salt_2006_09_10

No. 17 Sep-Oct 2006

For Volunteers, Donors and Nonprofits

Individual Giving in Singapore Informed Giving Letting Their Fingers Do the Talking Over Air, Land and Sea Quality Over Quantity?

What Questions to Ask Charities

The Finger Players

DHL’s Community Efforts

Hands Up for

CSR

Claire Chiang Champions the Cause

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SALT No. 17 Sep-Oct 2006

ON THE COVER She claims she’s no Wonder Woman, but at the whirlwind rate she manages to balance business, family and numerous voluntary commitments – her latest as president of Singapore Compact for Corporate Social Responsibility – Claire Chiang seems close to being one. MICHELLE BONG plays catch-up with this power dynamo on page 22.

DEPARTMENTS 2

LETTER FROM SALT

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NEWS BRIEFS

Cover photography by Russel Wong.

A wrap-up of events, programmes and activities in the People Sector.

PEOPLE MOVEMENTS Appointments and new postings in the People Sector.

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In the aftermath of the recent charity controversies, the quality of giving has improved, says the latest individual giving survey conducted by the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre. MICHELLE BONG sizes up the situation.

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VOLUNTEER PROFILE Meet Rosemary Chng, the accidental volunteer with an overwhelming desire to improve society’s lot in any way she can.

10 PEOPLE SECTOR PEOPLE Fuelled by his love for working with the youth, Kenny Low has taken City Harvest Education Centre to great heights.

11 WALK THE TALK

JACK SIM kicks off his new SALT

More and more special interest niche groups seem to be sprouting up all over the island, but what are they contributing to our society? SARAH TAY looks beyond the initiative to find out.

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column on tips for nonprofits with a topic close to his heart – the power and importance of branding.

19 NEW SALT When it comes to reaching out to the community, The Finger Players prefer to let their hands do the talking.

21 SALT AND PEPPER In the rush to implement new rules to prevent breach of trust, the charity sector may be sacrificing passion for governance, says Stanley Tan.

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THE INAUGURAL CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND 2006 NATIONAL VOLUNTEERISM & PHILANTHROPY CONFERENCE

Leveraging on their network expertise in the logistics industry, DHL spreads their passion for community work.

24 SALT THOUGHTS

Missed out on the action at the recent Inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility and 2006 National Volunteerism & Philanthropy Conference? Turn to pages 30 and 31 for our round-up of the exciting happenings that took place on 13 and 14 July.

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Supporters of CSR who say it is good business are playing into the hands of its critics, argues Willie Cheng.

27 CALENDAR 28 SCENE AND SEEN 32 A DASH OF SALT

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SALT is a nonprofit magazine with a managed circulation for members of nonprofit organisations, grantmakers and companies in Singapore.

Those interested in receiving a copy, please email salt@nvpc.org.sg.

We regret that the print run prevents fulfilling all requests.

International readers please email subscriber requests and mailing details.

There will be an annual postage and handling charge for all international subscribers.

EDITOR Suzanne Lim

CONTRIBUTORS Michelle Bong Sarah Tay

PUBLISHING CONSULTANT AND MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE Epigram SALT is published bi-monthly by the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre 7 Maxwell Road #05-01 Annex B, MND Complex Singapore 069111 Tel: 6550 9595 Fax: 6221 0625 Website: www.nvpc.org.sg Email: salt@nvpc.org.sg Copyright is held by the publisher.

All rights reserved.

Production in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

The views and opinions expressed or implied in SALT are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

Printed by Fabulous Printers MICA (P) 033/11/2005 To advertise, please call Cynthia Tay at tel: 6292 4456 Email: cynthia@epigram.com.sg

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n this issue, we look at the power of the individual to influence developments and happenings in our society. Consider how in recent times ordinary citizens have formed themselves into volunteer patrols to nab cat killers and torturers, supplementing the work of animal welfare groups like SPCA and Cat Welfare Society.

These are informal groups that have sprung up in response to a need that is close to their hearts – individuals who decided to take action and responsibility instead of waiting to see, famously in Singapore, “what the government is going to do about it”.

These are hopeful signs that citizen engagement is on the rise.

Others have taken it a step further by forming registered groups around their area of interest or passion. These special interest groups are what our homegrown awardwinning social entrepreneur Jack Sim calls the “fillers, connectors and glue of society”.

Read more about the challenges they face and the issues that surround the sprouting up of such niche groups in our feature Initiative Inc. on page 16.

On the $ giving side of things, not unexpectedly, public confidence in charities took a knock post-NKF and post-SAVH. NVPC’s Individual Giving Survey 2006 shows that donations have dropped in terms of proportion of individuals who donated and in absolute dollar terms. When individuals collectively are the biggest group of givers in Singapore (giving 46 per cent of total donation dollars compared to 42 per cent by grantmakers and 12 per cent by corporations, going by NVPC’s research in 2004), it is significant to pay heed to what they have to say about the restoration of trust in the work of charities, and by extension, of sustained and increased giving. Our feature story on page 12 on the survey highlights tells us what donors want, and it is for the charities to take heed, especially the smaller ones.

Elsewhere, we juxtapose two colourful personalities with their views on CSR – champion CSR advocate Claire Chiang, and keen observer-commentator on the nonprofit sector in Singapore Willie Cheng who provocatively asks if those companies that advocate CSR because it makes good business sense are playing into the hands of the CSR naysayers who maintain that the business of business is business.

This issue also sees the introduction of a new column by the above mentioned Jack Sim who willingly shares his tips on how to grow a nonprofit organisation or social enterprise, starting off with the all-important aspect of branding, something so needful and yet so lacking in many of our charity start-ups.

And so be challenged, be provoked, and be inspired as you take a walk with SALT this issue to see how we can fan the growing sense of citizen engagement in our midst.

Tan Chee Koon Chief Executive Officer National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre

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DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SHARE? We welcome your letters, news of upcoming events and pictures. Please send them to SALT, 7 Maxwell Road, #05-01 Annex B, MND Complex, Singapore 069111; or email salt@nvpc.org.sg.

Please include your name, address and daytime phone number.

Letters and articles may be edited for space and clarity.

The Inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility and 2006 National Volunteerism & Philanthropy Conference

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want to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for your tremendous effort in galvanizing the people sector towards greater heights. Your passion and drive is very inspiring!

I had a fruitful time attending the conference and took back quite a few learning points. I must confess that I was initially reluctant to sign up when approached by your staff as I was swamped by other deadlines. However, I am very glad for the time spent at the conference.

Leading a small fledgling outfit trying to do good can sometimes be very trying. I often wonder if we are alone in our struggles. During the two days, however, I met several corporate executives who expressed a desire to be of help. It is very reassuring to me that there are people ever willing to lend a helping hand. Thank you for making this inter-face a reality.

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y experience with you at the conference was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something new and exciting. I loved being part of the first-ever keynote presentation that created an experience for the audience, and not just a bunch of blah-blah-blah. Conferences are full of words. You gave people an experience of what it is like for the offenders, dreaming of a better life and trying their best to move forward against the odds when they get out.

Thank you for trusting all of us, as non-professional actors, with such an important job. I was honoured to be part of that and will never forget how meaningful it was.

I wish you continued success at doing good, doing well!

Jana Stanfield, Singspirator Keynote Performer, The Inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility and 2006 National Volunteerism & Philanthropy Conference

John Tan, Executive Director Children-At-Risk Empowerment Association (CARE) Singapore

An Enjoyable Read

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any thanks for the opportunity to learn so much and I must confess, so unexpectedly! My best wishes to NVPC and congratulations on running such a sparkling conference.

Judy Moody-Stuart, International citizen and philanthropist Closing Keynote Speaker, The Inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility and 2006 National Volunteerism & Philanthropy Conference

The Inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility and 2006 National Volunteerism & Philanthropy Conference was jointly organised by Singapore Compact for Corporate Social Responsibility and National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre on 13 – 14 July at Suntec International Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Are We There Yet?

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hank you for the informative article “Are We There Yet?” that was published in the July-August issue of SALT. Corporate Social Responsibility has been frequently highlighted in the local business arena of late and I believe that many local business owners also strive to attain the balance of building a successful enterprise while contributing back to the society. The information in this article will be useful for SMEs in the process of planning their own CSR initiatives, and we would like your permission to share it with our members and the local SME community through the next issue of Entrepreneurs’ Digest (Sept/Oct).

Shireen Seah, Senior Executive, Corporate Communications Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME)

Editor’s Note: It is indeed a compliment to us that you would like to reproduce the above article. Thank you for your support of SALT!

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enjoy reading SALT. It is easy to read and has thoughtful articles, snippets, news, profiles of shakers and movers and general information that all charities can benefit from.

May I suggest that you widen the circulation by allowing paid subscriptions to the general public and even put it up for sale at newstands, bookshops and petrol stations? The more people read it and get to know about the good work of the charities in Singapore, the more likely we will get more volunteers and donors!

Moiz Tyebally, Honorary Secretary Asian Medical Foundation

Editor’s Note: Thank you for your suggestion. There are no plans currently to put SALT up for sale but we are looking into making SALT available freely at hospital waiting areas, cafes and community clubs.

We welcome all suggestions from our readers for new distribution outlets.

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A WRAP-UP OF HAPPENINGS AROUND SINGAPORE

NO GETTING THEM DOWN

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nspired by her late sister Sally’s battle with cancer, Stella Thng wrote Cancer Warriors: Tales of Courage and Hope to encourage cancer patients and to help raise awareness and funds for cancer research. This labour of love is available from 7-Eleven stores and customer service counters at Capitaland shopping malls as well as 8 Days/i-Weekly kiosks island-wide. 50 per cent of the proceeds from the book sales will go to The Terry Fox Run Foundation and Methodist Hospice Fellowship. For more information, email cancerwarriors@gmail.com.

MAJOR GIFT

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Brand New Digs A

The Little Chaplins from AWWA’s Early Years Centre entertained the guests at ACCESS’ launch.

sian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA)’s brand new home ACCESS was officially opened by President S R Nathan on 18 July 2006. The purpose-built centre with facilities and activity centres catering to children with multiple disabilities, the physically disabled, the elderly, and their respective caregivers took more than 10 years to realise. ACCESS (which stands for AWWA Centre for Care Education and Social Services) has enabled AWWA to pioneer four new services, including AWWA SMILES, a before and after school care centre for students with special needs; AWWA Centre for Caregivers, the first training centre of its kind for parents, caregivers and professionals; AWWA TM Inc BusinessAccess, a business centre to create niche business opportunities for physically disabled young persons and AWWA Regional Resource Centre on Disabilities, a specialist library with books, journals, and multimedia resources on various types of disabilities, which will open in 2007. For more information, visit www.awwa.org.sg.

SOCIAL ACTIVIST HONOURED

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ark Won Soon, a founder and senior executive director of The Beautiful Foundation and a member of the Asia Pacific Philanthropy Consortium’s (APPC) board of directors, is one of six Asians that the Ramon Magsaysay Awards Foundation is honouring this year. The Ramon Magsaysay Awards, established in 1957, is Asia’s highest honour and is widely regarded as the region’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize.

Honouring the memory and leadership example of the Philippines’ third President, it is given every year to individuals and organisations in Asia who manifest the same sense of selfless service that ruled the life of the late Filipino leader. Park is the winner of the 2006 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service for “his principled activism fostering social justice, fair business practices, clean government and a generous spirit in South Korea’s young democracy.”

Other recipients this year include Eugenia Duran Apostol for Journalism, Literature & Creative Communication Arts; Arvind Kejriwal for Emergent Leadership; Antonio Meloto for Community Leadership; Sanduk Ruit for International Understanding and Ek Sonn Chan for Government Service.

