Getting Ahead with CSR

Dr Suebpong Atichartakan is certainly a busy businessman, jumping from one meeting to the next as well as scheduling media interviews into his hectic schedule. At 39, with a doctoral degree in engineering, Dr Suebpong is the managing director of Daika Estate Group, which established the luxury condominium brand called The Sanctuary, with one in Pattaya named The Sanctuary Wong Amat and another hip venue in Hua-Hin named The Sanctuary Hua-Hin. Despite his tight schedule he always has time to advise and consult with his team on the important topic of CSR.

We are part of society so we have a responsibility to our surroundings “I don’t believe,” says Dr Suebpong, “that companies should focus only on profits and income. We’re part of society so we have a responsibility to our surroundings such as making the lives of the people and communities around our condominiums better and doing environmental friendly through our CSR programs. For example, we launched a beach-cleaning campaign and installed lights along the beach so people can feel safe at night and lower the crime rate. I also believe that taking care of our community and environment concerns not only improving facilities, but also the lives of individuals. Since 2008 we have run a project in Pattaya that helps blind people."




Several of Daika Estate’s CSR concerns are coral reef protection, seawater preservation and caring

for sea animals

So how does Dr Suebpong estimate the success of a CSR project? The first step is to establish a key performance indicator (KPI) index. “After a designated period of time we go back to check if what we have done has achievedthe KPI goals" he explains.“For example, if we’re helpinga school we can use test scores or an increase in enrollment as the KPI.”

Several of Daika Estate’s CSR concerns are coral reef protection, seawater preservation and caring for sea animals. The company has several programs dedicated to preserving the seaside environment and Dr Suebpong’s hope is that international organisations come to know of them and help with funding.

“There’s still a lot of educating to do," he says. “For example we have to educate the community concerning waste water treatment. Achieving our goal requires cooperation between the community and the corporation. That’s what CSR is all about."

Extract of Thailand Tatler, CEO Insight 2011


(Updated: October 2014)