• More than 300 nominations received; 33% increase from 2020
• Two new awards added to recognise diverse profiles of givers
• City of Good Award introduced to recognise impactful partnerships and cross-sector collaborations
Singapore, 11 October 2021 – The National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) today announced the 12 winners of the President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Awards 2021 (PVPA 2021). This year’s winners were selected from a record-breaking pool of more than 300 unique nominations — the most nominations received since PVPA’s inception in 2012, and a 33% increase from the 2020 edition. Reflecting how Singaporeans’ giving efforts towards communities in need has been on the uptick since the pandemic, the rise in nominations is a shining beacon of the generosity and other-centeredness of our nation despite these challenging times.
As the pinnacle award to recognise individuals, organisations and leaders of good that have achieved excellence in giving, the PVPA represents the highest honour for giving to the community. This year’s winning initiatives span a variety of causes and sectors, such as racial and religious harmony, empowering at-risk youth, providing employment
opportunities for communities in need, supporting mental health, and paediatric palliative care among others.
“Covid-19 has changed the way we live. But it has also further emphasised the importance of building and sustaining a caring and cohesive society,” said Guest-ofHonour President Halimah Yacob in her opening remarks at the PVPA ceremony. “Today, we recognise 12 outstanding individuals, organisations, and leaders for their exemplary work in giving and inspiring the public to be more other-centered, and in fostering some wonderful cross-sector partnerships in the spirit of SG Cares.”
An example of impactful cross-sector collaboration is the Paediatric Emergency & Neonatal Care Project (PENC) which has raised the profile of our medical sector in the region, namely Surabaya, Indonesia. Through a partnership with the East Java Provincial Government, clinical training workshops and a symposium was organised by Singhealth and Singapore International Foundation (SIF) for healthcare workers in Surabaya Haji General Hospital (SHGH), effecting a reduction the infant mortality rate at SHGH by 2.9 per cent.
Project Belanja – Start a Food Chain of Good is another meaningful cross-sector collaboration involving non-profit organisations Blossom World Society (BWS), ItsRainingRaincoats, and the Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS). Working in tandem, the organisations used funds raised via online giving portal, Giving.sg to engage participating caterers to deliver meals to migrant workers and low-income families during the Circuit Breaker, resulting in over 400,000 meals delivered over a span of eight months.
The 12 winners were selected by a panel of judges, comprising former PVPA winners as well as business and community leaders from various sectors. In addition to the awards for the People of Good, Organisations of Good and Leaders of Good categories, this year saw the introduction of the City of Good Award which recognises impactful cross-sector partnerships.
• The People of Good Awards recognise individuals who are exceptional relational givers and have voluntarily devoted their time, talent, treasure and/or voice to create a positive impact in society.
• The Organisations of Good Awards serve to recognise organisations (corporates, non-profits, and public institutions) who have been active contributors to the community for the last 3 years, with emphasis on contributions in the last fiscal year.
• The Leaders of Good Awards recognise individuals who are exceptional multiplier leaders, who have devoted their time, talent, treasure and/or voice to create a positive impact in society and galvanised others to do good, thereby multiplying their impact on society.
• The City of Good Awards recognise cross-sector partnerships for good that have achieved significant and sustainable impact and effectiveness, resulting in lasting contributions to society.
To better recognise the diverse spectrum of community champions in Singapore, this year’s awards were also refreshed with the addition of two new categories. Recognising that it is never too early to give, the People of Good – Student category was introduced to include younger PVPA nominees aged 16 years and younger, while the Organisations of Good – Public Institution category was also added to recognise public sector institutions that have achieved giving excellence. Due to the high calibre of nominations this year, categories such as Organisation of Good — Small & Medium Enterprise and the City of Good Award saw more than one winner recognised.
Attending his first PVPA as the Chairman of NVPC, Mr Seah Chin Siong said “In this longdrawn fight against COVID-19, the resoluteness from Singaporeans to help the community in need has never wavered but in fact, intensified. It gives me immense pride to witness how our City of Good is making ripples across the region, and I know we are capable of uplifting so many more by working together as people, organisations and leaders of good.”
For the full list of winners, please refer to www.cityofgood.sg/pvpa
