Sembcorp Launches Global CSR Initiative in Celebration of the 20th Year of Its Utilities Business

- 'Sembcorp Gives Back Day' will involve Sembcorp staff in more than 10 countries giving close to 9,000 man-hours to worthy causes

Sembcorp Industries (Sembcorp) is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Utilities business on August 12 this year in a meaningful way. The company has declared the day, August 12, 'Sembcorp Gives Back Day', where staff from Sembcorp operations around the world will come together to lend their time and energies to making a positive impact in their local communities.

'Sembcorp Gives Back Day' will see Sembcorp staff giving back to their local communities in more than 10 markets, including Singapore, China, India, Vietnam, Oman, UAE, South Africa, UK, Chile, Panama and Antigua. This exciting global effort will allow Sembcorp to make a difference in many communities around the world where its Utilities business operates in. In total, it is estimated that close to 9,000 man-hours will be contributed to worthy causes.

This initiative is in line with the Sembcorp Group's strong commitment to act as a responsible business and make a positive impact on its communities. In 2014, the entire Sembcorp Group contributed S$5.7 million globally in terms of charitable contributions and community investments.

"For 20 years, Sembcorp's Utilities business has supported development with our essential energy and water solutions, and helped to improve the quality of life for millions worldwide. Over the years, the business has grown from one location in Singapore, to over 50 locations across 15 countries," said Tang Kin Fei, Group President & CEO of Sembcorp Industries.

"Sembcorp Gives Back Day' is not only a meaningful way to celebrate the 20th birthday of the Utilities business, but also a chance for us to reach out as a company and carry on our long tradition of giving back to our communities."  

In Singapore, more than 350 staff will be involved in Sembcorp Gives Back Day. They will take part in activities in aid of the environment, children with disabilities, underprivileged elderly folk, as well as less fortunate households. These activities include:

• Cleaning up a 3.4-kilometre stretch of beach at Pasir Ris
• Bringing around 30 children with cerebral palsy to a supermarket, providing them with cash vouchers and teaching them how to navigate the experience of shopping for themselves. Sembcorp volunteers will also assist in the classroom at the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore School, and help repaint a floor mural at the school.
• Bringing underprivileged elderly folk for an excursion and lunch at the Singapore Botanic Gardens' National Orchid Garden, in partnership with Sunshine Welfare Action Mission and Assisi Hospice; and
• Packing and distributing groceries for 200 needy households, in partnership with REACH Community Services Society

Said Mrs Angie Ong, Principal of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore School, one of the beneficiaries, "It is truly heart-warming to know that Sembcorp has not forgotten the community and less fortunate as it celebrates a milestone in the company. They have shown us what it means to show love and care beyond just monetary terms. Their support will mean so much to the children we work with, and help encourage them to face any challenges in their lives with courage."

Elsewhere around the world, Sembcorp employees will also take part in a plethora of activities in aid of their local communities to mark Sembcorp Gives Back Day. These include volunteering at local hospices, orphanages and old folks' homes, donating or renovating facilities to provide drinking water for the local community, and improving shower and sanitation facilities at schools.  

Some Sembcorp operations will also take the opportunity to unveil longer-term community investment initiatives at Sembcorp Gives Back Day. For instance, Sembcorp's TPCIL and NCCPP thermal power plants in Andhra Pradesh, India, will unveil their new joint five-year corporate social responsibility roadmap. This will lay out their priorities to assist the community in their direct impact zone in the areas of water and sanitation, environmental sustainability, promotion of education and empowerment of women.

Sembcorp's Utilities business is a trusted developer, owner and operator of energy and water assets serving industries and households. It is an established player in the international power market, as well as a global leader in centralised utilities and industrial wastewater treatment for multiple customers. Sembcorp Utilities was the first commercial importer and retailer of natural gas in Singapore, as well as the first to develop, own and operate cogeneration power plants in Singapore and China. It is also the pioneer in reclaiming water from both industrial and municipal effluent in Singapore, as well as the country's largest water company.

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