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Finally, I would like to thank my parents for their support and encouragement services in giving me encouragement to continue to work to complete this assignment. The Barbara Corporation group of companies’ history dates back to 1984 when our Founder, Tan Sir Data’ Series Vincent Tan Cheek Yin acquired a major controlling stake in Barbara Industrial Bertha (originally known as Barbara Swat Bertha and now known as Reek Pacific Bertha) from the founders, Broken Hill Proprietary Ltd, Australia and National Iron & Steel Mills, Singapore.
The shareholding change also resulted in a major change in the business, direction and the dynamic growth of a diversified conglomerate under the flagship of Barbara Corporation Bertha (“Bicorn”). In October 1 988, following a major restructuring, Barbara Group Bertha (then known as Inter-Pacific Industrial Group Bertha) became the holding company of Reek Pacific Bertha. Inter-Pacific Industrial Group Bertha (formerly known as Raleigh Bertha) was incorporated in 1967 as a bicycle manufacturer.
In 1969, the Company gained official listing on Bursa Malaysia Securities Bertha (“Bursa Securities”). Bicorn assumed the listing status of Barbara Group Bertha on the Main Board of Bursa Securities upon the completion of the group restructuring exercise in October 2005 and the listing of the new shares on 3 January 2006. On 26 May 2010, Bicorn was added to the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MIMICS) Malaysia INDEX.
With a total employee strength of 1 6,000, the Group is a diversified entity engaged in the following core businesses:Consumer Marketing, Direct Selling & Retail,Financial Services,Hotels, Resorts, Vacation Timeshare & Recreation Development, Property Investment and Development,Gaming & Lottery Management,Development of Sanitary Landfill, Environmental Services and clean Technology Investment,Food & Beverage and Investment Holding and others Barbara Corporation group of companies, we believe in striking a lance between profitability and our social responsibility to the communities in which we operate.
By the nature of their businesses, Barbara companies come into contact with the lives of many in the community on a daily basis. To inculcate the spirit of caring and sharing, Barbara has always encouraged its staff to share their skills and talents in service of others by contributing their time and energy voluntarily towards the Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CARS) activities. Charity projects, fund-raising events and donations have been an ongoing aspect of operations as a social commitment.
Today, Barbara has strategically embarked on a new and more focused dimension of corporate social responsibility, which has led to the establishment of the Barbara Cares Foundation (“BCC”). The Barbara Cares Foundation was set up with the objectives of providing aid to needy Malaysian, promoting staff well-being, conserving and protecting the environment as well as promoting and preserving Malaysian performing arts, culture and heritage. The Barbara Cares Foundation aims to create a more synergistic effort in the CARS initiatives of the various subsidiaries within the Barbara Corporation group of companies.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COMPANY 1 . Philanthropic Responsibilities-Community Among the core focus of the Group are encouraging literacy among underprivileged children in community outreach programmer. The Group has dedicated money, time and manpower to set up mini libraries and recreation corners in selected children’s homes. Books, stationery and other miscellaneous items were purchased as well as collected from Barbara staff and members of the public. Monthly story-telling and craft sessions for these children are also organized at a different borders store each month.
As part of our effort to improve learning disabilities and increase self-confidence among children from poor families, Barbara Cares Foundation has put in place a special learning programmer in selected children’s homes, focusing on improvement of reading skills, comprehension and concentration. Under Barbara Cares Foundation’s community outreach programmer, Barbara management and staff continue Bayberry’s tradition of visiting various old folks’ and children’s welfare homes and other charitable organizations, contributing time, essential items, and financial support. . Ethical Responsibilities-Environment The Group also seeks to undertake projects to conserve and improve the natural environment. Our hotels and resorts have regularly engaged in on-site clean ups of beaches, parks and even the coral reefs. Staff volunteers and their families are encouraged to participate in these clean-ups and learn more about the importance of protecting nature.
Pledging a commitment to do business in ways that are both good for our community and our planet, several Barbara subsidiaries have also incorporated Green initiatives into their business practices – such as the way products are packaged, choosing more local suppliers and opting for online business documentation to save on paper. Legal Responsibilities-workplace Staff welfare has always been accorded high priority in Barbara. The Group and its subsidiaries constantly strive to improve the quality of life in the workplace by focusing on their employees’ well-being and career development.
In order to improve on their productivity and develop their skill sets, employees are encouraged to participate in various training and development programmer relevant to their areas of work. Barbara Cares Foundation organizes regular talks on health, safety awareness and other relevant topics for personal development, hill the Sports Toto Fitness Centre, boasting state-of-the-art gymnasium equipment and facilities, was set up to encourage staff to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
A Staff Welfare Fund was set up under the BCC to manage and supplement financial aid to staff and their families in times of crises and need due to illness, natural disaster and death. 4. Economic Responsibilities-Profit Barbara Corporation operates some of the leading F&B brands in Malaysia including Kenny Rogers Roasters, Struck Coffee, Wend’s, Papa John’s and Crispy Creme Doughnuts. The group owns and operates five and four-star hotels n cities and prime island resorts in Malaysia and abroad.