More than just a provider of efficient and sustainable energy solutions, Singapore is powering social change in the country.
Singapore Power is the winner of the President’s Award for Volunteerism and/or Philanthropy (Corporate – Large Enterprise) 2016
It may be a power company, but Singapore Power has been actively encouraging the public to use less energy to contribute to a sustainable Singapore.
Among its energy conservation initiatives is the setting up of the Electricity Efficiency Centre (EEC), which educates the public on energy efficiency and has attracted some 7,200 visitors.
The company has also reached out to over 16,000 students from 45 schools, teaching them to reduce their energy consumption. A mobile app helps customers track and cut down their energy usage. Households have received utilities bills with energy conservation tips printed on them.
To help groom the next generation of talent in the energy sector, Singapore Power also worked with Singapore Polytechnic students on a solar car project, sponsoring and contributing engineering expertise.
While volunteering, the company’s staff remember to share energy saving tips with beneficiaries.
Spreading good energy
Yes, when it comes to corporate giving, the company is also a powerhouse. In the past decade, its SP Heartware Fund has raised over $12 million and helped more than 31,000 beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries include home help services, senior day care centres and nursing homes. Working with the Community Chest, Singapore Power’s corporate giving efforts focus on improving the quality of life for the elderly in need.
To do so, the company has mobilised their various stakeholders. Employees have the option of donating via payroll deduction, customers can donate through mailers, and business partners can contribute through the company’s annual charity golf tournament.
In 2014, Singapore Power institutionalised staff volunteerism. Calling themselves SP Heart Workers, employees organise and take part in signature projects such as the Power Pack donation and volunteer drive where they pack and distribute food and necessities to families in need. Last year, 3,150 bags of essential food items went to over 3,000 families from 12 voluntary welfare organisations. Staff volunteer hours have almost doubled in a year – from 5,000 in 2013 to nearly 9,000 in 2015.
Highlights of giving journey:
1. Instead of splurging on a lavish celebration to mark its 20th anniversary, Singapore Power embarked on 30 community service initiatives in 2015, during which its staff clocked an impressive 9,000 volunteer hours.
2. Its Love from The Stars Charity Gala Dinner and Concert in 2015, which featured international artistes like Jackie Chan, Wakin Chau and Eric Tsang, raised close to $6.4 million for six charities and helped an estimated 160,000 beneficiaries.
3. To celebrate SG50, it launched the Gift of Power initiative, where 200 free mobile device charging stations were placed in high-traffic locations such as Tan Tock Seng Hospital, National University of Singapore, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore Polytechnic, National Library Board’s branches and NTUC FairPrice supermarkets.
Featured programme
President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Awards
The President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Awards, conferred by the President of Singapore, honour individuals, corporates, ground-up movements, non-profit organisations and educational institutions that have achieved excellence in giving.
