WITH Malaysia emerging as a regional leader in corporate social responsibility (CSR), it seems only right that it hosts an international conference on the issue.

"Malaysia is one of the leading countries in CSR, certainly among developing countries and in Southeast Asia," says OWW consulting managing director Dr Geoffrey Williams, "because CSR is part of the National Integrity Plan and the government-linked companies transformation programme."

Also, there are many tax incentives for companies to put in CSR programmes and to be listed on the stock exchange, companies have to report their CSR activities.

The International Corporate Social Responsibility Conference 2008 will be the meeting place of local and international companies, non-governmental organisations (NGO) and fund managers.

Jointly organised by OWW Consulting, RUSS Consulting and the EU-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the conference promises to go further than any CSR conference that was held here before.
Another reason for holding the conference in Malaysia is that there are many foreign investors who want to invest in Malaysia who would only do so in companies with good CSR.

"We have some of the world's leading fund managers coming representing funds worth about US$200 billion (RM700 billion)," he adds.

The two-day conference - themed "where responsibility meets bottom line" - will cover CSR and socially responsible investment as well as a workshop on putting into practice what was covered during the event.

"This would be a good place for companies to talk directly with local community groups and fund managers," says Williams.

Among the people who have confirmed their participation are those from the United Nations Global Compact, the Principles for Responsible Investment, the Global Reporting Initiative, as well various NGOs.

"We hope through our promotion of CSR, universities will take it up as part of their programmes, especially in MBA courses.

"Overseas MBA courses have a CSR component and some of the universities here are thinking of doing it," says Williams.

The International Corporate Social Responsibility Conference 2008 will be held from July 29-31 at Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

Early bird discounts are available before May 15. Visit www.csrconferences.com.