CapitaLand wins Asean award for fight against poverty

Singapore

CAPITALAND was conferred the Asean Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (RDPE) leadership award on Nov 8 for the group's achievements in rural and community development.

The award aims to recognise the contributions of non-governmental organisations - NGOs, CSOs and the private sector - in Asean member states to the rural or community development, and the livelihood and poverty reduction of local communities.

Tan Seng Chai, chief corporate and people officer for CapitaLand group and executive director of CapitaLand Hope Foundation (CHF), said: "As we expand our presence in Asean, this award inspires us to deepen our efforts on sustainability to make a difference to the lives of the underprivileged in the region."

Recognising that the long-term success of the company is closely linked with the health and prosperity of the communities in which it operates, CapitaLand established CHF, its philanthropic arm, in 2005.

The registered local charity organisation promotes the social growth and development of vulnerable children in terms of their education, healthcare and shelter needs. CapitaLand allocates up to 0.5 per cent of its net operating profit to CHF yearly.

Since 2005, CapitaLand has donated more than S$39 million (see amendment note) to help over 40,000 vulnerable elderly in Singapore and over 164,000 underprivileged children in communities where CapitaLand has presence in. Of this, over S$22 million went towards supporting community development efforts in Asean countries through strategic partnerships with local government agencies and non-profit organisations. For example, on Oct 11, CapitaLand launched a programme to help 2,000 NTUC First Campus' My First Skool pre-school children from low-income families to be ready for primary school.

In partnership with NTUC First Campus' Bright Horizons Fund, the CapitaLand-Bright Horizons Fund Ready-for-School programme is consistent with the government's efforts to strengthen early childhood care and education, and provide all children with an equal start in life.

The group also presented a S$300,000 cheque at the President's Star Charity on Sunday.

CapitaLand is the first company in Singapore to formalise a three-day Volunteer Service Leave system and expand its leave policy to include Volunteer No Pay Leave and Volunteer Part-Time Leave in May 2006. CapitaLand also recognises volunteer service rendered by staff beyond office hours.

Leong Hiong Yee, manager, data and insights, CapitaLand Group, said: "I am proud to be in a company that gives back to society and advocates staff volunteerism. Volunteering has opened my mind about the world around me, to look beyond my immediate surroundings and see how I can contribute to the needs of others."

CapitaLand received the 4th Asean RDPE leadership award under the private sector category and is the second private sector corporation in Singapore to receive this award. The award ceremony took place in conjunction with the 11th Asean ministers meeting on rural development and poverty eradication held in Myanmar.

Amendment Note: In an earlier version of the article, we incorrectly stated that since 2005, CapitaLand has donated more than S$33 million to help over 164,000 underprivileged children and 40,000 vulnerable elderly in communities where it operates.The article has been amended to include the correct figure of S$39 million.