Hyundai launches giving back programme in Singapore
The Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore inks two MOUs with President’s Challenge and Food Bank
SUSTAINABILITY meets giving back at Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS) with the launch of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme on Saturday (Aug 3).
Two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) were inked with President’s Challenge and Food Bank Singapore, respectively, at the event which was graced by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
The CSR initiative, Uplifting Youth and Communities, aims to ramp up the company’s giving back activities in Singapore in a sustainable fashion.
It has a Smart Farm in its innovation centre where electrical vehicles (EVs) are assembled. The technology adopted in the Smart Farm is similar to that used in the production of the EVs. Here, robotic farming uses the same automated conveyor system.
Sophia Ibrahim, strategic partnership manager at HMGICS, said that the farm now produces 30 kg of vegetables daily, with it being a test bed for future sustainable agri-solutions.
At the farm, the robots are also used to plant seeds, maintain and control the temperature, light and humidity within for optimal growth.
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When asked about the plans that HMGICS has with Food Bank Singapore, the manager said: “With the Food Bank Singapore being one of Singapore’s biggest food charities, we look forward to making a real impact on hungry communities during our year-long MOU and partnership.
“This partnership with Food Bank is the first we’ve had regarding the Smart Farm since we launched (it) in November 2023. As this is a relatively new collaboration, we are keen to see how this takes shape.”
She added that the organisation is supporting Singapore’s aim of sustainably producing 30 per cent of the country’s nutritional needs by 2030 via the technology in its very own Smart Farm.
Guests at Korean restaurant Na Oh, located within HMGICS’ premises, get to experience the farm to table experience.
Arthur Chin, executive director of Food Bank Singapore, said that the partnership “allows us to connect donors and beneficiaries with fresh and healthy vegetables from a sustainable food source”. He added: “A partnership of this scale also raises awareness of the importance of finding innovative ways with corporates to find a solution to problems in our society today.”
Learning journey
Through the initiative, all schools will be able to visit HMGICS on educational learning journeys to learn more about futuristic innovation.
In partnership with social agencies Minds and Rainbow Centre, HMGICS will also offer tailored specialised learning journeys for students with intellectual disabilities and autism.
Under the multi-year collaboration with President’s Challenge, selected benefiting organisations supported by the charity will also be offered these educational opportunities through HMGICS’s volunteerism efforts. In addition, proceeds from privately arranged tours will be donated to the President’s Challenge.
Park Hyun Sung, CEO of HMGICS, said that the centre is the group’s first smart urban mobility hub and a test bed for future mobility, from vehicle production and research and development to sales and customer experiences.
“To continue down this path, we are dedicated to helping local youth and communities grow together through our CSR initiatives, empowering and uplifting them to create a brighter future for all. This is our contribution to supporting Singapore’s society, giving back to communities and contributing to the growth and development of local talent and the economy,” he added.
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