, Dararatana and Toey Mahadumrongkul, Chadapah Snidvongs, Captain Deuntemduang Na Chiengmai, Pimpawan Limpichart, Joy Sopitpongstorn, Panitnuj Bunnag, Piranuj T.Suwan, Sodsoi Chomthavat, Mayura Savetsila, Wanchana Sawasdee and more.

The exhibition showcased of over 70 oil painting of roses flowers by artist and art lecturer Narin Phothisombat. Narin Phothisombat is a talented artist with an art degree from Chiang Mai Technology Rajchamonkol. His painting was inspired by roses from Phra Tamnak Bhubing Rajanives (Bhubing Palace). His painting reflected his pride and passions towards the beauty of nature for roses including Queen Sirikit, Eliza, Rouge Meilland, Queen Elizabeth and Royal Air Force.

In addition there was the charity auction on 2 oil painting pieces. The first one was the painting of Queen Elizabeth which won by Harald Link, CEO of B.Grimm for 120,000 Baht and the other piece on Queen Sirikit won by Arunee Bhirombhakdi for 75,000 Baht.

ETIHAD TO JOIN SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL USERS GROUP

Etihad Airways has joined the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (SAFUG), an airline-led industry working group established in 2008 to accelerate the commercialisation and availability of sustainable biofuels.


James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: ““Etihad recognises the need for step-changes in aviation to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and meet our industry’s carbon reduction goal. We also recognise that any fuel alternatives must be morally, socially and environmentally acceptable, while not compromising the future sustainability of the aviation industry.”

SAFUG members are bound by stringent criteria for the development of non fossil fuels, including the following:

The development of plant sources must be undertaken in a manner that is non-competitive with food, with biodiversity impacts minimised and without jeopardizing drinking water supplies. The total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from plant growth, harvesting, processing and end-use should be significantly less than that from fossil sources. In developing economies, development projects should include provisions or outcomes that improve socio-economic conditions for small-scale farmers and their families and that do not require the involuntary displacement of local populations. High conservation value areas and native eco-systems should not be cleared and converted for jet fuel plant source development.

Each SAFUG member has pledged to work through the Roundtable for Sustainable Biofuels (RSB), a global multi-stakeholder initiative consisting of leading environmental organizations, financiers, biofuel developers, biofuel-interested petroleum companies, the transportation sector, developing-world poverty alleviation associations, research entities, and governments.

“Abu Dhabi, our home base, has itself made a strong commitment towards sustainability and in the promotion of renewable energy through the establishment of Masdar City, which will the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency,” Mr Hogan said.
About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Currently Etihad offers flights to over 55 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.

“Social Innovations Inspired by CSR”

The Corporate Social Responsibility Institute (CSRI) of the Stock Exchange of Thailand, the National Innovation Agency (NIA) and Tata Motors (Thailand) Ltd. are organising a seminar, “Social Innovations Inspired by CSR” on Thursday 19 November 2009, 1.00 pm - 4.30 pm at The Auditorium, 3rd floor of the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

Privy councillor H.E. Kasem Watanachai will preside at the seminar and there will be a display of the Tata Nano car for the first time in Thailand as well as social innovations from the private sector. Admission is free but registration is required through www.csri.or.th

Thai bourse joins with Money & Banking Magazine to present SET Awards 2009

Deputy Finance Minister Pradit Pataraprasit presided over The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Awards ceremony to recognize the most outstanding businesses and persons in the capital market. This year, there were a total of 71 nominees for the awards. The event was held in SET in the City 2009, on the fifth floor of Siam Paragon Shopping Mall.


SET Awards honor listed, securities, and asset management companies, as well as persons with outstanding performance, and is being held for the sixth consecutive year, with a total of 29 awards given this year, said SET President Patareeya Benjapolchai.

“SET Awards will encourage listed companies and relevant business sectors in the Thai capital market of all levels and sizes that have determination and are focused on increasing and maintaining the effectiveness of their organization. All 71 nominees deserve to be honored and be role models for their outstanding performance,” continued Ms. Patareeya.

“The awards are divided into different categories so that middle-sized and smaller firms will have an opportunity to present their outstanding performance more clearly.

