The Memorandum of Intent signed by the Corporate Citizen Foundation (CCF) and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management will allow both to share resources such as expertise and networks.
SINGAPORE: Companies could play a bigger and more effective role in disaster management in Asia with a landmark partnership agreement signed on Sunday (Nov 1) between ASEAN and an alliance of firms in Singapore called the Corporate Citizen Foundation (CCF).
The Memorandum of Intent signed by the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management and CCF makes the foundation ASEAN's first official private sector alliance partner for regional disaster management. The deal allows the two organisations to share resources, including expertise and networks.
CCF is a coalition of private sector firms that helps victims in neighbouring countries during disasters. The Kelantan floods and Nepal earthquake are just some instances where the foundation has helped with disaster relief.It also pools together corporate resources to improve the lives of vulnerable communities in Asia through sustainable livelihood programmes.
"This is about the new vision in ASEAN for disaster management, what we call 'One ASEAN, One Response',” said Mr Said Faisal, executive director of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management. “And when we say ASEAN, it is the government, it is the civilians, it is the military, it is the private sector, academia, civil society, everyone.
"This I think will definitely speed up the implementation of One ASEAN, One Response and the possible replication of this model in other ASEAN countries," he added.
The signing took place at the foundation's first anniversary observance ceremony to mark its year of regional humanitarian service. It was launched by Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam in October 2014.
Local firm HSL Constructor started the foundation with seed funding of S$1 million. Its partners include Channel NewsAsia's parent company MediaCorp, air charter specialist Pacific Flight Services and manufacturing company Golden Season.
"It goes beyond traditional CSR and corporate philanthropy initiatives,” said Acting Education Minister (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung, who was guest of honour at the ceremony. “It adopts an alliance-driven approach, bringing in different partners. It promotes pro-active corporate participation in regional disaster management."
An inter-faith prayer was also held at the ceremony for those affected by natural disasters.
- CNA/ek
Source: Channel NewsAsia
