Draft:MD Kamrul Hasan Tarafder

MD Kamrul Hasan Tarafder

President and CEO, ASA Philippines Foundation, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO)

Kamrul Hasan Tarafder, widely known as Kamrul H. Tarafder in the Philippines, serves as the President and CEO of ASA Philippines Foundation, Inc. He graduated with a Master in Entrepreneurship (ME) with distinction from the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) in 2003 and was honored with the Triple-A Award in 2020 by FAIM for his remarkable professional achievements and leadership in founding ASA Philippines, which has seen exponential growth under his direction.

Education and Early Life

Born on May 25, 1957, in the remote village of Sreebawr, Habiganj, Kamrul's upbringing was profoundly shaped by his parents, both primary school headteachers. His father, a former 2nd Lieutenant in the British Army Supply Corps during World War II, returned to their village post-war to serve the community, instilling in Kamrul a strong dedication to social work. Despite the family's struggles with poverty following the 1971 liberation war, Kamrul pursued higher education, eventually earning a Bachelor of Arts from Jamalpur College, Dhaka University, in 1988. He also acquired a Project Management Short Diploma from Aarhus Technical School (now a university) in Denmark in 1996.

Career

Kamrul began his career with various NGOs before joining ASA Bangladesh in December 1992. In 1998, he was seconded to the UNDP Philippines, leading three major projects. He left ASA Bangladesh in June 2002 to enroll at AIM but rejoined the UNDP in December while completing his studies. He graduated with distinction in 2003.

ASA Philippines Foundation, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO)

While at AIM, Kamrul developed a business plan for a sustainable organization capable of exponential growth, leading to the establishment of ASA Philippines in August 2004. Initial funding was provided by the Assisi Development Foundation and the Ninoy & Cory Aquino Foundation, with former President Corazon Aquino joining the initiative shortly before its inception. The PLDT Smart Foundation joined as a third benefactor in 2007.

ASA Philippines is dedicated to alleviating poverty through cost-effective and client-focused microfinance services targeting marginalized entrepreneurs. As of April 2024, the organization operates 1,771 branches, employs 12,133 staff members, and serves over 2.25 million clients.

Kamrul's contributions to the microfinance sector extend beyond operational management; he has shared his expertise in microfinance methodologies with various institutions in the Philippines over a span of five years. ASA Philippines has launched significant projects, including:

• Building Sanitation Systems: The foundation handed over newly built toilets to Leyte residents after Typhoon Yolanda.
• Renewable Energy Development: ASA Philippines provided solar power to families in Palawan.
• Support for Elderly Entrepreneurs: The foundation has helped elderly entrepreneurs revitalize their businesses.
• Gender Bonds: ASA Philippines raised P5 billion for its landmark issuance of gender bonds to support marginalized women.
• Providing Hope: Through ASA Philippines, Kamrul Tarafder has given hope to millions of women entrepreneurs, aiding them in sustaining and expanding their businesses.

These initiatives aim to empower women, improve living conditions, and rebuild lives after crises.

Personal Life

Kamrul Hasan Tarafder is married to Hajja Dabirunnessa Khatun Tarafder. They have a son, Mehedi Anwarul Hasan Tarafder, an IT entrepreneur, who is married to Neriza Cruz, a Filipina. Together, they have two daughters, Nessa Mahdia Cruz Tarafder and her younger sister, Norien Cruz Tarafder.