DeGem Berhad recognises the need to safeguard the welfare of its employees, contribute to the community and protect the environment that the Group operates in. In line with this awareness, the Group seeks to balance its social responsibilities with its obligations to create value for its investors.

Welfare of Employees

DeGem Berhad's greatest asset is its employees and their role in driving the business forward is fundamental to the success of the Group. The Group therefore undertakes concerted efforts to groom its employees towards realising their fullest potential.

During the year, the Group organised numerous training sessions for its employees which includes foundation courses such as sales management, selling cycle, product training and customer service, as well as courses that honed the leadership qualities in more experienced employees such as management and leadership skills, performance management, 7 habit - personal and team mastery programme, effective retail outlet leadership workshop and coaching skills.

In addition, the Group has always supported its employees in their quest for professional development with sponsorship of certain courses approved by the Group.

The Group also recognises that a safe and healthy work environment is crucial to the wellbeing of its employees and in optimising their productivity. As such, the Group actively strives to further refine its health and safety policy to ensure that the environment for its employees, as well as for its customers, visitors and the general public at its premises is free from preventable hazards.

Furthermore, as a caring employer, the Group had, during the hike in petrol prices, paid a travelling allowance to its employees in order to alleviate their burden.

Contributions to Community

DeGem Berhad continues its involvement in the community to enhance the quality of life of the less fortunate. During the year, the Group supported numerous organisation and causes, either directly or in conjunction with other enterprises, mainly via monetary contributions and sponsorships.

In addition to its continued support of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation, Persatuan Usahawan Wanita Bumiputra Malaysia (USAHANITA) and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Group has during the year made contributions to the Yayasan DiRaja Sultan Mizan, Persatuan Kanak-kanak Istimewa Hulu Langat, the AUTORR Foundation (Aged United to Organised Rest & Recreation), the Life Line Express Foundation and a fund raising exercise in support of the Breast Cancer Welfare Association, amongst others.

Protection of Environment

DeGem Berhad seeks to protect its environment by ensuring that the waste from its manufacturing activities are properly treated prior to release. Where that is not possible, procedures to ensure safe disposal of the waste are in place. In addition, the Group also actively encourages a culture of recycling and energy saving amongst its employees to minimise any negative impact to the environment.

Responsibility to Marketplace

DeGem Berhad continues its efforts to ensure that high standards of social responsibility are upheld in its relationship with its stakeholders. The Group requires assurances from their suppliers of diamonds that their sources are certified under the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme ("KPCS"). KPCS is a process set out by the international diamond industry which is designed to certify the origin of rough diamonds from sources which are free of conflict.