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.
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