However, since the economic crisis last year affected all businesses, this year, only 29 listed companies passed the strict minimum qualifications, and some of the awards have no winners,” Chairman of SET Awards’ working committee of distinguished experts Panas Simasathien said.

“SET Awards 2009 aims at encouraging consistent development of quality. We have established a Hall of fame for those who have consistently maintained their top performance in each category, or those receiving SET awards in the same category, for three consecutive years," noted Money & Banking Magazine Editor-in-Chief Santi Viriyarangsarit

This year, we assigned the TRIS Corporation Limited, the well-known credit rating agency that is neutral and reliable, to be responsible for designing the criteria and evaluating the results in the Best Performance Awards for the second year. Moreover, other committees involved in the judging were Advisory Committee for Corporate Governance, Thai Investor Relations Club Committee and Committee for the Corporate Social Responsibility Awards.
A total of 29 awards were presented to:

Category 1: Awards given to listed companies, top executives, securities companies, and asset management companies for their best performance:

1. Best Performance Awards categorized by market capitalization as of end- 2008. The awards went to company with a market capitalization of:
- Over THB10 billion : PTT Exploration and Production PCL (PTTEP)
- Not over THB10 billion (group 1) : Univanich Palm Oil PCL (UVAN)
- Not over THB10 billion (group 2) : Thai Metal Trade PCL (TMT)
- Not over THB10 billion (group 3) : Advanced Information Technology PCL (AIT)
- Not over THB10 billion (group 4): No award was given
- mai-listed company: No award was given
2. Best CEO Awards : categorized by market :

- CEO of SET-listed company: Ms. Kannikar Chalitaporn, President, The Siam Commercial Bank PCL (SCB)
- CEO of mai-listed company: No award was given
3. Best Securities Company Awards: categorized by target market group:

- Securities company focusing mainly on institutional investors: UBS Securities (Thailand) Limited (UBS)

- Securities company focusing mainly on retail investors: Kasikorn Securities PCL (KS)
4. Best Asset Management Company Award: went to BBL Asset Management PCL (BBLAM)

Category 2: Awards given to companies having excellent corporate governance report, corporate social responsibility, environment, investor relations, and best shareholders:

1. Top Corporate Governance Report Awards : went to listed companies with exceptional corporate governance practices report:
--SET-listed companies:
- The Bangchak Petroleum PCL (BCP)
- Electricity Generating PCL (EGCO)
- Kasikorn Bank PCL (KBANK)
- Krung Thai Bank PCL (KTB)
- PTT PCL (PTT)
- PTT Chemical PCL (PTTCH)
- PTT Exploration and Production PCL (PTTEP)
- Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding PCL (RATCH)
- Somboon Advance Technology PCL (SAT)
- SE-EDUCATION PCL (SE-ED)
--mai-listed company: Pylon PCL (PYLON)

2. Corporate Social Responsibility Awards: given to listed companies with outstanding corporate social responsibility and environment, considered by its policies and information on the company’s operation that benefits stakeholders and other related parties. The awards went to companies with a market capitalization of :

- Over THB10 billion : Total Access Communication PCL (DTAC) and The Siam Cement PCL (SCC)
- Not over THB10 billion (group 1): The Bangchak Petroleum PCL (BCP)
- Not over THB10 billion (group 2) : SE-EDUCATION PCL (SE-ED)
- Not over THB10 billion (group 3) : No award was given
- Not over THB10 billion (group 4): No award was given
- mai-listed company: No award was given

3. IR Excellence Awards : given to listed companies with outstanding operation in investor relations, considered by IR activities of listed companies and investors’ satisfaction. The awards went to companies with a market capitalization of:
- Over THB10 billion : PTT PCL (PTT)
- Not over THB10 billion (group 1): The Bangchak Petroleum PCL (BCP)
- Not over THB10 billion (group 2) : Somboon Advance Technology PCL (SAT)
- Not over THB10 billion (group 3) : Seafco PCL (SEAFCO)
- Not over THB10 billion (group 4): T. Krungthai Industries PCL (TKT)
- mai-listed company: Interlink Communication PCL (ILINK)

4. Outstanding Shareholder Awards: this recognition went to the individual shareholders who creatively exercised the rights and responsibilities in benefiting the company and shareholders as a whole. The Thai Investor Association is responsible for considering the winner for the awards. This year, no award was given in this category.