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r Loo Choon Yong, the executive chairman of Raffles Medical Group (RMG), recently pledged 10 million shares – worth $8.9 million – of the publiclylisted medical group to the Asian Medical Foundation (AMF). Said Dr Loo, “I’ve been thinking of endorsing the AMF with a monetary donation since it was set up in 2003.” After consulting his family, Dr Loo finally made the pledge which will provide regular income through the share dividends to ensure the long term sustainability of AMF. This event coincided with the group’s 30th anniversary last month.

Dr Loo (right) presenting the pledge document for the 10 million RMG shares to Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng at RMG’s 30th anniversary dinner.

PARTNERS FOR GOOD

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eartware Network was recently appointed the exclusive Singapore Programme partner for Youth Business International (YBI), a worldwide programme of The Prince of Wales International Business Leaders Forum that helps disadvantaged young people in 36 countries realise their ambitions to become entrepreneurs. The pilot programme in Singapore will be known as Youth Business Singapore (YBS) with Second Minister for Finance and Foreign Affairs, Raymond Lim, as its founding patron. For a start, YBS will be entering into an agreement of cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s The Centennial Fund to forge closer ties between the youth of the two countries and to exchange knowledge on entrepreneurship and youth business opportunities. For more information, visit www.heartware.org.

PEOPLE MOVEMENTS

NO BARRIERS

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rom 1 to 6 August, Singapore played host to 12 delegates from the Voluntary Work for High School Students in Asian Countries exchange programme initiated by the Shiseido Social Welfare Foundation.

The delegates were from two Japanese homes – Shisei Gakuen and Tokyo Keimei Gakuen- and were led by Mr Takafumi Uchida, Managing Director of the Foundation. The programme aims to exchange know-ledge, experience and ideas in the area of child welfare as well as to foster friendship through cultural exchanges.

On their visit here, the delegates visited homes under as one: the Japanese delegates the auspices of The Salvation Army and even had the opportunity to United mingled effortlessly during their camp over at the Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home for two nights! visit to the Salvation Army homes.

CALLING ALL LEADERS-TO-BE...

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he Center for Creative Leadership, ranked by the Financial Times in a 2006 survey as one of the overall Top 5 providers of executive education worldwide, is offering two Leadership Development (LD) Awards to individuals managing and leading others in work with non-government organisations (NGOs) to attend the Center’s world renowned Leadership Development Programme (LDP) in Singapore. The National Council for Social Service (NCSS), together with CCL, will assess applications from NCSS members for these Awards which cover the entire cost of the programme, amounting to US$13,000 in total.

Said Michael Jenkins, managing director, CCL-Asia, “As a nonprofit educational institution with a mission to advance the understanding, practice and development of leadership throughout society, one of our activities is to work with nonprofit organisations to help them lead effectively within the unique circumstances of their situations. We want to help them better utilise the practice of leadership to effectively meet challenges and advance their work for the benefit of all.”

For more information and to obtain application forms, visit www.ccl.org/asia.

VOLUNTEERING FOR PEACE: SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

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he XIX IAVE World Volunteer Conference will be hosted in New Delhi, India, from 10 to 14 November on the theme of “Volunteering for Peace in Multi-Cultural Societies”. Featuring plenaries, mini plenaries and workshops, topics covered include Spirituality, Moralities and Attitudes; Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms; Environment, Ecology and Development; Education and Governance in Multi-Cultural Societies; Information Communication Technologies (ICT), Media & Advertising in Multi-Cultural Societies; and Civil Society Intervention as Volunteer Action.

The International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) is an international non-governmental organisation that promotes, celebrates, and strengthens volunteerism world-wide. It has individual and organisational members in some 80 countries around the world.

The Harvard Singapore Foundation and the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre are jointly offering five conference fee scholarships of US$300 each for local participants from nonprofit organisations that are IAVE members. To apply for a scholarship, visit www.nvpc.org.sg. Applications close on 16 October. To apply for IAVE membership, visit www.iave.org.

TEAM BUILDING WITH A DIFFERENCE

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t was teambuilding with a difference for the upper and middle management teams of ABN AMRO Singapore Inside the ABN AMRO Idea Factory... recently as they embarked on their mission of One Bank, One Team, One Goal. On their team building retreat to Bali in June, the upper management team took part in a complicated bicycle assembling exercise that not only reinforced teamwork, collaboration, client-focus and delivery, the finished bicycles were then donated to the Bali Tourism Police in Ubud!

Upon their return to Singapore, the upper management team passed on their lessons learnt to the middle management team which then embarked on a collaboration with Jurong HealthConnect and Alexandra Hospital on providing future needs for the elderly.

Said Liak Teng Lit, CEO of Alexandra Hospital, “I am truely wow-ed by the ideas that came up.

We are going to implement many of the simpler ideas straightaway and discuss how we can gather more partners to develop the other more complex ideas further.”

Prior to joining the Singapore Cancer Society as its executive director in May, Aaron Ng served as the executive director of MINDS for nine years.

His vision for SCS is to propel it into a leading cancer organisation in Singapore and the region, with a sound reputation for effective programmes for cancer prevention and control, as well as comprehensive services to enhance the well-being of cancer patients and their families. Tel: 64215808; Email: aaron_ng@ singaporecancersociety.org.sg Raphael Lim joined the Children’s Cancer Foundation (CCF) as its executive director with effect from July, bringing with him more than 16 years’ of experience in public education and social marketing of family life issues, family policy development, community partnerships, media and broadcasting, and social work/ counselling. Prior to joining CCF, he was involved in the development and implementation of public education initiatives on family by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS). Tel: 68356465; Email: ed@ccf.org.sg Hassan Ahmad joined Lien Aid as its chief executive in May. Established in April 2006 as an independent entity as a result of the Lien Foundation – Nanyang Technological University Environmental Endeavour, Lien Aid is dedicated to improving lives in developing rural communities in Asia, with a focus on basic needs issues such as water, sanitation, energy and shelter. Prior to joining Lien Aid, Hassan served as the executive director of Mercy Relief from May 2003 to April 2006. Tel: 65365355; Email: hassan@lienaid.org Isabel Cheong was appointed the district governor of the Lions Clubs of Singapore on 4 July. The first lady governor in the history of Lions movement to lead the 72 clubs in Singapore, she is a trained physiotherapist and has been serving as a volunteer in the Lions movement since 1983. During her term as district governor, she hopes to further strengthen the Lions Clubs movement to maintain and upgrade its ongoing services to the community like The Lions Home for the Elders and the Lions Befrienders Service Association. Tel: 64424306; Email: secretariat@lionsclubs.org.sg

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The Accidental Volunteer That’s what Rosemary Chng cheerfully calls herself, after being steered onto the path of volunteerism by an overwhelming desire to improve society’s lot in any way she can.

MICHELLE BONG meets up with the feisty lady.

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he carved out a successful career as a research scientist, but little did Rosemary Chng know that her penchant for solving problems for the good of her fellow man would open the unexpected door of volunteerism for her.

“I never planned this but I guess circumstances and experiences in life led me down this path,” says the founder of Rosemary Chng and Associates (RCA), an organisation that helps charities to brand and fundraise.

Over the last six years, she’s been involved in what she affectionately calls “pet projects”. Her impressive body of volunteer work includes being chairperson of the Spread A Little Sunshine Committee and raising over $150,000 for the KK Outreach to Kids Fund for cancer; founding FirstLight, an organisation that raises awareness about cancer; initiating the Cookies Love SGH project and rallying volunteers to bake over 120,000

“ Each of us has a social responsibility... If we see our neighbour struggling or suffering when we are blessed with plenty, we must reach out and help.” cookies for SGH staff during the SARS outbreak; and organising launches for President’s Challenge activities since 2003.

Chng also serves as advisor to the Music For Good society, education secretary for the executive committee of the SAF Officers Wives Club and is a councillor for Central Singapore Community

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for my children. So while and where I can, I will do my part, even if it is a tiny one.”

Not surprisingly, her sons have already been touched by and emulated her loving heart and generosity.

At their recent St Gabriel’s Primary School carnival and open house, eight-year old Jonathan and seven-year old Samuel set up a flower Rosemary (right of President and lemonade stall that Development Council, and is on S R Nathan) and her merry band of volunteers with raised nearly $400 for its Active Citizenry Committee.

President and Mrs Nathan at the launch of President’s their school fund.

“Every initiative and project Challenge 2006.

She quips, “I am that I run is triggered by a strong proud to say I think they are on to a sense of social need or calling,” explains good start! But what I am most happy the 42-year-old mother of three. “Every about is their sense of compassion and one of them means a lot to me, and I hope, generosity to give, share and help others to society at large. As a Singaporean, I feel who are in need.” very strongly that each of us has a social One person who has inspired Chng responsibility to build the nation, to keep to greater heights is a feisty old lady she it safe and secure for our future. If we met years ago while volunteering for a see our neighbour struggling or suffering community development project in when we are blessed with plenty, we Indonesia. Although she was almost 80, must reach out and help. the lady, together with some girlfriends, “I am motivated by my children had dipped into their own pockets to and the need to ensure that they have a start the first proper home and education beautiful future and safe environment to centre for mentally and physically disabled grow up in. What is the use of being really children in Medan. Decades later, their rich and living in a palatial home while efforts continue to go from strength the rest of society is suffering outside? to strength.

Wouldn’t it be better if we each do our “I told myself there and then that part to help drug abusers, criminal I wanted to grow old in the same way. elements or dangerous people reform, Even when I am 80, I am going to be fit, heal and reintegrate back into mainstream hale and hearty and do things to help the society? I have witnessed all this first less fortunate in society!” ✩ hand abroad, and I do not want the same

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Nurture by Nature Fuelled by his sunny disposition and a love for working with the youth, Kenny Low has taken the City Harvest Education Centre to great heights.

MICHELLE BONG checks in at this amiable principal’s office.

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enny Low works up to 55 hours per week. The 31-year-old teaches three classes, monitors the progress and workflow of 23 staff while helping them solve problems, and meets with external agencies. He also counsels wayward students to ascertain their needs and whether these are being met, and makes sure finances are in order.

Some would call his job an extremely difficult one. But the amiable principal of City Harvest Education Centre (CHEC) says: “I don’t even feel like I’m working, I’m enjoying every moment of it!”

Low’s passion for working with the youth became apparent during his days as a business administration undergraduate at Nanyang Technological University, where he was a youth volunteer with the City Harvest Community Services Association (CHCSA) and was involved in visits to homes like Grace Haven to conduct dance classes and excursions with young people.

When a position as a Tuition Services Coordinator became available in CHCSA in 1999, he jumped at the opportunity. “It was kind of a one-man operation right from the start,” he says, “but I relished the pioneering process of building up the department and structuring programmes to meet the needs of today’s youth. We established a

“ I don’t even feel like I’m working, I’m enjoying every moment of it!” tuition programme for some 400 youths, supported by 30 volunteer teachers.”

Four years later, CHEC was born when CHCSA saw the need to assist premature school leavers, delinquents and private candidates with a full-time curriculum

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work on the students’ part. The school has an excellent track record when it comes to examination success – in 2004, all 25 of its ‘N’ Level students obtained their full certificates, while slightly more than half of their ‘O’ Level cohort made it to polytechnic or junior colleges. Last year, their intake of students more than doubled and 62 per cent of their ‘O’ Level students were polytechnic- and junior college-bound. This year’s enrolment has grown to 311 students, and similar, Front and centre: Kenny if not greater, success is expected. structured for and around (seated, centre) with Asked about the secret behind them – one that was tailored students from CHEC. such achievements, Low concedes that to the students’ various points of need, there is no specific formula. He remarks, “It yet well-paced to allow them a reasonable is a conscious effort to ensure that students, time frame to sit for their GCE ‘N’ and parents and teachers are on the same side ‘O’ Level examinations. Low was put in the of the ring. When one loses, all will lose. driver’s seat as the principal, overseeing And when one wins, all will win. It’s usually the first intake of 20 students who attended all too easy for the three parties to be at classes in four small rooms at CHCSA’s odds, but the important focus is how all of Suntec City office. them can mutually meet their objectives.”

