Toshiba: Symbiosis with Global Society Deepened through Dialogue

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Committed to People, Committed to the Future.

Featured in CSR Report 2006
Note: Contents and Titles as of June 2006

As a global enterprise, Toshiba aims to play a leading role to respect the cultures and customs of the countries and regions where it operates and protect the global environment. Here, we feature Toshiba's activities in Thailand, a country where Toshiba aims to continue developing its business together with local communities while cultivating fruitful linkage with society at large.

Business Development in Thailand

Toshiba opened an office in Thailand in 1963 and subsequently, in 1969, its first subsidiaries in the country: home appliance manufacturer Thai Toshiba Electric Industries Co., Ltd. and sales company Toshiba Thailand Co., Ltd. In more than four decades of successful development in Thailand, Toshiba has become deeply rooted in Thai society. At present, more than 10,000 employees are working at 14 Toshiba Group companies in Thailand, manufacturing home appliances, semiconductor devices and digital equipment for the Thai market and for customers worldwide.

Superior Working Environment

Putting the health and safety of employees first, Thai Toshiba Group is working to achieve and maintain a superior working environment that keeps getting better. Three companies have already gained OHSAS 18001 certification for occupational health and safety management systems and two have gained Thai Labor Standard (TLS) 8001-2003 certification. Concerning measures for HIV/AIDS, which is a serious social issue in the country, two companies have already been certified by AIDS-response Standard Organization (ASO) and the entire Thai Toshiba Group is striving to ensure workplaces are free from discrimination through education and efforts to raise awareness.

Environmental Protection Activities

Toshiba Semiconductor (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (TST), a semiconductor production plant, has won plaudits for its environmental activities, including an award from the prime minister of Thailand for being an excellent energy-saving factory. While organizing annual environmental events to raise the awareness of employees, TST is vigorously engaged in communication with the local community. For example, TST employees visit local elementary schools to give classes on environmental topics.

photo of Giving a class on environmental topics at an elementary school
Giving a class on environmental topics at an elementary school Tackling Social Issues

Tackling Social Issues

Thai Toshiba Group companies are working together on longstanding corporate citizenship activities involving employees and business partners.

For example, under the slogan "We love school with Toshiba", for the past 17 years Thai Toshiba Group companies have been donating TVs and other products to local schools and providing scholarships to students who excel academically.

Toshiba Thai Foundation established in 1991 provides scholarships to 60 science and engineering students every year. Also Toshiba Thai Group companies have introduced internships for trainees.

photo of Donating a TV to a local school
Donating a TV to a local school

photo of Supporting education of engineers
Supporting education of engineers

The First Stakeholder Dialogue in Thailand

On April 25, 2006, Toshiba held a stakeholder dialogue in Thailand, the first such event we have held outside Japan. Dr. Juree Vichit-Vadakhan, President, Center for Philanthropy and Civil Society, National Institute of Development Administration, facilitated the dialogue. Also taking part were four specialists in the social contribution, culture, the environment and energy issues, respectively, as well as an entrepreneur. Participants from Toshiba included Yuji Kiyokawa, then general manager, Corporate Social Responsibility Division, and presidents of Thai Toshiba Group companies. Speakers expressed their high expectations of Toshiba Group.

Date	April 25,2006 9:30-13:00
Place	Bangkok, Thailand

photo of The First Stakeholder Dialogue in Thailand

Opinions

Thanpuying Sumalee Chartikavanij

In CSR, it is crucial that leaders take the initiative with passion and conviction. I hope Toshiba will set an example to other companies and individuals. I think it is very good that Toshiba, as part of its social contribution effort, donates 0.5 baht for every fluorescent lamp purchased to a fund in preserving the local art & craft project to create additional income for the poor.

Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan

In everything a global enterprise does, it should embrace values that lead it to respect the cultures and perspectives of the countries where it operates. Alongside social contributions, it is crucial to contribute to employees and provide flexible working conditions. Activities in which employees can get involved are an important aspect of CSR.

Dr. Piyasvasti Amaranand

I would like Toshiba to contribute to the world by making use of its technological capabilities in environmentally conscious products, in the energy field and by developing environmentally conscious production processes. There is certainly room for improvement in Thailand with regard to the treatment of waste and energy saving at offices. I hope to see Toshiba become a leader with a positive influence on society.

Mr. Chok Bulakul

By embodying the values of CSR in every product concept, for example, by indicating the recycling rate, I want Toshiba to make sure every product consumers purchase communicates Toshiba's corporate stance. Over and above the pursuit of shareholder interests, I would like Toshiba to present a clear vision to future generations.

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