Those interested in viewing the recorded tape of SET Awards 2009, please go to Money Channel or through www.moneychannel.co.th on Saturday 21, 2009 at 22.00-23.00 hrs. For more information on SET Awards, please visit www.set.or.th
For more information, please contact S-E-T Call Center 0 2229 2222

Press office, please contact Public Relations Unit, the Corporate Communications Dept.: Ladawan Kantawong Tel: 0-2229-2036 / Kanokwan Khemmalai Tel: 0-2229-2048 / Panitee Chatpolarak Tel: 0-2229-2792
Attachment to SET News No. 135/2009, November 13, 2009
SET Awards 2009 Working Committee of distinguished experts and organizers
SET Awards 2009 Working Committee of distinguished experts and Honorable Judges
1. Dr. Panas Simasathien Chairman
2. Dr. Maruey Phadoongsidhi Member
3. Mr.Seri Jintanaseri Member
4. Mr. Santi Viriyarangsarit Member
5. Ms. Patareeya Benjapolchai Member
6. Mr. Vichate Tantiwanich Secretary
Advisory Committee and relevant Committees
Advisory Committee for Corporate Governance
1. Professor Hiran Radeesri
2. Mr.Vijit Supinit
3. Mr. Singh Tangtaswas
4. Mr. Yuth Vorachattarn
Thai Investor Relations Club Committee
1. Mr. Kriengchai Boonpoapichart
2. Mr. Kobboon Srichai
3. Mr. Wachara Iamsakun
4. Ms. Jiraporn Rungsrithong
5. Ms. Supannee Asawasuwan
Committee for the Corporate Social Responsibility Awards
1. Mr.Paiboon Wattanasiritham
2. Mr. Sirichai Sakornrattanakul
3. Mr. Machima Kunjara Na Ayudhya
4. Dr. Pipat Yodprudtikan
5. Mr. Watcharamongkol Benjathanachat
6. Mr. Sutee Smudraprabhud
Organizers
1. The Stock Exchange of Thailand
2. Money & Banking Magazine
3. TRIS Corporation Limited (designing the criteria and evaluating the results)

