On April 25, 2023, the Chang Yung-Fa Charity Foundation, in collaboration with the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy and the RCSA-Consultant, co-hosted the international forum titled "How Social Responsibility Influences the Sustainable Operation and Development of Small and Medium Enterprises." The forum welcomed the participation of both small and medium enterprises and social welfare organizations, with over 200 enthusiastic attendees, all sharing a common concern for social responsibility issues.

In the face of climate change and social development, implementing sustainability and social welfare has become a key focus of business operations. As global trends and Taiwanese policies evolve, fulfilling social responsibility not only contributes to the natural environment but also aids in building a brand image and enhancing value and influence. Consequently, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) has become an indicator of recent corporate development.

The forum commenced with an opening speech by Wu Jingming, Chairman of the Chang Yung-Fa Charity Foundation, emphasizing the complementary nature of ESG and social responsibility. Wu noted that businesses can integrate ESG initiatives while fulfilling social responsibilities, making ESG a tangible and practical aspect of corporate operations. The Chang Yung-Fa Charity Foundation, with a long-standing commitment to vulnerable groups, sponsors various resources for frontline services provided by small and medium-sized social welfare units, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to support social welfare.

The forum featured strong presentations from distinguished speakers, including Ambassador Jian Youxin of the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy, Dr. Ruth A. Shapiro, CEO of CAPS (Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society), Professor Chen Zongxian from the RCSA-Consultant, and Charity Advisor Zhang Jingren from GIVE 2 ASIA. Their insightful discussions garnered enthusiastic applause from the participating small and medium enterprise executives and social welfare partners.

In the first session, Professor Chen Zongxian discussed "How Small and Medium Enterprises Respond to ESG," highlighting the shift from a focus on cost control and profit pursuit to the incorporation of ESG as a vital indicator of sustainable development. Developing ESG not only contributes to the social environment but also saves business operating costs. Integrating ESG elements into brand concepts and corporate websites can enhance public favor, creating a win-win situation in the long run.

The second session, led by Ambassador Jian Youxin, focused on the "Challenges and Opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises in the Net-Zero Era," emphasizing the need for businesses to consider carbon pricing in their products, enhance managerial skills, and align with international trends and domestic regulations to achieve net-zero goals

Following a performance by the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra String Quintet, playing "Four Seasons Red," the forum continued into the afternoon session.

In the third session, Advisor Zhang Jingren shared international experiences on "When Corporations Encounter Philanthropy." He highlighted the trend of international philanthropists directing donations toward partners capable of sustaining impact. Social welfare units were advised to align their communication philosophies with donors, enhance the value of philanthropic services, and present their achievements regularly to efficiently attract charitable resources.

The fourth session, presented by CEO Dr. Ruth, focused on "Building Back Greener: Asian Private Sector Response to Climate Change," discussing the development data of Asian economies and social situations. Dr. Ruth emphasized the importance for small and medium enterprises to adopt a win-win strategy by integrating personal charity with corporate social responsibility. Examples such as Indonesia's GGF enterprise, focusing on sustainable development, demonstrated how businesses could contribute to environmental protection, enhance soil fertility, promote biodiversity, increase yields, and support local schools, thereby giving back to society.

During the Q&A session after the forum, a travel agency executive was inspired to consider providing travel itineraries to customers through mobile cloud files to reduce paper printing and carbon footprint. Social welfare organizations expressed gratitude for the forum, indicating that they gained valuable insights and were encouraged to enhance their services and fundraising capabilities through effective storytelling.The forum concluded on a high note with lively interactions between the speakers and the audience, leaving a beautiful punctuation mark on the event.

In the group photo of participants, from left to right, are Professor Chen Zongxian from RCSA-Consultant, Dr. Ruth A. Shapiro from CAPS, and Chairman Wu Jingming from the Chang Yung-Fa Charity Foundation.

During the panel discussion, participants from left to right are Chairman Wu Jingming from the Chang Yung-Fa Charity Foundation, Dr. Wang Binchi from the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy, Professor Chen Zongxian from RCSA-Consultant, Charity Advisor Zhang Jingren from GIVE 2 ASIA, and the moderator.

In the afternoon, the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra String Quintet warmed up the forum, creating a warm atmosphere for discussions on social welfare.

Chairman Wu Jingming of the Chang Yung-Fa Charity Foundation with Ambassador Jian Youxin of the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy (left).

Chairman Wu Jingming of the Chang Yung-Fa Charity Foundation with Dr. Ruth A. Shapiro (center) and Regional Director Jiang Anqi (right) from the CAPS.