(A Joint Release with Mediacorp)
More corporations pledge to care for the environment and social charities at Semakau Run 2009
Singapore, 8 August 2009 – Forty-three corporations have pledged S$359,000 to support the environmental and charitable groups at this year’s Semakau Run, jointly organised by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and MediaCorp. This is an increase from 29 participating companies in 2008 amidst the current challenging economic climate.
Organised as part of the Clean & Green Singapore programme, the annual Semakau Run symbolizes the close partnership that NEA has fostered with the business and public communities to work towards the common goal of long-term sustainable development for Singapore. It is also a platform for NEA to galvanise the business communities to demonstrate their commitment towards environmental protection.
Partnering with MediaCorp for the first time, this year’s Semakau Run has also expanded its beneficiaries to include social charities so that corporations can lend financial assistance to the less fortunate, such as the Rainbow Centre – Yishun Park School, HCA Hospice Care, and NTUC U Care Fund in these difficult times. The environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which will receive support are Singapore Environmental Council (SEC), Restroom Association of Singapore (RAS) and Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) Haze Programme.
Mr Andrew Tan, Chief Executive Officer of National Environment Agency, said, “We are pleased to partner MediaCorp in broadening our outreach to the community. It is very encouraging to see a higher number of donors this year despite the economic downturn. It shows clearly that more businesses are taking their corporate responsibility to the environment and community more seriously.”
Mr Lucas Chow, Chief Executive Officer of MediaCorp, said, “We are honoured to be able to play our part for the environment by partnering with NEA for this run. This event is a new platform for MediaCorp to further engage our business partners to contribute towards caring for the community and environment. We are especially grateful to the sponsor corporations who have come onboard so readily, given the current economic situation.”
A commemorative book entitled “Habitats in Harmony: The Story of Semakau Landfill” will be launched in conjunction with the Semakau Run to celebrate the offshore landfill’s 10th anniversary. As a token of appreciation for the support and contribution towards the betterment of the community and environment, Guest-of-Honour, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources will be presenting a copy of the book to each of the donor corporations.
Dr Yaacob Ibrahim will also be flagging off the race at the iconic Semakau Landfill which has been a testament of sustainable waste management in co-existence with a vibrant ecosystem and rich biodiversity. Participants can choose between the Competitive Run (5km) and Fun Walk (1.5km), and engage in the line-up of recreational activities around the landfill.
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For media enquiries, please contact the following
National Environment Agency
Ms Mary Chin
DID: 6731 9180
Email: mary_chin@nea.gov.sg
NEA Media Phone: 9088 7378
MediaCorp Pte Ltd
Gwen Loh
DID: 63503945
Email: gwendolyn@mediacorp.com.sg
About National Environment Agency
Formed on 1 July 2002, the National Environment Agency (NEA) is the leading public organization responsible for improving and sustaining a clean and green environment in Singapore. The NEA develops and spearheads environmental initiatives and programmes through its partnership with the People, Public and Private sectors. It is committed to motivating every individual to take up environmental ownership and to care for the environment as a way of life.
By protecting Singapore's resources from pollution, maintaining a high level of public health and providing timely meteorological information, the NEA endeavours to ensure sustainable development and a quality living environment for present and future generations.
About MediaCorp
MediaCorp is Singapore’s leading media company with the most complete range of platforms, spanning television, radio, newspapers, magazines, movies, digital and out-of-home media.
It pioneered the development of Singapore’s broadcasting industry, with the broadcast of Radio in 1936 and Television in 1963. Today, MediaCorp has over 50 products and brands in four languages (English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil), reaching out to all adults in Singapore every week.
Our industry firsts include the Digital Video Broadcast technology for outdoor digital television, and Asia’s first Digital Audio Broadcast radio service. Initiatives in the digital space include online classifieds, Internet TV-on-demand and High Definition TV broadcast.
MediaCorp is an active regional player through co-productions in TV dramas and movies, magazines publishing, as well as Channel NewsAsia International, the only Asian-owned English news channel.
Our financial and strategic relationships in the region since 2007 include a venture with Indonesia's most integrated media company PT Media Nusantara Citra and its parent, Global Mediacom, and International Media Corporation in Vietnam, set up to develop and produce television entertainment and economic news content.
Winner of numerous international awards and accolades including Asia Television's Broadcaster of the Year, MediaCorp’s vision is to become Asia’s top media company, delivering valued content to the world.
For more information, please visit www.mediacorp.com.sg