Community forests capture hearts, minds

       During a brief discussion before he rejoined his group, Kiettisak Jaiban, 13, said that he had never been more enthused to protect and preserve his "community forest". He and his campmates were preparing to present their findings after hours of trekking in a forest in Chiang Mai province.
       Kiettisak was one of the many students at the camp who came from communities located near a forest. Such communities have been benefiting from their forests generation after generation. When the camp came to an end, all of the other attendants probably felt the same way as Kiettisak did - that the preservation of community forests is one of their vital tasks as good citizens. Camp foliage
       Kiettisak made his comments at an event that took place last month. The Royal Forest Department, in collaboration with Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding Plc ("Ratch"), had arranged for 80 high school students from Ratchaburi province and three other northern provinces - Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son and Lamphun - to participate in the "Kla Yim Youth Camp".(Kla yim usually means dare to smile, but this phrase can also be a play on words to mean "smiling sprouts", as in encouraging youths to smile.)
       The camp, one of the activities carried out in the "Love the Forest and the Community" campaign, was initiated by the two entities. The Young People Development Centre was involved as co-organiser of the camp, which was held in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, a reservation adjacent to Chiang Mai city.
       "This is the second time that we are holding this kind of camp," said Prayut Thongsuwan, Ratch's executive vicepresident of corporate administration.This year, most of the campers had been selected from communities that use community forests, whereas last year most of the campers were students from Bangkok.
       "We wish to foster a sense of environmental awareness among youngsters so that they will love and protect local natural resources. The most important objective of this camp is to attain a new generation that will continue the work of the current generation in taking care of community forests. We believe that in this way, we can effectively and efficiently ensure the long-term existence of community forests," Mr Prayut explains. For posterity
       Currently, Thailand has approximately 90 million rai (14.4 million hectares)covered by forests. Of this area, around 2.7 million rai (432,000 hectares) are designated as community forests, which fall under the responsibility of 7,700 communities scattered all over the country.Nearly half of the community forest land,or approximately 1.3 million rai (208,000 hectares), is in the northern region of Thailand.
       The crux of the community forest concept, according to Pralong Dumrongthai, director of the Community Forest Management Bureau in the Royal Forest Department, is to foster the well-being of the people who live in the communities adjoining or surrounding such forests.
       Human activities inside forest reserves,such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, are strictly controlled by the government. In contrast, a community forest is that part of a national reserve where the community of people living nearby is permitted by the government to benefit from the forest's resources.
       However, activities that are actually carried out inside the community forest have to be approved and supervised by the Royal Forest Department and a community committee responsible for the community forest.
       "We want to reduce the household expenses of the local residents and increase their income," said Mr Pralong."That does not mean, however, that the focus is on encouraging the communities to only sell products obtained from their forests. On the contrary, we have a programme of activities that stresses the need for them to maintain and protect these natural treasures as they are the ones benefiting from them, and we hope that they will respond positively," he added.
       At the camp, Mr Pralong gave a presentation on the overall objectives of establishing community forests. Green food bank
       Personal experience is worth more than a thousand words. One of the ranges of activities at the camp was the visit by campers to the Ban Talad Khilek community forest in Doi Saket district, to the northeast of Chiang Mai city.
       Even though many campers have been living around forests all their life, this was a good opportunity for them to gain hands-on experience about the functions of forests and how experts manage them.
       There, the campers trekked a twokilometre trail through a forest in bloom at the end of the rainy season. They spotted wild flowers, orchids, mushrooms and herbs like Do Mai Ru Rom , the prickly-leaved elephant's foot plant;Sab Sua , or bitter bush;Makham Pom , the Malacca tree; and many other types of vegetation.
       Along the walk, committee members of the Ban Talad Khilek community forest were present at several stations to dispense information to the youngsters upon their arrival there. The information provided at the stations covered topics like the functions of check dams and the management of herbs and bamboo.
       "The villagers now earn higher incomes than they did before," said Somboon Thaiyanto, head of the Ban Talad Khilek community forest committee and the chief guide who led the students through the forest.
       Various products from the forest, such as herbs and mushrooms, are collected and sold among the villagers themselves."We don't want them to sell these items to outsiders because the forest will cease to be sustainable if the products are commercialised," said Mr Somboon.
       "A long time ago, outside investors carried out logging in the area. Nowadays,the villagers help preserve the forest.We have to do this for our children," he added.
       Mr Somboon said that what he hoped the campers gained from their visit was not only knowledge about the forest,but also an appreciation of the importance of the ideas for managing a community forest, so that the youngsters would carry on the concepts learned at Ban Talad Khilek and apply them to local community forests.
       After returning from the community forest, the next day the young campers had the chance to trek through the forest in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park to observe the differences between the two forests. Besides trekking and learning more about different kinds of forests,the campers engaged in several other activities that raised their awareness of environmental conservation. Friends of the forests
       "The healing powers of local herbs are the same as those of expensive foreign medicines!" Ngamsiri Kladnuam said excitedly upon learning about the properties of several herbs found in the Ban Talad Khilek community forest.
       "I've seen many herbs that I cannot find in my community. For example,the fruit of the Malacca tree can alleviate thirst and sore throats, and Sab Sua can stop bleeding," said Ngamsiri, revealing her newfound knowledge enthusiastically."Check dams can prevent floods,act as water reservoirs, and maintain the moisture in forests. On special occasions, community members gather to help each other build a check dam.This fosters local harmony, too."
       Unlike Kiettisak, who lives in Chiang Mai, this 14-year-old girl from Ratchaburi does not live near any forest and had never attended a forest camp before.Her participation in last month's camp has made her permanently aware of what it means to go "green". She said that when she returned home, she would take steps to promote in her school the creation of more green areas in her neighbourhood, as well as tell her schoolmates about the many benefits of forests.
       As for Kiettisak, he said that when he returned to his home in Mae Rim district,he would inform as many of his fellow community members as possible of how everyone could effectively manage a satisfactory level of income from selling herbs, vegetables and mushrooms plucked from their community forest."Right now, we mostly consume all of the products that we collect and sell only a small portion [to outsiders]," said the child who has grown up alongside a forest."At the camp, I learned the names of many more plants and herbs, what their properties are, and how to grow and use them."
       Kiettisak agreed that the camp added to his knowledge."I will return home and try my best to disseminate what I have learned from this camp to my friends - such as, information on rare and new kinds of herbs, and how to grow, use and preserve them," Kiettisak promised,adding that he would spread the news in his school first and later try to find ways to expand the coverage to include his entire community. Future devotees
       Ratch has stated that the company is willing to support the youngsters if they want to initiate future projects or actions to preserve their community forests after they return to their communities.
       In the end, these little hands will one day become a major force in ensuring the continued existence of community forests, thereby enabling humans and nature to successfully exist together in harmony.
       "People and forests have to depend on one another. If we don't have forests,it will be very difficult for us to survive or earn a living. If the forests don't have people who love and understand them,they will be unprotected from the risks of abuse and destruction," said Kiettisak.

