As a leading communications group, we are well-positioned to play a significant role in supporting the inclusion and progress of society’s more vulnerable segments. By leveraging our technologies and programmes, we aim to improve the well-being of vulnerable groups while helping them realise their potential. We also invest directly in the communities we operate in as part of our sustainability strategy. Through these efforts, Singtel strives to be a responsible corporate citizen that is a force for positive change in society.

PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH EDUCATION AND EMPLOYABILITY

Through various partnerships and programmes, we equip youth with disabilities with the skills they need to enter the workforce and lead independent lives. One of our key initiatives in this effort is the Singtel Touching Lives Fund, our flagship corporate philanthropy programme which raises funds for six schools that provide educational support for youth with special needs in Singapore. Another of our initiatives, the Singtel Enabling Innovation Centre, works to enhance employment opportunities for persons with disabilities by providing them with customised job training. It also promotes and showcases the use of assistive technologies that enable them to be productive at work.

In Australia, Optus, as a founding member of the Australian Business and Community Network (ABCN), continues to work closely with other ABCN members to improve opportunities and outcomes for vulnerable youth in high-needs schools across Australia. Our Pathways2Employment Programme helps young people build confidence and skills and provides opportunities for them to secure employment with Optus Retail. We also collaborated with the KARI Foundation to help indigenous young people in Australia achieve and thrive in society through mentoring and education programmes.

ENCOURAGING OUR PEOPLE TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITIES

We actively encourage our staff to play their part in making a positive impact on our communities. Beyond helping the less fortunate around them, such activities also build empathy and character.

Our employees can volunteer their time and talent for a range of social and environmental causes, such as the annual Singtel Carnival – Singapore’s largest event dedicated to children with special needs. In Australia, our online portal Yes4Good allows our people to donate, sign up to volunteer and fundraise for their favourite causes. Meanwhile, Better Together – our annual overseas volunteering programme with our associates – organised three expeditions in 2018 to India, the Philippines and Thailand.

INCLUSION AND WELL-BEING

One key focus of our community strategy involves supporting the cancer cause. Given its pervasiveness in society, we strongly believe that everyone affected by cancer should have access to care regardless of their social or financial status. To this end, we continue to support and participate in initiatives such as the Singtel-Singapore Cancer Society Race Against Cancer, an event that aims to raise funds to drive Singapore Cancer Society programmes. In Australia, Optus employees continue to participate in the Tour de Cure to raise awareness and funds towards cancer research and prevention.

We also strive to improve outcomes for disadvantaged groups, such as vulnerable youth and persons with disabilities. Through the Singapore Business Network on DisAbility, we work with like-minded companies to boost the employability of persons with disabilities by raising awareness, and sharing expertise and resources.