Today, the school operates at its own The transformation of a former premises at the NTUC Trade Union House, student who ranted at Low two years back where over 300 students and 12 full-time but now sits beside him to counsel troubled teachers enjoy facilities like a science youth represents yet another indicator laboratory, lecture theatre, café, two dance studios, 10 classrooms and several student that he is primed to find greater success at his vocation. corners. This year is also a special one Modestly, he adds: “My job has taught because CHEC was awarded a grant from me that all of us have a basic need to want the Ministry for Community Development, to feel important and successful. Everyone Youth and Sports’ Comcare fund to start wants to win, so when a youth refuses to its social enterprise arm, ‘O’ School, a hip participate, it’s because he or she is afraid and vibrant performing arts training centre. of losing. Instead of feeling helpless, we It aims to generate profits to be set aside can use this understanding to make them for student bursaries at CHEC, provide employment opportunities for youths with feel inclusive. CHEC was set up to meet a need in society, and I hope to be able to artistic talents, and extend CHEC’s reach lead our team in staying relevant, meeting to youths-at-risk.

CHEC’s efforts have paid off, through these changing needs, and making a difference in the lives of young people.” ✩ a combination of relentless zeal and hard

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Moving Efforts

Leveraging on their network expertise to facilitate the development of the logistics industry, DHL spreads their passion for the community in the most effective of ways. MICHELLE BONG finds out how.

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s a global market leader in international express, overland transport and air freight, DHL prides itself in responding quickly to customers’ needs and working in partnership with them to provide solutions. Fittingly, the company best known for its striking yellow and red vans that can be seen on almost any one of Singapore’s roads, adopts this same approach for corporate citizenship.

The company’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) stems from its mission statement philosophy – to be a responsible corporate citizen in all countries in which they operate, taking into account the social and environmental needs of their employees, local communities and the public – as well as its corporate value “To Accept Social Responsibility”.

This meaningful call to arms is heeded by staff at all levels, who have participated in DHL’s numerous community outreach programmes such as lo hei lunches for the aged and Veggie Express, a weekly dispatch of fruit and vegetables to 400 needy elderly every week, come rain or shine. Staff also gave their full support to

“ Side by side with growing our business, we must also develop the communities in which we operate.” the Joy Luck Express during the Lunar New Year, donating food such as mandarin oranges, pineapple tarts and love letters which were then packed and delivered to the homes of 500 elderly people.

Christina Koh, vice president of Asia Pacific corporate affairs says judging by the feedback they have received so far,

growing our business, we must also develop the communities in which we operate, of which our employees are also members,” says Koh. “We also recognise the importance of ensuring the health, safety, security and development of our employees and continuously Veggie Might: DHL’s Veggie Express such initiatives have service brings fruit and vegetables to strive to work towards the 400 needy elderly every week. conservation and protection not only met, but of the environment.” exceeded their objectives.

Always on the lookout to be involved She says, “DHL continuously strives in community and charitable events in to help members of communities in areas which they can create an impact and where assistance is needed. There are no specific preferences regarding any charity contribute meaningfully, DHL took its CSR efforts to another level in April this organisation or programme, but DHL is year (and beyond Singapore’s shores) more inclined to participate in activities when it launched DHL DRT Asia Pacific, that leverage our expertise in logistics a Disaster Response Team devoted to and supply chain management.” supporting the United Nations and the To promote better work-life balance international community’s humanitarian among its employees, all staff are given missions in times of crisis. The Singaporean early one-hour release from work on based team will apply their professional a weekday. They can choose to use this knowledge of logistics and organise the extra time to volunteer with their preferred handling, warehousing and loading of charities. In addition, staff who volunteer relief goods at the airport for onward for Veggie Express each week are allowed transportation in an effective manner to take the day off once they complete to better disseminate relief supplies to their deliveries, subject to the approval those in need. of their supervisors.

So while other companies may The company also hands out an choose to perform against the one internal Corporate Values Award, based on nominations from fellow employees, which proverbial bottom line, DHL operates according to three – financial, social spurs individuals towards outstanding and environmental. Says Koh, “For performances in community work. us, the key to a company’s sustained “As a logistics provider, we facilitate development involves the simultaneous trade across a number of countries, making pursuit of economic prosperity, environour customers successful. We believe that mental quality and social equity.” we have a similar responsibility towards Now that’s getting out of the box. ✩ society and hence, side by side with

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Illustrated by Quek Hong Shin.

PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN CHARITIES WAS UNDENIABLY SHAKEN FOLLOWING THE NKF AND SAVH CONTROVERSIES. BUT SINGAPOREANS HAVE GLEANED VALUABLE LESSONS FROM THE INCIDENTS, AND THE QUALITY OF GIVING HAS IMPROVED, SAYS THE LATEST INDIVIDUAL GIVING SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE NATIONAL VOLUNTEER & PHILANTHROPY CENTRE. MICHELLE BONG SIZES UP THE SITUATION.

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n the past year, Singapore’s nonprofit sector has been dogged by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and on a much smaller scale, Singapore Association for the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) controversies.

Of late, there has been the investigation into Youth Challenge. Things are looking up, however, following the implementation from July of key recommendations of the Inter-Ministry Committee on the Regulation of Charities and Institutions of a Public Character, the latest being the new Charity Unit appointments within the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports. These developments look set to put the charity sector back on an even keel and help regain public confidence among donors along the way.

On 1 September, Low Puk Yeong came on board as the new full-time Commissioner of Charities to oversee Singapore’s charity groups. Low, formerly First Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, will work with a charity council headed

by Ernst & Young chairman Fang Ai Lian and 12 other members who are experienced and familiar with charity issues.

Just before that in July, the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) had released topline findings from its latest survey, “Individual Giving in Singapore 2006” at the opening of its 2006 National Volunteerism & Philanthropy conference held in conjunction with the inaugural CSR conference by Singapore Compact for Corporate Social Responsibility. This was the first national-level survey to chart donor confidence since the controversies surfaced. At this event which brought together corporates, public sector bodies, charities and nonprofits to discuss issues such as governance, transparency and global trends in giving,

delegates heard that whilst public confidence in charities had taken a knock, the quality of giving in Singapore appears to have improved.

Notable highlights from the survey show that for volunteerism, the number of hours has increased from 35 million

amount contributed per donor had also fallen from $155 to $125 for the corresponding period.

Only 28 per cent of respondents said they had a lot of confidence in charities after the controversies erupted, as compared to 55 per cent from before.

In addition, 20 per cent said the controversies left them with little or no confidence in charities, up from 6 per cent before Rear-Admiral (Ret) Kwek Siew Jin, Chairman, NVPC they came to light. A lack in 2004 to 49 million in 2006. Also, the of clarity and transparency over the use percentage of volunteers among the 15 to of donated funds proved to be a thorn in 24 age group and the 55 and above age the side for a large majority. group has increased. For philanthropy, However, the silver lining is the fact while the amount donated and percentage that informed giving is on the rise. The of donors have decreased, the donors survey shows that donors are more likely appear to be more discerning and are now to ask more questions before they gave asking more questions and planning before money than in 2004, when the question they donate, which indicate that they they most often asked was the name of now want to be more informed about the organisation. 26 per cent in 2006 their giving. ask for the legal status of the charity, compared with 16 per cent in 2004, and 22 per cent ask about its management, compared with 9 per cent two years ago.

This should spell good news for the local Significantly, more than one in five charity scene, which is still struggling (21 per cent) also plan in advance now to be back in favour with the public.

National director for Habitat for Humanity who they want to donate to – instead of deciding only when asked – compared Singapore Yong Teck Meng says he expects to 9 per cent in the 2004 survey. the backlash on the sector to continue with civil lawsuits against the former NKF board pending, calling the scandal “a gaping wound, and the worst may still NVPC chairman Rear-Admiral (Ret) be to come”.

Kwek Siew Jin says these findings repreNone of the spokespersons from sent “a good development” for the sector. charities contacted said they were surprised “I think some people were surprised by the findings that overall donations have that public confidence had not taken a fallen – along with confidence levels. bigger hit than it did. However, it is still The total amount donated by individuals good to know that people have not stopped for 2004 was S$438 million, compared giving – they are just more careful and to S$341 million in 2006. The average

“I THINK SOME PEOPLE WERE SURPRISED THAT PUBLIC CONFIDENCE HAD NOT TAKEN A BIGGER HIT THAN IT DID.”

MAKING A FRESH START

FOCUSING ON THE GOOD

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sation that has benefited from this new practice. When vice-president Stanley Tan initiated the placement of donation tins at various petrol stations for victims of the recent violence in Timor Leste, he was quizzed by the stations’ management about how the donations would be used, and who the MILK Fund’s board members were. This subsequently registered a rise in donations from individuals.

In its latest financial year, MILK received nearly Ho Sun Yee, CEO, Singapore Heart Foundation $1 million (about 36 per cent of its total donations) from individuals – are required to work harder to get the a 75 per cent jump in donations from the donor dollar,” he says. previous financial year. Its annual MILK “NVPC favours informed giving. With Run fundraiser in July also exceeded its donors having greater confidence in the $1 million fundraising target. charity as well as the cause that is being Meanwhile, Singapore Heart Foundasupported, the hope is that they will be tion’s (SHF) CEO Ho Sun Yee is pleased more generous in their giving,” he adds. about the rise in demand from both donors The Mainly I Love Kids (MILK) Fund, and volunteers for greater clarity on how in particular, is an example of an organifunds are utilised and for charities to be better organised because “it speaks volumes that they are more discerning and that would give us charities more reason to upgrade our professionalism and also to better manage our volunteers and donors.”

Ho adds that this finding helped SHF to justify investing in its own finance team to better account to donors, and the investment in the post of a volunteer manager to better manage their volunteers. particular about which charities or what causes they give their money to. This way, more money will be channelled to the better run charities and the more worthwhile causes. At the same time, charities

“THE FINDINGS HELPED US TO JUSTIFY INVESTING IN OUR OWN FINANCE TEAM TO BETTER ACCOUNT TO DONORS, AND THE INVESTMENT IN THE POST OF A VOLUNTEER MANAGER TO BETTER MANAGE OUR VOLUNTEERS.”

Mak Chee Wah, founder and chairman of Amazing Kidz, a charity for brain-injured children, also agrees that the public movement towards informed giving is “the catalyst needed to ensure that charities openly disclose more information about their organisations and their programmes”.

IT’S ALL ABOUT PERCEPTION What of Singaporeans’ perceptions of charities in the near future? Tan Thuan Seng, president of Focus on the Family, expects donors to be “more discriminating in their support” while SHF’s Ho says “Singaporeans will be watching how charities respond to the new regulatory frameworks that have been put in place, and those who are better at responding and communicating to the public would be better placed to receive their support in terms of time (volunteering), talent (skills) and treasure (monies).”

NVPC’s Kwek shares this sentiment, and believes that the more transparent charities who are prepared to share fully with the public their information about their need for and use of funds will be the ones who will benefit more from the new climate of informed giving.

