BFP: What do you do?
NN: I am the Senior Outreach Coordinator at the CSR Asia Center, based in our Bangkok Office. I am responsible for the overall visibility of the CSR Asia Center though partnership creation and outreach activities here, in neighbouring countries and in other LDCs in Asia. I will be particularly focused on the lead-up to the 10th CSR Asia Summit, taking place in Bangkok from 17th to 18th September 2013. My aim is to deepen and strengthen the Center’s focus on development and poverty alleviation. I work on responsible business strategies and innovative models for sustainable and inclusive development.
BFP: What is the best part about your job?
NN: To witness and experience with my own eyes the change of development paradigm and the increasing role of the private sector in addressing global challenges. My job gives me a chance to be part of the solution.
BFP: What have been your greatest challenges?
NN: To find a balance between the business agenda and development agenda by integrating them together and putting them into a practical solution.
BFP: How have you overcome these challenges?/ What advice, would you give to others?/ What is the secret of your success
NN: My favourite challenge is to foster win-win solutions for all stakeholders. It has to include enough of a win to encourage the private sector to include sustainability into their core business strategy. Above all, you need to have a good understanding about business and development objectives and be very positive and creative to design an action using partnership as a key.
BFP: If someone wants to do what you do, where should they start?
NN: If this is your passion then you will find the way. I started my journey in 2010 by having a conversation with someone from the private sector who strongly believed that the development agenda and business agenda would never share common values. But I don’t share that view: I believe in shared value and partnership.
BFP: Finally, what do you hope to get out of being part of the BFP community?
NN: I hope to be able to share and learn from everyone. And hopefully strengthen South-South relationships through knowledge and wisdom sharing.
As we are organizing a summit this year in Bangkok, I will be looking forward to welcoming friends from the Business Fights Poverty Community to Thailand!
Editor’s Note:
Thank you to Nichapat Na Thalang for taking the time to do this interview.
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