Resolving Anti-Corporate Sentiment... Companies Must Extend a Hand First

Choi Tae-won, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Operating Communication Platform Since Last Month to Hear Diverse Voices in Society
Accepting Opinions Regardless of Field

On the 22nd, Choi Tae-won, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was holding a year-end meeting with the press corps.

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] "With the resurgence of COVID-19, practical support policies need to be expanded." "The government's low birthrate policy is sporadic and lacks impact."

The communication platform operated by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) allows anyone, regardless of field, to make proposals. It serves as a public forum to openly discuss various issues in our society, and the proposed ideas are selected as key agendas through voting and discussion. This system, first introduced last month by KCCI, reflects Chairman Chey Tae-won's determination that the business community and entrepreneurs should directly listen to the voices of diverse members of society and work on problem-solving. Chairman Chey plans to refine this system and actively use it as a channel to alleviate anti-business sentiment starting next year.

The ongoing national development project contest, "Idea League," initiated by Chairman Chey, is also a product of efforts to create a better society. It is a management-style project that selects ideas to solve social problems, with attractive ideas receiving mentorship from entrepreneurs to help commercialize them. Chairman Chey's philosophy is that the role of businesses can grow in addressing the various social issues scattered throughout our society.

Chairman Chey emphasizes that in resolving the long-standing issue of anti-business sentiment, companies should not take a passive or defensive stance but rather proactively reach out and communicate with society as shown in this approach. At a press briefing held on the 22nd, he said, "(Anti-business sentiment) will not change overnight, but I hope it will change through steady communication," adding, "Resolving anti-business sentiment through communication will allow the role of businesses to be established and enable them to undertake the kind of work society desires."

He also stressed that the role of companies must change according to the changing times. Since the sustainability of companies is possible only when our society is sustainable, he believes companies should take the lead in solving various social problems and that appropriate incentives should be provided to encourage this.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.