Community Business’s regional conference showcases the link between D&I and competitive advantage New individual membership launched to nurture the next generation game changers
Hong Kong, 11 November 2014 – ASIATODAY.COM - The 2-day Diversity & Inclusion in Asia Conference kicks off today in Hong Kong with over 300 delegates and subject matter experts from around the world coming together to explore tangible ways in which diversity & inclusion (D&I) gives companies an edge over others in the market particularly in terms of driving creativity, tapping new markets and winning new business.
Since its debut in 2005, the Diversity & Inclusion in Asia Conference, organised every 2 years by Community Business, a not-for-profit organisation focusing on corporate responsibility and a thought leader on D&I, has become the primary forum for discussion on D&I issues as they relate to Asia – with an established reputation for bringing together the most inspirational and informed speakers on the subject and pushing the boundaries of discussion.
With the theme “Diversity & Inclusion – Driving Competitive Advantage”, the 6th Conference takes the discussion of D&I to a new level. Looking beyond workplace issues to the marketplace, the Conference starts by sharing compelling stories from Coca-Cola and Standard Chartered Bank with powerful and real examples of how their companies have leveraged diversity to drive competitive advantage.
“To Coca-Cola, diversity is not just about Human Resources policies and practices. It’s an integral part of who we are, how we operate and how we see our future, said Kit Choi, Vice President Human Resources, The Coca-Cola Company. “As a global business, we believe that our ability to understand, embrace and operate in a multicultural world – both in the marketplace and in the workplace – is critical to our long-term sustainability.”
“At Standard Chartered, we have found that designing products and services for specific groups of clients, such as women, the LGBT community, and our Islamic Banking clients, has the added benefit of appealing to many others outside that specific group,” said Jacqueline Rolf, Head, Group Diversity and Inclusion, Standard Chartered Bank. ‘In the same way, we know that fostering a truly inclusive and flexible environment in the workplace for diverse groups, in which they can play to their strengths and produce their best without fear of bias, has the happy outcome of creating an inclusive environment for everybody. So flexibility – of mindset, and of working practices - is a key enabler for engagement, productivity and hence business success for the future”
Coca-Cola and Standard Chartered Bank are the platinum sponsors of the Conference this year. These two companies, together with the gold sponsors, Cisco and Google, and the session sponsors Brown-Forman, Credit Suisse, EY and IBM, champion D&I in Asia and are long-term partners of Community Business.
For the first time, the Conference has specific tracks for different audiences. The Female Advantage Programme on Day 1 is specially designed for those looking to leverage the competitive advantage that female talent brings to leadership and organisational success in Asia, whilst the Taking the Lead with LGBT Programme on Day 2 is targeted at those passionate about progressing LGBT inclusion in Asia and achieving market differentiation. Besides these two tracks, there are breakout sessions on culture, disability, religion, and generations, as well as a wealth of case studies that will stimulate dialogue and offer practical takeaways for delegates to bring back to their workplaces.
“We have worked hard to help companies understand that embracing diversity and inclusion is critical to being an employer of choice,” said Mrs. Fern Ngai, CEO of Community Business. “But if we are to engage business leaders and make diversity and inclusion core to business strategy, we have to help companies see the link with achieving competitive advantage in the external market place. That’s what this conference is all about.”
“To continue to drive discussion forward and impact change, we are excited to extend our corporate membership to individuals who are keen on making a positive impact and whose day-jobs may or may not be directly relevant to Corporate Social Responsibility or D&I,” continued Mrs. Ngai. “Although a top-down approach can ensure momentum, passionate individuals who embrace responsible and inclusive practices are powerful bottom-up forces to influence culture and buy-in across the organisation. We expect that this new network will be attractive to Gen Y professionals and students. ”
Launched at the Conference, the brand new membership will provide individual members with access to 10 years of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and D&I know-how and practical knowledge through Community Business’ research and events, a network of like-minded peers who aim to make a difference to society and a group of experienced corporate leaders who are advocates of CSR within their companies, and best practice community investment programmes to “walk the talk”. The membership is also open to full-time students who are passionate and committed to CSR.
First 20 sign-ups at the Conference will be given a 20% discount off the regular membership fee. For more details, contact venisa.chu@communitybusiness.org.
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Media Contact:
Joy TSANG (曾敏琪)
Communications Manager, Community Business
+852-2201-1818; +852-9486-4364; joy.tsang@communitybusiness.org
About Community Business
Community Business is a not-for-profit organisation whose mission is to lead, inspire and support businesses to improve their positive impact on people and communities. As a thought leader in corporate responsibility in Asia, Community Business conducts research, facilitates events and networks, leads campaigns and provides consultancy and training. Its major areas of focus include: Corporate Responsibility Strategy, Diversity & Inclusion, Work-Life Balance and Community Investment. Founded in 2003 and based in Hong Kong, Community Business works with leading organisations across the Asia region. For more information, http://www.communitybusiness.org.
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