Tipaporn Chearavanont, CEO of the DT Group, remains adamant that business has a responsibility to wider society, as she explains to Tanya Jarman-Burgess
Tipaporn Chearavanont personifies philanthropy. Having founded the DT Group of companies (DTGO) nearly 18 years ago, she has developed the business into a thriving corporation, employing 374 people and expanding beyond Thai borders. With interests in property development, sourcing and trading, construction management, design, research development and residential and hotel servicing, her visionary company is one to watch, particularly given that the strategic plan follows a 40-year road map.
At the heart of DTGO (comprising Magnolia Quality Development, DI Designs and Dees Supreme) however, is a socially responsible approach that filters through every level of the business model, particularly in the policy where an annual contribution of two percent of revenue earnings is allocated to charity annually. It is a shining example to the corporate world of the importance of giving back to society while still operating a prosperous and profitable business. As CEO, Tipaporn directly attributes this approach to the inspiration and guidance she has received from her parents Dhanin and Khunying Tawee Chearavanont. “In 2006, my father shared with me the most precious words of wisdom,” she explains, “and we created our mission and vision accordingly – to be a perpetual global organisation that fosters a community of smart and good-hearted people who care for people.”
Thai society has clearly benefited from this vision, with a total of 360 million baht having been allocated to charitable projects since the company was conceived. The company presently contributes to the lives of nearly 3,000 orphans through its Buddharaska Foundation which exists under the corporate societal benefit (CSB) arm of the companies. The foundation funds orphanages in the areas of education, facilities refurbishments, farming practises and the building of bio-gas electricity generation projects to reduce school electricity costs. Charitable work also extends to further education, helping those without the means to pay for medical treatment and providing emergency funds in a natural disaster. Another CSB initative is the Innovation World’s Care Award (iCare Award) established by Magnolia Quality Development to promote social conscience and communal care, recognising the importance of environmental protection, preservation, education and communal happiness.
“DTGO adheres to the belief that business is merely one part of society, but society as a whole must benefit,” says Tipaporn. “Therefore the group of companies should not profit alone. We must secure a way to manage resources for sustaining social contribution in order to continuously support the underprivileged few who are in serious need.” However, she is adamant that the offering of money and support in isolation is not enough. “Charitable work needs to be managed wisely by making the investment and profit sustainable in the same way that business is operated,” she says. This is a lesson that her father instilled in her very early on.
The youngest of five siblings, Tipaporn graduated from Boston University, majoring in electrical engineering. On her return to Thailand in 1993, she helped her father on a number of projects, including the construction of the house in which the family now lives. And it is her family that has been her most profound inspiration. “My mother is the heart of our family and taught me the value of life, of human beings and of animals,” she says. “She has been selfless as a wonderful wife, a loving mother and a grateful daughter.”
Tipaporn’s lifestyle leaves little time for personal leisure so she builds her interests into her daily life: construction and architecture, beautiful landscapes, her love of animals, art, books and documentaries. She insists however that work and family are the core of her life and happiness. “If you really want to be a successful business person, the key to success in business and everything in life, is to think about other people,” she says. “The more we think about others, the more our hearts open up, and the more we can do.”
AT A GLANCE
AGE 43
EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree
FAMILY STATUS Single
MOST PROUD OF Besides family, the company’s corporate members
MOTTO There’s no wisdom greater than kindness
ROLE MODELS Besides my parents, Kongming, the Chinese strategist in the Three Kingdoms
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