Speaking at a Forum* on the relevance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) during an economic downturn, Nestlé Malaysia’s Managing Director Mr Peter Vogt shared Nestlé’s concept of CSR called Creating Shared Value, which is to create value and sustainable growth for all of the company's stakeholders - from shareholders to the societies where it operates. He stressed that combining CSR and business strategy is good for both business and the community and enables Nestlé to have sustainable long-term initiatives. He added that even more so in a period of difficulty such as the economic downturn, Nestlé continues its CSR activities, as it is embedded in the company's business strategy. He also encouraged well-established companies such as Nestlé to mentor and assist SMEs in developing sustainable environmental management policies and practices. In the long term, these environmental practices can bring cost savings to the company, for instance, through energy-saving initiatives or effective waste management. Mr Vogt reiterated, “Companies should self regulate and adopt responsible and sustainable environmental approaches to their business operations. Where governments can assist is in strengthening enforcement.” *organised by the StarBiz-ICR Malaysia Corporate Responsibility Awards 2009, Star Publications (M) Bhd and Institute of Corporate Responsibility (ICR) Malaysia.

The seventh CSR Asia Summit was held in Kuala Lumpur on 27 and 28 October 2009 and aimed to be the most innovative and challenging conference on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the Asia-Pacific region. The participants were reminded that amidst the global economic crisis, CSR is more important than ever. With the theme “Sustainable Business as the Road to Recovery”, the event was attended by more than 300 delegates from all over Asia. It explored key CSR issues and strategies to demonstrate leadership in times of turbulence. Nestlé Malaysia was an active participant in the Summit, featuring exhibits to introduce Nestlé’s concept of CSR, which is Creating Shared Value (CSV). The booth showcased both local and global CSV initiatives, as well as Nestlé Malaysia’s reporting initiatives. Nestlé’s CSV initiatives in Nutrition, Water and Rural Development were highlighted as exhibits as well as via a video. Apart from the breakout sessions, roundtables, training and stakeholder sessions were also organised for the delegates. The topics were mainly focused on Asia and brought new insights for businesses, governments, NGOs and other CSR practitioners.