Bangkok, 5 March 2013 – Global housing NGO Habitat for Humanity International today announced that it has elected Indonesian businessman Jimmy Masrin to its board of directors. Mr. Masrin is one of two Asians on the international board.
Habitat’s 24-member board is responsible for establishing policy and guiding the organization’s efforts to construct, rehabilitate, repair and improve housing in partnership with low-income families in nearly 80 countries. Habitat board members volunteer for two-year terms that can be renewed up to four times.
Speaking on the appointment, Rick Hathaway, Asia-Pacific vice-president for Habitat for Humanity, said: “We’re delighted to have Jimmy represent the region’s interests and needs on housing low-income families. His passion, breadth and depth of experience, and network will be a tremendous asset to the international board.”
On his new role, Mr. Masrin said: “It’s a privilege to be given this opportunity to serve beyond my involvement with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. I look forward to working with the rest of the board members in realizing our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.”
Mr. Masrin, 50, is President Director/CEO of PT Caturkarsa Megatunggal, a holding company with interests in chemical, mining, fuel distribution, supply chains and other industries. He is also chairman of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia where he has been involved in tackling poverty housing issues since 2004. That year, he participated in the disaster response efforts after the Indian Ocean tsunami. Mr. Masrin also played an active role after the Jogjakarta earthquake in 2006, raising funds, repairing and rebuilding homes with families who were affected.
On his passion for Habitat’s cause, Mr. Masrin said: “Having a home is the foundation for breaking the cycle of poverty. A decent home opens the door to improved health, better performance in school, greater economic opportunities and increased community cohesion.”
Mr. Masrin holds a Master’s degree from the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird) in Arizona and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. He is married with three children. An avid golfer, Mr. Masrin is also the founder of the Indonesian Masters professional golf tournament, sanctioned by the Asian Tour. The tournament raises funds for Habitat for Humanity Indonesia.
Notes to Editors
To set up interviews, receive photography or further information, please contact Soo How WONG, +66 2 632 0415, swong@habitat.org
Habitat for Humanity Indonesia
Habitat for Humanity Indonesia began operations in 1997, and works in thirteen provinces across the country. Habitat for Humanity Indonesia works with international and local non-governmental organizations, microfinance institutions, cooperatives and faith-based organizations to help families have a decent place to live. Habitat Indonesia has built more than 37,000 homes and helped to shelter more than 120,000 people.
habitatindonesia.org
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that seeks to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 600,000 families by building and improving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. An estimated 176,000 of these families are in the Asia-Pacific region, where Habitat has been active since 1983. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit habitat.org/asiapacific or follow us at facebook.com/habitat.
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Contact:
Soo How WONG
+66 2 632 0415
swong@habitat.org