An engaging and insightful experience through dialogue

Singapore

INSIGHTS on corporate giving take centre stage in a programme developed by the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC).

The Company of Good Fellowship Programme kickstarted in May, and consists of 10 learning days over five months.

Recently in June, a dialogue helmed by Samsui Supplies and Services director Ang Kian Peng set out to advise participants on the various approaches of giving that are most pertinent to their companies. Samsui is a unit of local restaurant chain the Soup Restaurant Group.

Mr Ang, who is also a Company of Good Fellowship mentor, shared with participants the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) statements, and how participants should approach crafting it. They were also prompted to critique and refine their own crafted statements by looking at how to better integrate community investment into the business. In addition, they were called on to analyse critically how their action projects align with their CSR statements.

The panel discussion and dialogue, with the theme of sustainability and corporate giving, was fronted by Singtel vice-president of group sustainability Andrew Buay, NUS Business School director of Centre for Governance, Institutions & Organisations Lawrence Loh and Global Compact Network Singapore executive director Wilson Ang. Panelists shared their experiences in engaging stakeholders on corporate giving and sustainability work. They also explained how their companies, as well as the organisations they collaborated with, benefitted.

The discussion saw panelists sharing insights on the ways in which leaders can articulate the importance of sustainability and corporate giving in their businesses, and how they can keep corporate giving relevant within the sustainability framework.

Nippon Paint (Singapore) Co senior manager of business development & exports Henry Ang said: "The fellowship programme has given me insight and sharing which has helped to refine my corporate giving strategy and plans whilst aligning to my business objectives. Doing business and doing good are even more possible and achievable."

Central to the discussion was integration. Increasing stakeholder loyalty and reaching untapped markets, while looking at sustainable practices that reduce long-term costs were also emphasised.

A Soup Restaurant staff also provided multi-level perspectives on engaging stakeholders, further cementing the significance of corporate giving. Fellows were also engaged in a first-hand experiential tour around Samsui Satellite Kitchen.

Fullerton Health Foundation general manager Lee Li Jen said: "As stewards of the company, we have the responsibility and choice to direct resources to areas of greatest need in efficient and effective ways. NVPC's Company of Good Fellowship programme courses serve to provide us with a clear framework to guide our decision making."

In particular, Ms Lee felt that the Corporate Citizenship workshop effectively guided them in strategically addressing societal needs through their giving, while simultaneously supporting business perspectives.