Fellows being briefed on Best Garment Factory's CSR policies

Fellows visited Best Garment Factory in Hmawbi to learn about how older companies in Myanmar have been practising CSR, including good practices in industrial relations and employees' welfare, before the onset of "CSR" as a more Western-economic concept. Building trust among workers and managers, being open and incorporating good ideas from workers in production lines, continuous training, providing incentives for optimal productivity and reduced overtime work are some of the ideas which have been applied by the Best Garment Factory. This has enabled the factory to sustain its business despite increasing competition in the garment industry in Myanmar.

Operations at Best Garment Factory

Back row, 2nd from right: Mr. Alexander Chapman, Head of Public Affairs and Communications of Coca-Cola Pinya Beverage Myanmar

Fellows then visited a Coca-Cola botting facility to learn about the MNC's best practices in responsible business. They were met by Mr. Alexander Chapman, Head of Public Affairs and Communications of Coca-Cola Pinya Beverage Myanmar. He highlighted the importance of earning the 'social license to operate’, in order to ensure the long term sustainability of the business. In order to attain this, he shared that Coca-Cola embarked on a high-level framework which includes the following key steps/actions: mapping out business value chains and impacts; developing policies, procedures and internal controls; investing in infrastructure, machinery and technology; having transparency in operations (e.g. reporting); engaging stakeholders in discussions; and participating in community and social business programmes.