TIPS FOR INFORMED PHILANTHROPY (TIPS) When you donate to an organisation, you want your money to be put to good use.

How do you find out if the organisation you’re donating to is real and really worth donating to? NVPC provides you with some tips, which are grouped into four major indicators. The indicators If the organisation: i) Describes itself as a registered charity are not conclusive but may help or an Institution of a Public Character (IPC) you to get further information, but evidence of this is not apparent. which in turn may help increase your confidence as a donor. The tips Look up an official list at www.mcys. provide some objectivity but as a gov.sg to see if it is a registered charity donor, it is your money and your or IPC. If the organisation is not on the opinion counts. Ask for as much list, ask the organisation to explain why (or as little) information as you need. it claims to be registered.

PURPOSE

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PEOPLE If the organisation has significant board or staff turnover (eg mass resignations), or significant overlap between board members and staff. ii) Has no vision or mission statements, Compare the names of board members or statements are unclear. and key management staff in current Clear mission/vision statements and previous annual reports to see help you better understand an extent of turnover (some reports would organisation’s reasons for existence mention if changes have occurred in and its programmes. If an organisation the year, which saves you the work of has no clear reason for existence, or the comparing with past reports). Some programmes do not seem to support turnover is to be expected (eg. through the mission, seek clarification. expiry of board terms).

Ho adds that the trust and confidence in established charities will continue to grow, and the challenge is for smaller or newer ones – who in addition to trying to deliver services to the community

Explains Mak, “It is only through these controversies that the need for the public and donors to learn more about the charities before making a donation is highlighted.

Informed giving is beneficial to the charities which are well managed and also ensures that the monies are going to the right charitable programmes.”

This is encouraging Mak Chee Wah, founder and chairman, Amazing Kidz in light of NVPC’s ideal of donors practising proactive and sustained more effectively and to make their giving, instead of reacting to fundraising causes known to the community requests. Notes Kwek, “Overall, the – have to contend with the donating survey findings bode well for charities public whenever there is negative in Singapore. Coupled with the fact that news about charities.

Singaporeans are generous and giving Most also agree time heals all by nature, we should be optimistic that wounds and that the restoration of things can only get better, as long as public confidence is impending, charities continue to practice accountwith “two to three years” being the ability and transparency.” commonly cited timeframe in which As Kwek observes, the changes made it would happen. by the Inter-Ministry Committee to charity “With the appointment of the new regulations and the determination to full-time Commissioner of Charities and operate with more openness can put the a charity council to advise him, I think the sector back on the right track. The large public will slowly but surely regain their majority of Singapore’s charities are wellpublic confidence in charities. There will run and provide much-needed help and be little humps along the road to the support to needy Singaporeans. And this restoration of public confidence, but with is something the public should take note each hump, the whole sector will learn and the professionalism and standards will of, and not let a very small number of poor examples taint the sector as a whole. ✩ be one notch higher,” says Ho. So, is the informed giver here to stay?

The answer is also a unanimous “Yes!”

“INFORMED GIVING... ENSURES THAT THE MONIES ARE GOING TO THE RIGHT CHARITABLE PROGRAMMES.”

Check if the same names appear in the board and management, or if some of the members appear related.It is a plus if the board has a nomination committee (which indicates its seriousness in choosing the right people for the job) and an audit committee. It is also a plus if there are write-ups about the board members and management team; these help indicate whether the organisation is in good hands.

ii) Does not seem to have up to date information on its expenses.

An organisation should be able If the organisation: to show how it has spent on its i) Has no clear description of intended use programmes and other expenses. of funds or programmes.

Do allow for some time lag, eg. it may Programme information tells donors take several months to report the how an organisation carries out its financial statements after the close of mission, including whom it is serving a financial year. If the latest available and how. If an organisation is carrying financial statement is several years old, out much work, it should have more or is incomplete (eg, it reports only information to share. income but not expenses), ask why.

PROGRAMMES

PUBLICITY There has been negative publicity about the organisation.

If there have been negative reports, do give the organisation a chance to tell you its side of the story, especially if the reports are old. If it is difficult for you to contact the organisation, eg, there is no publicly available phone number or email, you should be concerned about its ability to manage communications with donors.

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More and more special interest groups seem to be sprouting up all over the island, but what are they contributing to our society? SARAH TAY looks beyond the initiative to find out.

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orld Toilet Organisation (WTO).

Beautiful People. Women Make a Difference (WMD).

Young Leaders Foundation (YLF).

As anyone with his or her pulse on the Singapore’s social awareness landscape would know, these are just some examples of the deluge of special interest groups that have sprouted over the last few years.

Recent statistics from the Registry of Societies show that 302 and 333 societies were registered in 2004 and 2005 respectively. Groups like WMD and YLF are also examples of special groups registered

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as companies with limited guarantees under the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority.

The one thing they have in common: a bottom line not of financial profit, but the betterment of society. Some of these groups could be charities, but many of these are a blend of the three core sectors of society – people, private and public – in that their activities combine entrepreneurial and business skills with a philanthropic mission, like social enterprises.

These could range from the training of people to raising awareness for a cause to

support groups for widows, single mothers or abused spouses.

Some of these groups have already made a social impact. For WTO’s founder Jack Sim, this couldn’t be truer. Since “looking for a social gap to fill” and finding it in toilets because they “were totally neglected due to their taboo nature”, Sim has spread the importance of toilet hygiene well beyond Singapore’s shores.

Today, WTO is practically international. It’s put Sim (and Singapore) on the Schwab Foundation’s list of 103 social entrepreneurs. Foreign government

agencies go to WTO for support in their national strategies for public as well as rural toilets, and pay hundreds of thousands each year to host the World Toilet Summit and the World Toilet Expo&Forums series. Plans are in the pipeline for a WcCafe to run as their social enterprise so that in future, WTO can fund itself and franchise globally.

NICHE SUCCESS Observes Liak Teng Lit, CEO of Alexandra Hospital, “The new economy is largely driven by smaller companies and/or individuals with special skills. If you look at societies worldwide, large companies and organisations co-exist alongside many smaller organisations and companies. Why? “Beyond a certain point, increasing size leads to increased complexity, a loss of focus, personal rapport and intimacy. Eventually, a large company can become too slow at responding to changes in the environment. Small outfits with fewer emails, SMS or phone calls can pull together incredible amounts of resources to do something within days, if not minutes.”

Indeed, these special interest groups have lots to offer and bode well for Singaporean society and the nonprofit sector.

Their unique position enables them to work with the core sectors of society to innovatively address today’s social ills by galvanising members of the community to play a part. Engaging and empowering them to do so can turn ordinary people into heroes and crusaders in their own right.

Theresa Tan, founder of WMD, truly believes this. “Singaporeans are not really apathetic – but because we lead such cushy lives, it’s not often we get a clear message on what we can do to help someone else.

So what’s really needed are leaders that have a proper plan and a clear means of communicating what needs to be done.

For example, last year we made getting involved really easy by our maxim: Buy a T-shirt, help a girl, and make a stand. Too often we get women telling us ‘I’ve always wanted to help out in a cause like this but didn’t know how’. WMD’s job is to show them how – and create effective ways for them to help.”

While some critics may say that some of these groups are ego-driven, others call

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It is good that more people are doing something about what they are passionate about. It is a lot better than people just moaning and groaning and then doing nothing.

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Liak Teng Lit, CEO, Alexandra Hospital

it active citizenry. “Ego happens to the best of us!” laughs Tan. “That’s Singaporeans for you – we’re all so brand-obsessed!

I guess it’s a case of ‘he who has the best branding gets the best funds’, which is sadly all too true. It’s a delicate balance, making a name for your group so that you can get the funding you need to do the work you need, and making a name so that you appear many times in the paper... for the right reasons of course!”

which may otherwise go unaddressed.

He’s been impressed, in particular, with a group of butterfly enthusiasts under the Nature Society. He explains: “I am forever grateful to them. They came to our hospital and gave their time, expertise and plants, infecting us with their enthusiasm. From the original 27 species of butterflies, we now have 90 and will soon hit 100. Every time I see the beautiful butterflies in our garden, I say a silent thank you to all the people who came to help us.”

Liak also singles out the WTO for doing a wonderful job, and reminding us of our most basic responsibility to keep our public toilets clean.

Meanwhile, Ivy Singh-Lim of Bollywood Veggies says she has a soft spot for societies that help the physically challenged. She says, “Such groups are highly respected by me because they cater to people who really need extra help in a society that pretends they are not around.

Green fingers: Student volunteers help spruce up Alexandra Hospital’s garden.

“Calling the start of WMD ‘an act of active citizenry’ is a great way to describe it.

Our group was founded on a conscious effort to quell apathy – to give it no excuse to exist,” she adds.

MAKING A STATEMENT Meanwhile, Liak just feels “it is good that more people are doing something about what they are passionate about. It is a lot better than people just moaning and groaning and then doing nothing”.

In his opinion, it should be taken as a good sign for Singapore that its citizens are making the effort to address concerns

I know for a fact that it took no less than 20 years to impress upon our transport providers to make transportation friendly for this group!”

AND WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH....

But at the same time, some argue that it seems easy enough to set up an organisation, only to throw in the towel when things aren’t going according to plan and open a new incarnation some time down the road. What if these groups sprout but don’t establish roots and thus fail to make a lasting impact or change?

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Liak says if there are the odd ones who register a charity with intention to “try-try, play-play” then it should not be encouraged. But generally, he feels “there are lots of people contributing, doing something to help others with their own resources, or with donations from their immediate circles. Some don’t even bother registering as a society.”

WMD’s Tan adds that in her opinion, the failures are purely due to the lack of a good idea. For example, some social enterprises have gone into running a café, which you can basically find on any street corner. In that sense, there’s no unique selling point to the product or service.

But for WMD, failure is not an option.

She comments, “You start it and you keep it going no matter what it takes!

Even if it means that you can’t get everything going as fast as you would like, or in the ideal situation that you dream of.

WMD is committed to make a difference in the long term.

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Many times, it becomes an ownership struggle, and people forget the purpose and get bogged down with the personality issues.

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Melissa Kwee, founder, Project Access

youth organisations such as Project Access and Beautiful People says she doesn’t believe all organisations are built to sustain their cause because different projects have different life spans. This, in turn, ties in with how some groups make it, and some don’t.

“If one’s goals are very specific and achievable, you actually hope you work yourself out of business and move on! But other organisations which work towards a larger social vision need to stay relevant by ensuring strong financial management, and by building partnerships with other

Women who dare: WMD founder Theresa Tan (extreme right) with WMD supporter Nanz ChongKomo (second from right) and fellow volunteers at the Women’s Expo in 2005.

“There has to be accountability, good management of finances and donations, wise expenditure and the willingness to be flexible under difficult circumstances.

This is unlike a business where if you’re not making money, you can close it down – unless women’s and children’s problems end tomorrow, WMD still has a mission!”

WTO’s Sim agrees, saying “I can’t imagine WTO failing at any time in the future. We focus on our work because we need to get things done. We cannot afford to have self-doubts. I work without pay and we don’t borrow.”

However, Melissa Kwee, who started

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organisations with common or complementary missions and goals.

“If your organisation is not meeting a locally felt and expressed need, it will not stay in business. I suppose that’s when the ego-meter kicks in and asks ‘Is this about you or what you are doing on behalf of others who have no voice or resources to act for themselves?’,” remarks Kwee, who recently assumed the chairmanship of the Australian-by-origin Young Leaders Foundation, which aims to inspire and equip ordinary young people to lead lives of significance, so that they lead themselves and others well.

