Pay It Forward

Executive suites and fine dining might be what we sign the cheque for, but our travel dollars are also being put towards altruistic endeavours.

- Valerian Ho

In these complex modern times, there are people and animals all over the world in dire need of help, and the natural environment also needs serious protection. As individuals, there are limits to what we can do. But when large businesses invest in corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes, they can have a major positive impact.

As business travellers, the hotels you stay at usually have CSR initiatives designed to contribute to the local community or wider global issues, but these behind the-scenes programmes often remain unsung heroes – particularly those on a smaller, local scale. Here we cast a spotlight on worthy programmes around the region to highlight some of the issues and celebrate the innovative and inspirational projects under way.

CHILD CARE

Education is one of the most powerful tools to give children a future and lift them out of poverty. But many people in developing countries have difficulty in buying food, never mind finding funds to pay for schooling. In Siem Reap, Cambodia, a hundred young women are now able to continue their secondary school education thanks to Rosewood Hotel Group’s partnership with Room to Read. This programme helps to transform the lives of children in low-income countries by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education. Its Girls’ Education Programme reinforces girls’ commitment to their own education, works with them to develop essential life skills, and increases support for their education among parents, school staff and communities.