Contribution to Society
Basic Concept of Contribution to Society
Sumitomo Electric stipulated its Basic Policies on Contribution to Society in April 2007 on the occasion of the 110th anniversary of its foundation. Under the Basic Policies, we are considering the contribution to society we should make and conducting concrete activities for contributing to society such as the establishment of the Sumitomo Electric Group CSR Foundation as a vehicle to contribute to encouragement of research and learning activities and human resource development, contributions to local communities, monetary contributions, human resource development and support of volunteer activities. We also believe that, while contributing to society through business, the Group should autonomously implement activities for contributing to society suitable for the Sumitomo Electric Group, which is aiming to be a "Glorious Excellent Company."
The Sumitomo Electric Group Basic Policies on Contribution to Society
The Sumitomo Electric Group will proactively engage in voluntary activities for contributing to society, as a responsible member of society, focusing on “respect for human resources,” “attaching importance to technology,” and “creating a better society and environment” in accordance with the Sumitomo Spirit and the Sumitomo Electric Group Corporate Principles, as well as widely contributing to society through its business activities, including the provision of products, technologies and services that benefit society.
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Globally promote eorts toward the development of human resources, the promotion of research and learning and environmental conservation.
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Promote community-oriented activities for contributing to society in the Group’s business locations all over the world.
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Provide continuous support to employees’ voluntary contribution to society.
Established in April 2007
Concrete Measures
1. Commitment through the Sumitomo Electric Group CSR Foundation
In April 2009, under the Sumitomo Electric Group Basic Policies on Contribution to Society, the Sumitomo Electric Group established a fund for developing human resources and supporting learning and research in various fields in Japan and overseas. At the time of its establishment, the Sumitomo Electric Group CSR Foundation received donations from Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. and Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. In February 2010, the Foundation was officially recognized as a public interest incorporated foundation by the Prime Minister. At present, the Foundation mainly provides financial contributions to university endowed courses, financial support for academic and research activities, and scholarships. Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. makes donations to the Sumitomo Electric Group CSR Foundation. From 2023, Sumitomo Riko Company Limited, Nissin Electric Co., Ltd. and Techno Associe Co., Ltd. also make donations. Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. and SUMITOMO DENSETSU CO., LTD. and their group companies make donations through the Matching gifts program*. Going forward, we will continue to enthusiastically develop its activities and contribute to the establishment of a rich and peaceful society for everyone and consolidating cooperation throughout the Sumitomo Electric Group.
* Matching gift program: The company concurrently donates an amount equal to the donation made by an employee in this system.
2. Contributions to Local Communities
The Sumitomo Electric Group operates in more than 40 countries and regions around the world. While respecting the culture and customs of every region and country, we are committed to various activities to support local communities with the aims of contributing to the development of local economy and society through business activities and building harmonious relations with them.
―Example of activity―
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Accepting work-experience programs, internships and plant tours
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On-site classes and support for extracurricular activities
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Scholarship and Grant
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Sponsorship of student competitions, etc.
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Cooperation on vocational training, skill tests, etc.
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Financial support for academic and research activities
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Endowed university courses provided
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Donation of Research Equipment
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Cleanup Activity
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Protection of biodiversity (forest conservation, protection of endangered species)
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Environmental awareness activities
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Cooperation on traffic safety, local disaster prevention, and in areas such as health and social welfare
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Participation in and sponsorship of community events and activities
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Providing relief funds and supplies to areas affected by natural disasters
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Support using the company program(such as volunteer leave program)
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Donations through the matching gift program
3. Introducing a support system for volunteer activities by employees
(1) Introduction of a volunteer leave program
In April 2007, we introduced a volunteer leave program, which allows employees to take accumulated holidays (up to 10 days per year) to participate in volunteer activities.
(2) Donations through the Welfare System
In September 2007, we adopted a system under which employees can make monetary donations through our selective welfare system (cafeteria plan) to welfare and environment-related public interest groups such as UNICEF, the Japanese Red Cross Society and WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) Japan. We have also adopted a matching gift system under which the company concurrently donate an amount equal to the donation made by its employee. In September 2013, we expanded the cafeteria plan to enable employees to make monetary donations through the system to the Sumitomo Electric Group CSR Foundation. We have raised funds and made donations to help rebuild areas affected by disasters, including the 2023 Morocco earthquake and the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake.
(3) Collaboration with NPOs
We have promoted TABLE FOR TWO activities*, a program to contribute to society and support health management of our employees at our cafeterias since October 2011. Part of the proceeds is donated to help provide school meals in developing countries. In addition, we have collected PET bottle caps since March 2015 to donate profits on the sales to Japan Committee, Vaccines for World’s Children, to support them provide vaccines to children across the world.
* TABLE FOR TWO program : A program by TABLE FOR TWO International, an NPO to solve problems of hunger and malnutrition in developing countries and problems of obesity and lifestyle-related diseases faced by developed countries simultaneously.
4. Donations
Large-scale natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis and typhoons, occur in Japan and abroad every year. From the standpoint that post-disaster rehabilitation is extremely important for providing relief to victims of natural disasters, we make donations through the Japanese Red Cross Society and other organizations. In addition, we make donations in various areas, including education, industrial, and academic development; R&D; art and culture; welfare; local development; environmental conservation; and sports. For example, we gave financial support to symphony orchestras and museums as part of our efforts to assist art and cultural activities, as well as important social activities such as environmental conservation by nature conservation funds and other organizations.We also support local communities neighboring our business sites and local revitalization projects to bolster local development.
Endorsing the purpose of the Japan World Exposition to be held in 2025 (Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai), we have been engaged in various initiatives since FY2020 toward the event’s success.
5. Contribution to CSR Activities
In fiscal 2023, our contribution to CSR activities was 1,773 million yen, which is equivalent to 1.05% of profit after-tax (169.0 billion yen). The contribution included 818 million yen of donations made by Sumitomo Electric alone.
6 .Contribution as a member of the Sumitomo Group
The Sumitomo Group supports the Sumitomo Foundation, which subsidizes basic science and environmental research as well as projects for preserving and restoring cultural properties in Japan and abroad. Sumitomo Electric also participates actively in various social contribution activities planned and implemented by the Sumitomo Group Public Affairs Committee in each fiscal year.
Sumitomo Foundation
In 1991, 20 companies of the Sumitomo Group made donations and set up the Sumitomo Foundation to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the Besshi Copper Mine in Shikoku, Japan. The Foundation provides grants to research and projects whose aims are to address problems that confront humanity.
Sumitomo FoundationSumitomo Group Public Affairs Committee
The Sumitomo Group Public Affairs Committee was established in 1958 to cultivate customer trust and develop public support for Sumitomo Group activities.
Sumitomo Group Public Affairs Committee
