Philanthropic Activities
Philanthropy is a significant part of corporate social responsibility as it builds on a social license to operate. Mitsubishi Australia Ltd. (MAL) is committed to its social responsibility and has been undertaking a wide range of philanthropic programs in Australia with a strong focus placed on education, which is in line with Mitsubishi Corporation (MC)'s sustainability priority in the Asia & Oceania region. Other focus areas include environment, arts and culture, and international exchange.
In addition to the above focus areas, MAL supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For these goals to be achieved, we work together with partner organisations who share the same values and commitments to realise a sustainable future for all.
The following listed are some of the programs in which MC and MAL have been engaged over the years in Australia:
ENVIRONMENT
MC Coral Reef Conservation Program in the Great Barrier Reef
MC Coral Reef Conservation Program in the Great Barrier Reef started in 2012 as part of the MC Global Coral Reef Conservation Project. In Australia, the program is led by Earthwatch Australia, James Cook University and the Australian Institute of Marine Science with a research focus on understanding the mechanism of Black Band Disease (BBD) and the recovery process of coral reefs after a major disturbance (i.e. cyclones and bleaching).
Over the years, the program has made major scientific breakthroughs which discovered causes of BBD and led to further studies to establish potential BBD cures and to develop solutions to deal with threats which reefs around the world are facing.
As part of the project, field trips are organised each year for MC group employees to participate as volunteers in assisting the resear.
EDUCATION & RESEARCH
The New Colombo Plan Mitsubishi Group Internship Program
The New Colombo Plan Mitsubishi Group Internship Program is an annual program started in 2017 in support of the Australian Government's New Colombo Plan and is offered to New Colombo Mobility and Scholarship students. The Program provides participants with unique experience to learn Japanese business concepts and operations across a range of industries where the Mitsubishi Group operates. It also gives participants the opportunity to gain an insight into the Mitsubishi Group's philosophy, a key element which has led the Mitsubishi Group to a success as a leading global enterprise.
Through this program, we act on SDGs 4 (Quality Education), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 17(Partnerships for the Goals).
Australia Japan Society of Victoria – Student Exchange Scholarship Program
The Australia-Japan Society of Victoria Inc. (AJSV) is a non-political and not-for-profit organisation and has been promoting common interests of Australia and Japan and between the people of the two counties since 1963.
MAL has been sponsoring AJSV's Student Exchange Scholarship Program, which provides grants to secondary school students studying Japanese to join a school trip to Japan. The program enables students to deepen understanding of the different culture and gain invaluable experience through staying with a Japanese family and attending a school in Japan.
Through this program, we address SDGs 4 (Quality Education) and 17(Partnerships for the Goals).
Indigenous Literacy Foundation – Book Supply Program
Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) is a non-profit organisation aiming to reduce disadvantage experienced by children in Indigenous communities across Australia through improving literacy levels and instilling a lifelong love of reading. MC's funding in 2015 enabled ILF to supply 180 Toddler Packs (total 7,020 books) to Indigenous communities across the country. We continue to engage in the organisation's efforts through volunteering and attending their events.
In this program, we work toward SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 4 (Quality Education), 10 (Reduced Inequality), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
ARTS/CULTURE
National Gallery of Victoria
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is Australia's oldest and most visited gallery. MAL, as a member of NGV's business council, has been assisting the gallery's mission to offer arts to a broader community through various activities. In addition to MAL's contribution, MC, our parent company, has also donated a Narumi Oribe tea bowl to NGV and funded translation and production of multi-language labels for the Japanese gallery.
SDGs 4 (Quality Education) and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) were addressed through this initiative.
Cowra Japanese Garden: Restoration of the Entrance & Main Gate
Cowra Japanese Garden is a cultural organisation, located in New South Wales, approximately 300km west from Sydney and was built 40 years ago near a former prisoner of war (PoW) camp site in Cowra as a powerful symbol of good will, encouraging reconciliation and peace for both Australia and Japan. The Cowra Breakout, an event where over a thousand Japanese PoWs attempted to escape the camp, took place in the evening on the 5th August 1944. Two hundred and thirty one Japanese soldiers and four Australian Guards lost their lives in the escape and were buried nearby. The graves for the lost Japanese lives were tended by local members of the Returned Serviceman's League in Cowra for many years before becoming an official war cemetery in 1963. Recognising the significance of the place, MAL funded a project to restore its deteriorated timber entrance and gate in 2015.
Through this project, we addressed SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
