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Business Times
20-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
NVPC's Flexi Volunteering Programme makes giving back more accessible for companies
[SINGAPORE] The National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) on Thursday (Jun 19) launched the Flexi Volunteering Programme (FVP) to help companies start volunteering regularly through bite-sized commitments, providing a more flexible and accessible option. In its inaugural run, NVPC aims to onboard about 60 companies, which will be paired with 10 community partners. Each company will complete at least two volunteering sessions and contribute 60 hours, collectively targeting 3,600 volunteer hours. Lin Sufei, director of corporate and industry partnerships at NVPC, said: 'Companies can activate their employees to commit to just doing maybe two sessions within six months. This is more doable for companies, as they feel they can contribute to an area of need while maintaining their day-to-day operations.' FVP serves as an entry-level volunteering programme. It builds on Project V, a pilot initiative by NVPC and the National Council of Social Service started in 2023 that matches companies with social service agencies for sustained volunteering programmes. However, Project V requires a higher level of commitment than FVP. One company hoping to participate in FVP is Wee Guan Construction, which organises events such as home refreshes for low-income families and carnival events for special needs schools. Jessie Ng, senior human resources (HR) manager at Wee Guan, said: 'The flexibility (FVP) offers is what makes it especially workable for us. It provides the same strong platform for connecting with meaningful causes, but with the added advantage of flexibility – allowing us to plan volunteering activities around our work schedules.' A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 12.30 pm ESG Insights An exclusive weekly report on the latest environmental, social and governance issues. Sign Up Sign Up While Wee Guan's volunteering efforts have traditionally been on an annual basis, she said that FVP provides the company an opportunity to 'integrate volunteering more consistently and sustainably into our workplace culture'. Additionally, the flexibility also encourages higher participation, she added. NVPC's Lin said the 10 community partners that have been selected support causes that are often underrepresented, such as mental health. One community partner is the Caregiving Welfare Association (CWA), which serves seniors through social and educational activities, as well as caregivers via a support group. Sharlene Ferry, marketing and donor management executive at CWA, said: 'We feel that this flexible model opens new doors for collaboration and allows us to engage a wider pool of passionate individuals, who sometimes may be constrained by work (or personal) commitments.' She added that CWA hopes to cultivate more long-term and sustained partnerships to bring more 'active participants' to the caregiving ecosystem – which is becoming increasingly important amid Singapore's ageing population. Sustained volunteering efforts Both Project V and FVP promote sustained volunteering efforts, which have greater impact on the community. 'When companies do one-off, ad-hoc activities, it's hard to see the impact to both the company availing time and effort, as well as the community partner and its beneficiaries receiving the support… With a regular, sustained approach, you're able to build rapport with the community groups and better assess the impact,' NVPC's Lin said. Agri-commodity company Agrocorp International participated in Project V, organising various activities for seniors such as exercise and digital literacy workshops. Ramta Mishra, global HR head at Agrocorp, said the company had been volunteering in 'bits and pieces' over the years, but Project V helped to provide a regular structure to its programme. 'The structured volunteering helped us create an impact summary – how many hours of volunteering we did, what kind of impact it had on the community. I think when you measure anything, it becomes more valuable,' she said, adding that being unable to measure impact was Agrocorp's biggest challenge when it came to volunteering. Agrocorp aims to continue participating in Project V, and is looking to engage more beneficiaries. Separately, on Wednesday, NVPC signed a memorandum of understanding with United Nations Global Compact Network Singapore to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) build their sustainability capacity. Selected SMEs will have access to capacity-building programmes, workshops and networking opportunities.
