The company works closely with hospitals and medical facilities in an effort to help reduce infant mortality, providing equipment such as ultrasound systems, educational devices, electronic boards and large-format displays (LFDs). Simultaneously, Samsung works with local medical associations and institutions to design a strong curriculum and operate courses for medical professionals in the field of ultrasound diagnostics, obstetrics and gynaecology.

Another instance of their altruistic efforts is the Nanum Village, also known as the sharing village. This is a project aimed at villages in the rural areas of emerging markets. A series of new constructions is carried out, encompassing schools, medical centres and cultural houses. The intention is to empower and improve the lives of the younger generation. In more developed markets such as Malaysia, Singapore and Australia, the company focuses on investing in the grooming of the potential of youth into future leaders. The company has instituted the Solve for Tomorrow competition in these regions, targeted at schools, with the intention of encouraging students to leverage technology innovatively to address social issues and conceptualise solutions for the benefit of local communities. The competition is a reflection of Samsung’s dedication to building up the future generation of leaders not just for their sense of responsibility to the community but also for their creativity and innovation. Over the years, Samsung has built and refined its expertise and capabilities, resulting in the company being able to maintain its focus on these areas of need. This helps them to use their Citizenship programmes with targeted effect and to direct their efforts in addressing pertinent issues in the areas identified.

Corporate Citizenship occupies such significance in the company’s culture that the company has chartered its Corporate Citizenship Committee within its Board of Directors. This is done to ensure legal compliance around ethical issues, to oversee the company’s contributions to promoting public welfare and to provide guidance to initiatives so that they satisfy the ambitious corporate citizenship goals.

The Committee, which is made up entirely of independent directors, also heads a subordinate research group made up of experts from a variety of fields. The research group also participates in discussions with the committee. There is a growing recognition within the committee that opportunities exist with which to further broaden Samsung’s social contribution programmes through collaboration with external parties.

The company also states that it aims to involve at least 30 percent of their employees on an annual basis – including leadership and management staff – in its Citizenship initiatives. Each country in which the company operates also contains a dedicated Citizenship team to ensure these initiatives are maintained and executed. These teams work closely with the Corporate Citizenship lead in Southeast Asia and Oceania Regional headquarters.

There is a rigorous process in place to evaluate the relevance of these programmes. The process includes research on local issues to help the company better understand how and if these programmes leave a positive impact, and the evaluation of existing policies. Partners and technicians are consulted regularly to advise on the feasibility of these programmes. Samsung, as a leading global brand, is strengthening its position as a global citizen in leading by example in community care.