Sompo Japan Foundation Commits Total of 2.7 Million Yen for Social Welfare Programs in ASEAN Countries

Tokyo, Japan, January 28, 2014 — Sompo Japan Foundation (President: Masatoshi Sato; hereinafter “the Foundation”), an organization to which Sompo Japan Insurance Inc. (President: Kengo Sakurada; hereinafter “Sompo Japan”) makes charitable contributions, extends “overseas grants” with an aim to improve overseas social welfare. Upon soliciting applications from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that carry out social welfare activities in ASEAN member nations, the Foundation has decided to provide a total of about 2.7 million yen in grants to three organizations. Grant presentation ceremonies are scheduled to take place in the countries of the organizations by the end of March 2014.

1. Overview of “Overseas Grants”
The Foundation has extended “overseas grants” since 2010 with an aim of scaling up the grant system implemented in Japan and improving overseas social welfare (especially in developing countries and regions). “Overseas grants” are provided for social welfare activities of NGOs that are implemented in the countries from which the Foundation solicits applications, based on the recommendations of employees at Japanese firms who are stationed in the countries. This fiscal year, applications were solicited from ASEAN member states (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam).

2. About the Recipients of the “Overseas Grants”
Based on a rigorous review conducted by the selection committee, the Foundation has decided to extend a total of about 2.7 million yen in grants to three NGOs headquartered in Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand. The details are as shown at the bottom of the page.

Note: Sompo Japan Foundation was established on October 1, 1977 with the charitable contributions of Yasuda Fire and Marine Insurance Co., Ltd. (now Sompo Japan) as an arm to carry out the social contribution activities of the company. The main activities of the Foundation aside from “overseas grants” include the provision of grants to social welfare organizations for the purchase of automobiles, the awarding of “Sompo Japan Foundation Awards” which honor outstanding academic social welfare works in Japan, as well as the provision of research grants and the holding of workshops and seminars on social welfare, social insurance, and Property & Casualty insurance.

The list of Recipients

Country; Singapore
Organization name; Autism Association
Use of grants Grant amount;
Management expenses for a program to improve athletic ability and promote
self-regulation (physical health management) through sports. Singapore Dollar
12,340 equivalent to 1,000,000 yen

Country; Philippines
Organization name; Sait Payatas Foundation Philippines,Inc,
Use of grants Grant amount;
Expenses toward the creation of an environment where children can learn and
participate in other activities through the improvement of children’s halls
(children’s empowerment centers) in slums (government funded model zones
for resettlement). Philippine Peso 300,700 equivalent to 720,000 yen

Country; Thailand
Organization name; Foundation Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD)
Use of grants Grant amount;
Projects to promote the social participation and employment of people
living with disabilities through a cafe (within the grounds of the Thai Ministry
of Social Development and Human Security). Thai Baht 300,392 equivalent to 950,000 yen

About Sompo Japan and Nipponkoa
Sompo Japan Insurance Inc. and Nipponkoa Insurance CO., Ltd., leading providers of Property & Casualty insurance in Japan, together established NKSJ Holdings, a joint holding company as a comprehensive service provider group for the risk and asset management in 2010, and are now preparing for a merger as “Sompo Japan Nipponkoa” by 2014.

As a leader in CSR, NKSJ Group has proactively committed to build a sustainable society over many years, focusing on its own CSR material issues such as climate change and sustainable finance. The Group is regularly recognized for its efforts for the sustainability and listed on “SAM Bronze Class,” “Prime Status” by Oekom Research, and “World’s Most Ethical Companies” in 2012.

Corporate Social Responsibility Department
Sompo Japan Insurance Inc. and Nipponkoa Insurance CO., Ltd.

Tel: +81-3-3349-9597
Fax: +81-3-3349-3304
E-mail: CSR@nksj-hd.co.jp
www.sompo-japan.co.jp/english/
http://www.nipponkoa.co.jp/english/
http://www.nksj-hd.com/en/

Original Source: Sompo Japan Foundation Commits Total of 2.7 Million Yen for Social Welfare Programs in ASEAN Countries