Now that we’ve announced our expansion into Thailand and the Philippines, it’s time to get down to business. Oh wait, we have started the business. Eighteen months ago to be exact. 

Our Thailand and Philippine offices have been fully operational for some time now, with teams supporting a growing base of clients. We could have announced it a year ago but we decided to hold off. When so much is at stake, it’s important to get things right. 

It’s crucial that we lay the foundation thoughtfully; hand pick team members, align with the right partners, and manage expectations as we go. After all, we didn’t set up these new offices so RICE could become a bigger consultancy. They exist because we want to become a better consultancy.   

We’re facing harsh realities the world over.  Humanitarian crisis. Health crisis. Climate crisis. The World Food Programme reports there are 783 million people experiencing chronic hunger. One out of every two people in the world will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime, according to WHO’s latest World Mental Health Survey. 

How could we not try to use our platforms and privilege to be part of the solution? 

Our vision of stewardship is ultimately about caring more, and using communications and influence to positively impact the world we live in. 

As a member of the UN Global Compact in Singapore, we are already integrating the ten principles into our strategy, culture and day-to-day operations; and promoting brands that advance the sustainable development goals. 

With our expansion in Thailand and the Philippines, part of our commitment is to dedicate 50 per cent of our time to non-profit and purpose-driven projects. We encourage and enable team members to put time where their hearts are, to embrace passion projects, and to support organisations and responsible businesses whose values align with ours. 

We are also taking our hiring philosophy which is strongly anchored on inclusion and equality a step further; by offering – and seeking within our broader network – meaningful opportunities for remote workers and marginalised groups such as people with disabilities, active seniors, ethnic minorities, and former juvenile delinquents.

Despite challenges, our resilient RICE Myanmar team is powering through. They continue to do great work through collaborations with brands and development agencies, helping people, and protecting the planet. They inspired us to forge ahead with the expansion and to continuously tap into our collective strength to drive positive change.

Someone once told me that, if you do things right, growth will follow. It will take time but the revenue, the recognition, the respect – all of that will follow, if we do things right. 

Here’s to doing things right, and growing RICE along the way.
 
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If you are interested in finding out more, please connect with me on LinkedIn or reach out to our Group here.