SCG’s CSR aims to better lives in T&T
Since the Chinese first came as indentured workers in 1806, Trinidad and Tobago has attracted and welcomed many different groups from China. They bring their families, their food, their culture to enrich and enable the vibrant melting pot that is this nation. Today, China continues to add to the diversity and development of Trinidad and Tobago, and other Caribbean states, with investment and infrastructure. The Shanghai Construction Group (SCG), one of the largest construction companies in the world, has spent the last ten years in Trinidad building impressive public spaces for the arts, sport, and a much-needed children’s hospital. Now, SCG is eager to provide solutions for diversification of the Trinidad and Tobago economy.
“Together we aspire, together we achieve,” Trinidad’s national motto coined by its first Prime Minister, is a favourite saying of Michael Zhang, Managing Director of SCG International (Caribbean), subsidiary of the largest Chinese construction company. Zhang sees harmony as the fundamental principle in his work in Trinidad and Tobago representing the goodwill of China and a Chinese state-owned company. “We are here to enhance the relationship between our two countries, by sharing the experiences and modern development of China with Trinidad and Tobago. We believe that people here – as in China – want to enjoy better lifestyles, living standards and public facilities. What we were able to achieve in Shanghai in less than a generation is possible here. We are not so different. SCG has the experience and expertise for Trinidad and Tobago’s development and diversification. We are willing to work together.”
Shanghai Construction Group emerged out of the effort to modernize China which began in the sixties. The Group was registered in 1994 in Shanghai, around a core of engineers, architects, planners and builders with experience in town planning, construction of high-rise buildings, public administration centres, bridges, highways, industrial plants, and sport facilities. The modern city skyline of Shanghai is a testament to the company’s decades of development work. The company is the “pride of Shanghai,” says Peter Zhang, Deputy Marketing Manager of the Caribbean subsidiary.
Today, Shanghai Construction Group (SCG) has international operations and subsidiaries building and completing projects in cities in North America (USA and Canada), Africa and the Caribbean. SCG International (Caribbean) was registered in Trinidad and Tobago in 2005 to construct a series of public projects. In Trinidad and Tobago, these include the two buildings which house the National Academy for the Performing Arts in Port of Spain (NAPA) and San Fernando (SAPA), the Couva Children’s Hospital, national sporting facilities (aquatic centre, tennis centre and cycling velodrome) and community centres. SCG Caribbean has also completed the Marriott Hotel in Guyana; a thermal power plant in Belize; and other works in Jamaica, Barbados, Dominica and Antigua & Barbuda.
In just ten years, SCG Caribbean has emerged as one of the leading construction companies in the region, offering technical capabilities in project design, planning and construction, and competitive pricing. Early projects, with funding from the Government of the People’s Republic of China, brought worker teams from China. Since then, however, the company has been moving to more local content in its projects in Trinidad and Tobago. Local contractors, suppliers and skilled workers account for the majority of the workforce on projects. In this way, SCG Caribbean has positioned itself as an efficient competitor and strong supporter of the local construction sector. SCG is a member of the Trinidad & Tobago Chamber of Commerce and the Trinidad & Tobago Manufacturers Association.
The core competency of the Trinidad and Tobago-based company is project management with a small cadre of technical and administrative staff resident in the islands. Under the leadership of Michael Zhang, SCG Caribbean has deepened its relationship with local contractors and sectors of the local community whose aims match the drive to excellence in construction and aspiration to healthy harmonious human development of SCG.
The CSR philosophy of the still developing company SCG Caribbean, is based on the simple premise that the projects selected and advanced by SCG are a means of fulfilling social responsibility to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
SCG in collaboration with Rey Del Ritmo Dance School presented the 2013 Caribbean South American Dance Championship and showcase at the Cascadia Hotel and Conference Centre.
Michael Zhang says, “Our commitment to Trinidad and Tobago is to fulfill people’s need to achieve better lives. We do this best through our core business.”
That being said, the company does offer assistance to deserving individuals and organisations, says Peter Zhang, the company’s Deputy Marketing Manager, who is in charge of public relations. Not related to the managing director – “In Shanghai, Zhang is a popular surname” – Peter arrived in June 2014. Trinidad and Tobago attracted him because his research suggested that it is “one of the happiest countries in the world.”
“Through our Managing Director Michael Zhang who has been here from the inception of the company in 2005, we have selected needy cases for assistance. For instance, we have contributed to surgeries in dire medical cases. We have also supported young Trinidadians who may turn out to be bright and ambitious in academics or the arts; these are some extremely talented individuals. Through these interventions, our company is learning more about Trinidad and Tobago, its diverse communities and citizens.”
SCG is naturally interested in the history of Chinese and the integrated heritage in Trinidad and Tobago. In 2014, the company commissioned a documentary called “Fortitude” to commemorate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Trinidad and Tobago. The film was named after the first ship that brought Chinese labourers to Trinidad in 1806. The film was presented at the finale of the Chinese Film Festival in 2014.
The company also sponsored the film about Dai Ailian. Couva’s Lotus tells the story of the girl born in Couva Trinidad who became a ballerina. She returned to China where she devoted all her life to Chinese dance and was dubbed “Mother of Chinese Dance.”
In the same year, SCG sponsored and organised the East Meets West cultural show featuring artistes from China.
Sporting events and activities have also received contributions from SCG. In 2016, the company is the main sponsor of the National Cricket League. They have also sponsored football and the 2015 International Sporting Conference.
In 2016, SCG continues to seek specific interventions with culture. Earlier this year, they looked for opportunities to “carry the banner of SCG” with groups that were representative of Carnival, but which were also associated with excellence.
The relationship with Rosalind Gabriel’s children’s band brought the employees much joy as they followed the band on the streets, on the stages, and to the top prizes.
“Of course, some of these initiatives are for public relations,” admits Peter Zhang, “but we are still searching to understand Trinidad and Tobago, its happy mix of people and unique culture.”
Michael Zhang confirms that SCG is committed to development in Trinidad and Tobago, and to the Caribbean. “Together we aspire, together we achieve, is the perfect motto for the relationship between Trinidad and Tobago, and China. We believe in co-operation and development for the benefit of both; we will spare no effort to share – people to people – our experiences, culture, resources, prosperity. This is our corporate social responsibility, as a Chinese company, and a company in Trinidad and Tobago.”