Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a business model by which companies make a concerted effort to operate in ways that enhance, rather than degrade society and the environment.
CSR can help improve various aspects of society. Social responsibility advocates that an individual has a responsibility to the community or society in terms of choices about behaviours.
Moral responsibility implies a knowledge and understanding of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ and the ability and willingness to behave morally. Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre (BTMC) was awarded with Malaysia Health & Wellness Award 2023, under the CSR category for the ‘Gift Of Sight’ (GOS) project.
Even though the award has been classified under the CSR category, for me personally, it was the moral and social responsibility that drove me to serve the community. Why? Because I can!
It was the culmination of personal satisfaction to see the joy and happiness of the 70 lives that we touched through the collaboration, implementation, and execution of the ‘GOS’ project. BTMC worked together with Rotary Club Klang Central (RCKC) to make it a success.
With Covid-19 wreaking havoc throughout the world, families decimated with the loss of loved ones, many in despair, the world appeared dark and gloomy. But there were many who were living in the dark, even when there was light.
These were the ones we were able to identify, with the help of RCKC, through home visits, followed by assessments and planning for surgery, to help restore vision.
For me, I would attribute the success of the ‘GOS’ project to the four pillars that gave me a strong foundation to work upon, the first pillar being my spouse, the second pillar being BTMC and the staff, the third pillar is RCKC, while the fourth pillar is Alcon Malaysia, our corporate sponsor.
Each had its own form and function that guided, supported, and motivated me through some difficult decisions and surgeries. I salute each and every one of them.
It has been difficult and tedious to set the processes in place, but a very fulfilling journey, with my ever-efficient, diligent and selfless staff in the clinic, day-care, operation theatre and management who were extremely helpful.
The journey is now currently ongoing (GOS 3.0) for the year 2023 with 50 individuals to be screened and planned for surgery. Standing together with team BTMC-RCKC holding the award exemplifies the cumulative effort of many.
It goes to show that if the focus and goals are aligned for a noble cause, that is to serve the people and the community, both CSR and moral and social responsibility can go hand in hand to deliver the service required.
I came across a quote by Buddha that read: “If you light a lamp for someone else, it will also brighten your path”.
I catch myself wearing sun shades these days as the path I tread is so lit and bright. God bless all involved, and bigger blessings to all the patients who placed their trust in us to help them.
Main image: BTMC chief executive officer Jasmine Lau flanked by the author (left) and Rotary Club Klang Central president T. Nagendran.
The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.