Straits Times
19-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
S'pore's ‘most ambitious' volunteerism, philanthropy campaign to mark SG60
From right: Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth Goh Hanyan, Colonel Chong Shi Hao – chairman of NDP 2025's executive committee – and National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre CEO Tony Soh.. PHOTO: TARYN NG SINGAPORE – A national campaign to encourage volunteerism and philanthropy to commemorate Singapore's 60th birthday is its most ambitious edition yet, said Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth Goh Hanyan. The third edition of the #GiveAsOneSG campaign will be longer, running for 60 days, and features more charities and causes than previously, said Ms Goh, who is also Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and the Environment Speaking at the launch event on June 19, she said: 'Whether you are passionate about supporting persons with disabilities, engaging seniors, promoting our arts and sports or protecting the environment, there are meaningful opportunities for everyone.' The campaign, which is themed 60 Days of Giving to mark Singapore's 60th year of independence and runs until Aug 10, is jointly organised by the National Day Parade (NDP) committee and the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC). Singaporeans can support a variety of causes such as people with disabilities, the elderly, animals and the environment listed at through donations or volunteering. One of the new initiatives introduced in 2025 is NVPC's Flexi Volunteering Programme (FVP), designed to help companies kick-start regular volunteering efforts, with opportunities that require lower frequency and hours. NVPC aims to get 60 companies by December to contribute at least 60 volunteer hours in at least two volunteering sessions each – adding up to a collective target of 3,600 hours – with 10 community partners, including the Autism Association (Singapore) and the Caregiving Welfare Association. Addressing company representatives at the launch event, NVPC chief executive Tony Soh noted that business can be a positive force for good in society. 'It does not matter where you sit in the corporate hierarchy or what role you play because there are diverse opportunities where everyone can give and everyone can contribute,' he said. 'It is not just about how much money you can give, but also about rallying your colleagues, business partners and friends to contribute in whatever ways they can, towards building a more caring, inclusive and compassionate society.' The FVP builds on insights from Project V, a 2023 pilot initiative by NVPC and the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) that matched companies with social service agencies that need ongoing support. This ensured reliable volunteer support for the agencies to improve their services and ensure they are able to make a difference to their causes consistently. Ms Goh called on Singaporeans to find a cause close to their heart to champion. PHOTO: TARYN NG Under Project V, over 2,400 corporate volunteers contributed more than 6,000 volunteer hours in 2024, touching the lives of over 10,000 service users, Ms Goh said. Among them were 48 volunteers from global agri-commodity firm Agrocorp International, who partnered with Bartley Community Care Services to promote mental and physical wellness among elderly residents. The #GiveAsOneSG campaign aligns closely with the broader theme of Majulah Singapura for NDP 2025, which honours 60 years of nation-building and looks ahead to the future, said Colonel Chong Shi Hao, chairman of the parade's executive committee and commander of the 3rd Singapore Division. 'The spirit of giving is synonymous with the spirit of celebrating as one Singapore. It strengthens the sense of belonging and unity among all Singaporeans... It reminds us that even as we progress, we are a nation that leaves no man behind,' he said. Mr Soh and Ms Goh playing with an assistant dog from charity K9Assistance. PHOTO: TARYN NG At the launch event held at the Devan Nair Institute For Employment And Employability in Jurong East, Ms Goh and Mr Soh also visited booths by various charities, including the Kidney Dialysis Foundation, Lions Home for the Elderly and K9Assistance. Among the community partners present was the Caregiving Welfare Association, whose executive director Steven Yeo welcomed the FVP, saying that he hopes the association can collaborate with companies to better support seniors and caregivers. 'As a community partner, we are excited to offer tailored volunteering opportunities that align with our mission of uplifting our beneficiaries, while engaging the corporate sector in ways that have a lasting impact,' he said. 'This initiative allows us to create stronger, more diverse partnerships that benefit both our cause and the volunteers who get involved, in support of SG60.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Khaleej Times
08-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Freedom International to invest $50 million in UAE operations
The Freedom International Group, an investment company focusing on technology, finance, health & wellness, has recently set up an office in Dubai. 'We see Dubai as a natural fit for our high-growth, technology-driven ventures. The city's business-friendly regulations, access to global talent, and advanced infrastructure make it the ideal place to expand our technology, wellness, and investment businesses,' said Narek Sirakanyan, President & CEO. As part of its ongoing expansion in the region, the company plans to invest $50 million in its operations in 2025-26. Freedom International also plans an IPO around 2029, Sirakanyan added. Excerpts from an interview' What factors influenced Freedom International Group's decision to establish an office in Dubai? Dubai is a global business hub with a unique combination of strategic location, economic stability, and innovation-driven policies. Freedom International Group (FIG) operates in 19 countries, and Dubai's commitment to entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and foreign investment aligns with our own approach. We're here to not only establish an office but to integrate into the UAE's business