In conjunction with Khmer Times’ special supplement on CSR and ESG, we had the opportunity to interview Oknha Tan Khee Meng, the President of the Malaysian Business Chamber in Cambodia (MBCC). Under his leadership, MBCC has significantly expanded its focus to include Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) activities. Here is an in-depth look at his motivations, memorable projects, and the impact of these initiatives.
(L-R) Han Peng Kwang, CEO of Wing Bank; Oknha Tan Khee Meng, the MBCC President; Mohan Bandam, Khmer Times Publisher; H.E. Shaharuddin Onn, Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia; Ly Thuch, First Vice-President of CMAA and CMAA Secretary-General Ly Panharith at the cheque handover ceremony on 16 May 2024.
What motivated you to lead MBCC into this often overlooked aspect of the chamber since your presidency?
MBCC, one of the oldest business chambers in Cambodia with a 30-year history, had traditionally focused on business networking and social gatherings for its members. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented suffering, with countless incidents of death, loss of income, and severe hardships, especially for underprivileged groups. When I took over the presidency in 2021, I felt a strong need to incorporate the spirit of giving back to society from the business community. With the support of the board and members, we began to integrate CSR and ESG activities as a crucial pillar of MBCC. This shift was driven by a desire to contribute positively to the community and address the pressing needs exacerbated by the pandemic.
What are your most memorable projects, and which project has struck you close to the heart and made you want to do more?
I was deeply moved by the stories of landmine victims and the unsung heroes involved in landmine clearance when I first visited the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA). This experience inspired MBCC to organise a large-scale fundraising gala dinner, serving as a platform for the private sector and business community to support the Cambodian Government’s mine clearance mission. The overwhelming response we received was heartening, especially as the event took place in August 2022, during the peak of the Omicron variant outbreak.
Subsequently, we visited the landmine clearance site funded by our donations. The gratitude expressed by the villagers, who awaited our arrival to show their appreciation, was profoundly touching. Witnessing firsthand the tangible impact of our efforts reinforced the importance of crowdfunding and inspired us to continue supporting those in need.
The cheque presentation ceremony was made by MBCC President Oknha KM Tan to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Youth and Sport, H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron during MBCC 30th anniversary celebration.
MBCC has set the pace for other chambers to undertake CSR/ESG projects in Cambodia. What motivated the chamber and you as its president in this direction?
MBCC’s active engagement in CSR activities has not only brought us recognition from the Cambodian Government but also from other business chambers. As the President of MBCC, I am grateful for the support of our members, the Malaysian community, the Malaysian Embassy, and our friends and partners. Their contributions have been instrumental to our success in CSR and ESG projects. I am immensely proud of the compassion and generosity demonstrated by MBCC’s members, friends, and partners, which have been key to our achievements.
Inspection of Mine Clearance Operation in Kompong Speu Province.
Can you please elaborate on the 4,000 KHR crowd-funding campaign, which was probably the first of its kind for landmine clearing in the world?
The 4,000 KHR campaign was inspired by a touching encounter with a villager at a landmine clearance site. This individual expressed a desire to donate a small sum towards our landmine clearance fund. Moved by this gesture, our team decided to launch the “4000 Riels” campaign, allowing people to contribute donations starting from 4000 riels. This campaign is significant because it enables individuals from all levels of society to participate according to their means. Beyond fundraising, it raises awareness about the ongoing landmine threat in Cambodia and encourages collective action to support affected communities.
H.E. Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, the Prime Minister of Cambodia presented the token of appreciation to Oknha Tan Khee Meng, the President of MBCC.
How many lives has MBCC touched directly and indirectly in its various CSR campaigns in the past four years?
While it is challenging to quantify the exact number of lives impacted, our donations have facilitated the clearance of one commune and four villages, benefiting hundreds of families. These families have regained access to land free of landmines, enabling them to farm and live without fear. The indirect impact is immeasurable, as our campaigns have been widely publicized, planting seeds of kindness and inspiring others throughout the country. The stories of our initiatives have undoubtedly spread goodwill and encouraged more people to engage in charitable deeds.
Oknha Tan Khee Meng, President of the Malaysian Business Chamber in Cambodia (MBCC).
Can you give us an insight into your charity gala dinner for landmine clearing and its impact on Cambodia and other associations?
Our successful fundraising dinner in August 2022 inspired numerous business chambers and associations to continue the momentum, with some even raising higher sums. MBCC is delighted that our actions have spurred more charity activities towards landmine clearance by other business entities. This ripple effect is the greatest satisfaction for MBCC and its members, as it signifies a collective effort to address a critical issue and support the well-being of Cambodian communities.
Oknha Tan Khee Meng’s leadership has not only strengthened MBCC’s role in the business community but also highlighted the importance of CSR and ESG initiatives. His dedication to making a positive impact serves as an inspiring example for other chambers and organizations in Cambodia.