Magnificent seven

       In the most important, most revered event since the invention of the brontosaurus trap,Microsoft shipped the most incredibly fabulous operating system ever made; the release of Windows 7 also spurred a new generation of personal computers of all sizes at prices well below last month's offers.The top reason Windows 7 does not suck: There is no registered website called Windows7Sucks.com
       Kindle e-book reader maker Amazon.com and new Nook e-book reader vendor Barnes and Noble got it on; B&N got great reviews for the "Kindle killer"Nook, with dual screens and touch controls so you can "turn" pages, plays MP3s and allows many non-B&N book formats, although not the Kindle one;Amazon then killed the US version of its Kindle in favour of the international one, reduced its price to $260(8,700 baht), same as the Nook; it's not yet clear what you can get in Thailand with a Nook, but you sure can't (yet) get much, relatively speaking, with a Kindle;but here's the biggest difference so far,which Amazon.com has ignored: the Nook lets you lend e-books to any other Nook owner, just as if they were paper books; the borrowed books expire on the borrower's Nook in two weeks.
       Phone maker Nokia of Finland announced it is suing iPhone maker Apple of America for being a copycat; lawyers said they figure Nokia can get at least one, probably two per cent (retail) for every iPhone sold by Steve "President for Life" Jobs and crew via the lawsuit,which sure beats working for it -$6 (200 baht) to $12(400 baht) on 30 million phones sold so far, works out to $400 million or 25 percent of the whole Apple empire profits during the last quarter;there were 10 patent thefts, the Finnish executives said, on everything from moving data to security and encryption.
       Nokia of Finland announced that it is one month behind on shipping its new flagship N900 phone, the first to run on Linux software; delay of the $750(25,000 baht) phone had absolutely no part in making Nokia so short that it had to sue Apple, slap yourself for such a thought.
       Tim Berners-Lee, who created the World Wide Web, said he had one regret:the double slash that follows the "http:"in standard web addresses; he estimated that 14.2 gazillion users have wasted 48.72 bazillion hours typing those two keystrokes, and he's sorry; of course there's no reason to ever type that, since your browser does it for you when you type "www.bangkokpost.com" but Tim needs to admit he made one error in his lifetime.
       The International Telecommunication Union of the United Nations, which doesn't sell any phones or services, announced that there should be a mobile phone charger that will work with any phone; now who would ever have thought of that, without a UN body to wind up a major study on the subject?;the GSM Association estimates that 51,000 tonnes of chargers are made each year in order to keep companies able to have their own unique ones.
       The Well, Doh Award of the Week was presented at arm's length to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development; the group's deputy secretary-general Petko Draganov said that developing countries will miss some of the stuff available on the Internet if they don't install more broadband infrastructure; a report that used your tax baht to compile said that quite a few people use mobile phones but companies are more likely to invest in countries with excellent broadband connections; no one ever had thought of this before, right?
       Sun Microsystems , as a result of the Oracle takeover, said it will allow 3,000 current workers never to bother coming to work again; Sun referred to the losses as "jobs," not people; now the fourth largest server maker in the world, Sun said it lost $2.2 billion in its last fiscal year; European regulators are holding up approval of the Oracle purchase in the hope of getting some money in exchange for not involving Oracle in court cases.
       The multi-gazillionaire and very annoying investor Carl Icahn resigned from the board at Yahoo ; he spun it as a vote of confidence, saying current directors are taking the formerly threatened company seriously; Yahoo reported increased profits but smaller revenues in the third quarter.
       The US House of Representatives voted to censure Vietnam for jailing bloggers; the non-binding resolution sponsored by southern California congresswoman Loretta Sanchez said the Internet is "a crucial tool for the citizens of Vietnam to be able to exercise their freedom of expression and association;"Hanoi has recently jailed at least nine activists for up to six years apiece for holding pro-democracy banners. Iran jailed blogger Hossein "Hoder" Derakshan for 10 months - in solitary confinement.

