Siam Cement seeks Phl government backing for sustainable program

BANGKOK, Thailand – A giant Thai conglomerate, Siam Cement Group (SCG) listed as the world leader in sustainable development is seeking the cooperation and assistance of the Philippine government to ensure success of the sustainable development program in the Philippines.

The SCG continues its sustainable mission by sponsoring the ASEAN Sustainable Development Symposium 2012 here and attended by almost 2,000 representatives from private firms from countries in Southeast Asia. The regional seminar was on its third year with the topic of “Sustainable Future in a Challenging World.”

Pramote Techasupatkul, president of Siam Cement Group (SCG) and chairman of SCG Sustainable Development Committee, said programs on sustainable development are the key to ensuring long-term profitability of firms.

“In the Philippines, I believe the way we did, we also need the support from the government… We also need their support to invite the other industries to join us and follow (in promoting sustainable development). We alone cannot do that, we need the government support,” said Techasupatkul told Filipino journalists invited to participate in the symposium.

Techasupatkul said mining firms could also use and implement sustainable development. Mining industry in the Philippines is being opposed by some sectors due to environment issues.

“The concept of the sustainable development is a worldwide understanding that way we can survive our profitability if the business in the long term. You have to share to the community and society and also you have to be very well impart to the people living around,” said Techasupatkul.

Like Techasupatkul, Peter Bakker, president of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), said private firms could not do sustainable development program alone and need support of governments.

“This could not be done by business (sector alone), you need to work closely with government…we need to work together as a civil society in all parts of the world. We all humans must collaborate in order to win the battle,” said Bakker in his keynote address during the symposium.

Kan Trakulhun, president and CEO of SCG, said President Aquino, himself promised strong government cooperation with SCG in the implementation of sustainable development program in the Philippines during the visit of the Philippine president in Thailand several months ago.

Trakulhun said SCG has also initiated programs on the recycling and alternative source of energy, waste-management by converting municipal solid waste to alternative fuel.

Part of the SCG investment in the country is the Mariwasa Siam Ceramics Inc. (MSCI), the biggest ceramic tile manufacturing company in the Philippines. It is a joint venture between the Coseteng Group and SCG of Thailand. The partnership was forged in 1993 with the then Mariwasa Manufacturing, Inc. (MMI).

To date, MSCI employs 1,000 people around the Philippines. With a commitment to crafting products which are internationally competitive, MSCI manufactures, as well as exports, high end ceramic wall and floor tiles, porcelain tiles, and lintels.

Aside from tile manufacturing, MSCI imports sanitary wares, bathroom fixtures, tile trims, smart boards and smart wood to complement its product lines.

Established in 1913, SCG is one of the leading conglomerates in the ASEAN. Instituted following a Royal Decree of His Majesty King Rama VI to produce cement, SCG has since diversified into five core businesses including SCG Chemicals, SCG Paper, SCG Cement, SCG Building Materials and SCG Distribution.