ecosystem, bringing high-value investments and innovation. How does Dubai fit into the company's long-term global expansion strategy? Dubai is not just a regional base for us; it's a launchpad for future expansion into the MENA region and beyond. We plan to make the UAE a central pillar in our global investment strategy, particularly in technology, health & wellness, and digital marketing solutions. Our 2025-26 investment in the UAE will exceed $50 million, with a focus on: • Launching Firstline, an AI-driven marketing platform for the HoReCa industry. • Expanding our health & wellness division, including qTest, Project V, and Coffeecell. • Strengthening our real estate and financial technology investments. With Dubai's strong economic policies, innovation-friendly ecosystem, and positioning as a global hub, FIG is confident that this city will be instrumental in our future IPO ambitions. You have emphasized healthcare and wellness innovation. What specific health technologies or wellness initiatives will be launched in the UAE? We are committed to disrupting the health & wellness sector by introducing AI-driven diagnostics and premium nutraceuticals. Our key projects in the UAE include: • qTest – A biometric health assessment tool that measures oxidation levels and pH to provide personalized wellness recommendations. • Project V – A nutraceutical brand with 80+ premium supplements, expanding to 100 products by 2025. • Coffeecell – A functional beverage line featuring 6-year-old ginseng-based coffee and energy drinks, designed to promote longevity and vitality. By integrating advanced health tracking, AI-based analytics, and scientifically backed wellness products, FIG aims to make a meaningful impact on preventive healthcare in the UAE. How do your healthcare investments align with the UAE's National Agenda and its vision for innovation? The UAE's National Agenda 2031 prioritizes healthcare innovation, longevity, and AI-driven solutions—which aligns perfectly with Freedom International Group's mission. • qTest and Project V support the UAE's focus on preventive healthcare and wellness. • Our AI-powered diagnostics and nutraceuticals align with the country's commitment to life sciences and biotechnology advancements. • Sustainability is another shared priority. Our ginseng farming and organic sourcing for supplements fit within the UAE's vision for clean, high-quality health products. We view Dubai as an ideal market to test and scale health innovations, ensuring high-quality, accessible wellness solutions for residents and visitors alike. The Freedom International Group has a diverse investment portfolio. Which sectors will you prioritize in the UAE? In the UAE, we are prioritizing: 1. Health & Wellness – Expansion of qTest, Project V, and Coffeecell. 2. Technology & Digital Marketing – Launch of Firstline, an AI-powered HoReCa marketing platform. 3. Financial & Real Estate Investments – Investing in premium developments and fintech innovations. Our focus is on high-growth, scalable industries that will thrive in the UAE's dynamic and business-friendly environment. Are there plans to introduce any of your existing brands—like COFFEECELL or NRK87—into the UAE market? Yes. Coffeecell will be a major focus for our UAE expansion. The health-conscious UAE consumer market is an excellent fit for our ginseng-based coffee and energy drinks. As for NRK87 (our fashion brand), we are exploring strategic partnerships with high-end retailers in Dubai to bring our unique designs to the luxury fashion market. We are also looking at introducing qTest and Project V into UAE's premium wellness clinics and fitness centers, offering a comprehensive wellness experience. Will Freedom International Group be investing in local startups or forming partnerships with UAE-based health and wellness firms? Absolutely. We strongly believe in collaboration and will be actively seeking partnerships with: • HealthTech startups that align with our AI and diagnostics technology. • Wellness brands that complement Project V's product line. • HoReCa businesses that can integrate Firstline's AI-powered marketing solution. Our goal is to contribute to the UAE's innovation ecosystem while leveraging local expertise to accelerate our market presence. Will you be launching new projects in Dubai, or is the focus on expanding existing ones? We are doing both. While we are expanding existing brands like qTest, Project V, and Coffeecell, we are also introducing brand-new innovations tailored for the UAE market. Key new projects launching in Dubai: • Firstline (HoReCa AI Marketing App) – A game-changing digital platform for restaurants and hotels. • qTest Expansion – A first-of-its-kind health assessment tool in the UAE. • Beauty Hit (Project V's new skincare line) – A premium cosmeceutical range, launching in 2025. Dubai is not just a business hub—it's a launchpad for FIG's next wave of global innovations. Do you see Dubai as a gateway to further expansion into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region? Dubai is the ideal bridge to the entire MENA region, thanks to its: • Strategic trade connections to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and North Africa. • Positioning as a business hub for international companies expanding into GCC markets. • Advanced digital economy, making it a perfect fit for our technology-driven investments. Dubai will serve as our base of operations for scaling health, wellness, and digital solutions across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and beyond. What are your future plans? Freedom International Group has ambitious goals for the next 5 years: • Expand our footprint in the UAE, with an investment of $50M by 2026. • Prepare for our IPO in 2029, positioning FIG as a global leader in tech and wellness investments. • Scale our AI-driven health solutions, making qTest a household name in wellness diagnostics. • Grow our HoReCa sector presence, ensuring Firstline transforms restaurant marketing. • Continue investing in global startups that align with our vision for innovation, longevity, and business scalability. The UAE is just the beginning — we are building something truly revolutionary for the future of global business, technology, and wellness.