BASF BUILDS CENTRE TO HELP KARENS

       BASF, a global chemical company, will provide Bt3.7 million to the Karen Kids Society to construct a youth centre for young adults in Ban Pa Deng, Petchaburi province.
       The contribution, provided via the BASF Social Foundation, is aimed at improving the standard of living of local residents.
       The Karen Kids Youth Centre will provide educational opportunities for young adults from the ethnic minority along with Thai residents, focusing on income generating activities such as handicraft skills.
       The centre will also provide separate living and sanitation facilities. The construction of the 390-square-metre centre began last month and should be completed by the middle of next year.
       Karen Kids Society president and founder Juergen Strafe said: "When we first discovered the children, they were living in a rat- and insect-infested hovel with a leaking roof.
       "The dirt and smell were unimaginable. Today, they enjoy clean, healthy accommodation, with proper sanitation, freshly laundered bedding and a hygienic kitchen.
       "The next step is to build a youth centre where older kids can learn a trade. Within a few years, they will be able to leave the camp and make a life for themselves using these new skills."
       To Pracha Chivaporntip, chairman and managing director of the BASF Group in Thailand, the project in Ban Pa Deng is one of many the company has sponsored over the years as part of its sustainable development efforts.
       With its existing education centre, Karen Kids provides shelter, education, clothing and food to more than 80 children aged 10 months to 14 years now living as displaced persons.
       With a three-pronged plan focusing on education, health and self-reliance, the centre provides a place to meet, play, and study.
       It also provides "child safe" Internet access. Each Saturday, the camp offers Thai-and English-language classes for children and adults.
       A vaccination schedule is maintained, and children will be taught ways to improve their immune system.
       A weaving programme, vegetable garden and a fishpond.
       The first phase of the construction, together with a sleeping area for volunteers and camp managers, was completed last year.
       Its second phase, with a two storey centre, will include training facilities for sewing, weaving and carpentry.

Knitting for the needy

       BNH Hospital is organising the "Let's Knit for the Needy" charity project, which invites people to knit small squares that will be sewn together to make warm patchwork blankets for children living in remote mountain villages and studying at Umphangwitthayakom School in Tak province.
       Knitted squares should be 15cm-by -15cm in any colour, any style and can be dropped off at BHN Hospital reception or posted to BHN Hospital, 9/1 Convent Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, before October 31.
       The blankets will be given to Umphangwitthayakom School in November.
       As part of this charity project, Pinn Shop will hold free knitting workshops."Let's Knit" starter kits (with two balls of wool and a pair of needles) are also on sale at all Pinn shops, as well as at the hospital.
       For more information, call 02-686-2700 ext 3377 or email bnhcrcentre@bnh.co.th.

Factories urged to adopt CSR in communities

       The Department of Industrial Works has urged industrial factories in its umbrella to adopt its standard of the Corporate Social Responsibility, Department of Industrial Works (CSR-DIW) to enable them to live in harmony with the surrounding communities.
       "We want to see a greater number of factories adopting the standard and we'll send our experts to give them advice on how to adopt it," he added. CSR-DIW focuses on many areas of social responsibility, including law compliance, international standard compliance, promoting participation of stakeholders, accountability, transparency, sustainable development, ethical practice, human-rights protection, and observing diversity.
       The Thai Namthip bottling plant at Rangsit is one of the factories in the process of promoting CSR-DIW.
       Veera Akaraputhiporn, vice president for corporate affairs of Thai Namthip, said the company's plant in Pathum Thani has already complied with the CSR-DIW.
       It is proceeding to have the other plants, including that in Rangsit, to comply with the standard, to be followed by each of those in Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Hua Mark in Bangkok.

