Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs are becoming a necessity for those planning company conventions and incentive travel in the current economic climate.
Gone are the days when companies selected destinations based on their glitz, glamour and luxury appeal. Nowadays it is meaningful programs that enable participants to give something back to the local community that are top of the buyer’s shopping list.
CSR Programs such as the Sarawak Forestry Corporation’s new Orangutan Rehabilitation program were of great interest to corporate buyers and agents attending this year’s Asia Pacific Meetings Expo in Melbourne.
“It was a case of picking the right trend this year as most buyers were very cost conscious and looking for new destinations closer to home that can deliver value for money and meaningful programs in line with company objectives.” Reported Mrs Jill Henry, CEO of Sarawak Convention Bureau.
“The Bureau chose the new Orangutan Program as our new product focus for the Trade Show following the outcome of an Australian market research study that showed that Orangutans are considered a top tourism attraction.
Known as the “Heart to Heart Orangutan Encounter” the new program offers a one or two day volunteer program enabling participants to go behind the scenes at the Matang Wildlife Centre in Kuching and volunteer in the Great Orangutan Rehabilitation and Release Program.
For most animal lovers this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to participate in the care of captive or injured orangutan and help them on their long journey back to self sufficiency in the wilds of the Borneo Rainforest.
Each team member is given a task by the ranger, either to prepare daily food, clean up the night cages, construct new play things and assist in related research, education and other conservation activities.
Participants learn first hand from the dedicated team of expert conservationists about the challenges of Orangutan rehabilitation and the work of the centre.
The Heart to Heart Orangutan Encounter is a unique incentive program suitable for groups of up to 20 persons at a time. A minimum donation of RM7,300 (AUD3,030) to the Great Orangutan Conservation Program from the company is required.
Groups may opt for either a one day volunteer program at the Centre with a picnic lunch in the nearby rainforest or a 2-day program with a side visit to Kubah National Park.
In launching the new program, Sarawak Convention Bureau Chief Executive Officer, Jill Henry commented: “Clients nowadays are looking to do more than just hand out charitable donations to meet their corporate social responsibility obligations."
"The plight of endangered orangutans touches the heart of people from around the world and this program enables companies to give their staff a unique opportunity to volunteer in support of orangutan conservation as part of their Borneo experience.”
Over thirty planners from countries such as United Kingdom, Poland, Singapore, South Africa, Hong Kong, and Australia visited the Sarawak stand to learn more about the program and assist in orangutan conservation.
The Bureau agreed to donate RM20 on behalf of each planner to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation for the program.
On return from Australia, The Sarawak Convention Bureau made a donation of RM660 to the Orangutan on behalf of the thirty three international meeting planners that visited the stand to learn more about the unique program for their clients. Already one Australian Group has confirmed their participation in the program in October and three proposals are under consideration.
For more information, visit www.sarawakcb.com
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