Sustainable Development Goal 10 – “Reduce inequality within and among countries” is an all-encompassing SDG on the matter of inequality. In the era of COVID-19, the jarring differences in opportunity, income, and security are becoming more apparent as the pandemic hits those less fortunate the hardest. This is where businesses can come into play. Investing in equality within and among countries provide a wealth of returns for corporations and businesses all around.

In the context of Malaysia, equality for migrant workers is significant. We have seen how the lack of social protection for migrant workers, in providing them adequate social protection and fair living quarters, has delivered a significant blow to stock prices and stakeholders’ confidence.

Dow Chemical has three initiatives that contribute toward SDG #10 Reduced Inequalities.

Dow extended its support to 200 low-income families, providing them care packs including groceries and basic hygiene products in early April 2020. This collaboration with HOPE Worldwide Malaysia was timely as the country fights the COVID-19 pandemic.

Project Kampungku started with an idea in 2016 and was first executed in August 2017, operating on three key pillars: narrowing the gap related to availability of sustainable light energy between people living in the city and the indigenous community; promoting sustainability; and ensuring that our indigenous communities are well taken care of. The decision to have a project dedicated to the distribution and installation of solar lights to the indigenous community was fuelled by the realization of the lighting tool shortage faced by the indigenous people.