Corporate Citizenship Overview
General Motors has a long history of commitment to communities in which it does business around the world. Whether this means creating jobs, investing in training and skills development, seeding technology and growth or improving the standard of living for millions of people, GM and Chevrolet is dedicated to being good corporate citizens.
We not only play an important role in the auto industry and in the global economy but also in the lives of numerous people in many countries including Thailand. Since starting our operation in Thailand in 1993, GM and Chevrolet have participated in a number of social activities and programs in such areas as diversity, health, safety, cultural and the arts. GM adheres to the Sullivan Principles which offers a foundation to help improve the quality of life for communities, workers and children with dignity and equality.
To reach these goals of sustainable development, we’ve made education our most important objective. GM developed the Chevrolet Develops Thai Education project in 2004 under the philosophy of Knowledge-Based Development which promotes sustainable development and supports the efforts of the Thai workforce to complete at a global level.
Two of the programs that emerged from Chevrolet Develops Thai Education initiative was Automotive Service Educational Program in Thailand (ASEP Thailand) and the Chevrolet Develops Thai Education Libraries project.
ASEP Thailand is a 55-million baht investment project formed with the support of GM and Chevrolet and a network of Thai vocational schools for the development of automotive laboratories and automotive technology courses to study engines, instruments, and general technical know-how. As part of this campaign, Chevrolet donated vehicles to 11 leading vocational colleges nationwide to provide hands-on experience with real-life applications. This two-year automotive curriculum and five-year follow-up is expected to produce yearly around 1,000 highly-skilled technicians with global qualifications who will help elevate Thailand’s automotive industry to international standards.
The Chevrolet Develops Thai Education Libraries project started in 2005 to help Thai youth to increase their knowledge, expertise and broaden their experiences so they can help the future development of their local communities and society in general. Each library is fully-equipped with a range of teaching materials and educational media, publications, computers with Internet and a television set with CD and DVD players. The library donation campaign also allows members of the community to use the library to increase their knowledge. After three years, more than 16 community libraries have been built in communities across Thailand such as Rayong and Chantaburi, bringing education one step closer to Thai citizens.
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