KUCHING: Sarawak Energy was recognised for its commitment to community welfare at the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA) 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 28.
The company received awards in the ‘Social Empowerment’ and ‘Health Promotion’ categories for its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives benefiting the Baleh and Kapit communities.
Commenting on the awards, Sarawak Energy’s Project Delivery executive vice-president Pramod Kumar Karunakaran said the company is firmly committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and embedding sustainability principles across all our initiatives, including CSR community investments – maximising positive outcomes for the community.
Sarawak Energy’s Project Services senior manager Sharina Bohari received the awards from Enterprise Asia president Richard Tsang.
Joining her at the event were Reuben Jagai, manager for Community Relations, Baleh HEP and other Sarawak Energy staff.
The Social Empowerment award acknowledges Sarawak Energy’s efforts in promoting responsible development and preserving local culture and heritage through the Baleh Hydroelectric Project (HEP).
Programmes like the ‘Pesta Main Adat Asal’ indigenous games festival and the Handicraft Development Programme are crucial in preserving cultural heritage and traditional arts. This programme, in particular, enhances the skills of Baleh artisans, ensuring sustainable livelihoods and expanding the market for their crafts beyond the Kapit area.
Meanwhile, the Health Promotion award recognises Sarawak Energy’s commitment to improving health access for the Baleh and Kapit communities.
Key initiatives include the Cervical Screening and Women’s Health Awareness Campaign, which focuses on reducing cervical and breast cancer rates through better screening, education, and community engagement.
Whereas the Eye-Health Screening and Operation Campaign provides free eye screenings and cataract surgeries. Additionally, donations of medical equipment, such as ultrasound, dialysis, and RT-PCR machines to rural hospitals and clinics enhance healthcare services in Kapit and Baleh.
The AREA is recognised as the gold standard for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and sustainability practices across Asia, showcasing businesses and organisations that champion impactful and sustainable change.
Since 2011, AREA has recognised achievements in areas such as Social Empowerment, Investment in People, Health Promotion, Green Leadership, Corporate Governance, Circular Economy Leadership, Corporate Sustainability Reporting, and Responsible Business Leadership.
This year, over 300 submissions from 19 countries and markets were evaluated based on relevance, effectiveness, reach and sustainability, with a total of 81 ESG champions being recognised.
