Climbing new heights for corporate culture and CSR

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is no longer a peripheral concern but a cornerstone of modern businesses. Forvis Mazars in Singapore exemplifies this shift with its recent initiative—Summit for a Cause. This event saw nine partners from the international audit, tax, and consulting organisation summiting South-East Asia’s highest peak, Mt Kota Kinabalu, to raise over S$30,000 (US$22,985) for Project Pari, a charity supporting underserved girls from low-income families.

The idea for Summit for a Cause started as a casual conversation among Forvis Mazars partners. “It began as a simple conversation about ticking off bucket list items in November 2023,” Rick Chan, Managing Partner and Head of Audit and Assurance Asia-Pacific at Forvis Mazars in Singapore, told HRM Asia. The team soon realised that their idea of climbing a mountain could be more than just a personal milestone.

“As we discussed the idea, we recognised its potential to become more than a personal goal. It evolved into an opportunity to support a meaningful cause, and we were particularly drawn to the mission of Project Pari,” Chan shared. By combining a physical challenge with a charitable purpose, Forvis Mazars created an event that pushed the team’s limits while benefitting a cause they believe in.

Forvis Mazars’ leadership places a strong emphasis on creating a culture where community involvement and giving back are ingrained into everyday business operations. “For us, fostering a culture of giving back is about walking the talk and leading by example,” Chan explained.

From participating in volunteer activities to supporting social enterprises, Forvis Mazars ensures that its values are reflected in its business decisions. This commitment extends beyond CSR initiatives and is woven into the organisation’s employment policies, as he continued, “We redesign our roles to accommodate persons with disabilities and to ensure they receive equal opportunities at work regardless of their disabilities. By fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, we strengthen our ability to understand the community around us better and effectively contribute to it.”

“Ultimately, our team strives to create an environment where giving back is not just an occasional event but an ingrained part of our organisational culture. By doing so, positively impact our community and empower our employees to find the deeper meaning and purpose in their work.”

The climb: A lesson in leadership and teamwork

The climb up Mt Kota Kinabalu offered a metaphor for leadership and teamwork. Selina Ang, Associate Director of Marketing, Communications, and Corporate Sustainability at Forvis Mazars, described the experience as one that reinforced the importance of leading by example.

She said, “The climb highlighted the power of teamwork and the ability of a group of individuals to achieve extraordinary things when they come together with a shared purpose.”

Ang emphasised that every team member contributed to the success of the climb, regardless of their experience or seniority. She explained, “Experienced climbers in the team provided invaluable support in training and preparing the entire team for the challenge.”

“As leaders, we need to recognise and embrace diversity, fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their skills and perspectives. Witnessing the determination and resilience of my colleagues on the mountain reinforced my belief in the strength of our team and the impact we can have when we work collaboratively towards a common goal.”

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Looking ahead, CSR is set to become an integral part of organisational strategy, deeply embedded in how organisations operate. “I envision the future of CSR as a fundamental and fully integrated part of an organisation’s operations, extending beyond occasional charitable activities,” Ang said. She predicts that CSR will not be an add-on but rather “deeply woven into the fabric of the organisation, influencing everything from procurement decisions to core business strategies”.

The Summit for a Cause initiative is an example of this evolving approach to CSR. It aligns with corporate purpose with social impact, engaging employees while making a tangible difference in the community.

“I see a future where CSR initiatives like this drive positive change by raising awareness and mobilising support for critical social issues,” Ang concluded. “Organisations have the potential to be a powerful force for good, and by leveraging our collective networks and resources, we can achieve a multiplying effect that truly makes a difference. We must not underestimate the impact we can have when we work together towards a shared purpose.”