Straits Times Reflection 10

Question 1. What are big companies doing in order to be more socially responsible?

Answer: SingTel had an energy saving programme to help them reduce business costs and an opportunity to re-invite their customers to join their environmental efforts. McDonalds does not purchase beef or other food originating from rainforest land. DBS focused on helping children reach their full potential in the area of learning and make a difference in their lives. Major companies are commited to help the less privileged by raising funds. For example, last month, ERA helped The Singapore Association for the Deaf organise its first charity walkathon, raising $80,000.

Question 2. How important it is to be socially responsible? And do you think it is still possible to make a social impact during the recession?

Answer: It helps treat people in a community or a country well, by giving some thoughts to some people. It also helps cultivate good habits and values, and becoming an upright, responsible and thoughtful person. It is still possible to make a social impact without spending a large sum of money. For example, the charity walkathon need not spend lots of money to organise and it is able to raise $80,000, having a social impact towards the Deaf.