At Singapore Pools, a firm belief in benevolence
The BT Corporate Golf League’s presenting sponsor supports the arts, sports and numerous charity projects
FOR every dollar you wager on football matches, horse racing, motor racing events or any other form of legal betting with Singapore Pools, almost 30 cents flow back to the community in the form of taxes, betting duties and surpluses to the Tote Board.
With the tagline “For Community Purpose and Benefit”, Singapore Pools – a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Tote Board – regards benevolence as an integral part of its vision and mission.
Since its inception in 1968, Singapore Pools has played a role to counter illegal gambling in the country, while using the surpluses to fund worthy causes.
It is a leading supporter of the arts, sports, charities and the community. Over the years, it has helped fund the development of iconic landmarks such as the National Stadium, the Esplanade and Gardens by the Bay.
Singapore Pools has also been a regular participant in the annual The Business Times Corporate Golf League, which is currently in its 11th year. For the 2023 edition, Singapore Pools stepped up to be the presenting sponsor of the event.
Singapore Pools chief executive officer Lam Chee Weng, who is among the participating teams this year, shares more about the company’s involvement with the Golf League, and why he enjoys getting onto the course as much as he can.
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Why did Singapore Pools decide to become the presenting sponsor this year?
We see it as an opportunity to rally organisations to make a social impact and to share our corporate ethos of doing good. As part of the corporate community, Singapore Pools endeavours to weave a strong social fabric by connecting communities together.
In this aspect, how does the company show it means what it says?
All profits accrue to the community. In addition, Singapore Pools has steadfastly supported charities in raising funds through charity golf tournaments. Some of the charities we support are the Singapore Children’s Society and the Society for the Physically Disabled.
Recently, we collaborated with ART:DIS to empower people with disabilities through the arts. ART:DIS empowers 450 persons with disabilities through various arts programmes and developmental pathways.
By bringing together people who care about the same cause, we believe that events such as the BT Corporate Golf League are useful platforms to spark conversations and ideas to advance common community goals.
A very popular charity project we do is the “With A Heart” series. Since 2007, more than S$10 million has been raised through this and other similar projects.
In November 2022, the seventh edition of “Football With A Heart” raised a record S$1.05 million for six beneficiaries with the support of 50 sponsors and Tote Board matching dollar-for-dollar donations.
What’s your wish for the BT Corporate Golf League?
We certainly look forward to seeing the event grow and attract more participation from the corporates, and in turn for the participants to catalyse action for the general good.
When did you first pick up golf, and what do you enjoy most about the sport?
I picked up golf in 2017 when I was approaching 50. Golf is a good game to transit to from the more strenuous sports. I wished I had started playing when I was younger.
Golf is an intriguing game and most times, it’s humbling. I enjoy remembering the rare great shots, but most of all I enjoy meeting people who have the passion for golf.
How can we encourage more people to play golf?
Many beginners can be intimidated by the exclusivity associated with golf. We can make the golf game more welcoming and inclusive by having experienced golfers to mentor the beginners. Golf is not just about the sport itself, but also the social connections that are made on the course.
Who are your favourite golfers?
I don’t have a favourite, although I enjoy following the key international golf tournaments. I do watch the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) as the ladies are very technically skilled, such as Nelly Korda and Ko Jin-young, to name a few.
How else do you try to stay fit, amid your busy work schedule?
As golf is a hard game for me, you will see me at the driving range. I also go to the gym when time permits.
This article is brought to you by Singapore Pools.
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