Shinsegae Department Store Supports SMEs in ESG Initiatives

Leading Mecenat by Sponsoring Visually Impaired Music Ensemble

Shinsegae Department Store announced on the 13th that it will hold a signing ceremony on the 14th, becoming the first in the industry to partner with the Shared Growth Committee to support ESG management for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Through this agreement, Shinsegae Department Store plans to provide ESG management consulting to about 100 SME partners. First, SMEs lacking personnel and budget for ESG management will be selected, and professional consultants will conduct customized diagnosis and training for 6 to 8 months. Selected companies will receive comprehensive support including ESG education and diagnosis, and the publication of sustainability management reports based on ESG indicators prepared according to the Shared Growth Committee’s standard guidelines.

Companies with excellent compliance rates in ESG indicators such as safety and environment in the final evaluation will be issued the Shared Growth Committee’s 'ESG Excellent SME Certificate.' Receiving this certificate allows preferential interest rates at commercial banks partnered with the Shared Growth Committee (Shinhan, KEB Hana, Kyongnam, and Kookmin Banks) and provides additional points when participating in overseas export support projects organized by KOTRA and KOICA.

Shinsegae Department Store will hold a signing ceremony on the 14th, becoming the first in the industry to partner with the Win-Win Growth Committee to support ESG management for small and medium-sized enterprises. Additionally, on the 13th, it will sponsor a concert by Hanbit Arts Group, a musical ensemble for the visually impaired.
[Photo by Shinsegae Department Store]

Meanwhile, Shinsegae Department Store will also sponsor the Hanbit Art Troupe concert held at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts on the 13th. The Hanbit Art Troupe, founded in 2003, is the world’s only orchestra composed of visually impaired musicians. They perform entire pieces from memory without a conductor or sheet music.

This concert is especially held to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Hanbit Art Troupe. Titled "Darkness to Light," it will musically portray the troupe’s journey of overcoming disabilities and delivering hope and comfort to many people. A portion of the concert ticket proceeds will be donated to nurture visually impaired gifted individuals. The main performers include Kim Jong-hoon, a first-grade visually impaired music director, and violinist Kim Ji-sun, with special appearances by actors Shin Sung-rok and Hong Ji-min.

Since signing a sponsorship agreement with the Hanbit Art Troupe in March 2012, Shinsegae Department Store has provided spaces and lectures to improve the performance skills of visually impaired musicians and supported performances on various stages such as Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Daegu Opera House, and Yonsei University Baekyang Hall. Based on this support, the Hanbit Art Troupe was designated as a professional arts corporation by Seoul City in 2018 and has expanded its activities by being selected three times for excellent performance programs by the Korea Cultural Center Association’s private arts groups.

Lee Won-ho, Executive Director of Shinsegae Department Store, said, "This agreement with the Shared Growth Committee will be a meaningful opportunity to jointly enhance the ESG competitiveness of Shinsegae and its partners," adding, "We will continue various patronage activities, including sponsorship of the Hanbit Art Troupe."

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