Secretariat General of DAC nominated an officer to join workshop on “Establishment of an ASEAN Network of Experts on Entrepreneurship” at Phuket, Thailand

With highest permission from H.E Dr. Ith Sam Heng, Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation and Chairman of Disability Action Council (DAC), on 8-10 May, 2013, Mr. Set Muhammadsis, deputy director of DAC Secretariat General joined a workshop on “Establishment of an ASEAN Network of Experts on Entrepreneurship” at The Westin Siray Bay Resort and Spa Phuket, in Phuket Province, Thailand, joined by 25 delegates from 9 ASEAN countries and 75 local participants from various representatives of Government, company and relevant NGOs working on disabilities, including 3 persons from Cambodia. The workshop was organized by International Cooperation Section, National Office for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (NEP) in collaboration with the Office of Welfare Promotion and Protection of Vulnerable Groups (OPP) under Thai Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.

In his opening speech, H.E Vimol Janjiravutikul, Deputy Minister of Thai Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Kingdom of Thailand welcomed and express deep thanks to all delegates from ASEAN countries who joined the workshop which the first ASEAN Workshop on “Establishment of an ASEAN Network of Experts on Entrepreneurship” under Activity 22 of ASEAN Strategic Framework on Social Welfare and Development (2011-2015) held in Bangkok , Thailand successfully and he hoped strongly that the participants will gain new knowledge on inclusive entrepreneurship, and on social enterprise generally with a clearer understanding on the objectives of the ASEAN Network of Inclusive Entrepreneurs towards long term sustainability. People with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, together with older persons and out of school youth, will benefit from training and related support from regional entrepreneurs in the private sector, once the ASEAN Network of Experts on Entrepreneurship is set up.

The Keynote Address on “Social Enterprise from a Global Perspective” delivered by Mr. Andrew Croft, Chief Executive of CAN, Social Enterprise UK, provided an overview on Social Enterprise (SE) generally, the shift to SE sustainability, SE development in the UK and globally, and public and private interaction. The presentation focused on Establishment of an ASEAN Expert on Entrepreneurship opportunities, especially on positioning at local, regional and international levels.

Presentation on “Social Enterprise in ASEAN” and “Business Consultation Meeting 1st draft Proposal of Establishment of ASEAN Network of Experts on Inclusive Entrepreneurship” was delivered by Mr. Kelvin Ng, NISE Advisor and Chief Operating Officer at Academy and Islington College, providing an overview of Social Enterprise in ASEAN. He further presented progress of an Endorsement of Formation of the Network of Experts on Inclusive Entrepreneurship for ASEAN held in September 2012 in Bangkok; including objectives, network’s roles, beneficiaries and expected outcome.

The Panel Discussion on “Exchange of Views and Knowledge on Entrepreneurial Mechanisms in Support of Persons with Disabilities and Other Vulnerable Groups” provided AMS with new knowledge and clearer understanding on entrepreneurship mechanisms in support of persons with disabilities and all vulnerable groups. Discussion also focused on enhancing skills and understanding on methodology, planning and implementation of the project towards sustainability. In addition, providing new knowledge and information on entrepreneurial grassroots projects.

Panelists included Miss. Budsaba Jirathiwat, Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications, Central Retail; Mr. Phaiboon Phimla, Chief Executive Officer of Chantaburi Boonkumkrong Stone Factory Group Co., Ltd; Mr. Panumas Sookamporn, Consultant to Kiang Ba Kiang Lai Co., Ltd and Mr. Ryuhei Sano, Acting General Manager of Asia Pacific Development Center on Disability.

To employ persons with disabilities in the private sector Ms. Budsaba Jirathiwat stated that the workplace environment needs to be accessible, while various approaches are needed to train employees with disability. She stated persons with disabilities not only contribute to the business like others, but also they have a significant impact as they gain self-esteem and can be a role model for others.

Mr. Paiboon Phimla stated his company is a wholesale manufacturer of blue and black sapphires, with the majority of his employees being ex-convicts who have difficulty in finding jobs. Mr. Phimla explained he realized the potential of ex-convicts while spending time with them in prison.

Mr. Panumas Sookamporn expressed his opinion that a key success of business is the involvement of persons with disabilities in the workforce as this action raises awareness on disability issues.

Mr. Ryuhei Sano advised Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability is a regional center on disability and development working in close cooperation with more than 30 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. He emphasized that an emerging business trend tends to be inclusive business, with persons with disabilities viewed as customers, employees, employers and entrepreneurs. He stated in order to be an inclusive business, networking and collaboration among stakeholders is needed. Field Visits were conducted in Phuket province to:

1. Ban Bangrong Community, an eco-tourism learning center

2. Bangkok Hospital Phuket, a health center and hospital

Ban Bangrong Community ensures the local community members benefit from opportunities for personal development and support funds, while preserving natural resources and the environment.

Bangkok Hospital Phuket continuously contributes to society under its “Care and Share” concept, including sharing community organized activities and projects to benefit all.

Workshop Evaluation Summary indicates the majority of participants were satisfied with workshop content and design, with resource persons and facilitators and with the logistical arrangements.