Rich ‘beggars’ in town

They are legally registered professional bodies, some with sound secretariats, corporate governance systems and administrative staff.

They have set dates for their annual general meetings aligned with their missions and virtuous reputation.

In their immaculate organisational skills, they have an insatiable appetite for hosting lakeshore conferences with bloated bills which their membership contributions cannot fund. So, they send SOS to corporate companies, especially banks.

Clad in their elegant suits, they invite scribes to cover their begging spree and happily display extra-large dummy cheques.

Such photos are prominently featured on TV and in major newspapers to beg for more in the name of mutual benefit.

They have become adept at convincing seemingly wealthy corporates that giving will promote their respective brands and the marketing heads are often persuaded that it is part of their companies’ corporate social responsibility (CSR).

This cycle repeats annually with little scrutiny of the actual impact.

It is my profound expectation that these activities should produce measurable results, as figures do not lie.

If these corporate entities truly budget for CSR, there are numerous “reach out and touch” programmes in various media outlets that highlight gloomy stories of people truly in need.

Perhaps, it is prudent to help people in agony than giving alms to the richest beggars gearing for annual lakeshore talks.

When will these professional bodies put a stop to receiving alms? Begging is not dignifying. What are they doing about it?

Ironically, the nation has normalised ‘begging’ by the white collar while condemning political handouts and street begging.

This hypocrisy is a reflection of our societal values and priorities.

Professional bodies should be paragons of self-sufficiency and innovation, not the lazybones’ art of soliciting funds.

Their reliance on handouts raises questions about their credibility, sustainability and financial management skills.

Moreover, parading their financial woes in public while wearing their finest attire is a mockery of the genuine needs of the less fortunate. It is a disheartening show of misplaced priorities and commitment to societal welfare.

Any corporate entity that supports the professional ‘beggars’ under the guise of CSR also needs to re-examine this.

True CSR should uplift the underprivileged and address pressing social issues, not perpetuate dependency among the privileged.

Redirecting these funds to more impactful causes could bring about meaningful change and foster a culture of genuine philanthropy.

Furthermore, the media’s role in this charade cannot be overlooked. By giving undue attention to these fundraising activities, they inadvertently legitimise and perpetuate executive dependency.

Instead, journalists should highlight stories of resilience, innovation and genuine need to encourage a more responsible, impactful and sustainable approach to philanthropy.

It is high time for a paradigm shift. Professional bodies should explore alternative revenue streams such as offering specialised training, consultancy services or membership fees that truly reflect the value they provide.

Corporate entities, on the other hand, should reassess their CSR strategies to make a tangible difference in the lives of people who need it the most.

This could involve supporting grassroots organisations, funding educational initiatives, or investing in sustainable development projects.

By aligning their CSR activities with genuine social needs, they can create a lasting impact and foster a culture of responsible corporate citizenship.

The professional bodies’ ‘begging’ sprees are unsustainable and counterproductive.

They mirror a broader breakdown in our society where dependency is normalised and genuine need is overlooked.

By fostering financial independence among professional groups and encouraging responsible CSR practices, we can create a more equitable and sustainable society.

It is a collective responsibility that requires introspection, commitment and a genuine desire to make a difference.