New award to set benchmark for CSR practices launched

A NEW award to raise awareness of the economic, social and environmental performance of companies in Singapore was launched on Thursday.

The Singapore Apex CSR Awards aim to set national benchmarks for exemplary corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices by recognising firms that have strong CSR strategies at the highest level.

The award was launched by Singapore Compact for Corporate Social Responsibility. The co-presenting partners are The Business Times, Singapore Business Federation and KPMG.

"We believe in the importance of recognising the efforts of companies that demonstrate excellence in CSR," said Singapore Compact president Kwek Leng Joo. "Assessment of companies' accomplishments will be highly rigorous and only the most well-deserved corporations will be bestowed this accolade."

The plan is to give the awards out annually. More details including award categories, criteria and submission timelines will be announced in November.