IT’S ABOUT LEVERAGING AND ALLIANCES The common consensus, though, is that these groups should always leverage on their strengths and unique characteristics as they go about their mission. There is also much more to be gained by aligning yourself with another organisation or group, than going it alone.

Says Kwee, “It goes back to the idea and necessity of collaboration. Building crosssectoral collaborations is important. Most challenges require responses that intersect various organisations and sectors. Solutions require different input and collaboration – part policy, part public education, part technical solution, part research, part fundraising, and a lot of perseverance to see it through.

“I don’t try to do anything alone.

I think it’s a waste of time and resources.

I’d rather keep my eyes and ears open for different things that are aligned with what I’m doing and find a way to create an arrangement that adds value to everyone.

Many times, it becomes an ownership struggle, and people forget the purpose and get bogged down with the personality issues. It’s a shame when that happens.”

WTO’s Sim adds that special interest groups should take advantage of the fact that they are “connectors, fillers, hinges, levers, glue, grease and gears or catalysts” within the nonprofit sector. Their service and potential synergies with related neighbours are important.

He quips, “Toilets are related to hygiene, health, dignity, graciousness, cleaning skills, architecture, product design, equipment technologies, sanitation and sewage treatment, water, disease mitigation, rural development, poverty alleviation, tourism, environment... the list goes on! Eventually, you realise everything is related to everything!”

Says Kwee, “We are never going to create a better future if we cannot expand our view of what is possible. The running of such societies takes up a heck of a lot of time and emotional energy. But it multiplies the benefits back to me and to so many others. That’s what makes it worth it.”

Radical and creative changes are most in need in the nonprofit sector as the global marketplace evolves. And with such niche groups on the scene, things can only get better. ✩

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Unseen Heroes

When it comes to reaching out to the community, The Finger Players prefer to let their hands do the talking. MICHELLE BONG gets in on the action.

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hey manipulate puppets such as a female belly-dancer and a ninja master called Momo Taro, talking to them or making them dance in the air.

And with a wiggle of a finger or the slight twitch of a thumb, delighted peals of laughter, gasps of surprise and wonderedaloud questions filled with innocent curiosity from audiences young and old are evoked.

Puppeteer-actors from The Finger Players take this powerful brand of arts outreach to primary and secondary schools, childcare centres, old folks homes and the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

They have also held ad-hoc performances at the Spastic Children’s Association School, the Singapore School for The Deaf, TOUCH Centre for Independent Living and Pertapis Children’s Home.

Explains Natalie Chai, its business manager, “Our vision is to promote the art of puppetry, with a view to enhancing the audience’s creativity, imagination

“ Puppetry is a good medium to entertain, inform and heal... People of any age will respond to puppets with awe and without much reservation.” and sensitivity towards the art form, in particular with the children.”

Their plays are derived and adapted from stories, myths and legends of the Asia Pacific region which are modified for relevance to each particular audience in the hopes of imbuing life lessons and moral values, and pushing the limits of imagination.

Centre’s (NVPC) New Initiative Grant, the company is excited to do much more and to realise their aim of reaching out to 1,500 beneficiaries.

“The grant represents a great kick-off for our newly launched charity programme called Pay-It-Forward, in which we conduct Hands in motion: The Finger training for volunteer Chai elaborates, “Puppetry Players bring ninja master Momo Taro to life. leaders in the different is a good medium for our overall aspects of theatre (including puppetry). objectives to entertain, inform and heal.

To date, we have trained 16 volunteer Our observations show that people of any leaders – including teachers from childage will respond to puppets with awe and care centres and special schools – who without much reservation. Unlike the will then reach out to the community stress that comes with teacher-student under the guidance of The Finger Players relationships, most people can relate by performing and conducting free workto puppets on a peer basis and it makes shops in organisations,” explains Chai. learning more accessible for children “If not for the grant, all this would not with short attention spans or experience have been possible.” difficulties with learning.”

Financial worries aside, Chai can “For instance, when a puppet delibnow better concentrate on on-going erately pronounces a word wrongly or does challenges such as administrative and something silly, children will be ready logistical tasks like liaising with the to correct the puppet of its mistake(s). different organisations to find the most Along the way, they become teaching appropriate time slots for performances assistants and gain self-assurance in and sourcing for appropriate show venues. reading and analysing body movements,” While The Finger Players revel in she adds. the satisfaction gained through their love As a non-profit theatre company for puppetry, it is the huge smiles on the with charity status and Singapore’s only faces of those they’ve touched and the active professional puppetry company, thought that they have created a ripple in their community programmes to help the the hearts of their audiences that is their aged and children at orphanages and best “reward”. hospices over the years have been limited Says Chai, “For us, each and in terms of frequency due to a lack of resources. Now that they’ve been awarded every performance is our most memorable one.” ✩ the National Volunteer & Philanthropy

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It’s All About the Brand JACK SIM kicks off his new SALT column on tips for nonprofits with a topic close to his heart – the power and importance of branding.

“Passion is infectious – when you feel it, they feel it. And they’ll tell others about your work.”

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volunteers to design for you. Your logo is the symbol that reminds them of who you are and like combing your hair or washing your face, does ensure you look good on print.

Speak at key events to let others know your cause and more importantly, to hear your passion in the tonality of your voice. Passion is infectious

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Photography by Skye Tan/Picture courtesy of NewMan.

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he World Toilet Organisation is the first world body Made-inSingapore. In five years, it has become a respectable body welcomed by UN agencies, governments and people from Beijing to Bahrain to Belfast.

It now has 50 organisational members in 40 countries and is still growing.

Its secret? Strong branding.

If you do good work quietly, nobody knows. Visibility is important to NPOs because people buy into the safety of a good and well-known brand.

How then to promote your cause?

You may have already done a lot but here are some more hints: • Decide clearly what you want to tell the public about your work and your mission. Make your message interesting and meaningful. Go out with a care for others beyond your cause.

• Refresh your print image. Design your logo, vans, stationery, colours, T-shirts etc to reflect your mission and to show your professionalism.

If you have no money, get trained

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– when you feel it, they feel it. And they’ll tell others about your work.

Nothing beats word-of-mouth referrals.

If you are only invited to attend, speak from the floor by introducing yourself first and asking pertinent questions relating to your cause.

Try to ask the first question for maximum impact.

Write a letter to the editor of newspapers and magazines (like SALT) to share your thoughts. Try to align your piece with the current state of affairs. If the trend is about good governance, give new suggestions that may be helpful and add value.

This is a way of telling others about your beliefs and showing them your integrity. Be truthful.

As much as possible, engage the press with your latest programmes

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and events. If you want rapid dissemination because time is of the essence, invite all the major media.

If you have a very special story and want maximum exposure, try to give an exclusive to one media instead of telling everyone about it.

Find good photo angles as well!

If necessary, “sacrifice” yourself for the picture by doing something different. You may think this is beyond the scope of your job, but you must value-add to get published.

Time your release. Don’t coincide with other major events eg. Election Day, National Day, Christmas, or periods when your news will be overwhelmed by other events.

Network! Bring plenty of name cards and give them to all the new faces you wish to be associated with in the future. When they give you their card, always write the date and notes describing what you want to do with this person in the future. If you collect plenty of cards, you’ll need notes to remember them all!

At all times, keep your messages consistent. Good branding is about being congruent in every aspect of your corporate culture.

Do not dilute your message either.

If you have three strong points and two minor ones, drop the minor points because they may distract from your key message. A listener’s mind is often already pre-occupied with many other thoughts, so don’t add to the clutter! ✩

Jack Sim is the founder of the World Toilet Organisation, World Toilet Congress and the Restroom Association of Singapore. He was also Singapore’s inaugural Schwab Social Entrepreneur of the Year in 2005.

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Governance With Passion

In the rush to implement new rules to prevent breach of trust post-NKF, STANLEY TAN argues that the charity sector may be sacrificing passion at the altar of governance.

Salt and pepper shakers from a private collection.

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here has been much discussion in the public arena about governance since the NKF saga, much of which seems to focus on governance to prevent breach of trust. In the aftermath of NKF, new rules have been introduced to ensure transparency and the proper exercise of fiduciary duties.

The need to honour the trust endowed to us as board members when we accept our appointment is a basic duty.

Certainly criminal breach of such trust should not go unpunished, even if we started with the best intent. A thousand good acts cannot justify a wrongful one.

But governance involves far more than just prevention of the misuse of funds. It also involves the assurance that the vision and mission of the charity is being pursued. At the risk of sounding simplistic, in effect, the board has to ensure that the charity: 1) Raises funds responsibly; 2) Uses the funds for the purpose they were raised for; and 3) Uses it effectively and efficiently to the best of their ability.

The revised clarity given to charities on the rules and guidelines on governance is helpful to both existing and new board members. Many of these should already have been obvious. However, it seems that an impression has been given (inadvertently perhaps) to the public that many current board members are not qualified or have abused the use of funds.

“ This over-emphasis on rules can easily lead to a conclusion that we just want a board that polices... we should be seeking a board that ensures that the vision and mission of the charity is being served.”

To existing board members and interested volunteers, it now appears that being a board member requires professional qualifications beyond a high level of integrity, a passion for the cause, being part of a balanced team, and exercising fair and sound judgment.

This over-emphasis on rules and guidelines can easily lead to a conclusion that we just want a board that polices, whereas in effect, we should be seeking a board that supports and empowers and ensures that the vision and mission of the charity is being served. Having integrity and sound judgment are merely basic requirements.

We need boards that serve because they believe in the work, are resourceful, are convicted enough to act, use given

resources, source for needed resources, stand by their decisions and select the right people to run the charities. They should be willing to take on the responsibility for wrongful acts and not pass the buck to insurance companies. Being insured is a nice security blanket, but it should not be a requirement. If the passion is absent, then the charity sector will continue not to attract the needed talent.

Judgment is of course subjective.

The charity sector is not just about raising funds and spending or not spending it.

It must be about compassion and the desire to alleviate unfair and correctable disadvantages. And boards should exist to govern the reduction and even eradication of these disadvantages by exercising their best judgment and integrity.

Ultimately, it is about finding good and passionate people who want to serve the charity’s purpose and supporting them with members who are more structured and skilled in meeting with regulatory requirements. Governance is a team effort and the lead driver must come from the purpose of the existence of the charity rather than just the ability to steward money. ✩ Stanley Tan is a NVPC board member, president of Beyond Social Services and vice president of MILK (Mainly I Love Kids). The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of the above mentioned organisations.

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SALTS HAK ERS&M OVERS

A Catalyst for Change Like Wonder Woman, local businesswoman, civil society advocate and Singapore Compact president Claire Chiang spins circles around people with her boundless enthusiasm for her chosen causes. MICHELLE BONG meets the self-confessed deadline lover and change catalyst to find out how she juggles it all with such aplomb and grace.

Photo by Russel Wong

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ost people view work stress as one of life’s evils; it is the architect of furrowed brows, the reason for late nights at the office and the bane of many an existence. But Banyan Tree Holdings’ senior vice president and sociologist-by-training Claire Chiang thinks otherwise.

“Stress helps us take flight,” says the prominent businesswoman who has long been a fixture on Singapore’s social and business scene. “We should be overwhelmed! That’s how we learn. I love deadlines – it helps me prioritise and set off multiple impacts.”

This “bring it on!” mentality has undoubtedly been the driving force behind her involvement with various committees, societies and groups over the years. She served two terms as a Nominated Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2001, and has played pivotal roles on several committees such as the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports’ (MCYS) Family Matters and Micro Enterprises committees.

The 55-year-old is also a valuable resource

“ I love deadlines – it helps me prioritise and set off multiple impacts.” person for the South West Community Development Council and the patron and advisor of Help Every Lonely Parent.

