Daimler is no stranger to corporate social responsibility. As early as 1994, the German auto group was already contributing to society through various educational support initiatives in China.

"Social responsibility is something we uphold in every country we operate in - whether it is in China or Germany," said Ulrich Walker, chairman and CEO of Daimler Northeast Asia.

Walker noted the company is committed to China, not just in terms of business, but also in its strong sense of duty towards society and the environment.

The company currently has corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in China for environmental protection, education, music, arts and sports, the culture of driving and social care.

All are integrated in the Mercedes-Benz Star Fund established a year ago, the first-ever charity fund in collaboration with dealers nationwide to provide a consolidated and systematic platform to manage the company's donations.

Walker said the company plans to "further these causes through even more projects and greater advocacy for more people to join in".

In an interview with China Daily, Walker talked further about recent developments of the company's CSR initiatives in the country:

Q: What is the significance of your CSR strategy China? In what way does it help Daimler's development in the market?

A: China is a very special country for Daimler. We are privileged to be part of its fast expansion and proud to grow with the country. We are also confident of sustainable growth in the coming years in China, which is poised to be our biggest market by 2015.

Clearly, this is where we have been given the opportunity to achieve remarkable results - and it is here that we also give our best to give returns to Chinese society and its people.

Over the years, our CSR approach in China has remained firm and comprehensive, and has been steadily expanding.

Efforts range from offering relief following the massive earthquake of 2008 to nature conservation and panda protection work, to building a Mercedes-Benz Elementary School at Shifang in Sichuan and working with China Foundation for Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment to help young people start their own business as well as supporting various educational and charity causes.

In areas where we are able to lend a hand, we wholeheartedly extend our help. This is because we believe that through our CSR efforts we are able to demonstrate our commitment to developing and growing with the community here.

Q: What feedback have you gotten on the company's CSR activities in China - from the government, from the participants, from the partners, from your staff and car owners?

A: We recently hosted our second "Daimler Sustainability Dialog" in China. That day we had very fruitful discussions with high-level representatives from government organizations, academic institutions and international organizations, as well as business partners, on perspectives and expectations for sustainability in the environment, human resources and society - with a specific China focus.

Our stakeholders gave us a very positive feedback afterwards. They very much appreciated our approach: Sharing with each other, learning from each other and together working out a roadmap to ensure sustainability for all.

Through the Mercedes-Benz Star Fund we garnered strong support from our partners, dealers, customers, and employees.

We have also received very positive feedback from them on how the program provides a platform to engage in more social and charity work in the community. For instance, our employees have been active in their involvement in our community activities and said that it gives them a sense of pride and fulfillment to participate in the company's CSR initiatives.

We also believe that one of the best forms of feedback is definitely from our beneficiaries - the appreciation from children whose school we have rebuilt, or even the smiles on their faces, speaks volume. This gave us the motivation and confidence to pursue these meaningful CSR causes even further.

Q: Among the various CSR programs Daimler runs in China, what project in particular has impressed you the most, and why?

A: One project that has touched our hearts is the reconstruction of the Mercedes-Benz Elementary School in Shifang, Sichuan.

Apart from donations made towards the relief efforts after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, we also talked to our partners about the kind of help we can offer. This is how when we learned that a school in Shifang was badly damaged during the earthquake. We raised over 5 million yuan to build a brand new school, offering a better learning environment for the 200 students.

In fact, I was at Shifang Mercedes-Benz School last year to celebrate its opening and start of the new school term. The greatest joy is none other than to see how the children can now enjoy an environment conducive learning, a big difference from the temporary shelter classrooms. We believe this will have a lasting impact on the lives of these children.