AGRICULTURAL firm Olam International intends to push for change in what it sees as the most important global challenges over the next 25 years - food, water and energy security, climate change, sustainable growth and inequality.
Chief executive Sunny Verghese (right) wrote in a blog post on Tuesday that he wants the firm, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, to stay true to its corporate motto of "Growing responsibly".
So instead of dwelling on past glories, he is challenging the company to become an activist and do more to help tackle key problems the world is facing.
"I believe, however, that rather than looking at where we are with satisfaction, we must be restless about the future. Because of the scale, diversity and rich experience of our business, in our next 25 years we have an additional role to play - that of activist," he wrote.
Olam is one of the largest agricultural traders and producers in the world and has large plantations in emerging markets such as countries in Africa.
He did not state specifically what this role of being an activist entailed but said Olam needs to "be a voice in prompting awareness of these fundamental challenges".
"The issues and opportunities around the use of natural capital will be an important topic that we will be saying and doing more on throughout our 25th anniversary year," he wrote.
Olam's shares have shot up by more than 60 per cent since the start of the year after Temasek Holdings launched a takeover bid for the company.
Olam shares closed 3 cents lower to $2.49 yesterday.
This article was first published on July 3, 2014.
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