Lacoste for Ramathibodi

       Buy an "I Love Lacoste limited edition"T-shirt and you will be doing your part for charity.Lacoste, a product distributed by ICC International Pcl, has been involved in charity projects since its first event in 2003, when it auctioned off Lacoste polo shirts decorated by guest artists.
       This was followed by the hugely popular Lacoste Polo Limited Edition with silver crocodile, polo shirts on the occasion of the 70th anniversary with the replica of the first Lacoste crocodile, and colourful Lacoste ponchos from France. Sales generated from all three campaigns contributed to the Cardiac Children's Foundation Under the Royal Patronage of HRH the late Princess Galyani Vadhana.
       There was an auction of Lacoste shoes for the Wheelchair Tennis Club of Thailand. Moreover, Lacoste gave a donation to the Ramathibodi Foundation for bone-marrow collecting equipment.
       This year, the Ramathibodi Foundation is constructing the new Somdech Phra Debaratana Building to support the increasing number of patients coming to Ramathibodi Hospital.
       The newly designed T-shirt "I Love Lacoste Limited Edition", and the Lacoste "Vintage" collection with a special dyeing process to make the colour of the crocodile logo the same as the shirt itself,come in several colours to choose from.
       Sales generated from these two limited editions will be donated to the Ramathibodi Foundation to help construction of the new building project.

SIU-THAICOM Foundation donate Bt50 million

       SIU-THAICOM Foundation donate Bt50 million in scholarships to develop "creative professionals"
       Shinawatra University together with the Thaicom Foundation recently opened applications for 50 scholarships, each worth Bt1 million, for Thai students to further their education at Shinawatra University. The scholarships are part of Shinawatra University's "Creating Professionals" program and will cover all the costs of the recipient throughout the duration of a 4-year house of study.
       The announcement was made at a press conference held recently at Shinawatra University's Bangkok facility, in Shinawatra Tower III.
       Prof. Dr.Somchart Soponronnarit, President of Shinawatra University, said that Shinawatra University together with the Thaicom Foundation is offering 50 scholarships worth a total of Bt50 million to mark the 10th anniversary of the university this year. He said that for the 10th anniversary, the university wants to support the education of young Thais who demonstrate talent and potential but lack opportunity.
       Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, Secretary of THAICOM Foundation, added that the THAICOM Foundation has supported the development of education in Thailand for 16 years. The foundation aims to create opportunities for underprivileged young people, particularly those from upcountry provinces. The foundation supports education through scholarships, youth development schemes such as "You can do it" and "This is my future", and also sports and music programs that encourage students to use their free time in a beneficial way.
       Shinawatra University currently offers undergraduate and graduate international programs in Liberal Arts and Languages, Management and Technology.The multidisciplinary and professional programs are conducted in English with small class sizes, facilitating greater interaction between students and teachers. The university also strongly emphasizes research as a basis for creating new knowledge. More than 30 percent of the university's faculty members are non-Thai.
       The main campus of Shinawatra University is located in Pathum Thani province, with high-tech teaching facilities, indoor and outdoor sports amenities, a modern library and comprehensive student facilities.
       Applications for the scholarships are open from now until September 18 for Thai students of grade M6 equivalent. Application forms and further information can be found on the university's website www.siu.ac.th

