KUCHING: The capability of an individual is not measured by his wealth, but by how the person assists those in need.
This is the fervent belief of Green Summit Development Group (GSD) CEO and executive director James Hii – to the extent that one of his company’s core missions is to be mindful of its social responsibility.
One of their most recent charitable programmes, Love In Action 2018 (LIA), took a different approach and demonstrated their view that contributing to society is not just limited to monetary donation.
In late 2018, Lembaga Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim Sarawak (Peryatim) Miri Branch approached GSD for assistance in finding a solution to provide adequate washroom areas for its orphanage boys’ living quarters.
Construction work on the washroom area being carried out. (Photo: Green Summit Development Group) 
The completed washroom area and staircase. (Photo: Green Summit Development Group)
In addition, there was also the issue of the unsound living conditions of the existing warden building at the orphanage.
Hii said it all started when the boys’ hostel block was deemed unsafe to occupy due to a sinking issue, and they had to be immediately shifted to the warden block.
“The warden block was lacking adequate and proper washrooms, toilets, and shower areas, and the boys had to wake up at 3am to start queuing up to get ready for school,” he explained during a recent exclusive with New Sarawak Tribune.
According to him, Miri deputy mayor and Peryatim board member Julaihi Mohamad then informed GSD of the issue.
Rather than just providing financial support, GSD took the matter one step further by calling for a corporate social responsibility (CSR) project which involved various groups coming together to construct a new washroom area beside the existing warden building to cater for the needs of the 40 orphans.
They also constructed a new staircase for the warden building for fire escape as well as restored, repaired, and refreshed the warden block.
“We called this programme Love In Action because we wanted to mobilise everyone to actively participate and put in their joint effort and not just provide donations,” said Hii, describing this as a labour of love.
To carry out LIA 2018, GSD actively engaged multiple stakeholders, including its suppliers, contractors, consultants, employees to provide their own specialties and efforts – be they in the form of monetary aid, supply of building materials, labour, or provision of professional skills to contribute to the project.
This activity did not only achieve its objective of providing a safe and inviting living space to the boys of Peryatim, it also fostered team-building and a sense of accomplishment among contributors.
Hii said that LIA kicked off at the end of 2018 and was completed in early 2019, taking about 100 days.
At the Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association’s (Sheda) Cherry Blossom Gala Dinner earlier this month (January), GSD was presented with the inaugural Sheda CSR Leadership Award by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg in recognition of their heartfelt efforts.
“Through LIA, we hope to inspire other entrepreneurs and corporate entities to initiate their own charity programmes and learn from each other as well,” the CEO remarked.
Touching on upcoming programmes, he said they already had some plans in mind for this year.
“We are hoping to contribute to the local council in Miri, which could hopefully benefit them as well as Mirians – perhaps in the tourism sector,” he said, adding that GSD wanted to keep the momentum going with such efforts.
From his perspective, corporate entities are just managing society’s resources.
“So, because these resources are from the community, we have to give back to them as well,” he emphasised.
Since the company’s inception in 2009, it has diligently carried out CSR programmes almost every year to help those in need.
“Our community service goes beyond race, religion, or social class,” said Hii.
