On September 10 of this year, RGE Chairman Sukanto Tanoto attended the Silfen Forum in Beijing and met the Chinese capital’s mayor the next day. The Chairman’s visit had less to do with business and more to do with his philanthropic efforts in China, particularly those associated with the Tanoto Foundation and his endeavors in bringing about cultural and social improvements.
The Silfen Forum and the Tanoto Foundation
Well-known figures from the academic, political and business world attended the Silfen Forum this year, some of whom – such as former US Secretary of State, Colin Powel – were present as guests, while a number of notable Chinese CEOs and high ranking academic personalities attended the Forum as panelists.
As the Forum’s main goal was to open up discussions regarding the political, economic, cultural and social development of Asia-Pacific and the world in general, a great deal of attention was given to the remarkable contributions of the Tanoto Foundation, particularly with regards to its academic contributions in relation to the Wharton School and PWCC.
Mr. Tanoto’s multiple local and international contributions were also noted, including his efforts toward promoting poverty alleviation and improving education, as well as his success in establishing lasting corporate social responsibility programs and operations such as those undergone in Jiangxi, where the RGE’s investment efforts in the viscose staple fiber industry have been a resounding success.
Meeting Mayor Wang Anshun
The meeting between Mayor Wang Anshun and Sukanto Tanoto was conducted on friendly terms and was mainly focused on acknowledging Mr. Tanoto’s vast contributions to China’s cultural and industrial development. The mayor acknowledged these contributions and even spoke about an important award that Mr. Tanoto had received in 2014.
Talks about the RGE and its various branch corporations continuing to help China in its industrial development were also on the table. The Chairman concluded that the most likely course of action would be a line of cooperation in the clean energy industry.