STARS BUILD HOMES FOR THE POOR

       Under an intense midday sun last Friday, former Miss Thailand Cindy Bishop and her husband, Byron, pitched in laying bricks and shovelling sand to build a modest homes for a poor family in the distant rice fields.
       Five months into her pregnancy, Cindy said she was enjoying her stint as one of Habitat's "ambassadors" for this year, along with Byron and other celebrities, such as Paradon Srichaphan and his wife, Natalie - a former Miss Universe - and media executive Charlotte Donovanik.
       "When a poor family starts to own their home, everything changes for the better,'s said Panida Panyangarm, head of Habitat for Humanity Thailand.
       The event in Pathum Thani province was sponsored by Ananda Development CEO Chanond Ruangkritya, who has pledged to build 12 homes under a Habitat programme.
       Chanond, who was also hard at work at the site. said the effort was worthy, because it was a good way for his company to assist less-fortunate communities.
       "By providing them a home at a low cost, the families realise property ownership is the first key step to saving for the future and building that vital capital base," said Chanond, who started supporting Habitat last year.
       "The donations will be recycled," said Panida. "When one family finishes paying for their home loan over seven years or so, the money will go to building another home for another needy family."
       Chanond said Cindy and Byron made great envoys for spreading the message for more members of the public to help less fortunate folk.
       Home-ownership is increasingly recognised, even in communist countries, as one of the key bases from which people can build on to escape poverty and despair, he said.
       "When a poor family with absolutely nothing begins to become responsible for private property, they become more responsible, work harder and contribute more to society," he said.
       "With that footing, their children can really aspire and work towards to a much better future. We're giving them a chance to escape poverty."
       HFH Thailand has in the 11 years since its formation, built more than 4,000 homes for the poor, says Panida.
       A standard house has 36 square metres of built-up space, offering two bedrooms and a common area.
       "The personalities were chosen because youths today need leaders to inspire them to do good."
       HFH Thailand is part of the global movement started by Millard Fuller in 1976 and backed by statesmen like former US president Jimmy Carter.
       Carter, who was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, will come to Thailand later this year to build homes in impoverished areas.

PUBLIC CAN DO MORE TO PROMOTE CSR PROJECTS

       Corporate social responsibility is largely driven by companies but all sectors of society should take part to ensure more contributions are made, said speakers at a Nation conference.
       Former deputy education minister Varakorn Samakoses said some universities in Malaysia had invested in a campus to improve character.
       This move can be copied by learning centres such as Chulalongkorn and Thammasat and other Asean universities.
       "As we are moving towards an Asean Community, an 'Asean University concept' can ensure progress is made in this area," he said.
       Arthur Capilo, head of operations and financial services at Booz & Co, said hotels could offer schemes to draw donation from guests or organise community projects.
       Speaking on the topic "Profitability and Social Responsibility", he addressed a study to evaluate carbon emissions that his staffers had created when they travel.
       "Companies should help others first and profits will follow," he said. "It's our duty to leave this world a better place."
       Varakorn admitted companies were driven by profit but said profit could be maximised if they gave back to society.
       He said everyone should take part. State enterprises, individuals, foundations and cooperatives can join in.
       "Companies compete for profits in a free economy, but they must also think of sustainability. Everyone knows we depend on each other," he said.
       For Capillo, a successful social project needs the combined efforts of all stakeholders including government and the provate sector.
       He is optimistic that if companies are giving more, the regulatory environment can do more to support them.
       Moderator Willie Tham, chief executive of HSBC in Thailand, said some banks had stopped lending to companies that cut timber.
       He said it was too ambitious to have banks stop lending to non-sustainable projects, as financial assistance was in great demand in emerging markets. What banks can do is ensure borrowers use the money responsibly, he said.

EXIM, SUMITOMO BANKS DONATE TO WORTHY CAUSE

       The Export-Import Bank of Thailand(Exim Bank) and the local branch of Japan's Sumjitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC)recently donated Bt772,100 to the Wat Mahawong Community Daycare Centre under the Foundation for Rehabilitation and Eevelopment of Children and Family (Fordec).
       The money will be used for the construction of a metal roof covering the centre's multi-purpose area in Samut Prakan's Phra Pradaeng district. It will also support the foundation's milk fund and education programmes for poor children.
       Exim Bank president Apichai Boontherawara said the move marded a new level in cooperation between his bank and SMBC.
       "The SMBC participation added value to Exim Bank's own corporate-social-responsibility activities. We've been supportive of Fordec programmes for more than 10 years," he said.
       With Exim Bank's donation of Bt332,500 and SMBC's Bt389,600, the combined donation wil go far to help children and workers at the centre and provide them with safer surroundings.
       The donations will be used to help poor and homeless children under the centre, as well as provide food allowances and a budget for educational materials.

       APICHAI BOONTHERAWARA, left,president of the Export-Import Bank of Thailand, and Seiji Sato, right, general manager of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking, celebrate after presenting 'Under the Same Sky' donations to Amporn Wathanavongs, executive director of the Foundation for Rehabilitation and Development of Children and Family.