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Community Engagement and Social Responsibility: Forest Interactive’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Impact-driven Initiatives

By August 15, 2024August 21st, 2024No Comments

This article was written by Nen Lin Soo, Head of Strategic Communications & Sustainability

Forest Interactive, a leading telecommunication platform provider, began its commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) with the support of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) in 2016. This effort focused on nurturing talent and empowering society through sustainable programs, starting with educational initiatives for young Malaysians in mobile application development and creative digital projects. 

Our mission is to harmonize business success with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, demonstrating that company growth and sustainability can coexist. The establishment of the Forest Interactive Foundation further advanced these goals, fostering impactful partnerships with MDEC, CIMB, CIMB Foundation, and Axiata Foundation. Notable programs include Green Bean, which offers environmental education, and #SeKODlah TecHive, which prepares youths for tech careers. 

In alignment with our sustainability vision, initiatives like the “Home to Cause” garment donation drive—part of our World Environment Day activity—combat waste and promote environmental stewardship. 

Empowering Global Sustainability and Inclusion Through Tailored Flexibility and Stakeholder Engagement 

Forest Interactive’s strategic vision emphasizes adapting our approach to the diverse needs of stakeholders. Our flexible policies, such as the work-from-anywhere (WFA) policy introduced in 2021, reflect this adaptability. This policy supports a balanced work environment, accommodating various departmental cultures while maintaining a return-to-office (RTO) mandate. 

Balancing data-driven decision-making with empathy enables us to maximize our impact. This approach helps us prioritize initiatives that create both financial and social value, ensuring that our sustainability programs are effective and engaging. 

Embedding Sustainability at Forest Interactive: Communication, Innovation, and Continuous Evaluation 

Sustainability is integral to our operations at Forest Interactive, defined by clear communication, innovation, and continuous evaluation: 

  • Robust Communication Strategy: We maintain transparency about our sustainability efforts through monthly management meetings and quarterly newsletters, sharing milestones and challenges with our team. 
  • Encouraging Bottom-Up Initiatives: Our annual CSR bonus incentive rewards talents for their contributions to sustainability projects, fostering innovation and engagement. 
  • Regular Review and Adaptation: We conduct periodic reviews of our sustainability goals and strategies to ensure ongoing relevance. Noteworthy initiatives, such as our recent workshop with the Somali Refugee Community Center, highlight our commitment to digital citizenship and education. 

Leading with Purpose: Metrics for Employee Engagement, DEI Impact, and Sustainable Progress 

Our metrics reflect a balance of intellectual and emotional leadership, guided by a people-first culture. We monitor employee engagement through event participation and surveys, while DEI impact is assessed through feedback and community satisfaction scores. Our tech-powered approach allows us to track the development and adoption of sustainability-focused solutions. 

These metrics are reviewed monthly to ensure alignment with our evolving sustainability strategy and the UN 2030 Agenda. We also track resource consumption to gauge the effectiveness of our environmental awareness campaigns. 

Engaging Stakeholders Through Data-Driven Storytelling and High-Profile Collaboration 

Effective stakeholder engagement at Forest Interactive involves data-driven storytelling and high-profile collaborations. We use diverse channels to share our sustainability and DEI efforts, from internal platforms to social media. By participating in events hosted by organizations like the UN Global Compact, we contribute to broader discussions on sustainability and diversity. 

Overcoming Resource Constraints: Harnessing Creativity and Collaboration for Sustainable Impact 

Navigating resource constraints and aligning sustainability efforts can be challenging. We turn these challenges into opportunities through strategic partnerships and creative solutions. Our tech-driven capabilities and people-first culture foster innovation, enabling us to overcome obstacles and drive global change. 

Harnessing Technological Advancements for Sustainable Development 

Technological advancements in telecommunications present opportunities for enhanced social responsibility: 

  • Enhanced Connectivity and IoT: Exploring 5G and IoT for smart, energy-efficient solutions. 
  • AI-Driven Personalization: Utilizing AI to tailor sustainability communications and initiatives. 
  • Remote Work Evolution: Supporting flexible work arrangements to align with DEI efforts and reduce environmental impact. 
  • Green Energy Integration: Increasing our use of renewable energy and engaging employees in sustainability. 

Forest Interactive’s Commitment to People-First Culture and Responsible Innovation 

At Forest Interactive, our core principles emphasize leading with both intellect and empathy. We are committed to integrating technological advancements with sustainability objectives, continuously assessing our impact through various metrics. Our goal is to create business value while contributing significantly to global sustainability and fostering a workplace where every individual feels valued and empowered. 

For partnerships and information about Forest Interactive’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement, please reach out to Nen Lin Soo at [email protected]  

Whether you’re interested in exploring potential collaborations, seeking insights into sustainability and DEI initiatives, or simply looking to connect with an industry leader, get in touch to discuss how Forest Interactive can support your business objectives and drive impactful change together.