In recognition of her volunteer work with MCYS, Chiang was recently honoured with the Friend of MCYS award.

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Now, the role of president of Singapore Compact for Corporate Social Responsibility also rests on her slender shoulders. Her already frenetic schedule now has new entries in the form of meetings, events and other tasks required in her work for the society. Formed in January 2005, Singapore Compact’s key objective is to serve as a multi-stakeholder platform in fostering dialogue and collaboration to promote CSR in Singapore. As part of the United Nations Global Compact country network of over 1,800 organisations from 70 countries, there are currently more than 100 companies in its membership base, and Singapore Compact hopes to bump this figure up to 500 by 2007.

“Our role is to be the catalyst for the effective and sustainable implementation of CSR in companies. We’re not a watch-

dog body – we galvanise organisations to internalise CSR into their corporate culture, strategy and practices,” says Chiang, who is married to executive chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings Ltd, Ho Kwon Ping (fondly referred to as KP), and is the mother of their two sons and a daughter.

She says, “As a life partner and associate in business with KP, it has been a fiery and intensely enriching experience, because we are to one another our best critics and supporters, defenders and opponents. There were difficult moments evidently when we disagreed over issues and decisions in business.

But we know at the end of the day, we act in the interest of the company.”

“The journey in business, like in marriage, sharpened in us a heightened sense of responsibility and accountability.

We no longer do business just to make money; we have to sustain it and make it a part of the community because 5,000 people with families in the region depend on our success,” adds Chiang.

Her appointment to head Singapore Compact is an appropriate one, given that Chiang can draw on her CSR-related experiences at Banyan Tree Holdings, a company long known for its commitment towards reduced environmental impacts, staff and community welfare and ethical business practices since 1994. Operating 18 resorts, 49 spas and 53 retail galleries

in 19 countries, the public listed group’s CSR efforts are formalised under their Green Imperative Fund which harnesses its creative diversity and corporate resources to promote responsible practices and values.

Chiang elaborates, “Being children growing up in the ‘60s and fired by idealism towards social justice and fairness in life, including environmental protection, KP and I had long been advocates for responsible development even before we knew of such a notion called CSR! “The protection of corals, turtles and nurse sharks in our Banyan Tree Maldives Resort started right from the beginning because what the Maldivians desired in protecting their eco-system echoed our own values and common sense of what is good practice. Those matching of values helped to shape the way we build, restore and develop our marine protection programmes in the Maldives, an initiative that attracted many donors to our Green Imperative Fund and visitors to our resorts. This is a case of doing well for the business by doing good.”

In addition, the company preserves the ecological environment surrounding its resorts through projects such as manufacturing refillable containers for bio-degradable toiletries. It’s also tagged four green sea turtles with monitors and is working with experts to track the turtles’ migrations patterns, and plans to do the same for spinner dolphins. Banyan Tree Maldives also enjoys a joint partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and the Maldivian government to spearhead the Adopt-an Island campaign – following the tsunami disaster of 2004 – whereby Banyan Tree adopted the island of Naalaafushi and led construction efforts to repair and rebuild the island’s 77 homes.

Chiang is confident that others will learn from Banyan Tree’s example. “Singapore is a very giving society – she just needs someone to put the information out. I hope organisations will embrace the CSR spirit, especially at the leadership and middle management levels, so that it will permeate

the ranks and influence change in professional and personal lives,” says Chiang. “We aim for small wins, where all will benefit.”

It’s evident that Chiang is one Singaporean who’s truly passionate about her beliefs and aspirations, and is not afraid to

“ We are laying the groundwork for future generations.

We want to encourage the spirit of giving and see it grow from seedling to shoot to tree.” act on them. One can’t help but sense a genuine excitement about the change she hopes to bring about via organisations across the island. Her coolly-delivered words are the product of a sharp mind that whizzes from one train of thought to another.

In fact, you almost get the feeling that she is mentally planning the next workday’s agenda and what to pick up at the grocery store after work, even as she fixes her cool gaze on you and tells you that she listens to music to “entertain one part of her brain”.

Chiang puts the ‘m’ in ‘multi-tasking’ – so how does she cope with it all?

“I’m not a superwoman... just an energetic one!” she laughs, when I suggest she is the former. “I sleep just three hours on a busy day. And I plan all my duties for the entire week, not just for one day.

I’m a check-list person because I forget so much! Planning is my advantage – there’s so much on my plate.”

Chiang, who calls herself “a strategist who packs suitcases for impending trips”, concedes that she’s been conditioned to manage calm amidst chaos, surprises and unexpected circumstances. Her background as a dancer, prefect, debater, choir member, and sports lover has shaped the woman she is today, and ingrained a sense of discipline that’s inherent in her.

She cites Miss Govindasamy from Raffles Girls School and Wong Oi Chan from Nan Hua as her mentors who

inculcated a love for projects in her, and taught her the importance of “discipline and grace”, following her first involvement in a cultural dance group at the tender age of five.

At home, her family shaped her through “scoldings and praise”. Her mother, in particular, taught her life lessons she will never forget, including the importance of seizing opportunities. “She always stressed that in life, no one owes you anything.

You have to go out there and make things happen for yourself,” adds Chiang, who admires strong women like Elizabeth Choy. Through her late grandfather who was self-taught and her late father, who was still taking examinations at the age of 65, she says she also learnt resilience.

This value will stand Chiang in good stead as she overcomes whatever hurdles she may face in championing Singapore Compact’s cause. She remains hopeful, in view of the fact that “the government has implemented rules and sanctions to facilitate CSR. A good government and environment has already been put in place. It’s time to work on the individual and family.

“I give us eight out of 10 points for community building, six out of 10 for environmental awareness and nine out of 10 for corporate governance. I think this is something for Singapore Compact to build on, with creative ideas and strong collaborations.”

Chiang stresses, though, that more has to be done to encourage the giving experience. She says corporations here should employ CSR managers or extend human resource functions to include CSR. “We are laying the groundwork for future generations. We want to encourage the spirit of giving and see it grow from seedling to shoot to tree. I am heartened by how more youths seem committed to this cause – a surge of young idealists who are eager to see how they can carry out our ideals. Bits and pieces of effort can multiply the effects of change!”

Spoken like a true catalyst. ✩

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The Business of Business Is the business of business just business? Supporters of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) who say that CSR is good business are playing into the hands of critics of CSR, says WILLIE CHENG. He argues that CSR is really about corporate power and that it will be hard to tame the corporate beast.

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udging by the response at the recent NVPC conference, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is gathering momentum, no longer a fringe activity of leading lights such as HSBC and SPH. CSR is about good corporate citizenship. More than corporate volunteerism and philanthropy, it encompasses such basics as ethical conduct, environmental responsibility and enlightened human resource practices.

Internationally, the United Nations rolled out a Global Compact (UNGC) initiative in 1999. UNGC is a CSR framework with 10 principles of good voluntary corporate conduct covering human rights, labour, environment and corruption.

It was first adopted in Singapore in May 2005 by the Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility, a Singapore NGO that sought to provide a broad-based platform for CSR. However, it was soon eclipsed by the tripartite-formed Singapore Compact for CSR which now has 130 corporate members, the first of whom signed the UNGC in September 2005.

Singapore Compact recently held its Inaugural CSR Conference in conjunction with the 2006 National Volunteer & Philanthropy Conference. A dozen corporate leaders from UBS, Qian Hu etc went on stage to explain to over 500 people why and how they were practising CSR.

Good Citizens, Good Business To hear it from the many who champion the cause, CSR has many benefits for companies.

CSR can help build a company’s brand.

Marketing studies show that consumers like a product from a “responsible” corpo-

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ration. When a company shows its willingness to be part of the fabric of a local community rather than an exploitative outsider, it goes a long way to build positive public opinion and customer trust. The Body Shop, for example, benefits from

“ Many studies have shown a correlation between CSR and favourable financial performance, although academics argue about the cause and effect.” consumer perception of its ethical stand even though detractors say that its practices such as synthetic products and using ingredients that have been tested on animals are contrary to the company’s marketing.

CSR programmes can motivate employees. People look for meaning in their lives and their work. CSR builds a “feel good” atmosphere among staff, particularly when they get involved in fundraising and volunteer efforts. Marc Benioff, the CEO of salesforce.com explains in his book Compassionate Capitalism how good corporate citizenship can be used to attract, retain and motivate the best workers.

Many studies have shown a correlation between CSR and favourable financial performance, although academics argue about the cause and effect. A Harvard University longitudinal study found that “stakeholder-balanced” companies had four times the revenue growth and eight times the employment growth of companies with “shareholder-only” focus.

To the CSR advocates therefore, companies do well by doing good.

Business is Business Although it may not be politically correct, the critics of CSR can be vocal and respectable. They take their gospel text from economist Milton Friedman who said in 1970 that “There is one and only one social responsibility of business – to use its resources to engage in activities to increase its profits so long as it stays within the rules of the game.”

The Economist magazine has been a long time supporter of this point of view.

Its January 2005 bumper coverage on “The Good Company” suggests that CSR is at best all hype and at worst, a delusion that will reduce both profits and social welfare.

It goes as far as to argue that corporate philanthropy is a “morally dubious transaction” because it is “charity with other people’s money”. Its approach would be for a company to not “steal profits” but to give the money back to its shareholders who can then decide for themselves whether and which charities they want to give to.

CSR advocates who proclaim that it is good for business are really singing the tune of these CSR critics. The two arguments are opposite sides of the same coin – anchored on the value that the business of business is business. Thus, CSR becomes a business decision: do it if it makes business sense, don’t bother if it does not. In this context, CSR is not so much a triumph of altruism but merely enlightened self-interest.

Hence, in some CSR handbooks, it is a strategy for corporations that face reputation problems to engage in high profile CSR programmes to divert attention or subdue resentment. Tobacco companies like British American Tobacco engage in

health and other community initiatives.

Earlier this year, when Samsung in Korea faced public backlash over a string of scandals, its chairman apologised and pledged to make the nation’s single largest donation

“ CSR is not so much a triumph of altruism but merely enlightened self-interest.” to date – over S$1.3billion to charity.

CSR skeptics point to the low take up rate of CSR as evidence that business is really about business – and it so happens that most don’t find it good business. The Economist notes that corporate giving of the top UK companies (FTSE 100) averaged just less than 1 per cent of pre-tax profits.

In Singapore, average corporate giving is even much less at 0.22 per cent, according to NVPC’s 2004 corporate giving survey.

Corporate Power The other and truly compelling rationale for CSR is this: the responsibility of power.

As Peter Parker, alter-ego of Spiderman would hauntingly say, “With great power comes great responsibility”. He had learnt the hard way the consequences of ignoring the accountability that comes with his gift of superpowers. That lesson applies not just to superheroes, but also to mortals and organisations in positions of power.

And corporations have plenty of power. There are villages and small towns where one or a few corporations control the livelihood of most of the folks in that community. After APRIL, a pulp and paper manufacturer started in the town of Pangkalan Kerinci, Indonesia, the population grew from 200 people to 60,000.

But this pales in comparison to the impact made by the giant transnational corporations with tentacles all around the globe. Wal-Mart employs more than 1.8 million people worldwide, stocking and retailing the goods we need for everyday living.

