SEB bags AREA social empowerment, health promotion awards

KUCHING (July 9): Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) was recognised for its commitment to community welfare at the recent Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA) 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The corporation received awards in the ‘Social Empowerment’ and ‘Health Promotion’ categories for its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives benefitting the Baleh and Kapit communities, said an SEB statement yesterday.

The Social Empowerment award acknowledges its 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, said SEB.

It added that the Handicraft Development Programme, in particular, enhances the skills of Baleh artisans, ensuring sustainable livelihoods and expanding the market for their crafts beyond the Kapit area.

“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.

“The eye-health screening and operation campaign provides free eye screenings and cataract surgeries. Additionally, donations of medical equipment such as ultrasound, dialysis, and Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction machines to rural hospitals and clinics enhance healthcare services in Kapit and Baleh.”

SEB senior manager (Project Services) Sharina Bohari received the awards from Enterprise Asia president Richard Tsang, with SEB manager (Community Relations) Reuben Jagai among those present at the event.

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, and sustainability, resulting in a total of 81 ESG champions recognised.