Some of these transnationals are so big, they dwarf countries. If you compare corporate sales and country GDPs (see table), of the 100 largest “economies” in the

TOP 100 ECONOMIES OF THE WORLD RANK ECONOMY Country/Industry

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51

United States Japan Germany China United Kingdom France Italy Spain Canada Brazil Korea, Rep. India Mexico Russian Federation Australia Netherlands Switzerland Belgium Turkey Sweden ExxonMobil USA/Oil & Gas Wal-Mart Stores USA/Retail Saudi Arabia Royal Dutch/Shell Group

GDP OR SALES* (US$BILLION)

12,455.1 4,505.9 2,781.9 2,228.9 2,192.6 2,110.2 1,723.0 1,123.7 1,115.2 794.1 787.6 785.5 768.4 763.7 700.7 594.8 365.9 364.7 363.3 354.1 328.2 312.4 309.8

306.7 Austria 304.5 Poland 299.2 Indonesia 287.2 Norway 283.9 Denmark 254.4 BP UK/Oil&Gas 249.5 South Africa 240.2 Greece 213.7 Ireland 196.4 Iran, Islamic Rep. 196.3 Finland 193.2 General Motors USA/Motor 192.6 Chevron USA/Oil & Gas 184.9 Argentina 183.3 178.1 Ford Motor USA/Motor Hong Kong, China 177.7 DaimlerChrysler USA/Motor 177.0 Thailand 176.6 Toyota Motor Japan/Motor 173.1 Portugal 173.1 ConocoPhillips USA/Oil & Gas 162.4 General Electric USA/Conglomerate 149.7 Total France/Oil & Gas 144.9 Venezuela, RB 138.9 ING Group Netherlands/Finance 137.1 Malaysia 130.1 Allianz Worldwide Germany/Finance 124.4 Netherlands/Oil & Gas

NUMBER OF COUNTRIES: 54

RANK ECONOMY Country/Industry

52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100

GDP OR SALES* (US$BILLION)

Israel 123.4 Czech Republic 122.3 Colombia 122.3 Citigroup USA/Finance 120.3 Singapore Singapore 116.8 Chile 115.2 AXA Group France/Finance 115.2 Volkswagen Group Germany/Motor 112.6 Pakistan 110.7 Hungary 109.2 New Zealand 109.0 American Intl Group USA/Finance 107.0 United Arab Emirates 104.2 Algeria 102.3 Nippon Tel & Tel Japan/Infocomm 100.8 Nigeria 99.0 Carrefour France/Food 98.6 Romania 98.6 Philippines 98.3 IBM USA/Infocomm 91.1 Siemens Group Germany/Conglomerate 90.7 Egypt, Arab Rep. 89.3 Generali Group Italy/Finance 89.0 87.9 Hewlett-Packard USA/Infocomm McKesson USA/Healthcare 85.9 Bank of America USA/Finance 85.4 Hitachi Japan/Conglomerate 84.2 ENI Italy/Oil & Gas 83.1 82.2 Valero Energy USA/Oil & Gas Ukraine 81.7 Home Depot USA/Retail 81.5 Fortis Netherlands/Finance 81.5 Matsushita Electric Indl Japan/Conglomerate 81.3 Crédit Agricole France/Finance 81.1 Honda Motor Japan/Motor 80.7 80.0 Nissan Motor Japan/Motor JPMorgan Chase USA/Finance 79.9 Samsung Electronics S. Korea/Infocomm 79.2 Deutsche Telekom Germany/Infocomm 78.5 Peru 78.4 UBS Switzerland/Finance 78.3 Cardinal Health USA/Healthcare 77.9 Metro AG Germany/Food 76.5 HSBC Group UK/Finance 76.4 Berkshire Hathaway USA/Finance 76.3 76.1 Nestlé Switzerland/Food Aviva UK/Finance 75.6 Verizon Commun USA/Infocomm 75.1 Kuwait 74.7

NUMBER OF CORPORATIONS: 46

* Denotes sales turnover for corporations, or GDP for countries.

Based on most recent data available, usually 2005 figures.

Source: Lien Foundation Centre For Social Innovation data analysis

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cial aims. CorpWatch, an NGO that seeks to make corporations more accountable through education and activism provides an ongoing litany of corporate violations of human rights, environmental crimes, fraud and corruption around the world on its website. Many of the examples are eyeopeners on the abuse of corporate power.

on social and environmental performance needs to be achieved through changes in the legal framework so that “those affected by a corporation can control the corporation’s operations”. Their proposals for corporate accountability include environmental and social duties being placed on directors and legal rights for local communities to seek compensation when they have suffered as a result of directors failing to uphold those duties.

Rules and regulations may suit environmental protection and ethical conduct – matters that are more about corporates not doing bad things. But can CSR elements that are about corporations doing good things, such as corporate philanthropy, also be mandated?

Well, in a way we have moved down that road in Singapore. For employers, there is a skills development levy of 1% of employees’ salary for those earning below $2,000 a month. The money is used collectively to provide incentives to companies to upgrade the skills of employees. For employees, there is the automatic opt-out monthly contribution of between 50 cents to $11 to the self help groups (SINDA, Mendaki, CDAC and Eurasian Association) for the betterment of the poor and needy of each ethnic community.

Beyond Voluntary CSR If voluntary CSR is inadequate to balance the excesses of corporate power, should CSR be made mandatory?

In the area of environmental protection, some level of regulation exists in various countries to control corporate practices with regards to air and water pollution, land protection, endangered species, hazardous waste etc.

However, for some members of the green movement, these are not enough to save the world. Many of these NGOs see (voluntary) CSR cynically as “greenwash” to avoid taking serious action to improve social and environmental performance and to mask lobbying activities of the corporates.

Friends of the Earth, which has the most extensive environmental network in the world, believes that common standards

Redefining The Corporation Instead of seeking to tame the corporate beast through increased regulations, the long term answer may lie in changing its nature or constitution.

Joel Bakan, a legal scholar and author of The Corporation: the Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power points out that a corporation is actually a legal person, created to put the interests of its shareholders above all other interests.

“So basically the kind of person a corporation is is a profoundly self-serving person.

And as you learn in any introductory psychology class, that is the definition of a psychopath.” He notes that a charming and benevolent human psychopath is all the more dangerous. And CSR dresses corporations to be charming and benevolent.

There are already current models of corporate structures that do not result in

world, about half of them are corporations.

To put it in local perspective, Citigroup, Toyota Motors and Shell are each bigger than Singapore. Our largest company SingTel is bigger than Nepal, Afghanistan, Cambodia and 70 other countries.

Corporations have put their power to good and not-so-good use. Modern civilization with the unprecedented wealth that is enjoyed across the world is testimony to the success of the capitalist structure and the production of the estimated 63,000 transnational corporations across the globe.

On the other hand, it is inevitable that some corporations will not be above flexing their muscles in unscrupulous and even illegal ways to achieve their narrow finan-

“ Of the 100 largest economies in the world, about half of them are corporations.”

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a pathological focus on shareholder value.

Social enterprises are emerging across the world as a new styled means by which profits are generated specifically for nonprofit use.

“ Instead of seeking to tame the corporate beast through increased regulations, the long term answer may lie in changing its nature or constitution.”

Cooperatives have existed with inbuilt social missions, long before CSR became fashionable. NTUC FairPrice’s founding mission, for example, has been to moderate the cost of living for low income households in Singapore. It has done so for over 30 years, at times selling essential goods during critical shortages at its regular low price despite the opportunity to profiteer.

FairPrice has also been generously giving to the community and is rated one of Singapore’s top corporate donors.

Corporation 20/20, an initiative of Tellus Institute and Business Ethics is seeking to develop a vision on how corporations across-the-board can be redefined.

Its first principle of corporate redesign states: “The purpose of a corporation is to harness private interests to serve the public interest”. The remaining principles enumerate ingredients such as balancing all stakeholders’ interest, operating sustainably, equitable distribution of wealth to all contributors, appropriate governance, and universal human rights.

We are obviously a far way from achieving the vision of Corporation 20/20.

But social enterprises and cooperatives are a harbinger of what is possible.

In the meantime, CSR makes all of us – corporates, nonprofits, consumers, and the public – feel good. But it’s really no more than a soothing balm. The challenge is to get to a stage where the world is not entirely dependent upon a few corporations being socially responsible voluntarily – the reasons and temptations not to do so are just too many. ✩

CALENDAR D A T E S

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DO YOU HAVE AN EVENT YOU WOULD LIKE TO PUBLICISE? We welcome your news of upcoming events and pictures. Please send them to SALT, 7 Maxwell Road, #05-01 Annex B MND Complex, Singapore 069111; or email salt@nvpc.org.sg.

Please include your name, the name of your organisation, address and telephone number. SALT reserves the right to edit submissions for space and clarity.

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14 October Singapore Children’s Society Charity Gala Dinner – Dim Sum Dollies Go To Dinner Venue: The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Time: 7pm Expect an evening of fine dining and delightful entertainment with the charming Dim Sum Dollies at Singapore Children’s Society Gala Charity Dinner. You’ll be tickled pink by the witty jokes and dazzling songand-dance routines of the talented trio of Selena Tan, Pam Oei and Emma Yong. The guests-of-honour are President and Mrs S R Nathan.

You can support the event by becoming a major sponsor with a contribution of $50,000; or purchasing a table at $5,000 or $10,000. All proceeds from table sales and outright donations are entitled to double tax deductions.

For more information, call Lee Ying Ling at 62732010 or email yllee@childrensociety.org.sg

9–19 September Focus on Your World Photographic Exhibition Venue: National Library, 100 Victoria Street Focus on Your World Photographic Exhibition, an international collection of visually stunning photographs initiated by the United Nations Environment Programme has toured the globe for over two decades. Showcased in Singapore for the first time ever by Eco 4 the World Foundation, the exhibition is held in conjunction with The Passage of Hope, a comprehensive environmental education programme targeted at young adults which includes a wide range of activities, workshops, interactive media, photography, and documentaries.

For more information, visit www. eco4theworld.org.

10 September Red Cross International Bazaar Venue: Royal Thai Embassy, Orchard Road Time: 10am to 6pm A biennial fundraiser, the Red Cross International Bazaar has been growing in scale over the years. Themed Many Hands, One World, visitors can expect a wide array of international cuisine and entertainment, cultural handicrafts, hourly lucky draws and much fun.

23 & 24 September National Heart Week Launch cum Heart Fair Venue: Tiong Bahru Plaza Time: 6pm Themed How Young is Your Heart, this year’s National Heart Week will kick off with a series of fun-filled educational heart-health programmes

in an official launch by RADM (NS) Lui Tuck Yew, Minister of State for Education and MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC. The public can look forward to activities that focus on maintaining a young heart, including free health screenings, healthy food and beverage samplings and a lucky draw with attractive prizes to be won.

19 October National Arthritis Foundation Charity Gala Dinner – An Evening with My Sinatra Venue: The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Time: 7pm Join guest-ofhonour President S R Nathan at the National Arthritis Foundation’s gala dinner (NAF) where Cary Hoffman will

entertain with his repertoire of Frank Sinatra songs. All proceeds raised will go towards NAF’s Patient Subsidy Care Fund.

For more information or to purchase a table, call Nicholas at 62202216 or email Nicholas@arthritis.org.sg

29 October Antshillvania Venue: Alliance Francaise @ Sarkies Road Time: 3pm and 7pm Ticket: $50 (adult); $35 (child) I Love Children and Pat’s Schoolhouse present A Musical Drama – Antshillvania. Enjoy the songs and dances by Pat’s Schoolhouse Kids in this story of the prodigal son set in an ant village. Proceeds go towards I Love Children.

To book tickets, call Linda at 62962668 or email lindayong@ patschoolhouse.com.

22 November KDF 10th Anniversary Charity Dinner Venue: Meritus Mandarin Singapore Time: 7pm Kidney Dialysis Foundation (KDF) is holding a charity fundraising dinner in aid of its destitute kidney failure patients, as well as to mark its 10th anniversary. The guest-of-honour for the evening is Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng. Tables for the dinner are available at $2,000 each.

For more information or to purchase a table, call Jeannie Ang at 62253133 or email jeannie.ang@kdf.org.sg.

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SCENE&SEEN Hamming it up for charity: SPF officers in the musical Face of a Man.

Boys in Blue Do Good 13 June, Inaugural SPF Charity Gala Dinner, Orchard Hotel

From left: Commissioner of Police Khoo Boon Hui; guestof-honour Minister for Information, Communications & the Arts Dr Lee Boon Yang; and Eric Ang, vice chairman, Community Chest.

A mafia chief, his sidekicks, and mini-skirted police belles – these were just some of the colourful characters assumed by eight Singapore Police Force (SPF) officers as they brought more than 600 guests back to the 1920s with their musical Face of a Man at the inaugural SPF charity gala dinner. Guests was also treated to an evening of hearty, sumptuous fare by 24 award-winning chefs from the Singapore Chefs Association and Taiwanese singer Emil Chau rounded up the evening with his popular hits. Organised as part of the annual Police Week festivities, the event raised more than $420,000 for the Community Chest.

Open Your Heart 7 July, Café Heart Opening, Omni Theatre, Singapore Science Centre

Guest-of-Honour, Minister of State for Trade & Industry Lee Yi Shyan, presided over the official opening of Café Heart at the Omni Theatre at the Singapore Science Centre. Guests were treated to a sumptuous spread, followed by a screening of Superman Returns at the Omni Theatre. The 50-seater café boasts an internet corner and a menu of local and western favourites and is a community project by Food from the Heart (FFTH), with all profits going to six community programmes run by FFTH.

The first “shavee”: Guest-of-honour Associate Professor Ho Peng Kee, Senior Minister of State for Law & Home Affairs (left) shaving the head of CCF’s executive director Raphael Lim.

Shorn Yet Hopeful 23 & 30 July, Hair for Hope, Fountain of Wealth, Suntec City Mall

From left: Willie Cheng, chairman, Singapore Science Centre; guest-of-honour Lee Yi Shyan; Henry Laimer, co-founder, FFTH; Dr Chew Tuan Chiong, CEO, Singapore Science Centre; and Christine Laimer, co-founder, FFTH.

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From a humble beginning with only nine volunteer “shavees”, Hair for Hope, a fundraising programme of Children’s Cancer Foundation, saw a record of more than 883 volunteers this year parting with their hair to raise awareness of childhood cancers. The volunteer “shavees” came from all walks of life, including primary school students, working adults, medical workers and even a family of three!

Dare to Dream 22 July, Dream On @ DXO concert, DXO, Colours By The Bay

Despite obstacles such as financial constraints and the lack of support, a group of 18- and 19-year-old youths soldiered on to produce an original music album of 13 songs called Dream On to help raise funds for the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund. Their efforts paid off, as CD sales netted $40,000! One of the groups under the Citibank-YMCA Youth For Causes programme, Dream On’s months of effort culminated in a concert at DXO which featured local bands such as Plain Sunset, Fatskunks, Glitched and Dancing Nancies.

Guest-of-honour Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Dr Vivian Balakrishnan (fifth from right) at the cheque presentation with the Dream On crew.

Charity Gallop 16 July, 11th Emirates Singapore Derby, Singapore Turf Club From left: Stephen Chu, Emirates’

Awards recipients Gabriel Ng (extreme left) and Shawn Low (second from right) with President S R Nathan and HSBC’s CEO and general manager Paul Lawrence (extreme right).

It may be a horse race, but charity was the biggest area manager for Singapore and Brunei; Wilna Chu; artist Francis winner at the 11th Emirates Singapore Derby.

Kwok; Richard Vaughan, Emirates’ SVP, Operations, East The Dubai-based airline raised more than $100,000 AsiaCommercial & Australasia; Lisa Vaughan; and Georgie Ong, CEO, CIAS. Kwok’s for four children’s charities – Autism Children’s painting A Glimpse of Glory fetched $12,888 in the silent auction.

Centre (Simei), MINDS Jurong Gardens School, Spastic Children’s Association of Singapore and Mainly I Love Kids (MILK) – with a series of Derby Day activities, including the sale of donation tables in the hospitality rooms, a silent auction of paintings and outright donations from corporate and private sponsors.

Stars in the Very Special Artists Making 27 July, HSBC Youth Excellence Awards, Ritz-Carlton Millenia

26 July, Stepping Out – 13th Very Special Arts Exhibition, Raffles City Shopping Centre

At the tender age of 11, Gabriel Ng is poised for classical music stardom, and as the recipient of the HSBC Youth Excellence Award 2006 for musical excellence, this talented young violinist is now one step closer to his dream, thanks to the S$200,000 grant from HSBC. Shawn Low, 19, received the HSBC Youth Excellence Award 2006 for leadership excellence and community service, which comes with a $10,000 grant. Both received their awards from President S R Nathan at the awards’ gala dinner at the Ritz-Carlton Millenia.

More than 100 artists from Very Special Arts (VSA) Singapore and other volunteer welfare organisations were showcased at VSA’s 13th annual art exhibition entitled Stepping Out which was held at Raffles City Shopping Centre recently. In keeping with tradition, proceeds from the sale of the artworks went to artists with disabilities to help them achieve financial independence.

From left: Christopher Yeow, executive director, VSA; guest-of-honour Teo Ser Luck, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports; Russell Tham, vice president & general manager, Applied Materials; and Edwin Chan, director, VSA, at the event’s launch.

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The Inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility and 2006 National Volunteerism & Philanthropy Conference

DOING GOOD, DOING WELL: A WINNING FORMULA 13-14 July 2006, Suntec International Convention & Exhibition Centre n unprecedented 670 participants and guests attended the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre’s annual two-day conference with a difference this year.

For the first time ever, NVPC partnered with Singapore Compact for Corporate Social Responsibility for a groundbreaking 2-in-1 conference which examined the twin threads of corporate social responsibility and the current issues affecting those in the nonprofit sector. Revolving around the theme of Doing Good, Doing Well: A Winning Formula, conference delegates had the flexibility of participating in either thread at any point in time.

Panel discussions led by prominent representatives from the people, private and public sectors such as Kwek Leng Joo, managing director of City Developments Limited; Steve Russell, president and CEO of Salesforce.com Asia Pacific; and popular consultant, trainer and author Linda Graff sparked off engaging and animated debates, especially for topics like Charity Governance, Does Transparency Really Pay? and Global Trends and Initiatives in CSR. This year’s conference also featured another first – a specially commissioned production centering around the Yellow Ribbon Project, an excellent example of a winning partnership between the private sector and the community. As a special treat, the production featured renowned international singspirator Jana Stanfield who brought the audience to its feet.

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NVPC also launched at the conference its latest publication on best practices in corporate giving entitled Time, Talent & Treasure, a profile of 13 exemplary corporations in Singapore that are committed to, and passionate about, giving back to society. The book also serves as the essential guide for corporations who want to embark on a corporate giving programme, or for those wishing to review their existing practices.

And for the second successive year, The Pitch, a real-time contest for nonprofit organisations to “pitch” their causes to a three-judge panel and in front of a ‘live’ voting audience for the $50,000 prize sponsored by banking giant UBS, was the conference’s crowd pleaser. Centering on the theme Community Regeneration Towards Youths, this year’s three shortlisted finalists – Asian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA) in partnership with The Young Entrepreneur Mastery (TYEM); The Arts House at the Old Parliament House; and WoW! A Youth Service – pitted their skills against one another to vie for the $15,000 Audience’s Choice prize and the $35,000 Judges’ Choice prize. In a unanimous decision by both the judges and the audience, AWWA walked away with both prizes.

Indeed, there was a constant buzz throughout the two days, thanks to a “marketplace” atmosphere created by various NPOs showcasing and exhibiting their services at the conference. Delegates made full use of opportunities to catch up, mingle and network, proving once again that this annual event is certainly one of the eagerly anticipated highlights of NVPC’s (and the nonprofit sector’s) calendar.

<<< Author, consultant and trainer Linda Graff making her point during her presentation Ad Hoc Volunteers: Boon or Bane?

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NVPC Chairman RADM (Ret) Kwek Siew Jin presenting a token of appreciation to Juliana Ng, one of the judges for The Pitch.

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Presenting Time, Talent & Treasure: (from left) Niam Chiang Meng, Permanent Secretary, MCYS; RADM (Ret) Kwek Siew Jin, chairman, NVPC; Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, Minister of State, MCYS; and Claire Chiang, president, Singapore Compact for CSR.

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Kwek Leng Joo, managing director of City Developments Ltd, kept the audience riveted with his topic The Art of Giving.

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Steve Russell, president and CEO of Salesforce.com Asia Pacific, shed light on 3 Ways of Giving: Ad Hoc, Dedicated Fund and Corporate Foundation. Looking on is Elim Chew, founder of 77th Street and TYEM.

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Pitch perfect: Acapella singers from W’akapella of WoW! A Youth Service.

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Colin Goh of The Arts House at the Old Parliament House making his pitch.

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Singspirator Jana Stanfield during her keynote performance.

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And the winner is... an AWWA beneficiary receiving The Pitch awards from Mrs Yeong Phick Fui, managing director and head of key clients & philanthropy (South East Asia) at UBS. Looking on is Adrian Lim, managing director of TYEM (right).

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If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands: Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon (second from right), RADM (Ret) Kwek Siew Jin (right) and Claire Chiang (third from right) clapped along with gusto during the keynote performance.

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Take a bow: Jana Stanfield (centre) and performers from the Yellow Ribbon Project.

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“A very rich person should leave his kids enough to do anything but not enough to do nothing.”

Warren Buffett, the world’s second richest man, who announced recently his decision to give away 85 per cent of his estimated US$44 billion fortune, mostly to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, started by the world’s richest man, Bill Gates

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“When you’re happy, you’re not sure you’re happy. But when you’re depressed, you’re very sure you’re depressed.”

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder and head of the Art of Living Foundation

SPH – The Straits Times

“I’ve always wanted to give my parents something special and I also wanted to thank my university. This was the ideal way to do both.”

Recent Singapore Management University (SMU) graduate Darren Lim who pledged $4,000 a year, starting with his first pay cheque, for a scholarship named after his parents for one deserving accountancy student at SMU

“I ache for a day every time I get out of the pool. But if I can motivate others to donate or help out too, it will be worth it.”

Farida Menon, a 49-year-old mother of three who is taking to the swimming pool for 12 straight hours for the Singapore Island Country Club’s charity Swim-A-Thon fundraiser

“If you talk about feeling something for your country and identifying with your nation, it really is through volunteerism, because you have a stake in someone else’s life and a commitment to them” Eunice Olsen, on how volunteerism tied in with her role as a Nominated Member of Parliament.

“A good conscience is a continual Christmas.”

Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790), scientist, inventor, statesman, printer, philosopher, musician, and economist.

“This was an opportunity to stop, slow down, take a look around and try to help someone.”

Dave Baker, a Minnesota businessman who donated a kidney to his Chicago limousine driver Abdul Faraj.

“Although I was chairman of the Housing Board, I was just a volunteer.

I didn’t get paid a cent...

If I am on voluntary service, they can’t kick me out! If I don’t like it, I could just lump it.”

Lim Kim San (1916–2006), fondly remembered as the man who helped solve Singapore’s housing problem as HDB chairman from 1960 to 1963.

“Only through focus can you do world-class things, no matter how capable you are.”

World’s richest man Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft and the world’s largest foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

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