These families collectively save $160,000 in utilities bills annually after making the switch to go green.
JOINT NEWS RELEASE BETWEEN CENTRAL SINGAPORE CDC, MAYBANK AND NEA
Singapore, 22 December 2013 - The 4,000th energy-saving light bulb was installed in the Central Singapore District at Toa Payoh Central today as part of an on-going three-year initiative by Central Singapore Community Development Council (CDC), the National Environment Agency (NEA), and Maybank Singapore.
Called S.W.I.T.C.H. With Maybank @ Central Singapore, the programme was launched in 2011 to promote good energy-saving habits among low-income households within the Central Singapore District, and to help them reduce their utility bills by making the switch to energy-saving light bulbs.
Originally targeted for completion in 2015, the programme has completed its run two years earlier thanks to the collective efforts of grassroots leaders, Maybank volunteers and NEA staff who have been going door-to-door to help low-income families in the Central Singapore District make the switch to energy-saving light bulbs.
Minister for Defence and Grassroots Adviser Dr Ng Eng Hen, also announced today that Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC is ahead of its five-year masterplan to replace normal lighting in all common areas with LED lighting as part of the GRC’s effort to go green, and that the project will be completed by 2016.
Maybank Singapore has donated $30,000 to fund the cost of the light bulbs since the start of the programme, which has been rolled out to all 15 constituencies in the District and has benefitted more than 3,600 one- to two-room rental households.
Ms Corrinne Tan, Head, Corporate Affairs, Maybank Singapore, said, “S.W.I.T.C.H with Maybank is one of the ways that we incorporate CSR into our business. It is important to ensure that CSR is a core part of our operations as opposed to being a standalone activity and we are heartened by the strong support from our customers for this initiative. Playing our part for the environment can be really simple, like switching to online statements, or just changing the lightbulbs.”
Said Mr Tan Chee Hau, General Manager of Central Singapore CDC, “S.W.I.T.C.H. is an excellent example of the community coming together to do good. Through the simple activity of changing light bulbs, we can spread the message of energy conservation, help needy families reduce their bills, and encourage more people to volunteer for a good cause. The CDC is thankful to have NEA and Maybank Singapore on board the programme, and we are happy that Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council has also initiated their own green effort to commemorate today’s significant milestone.”
“NEA is delighted to be part of this initiative. The success of S.W.I.T.C.H would not have been possible without the strong partnership between the People, Private and Public (3P) sectors. It is clear that we can do more for the environment when we pool our resources together. Through S.W.I.T.C.H., not only are we able to help the needy but at the same time promote a green environment which is loved and cared by everyone” said Mr Tham Fook Onn, General Manager of NEA, Central Regional Office.
Photos from the event are attached in Annex A.
Date: Sunday, 22 Dec 2013
Venue: Blk 63 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh
Singapore 310063
Annex A
Minister for Defence and Grassroots Adviser Dr Ng Eng Hen helping a family at Toa Payoh Central make the switch to an energy-saving light bulb.
Dr Ng visiting one of the low-income households who benefitted from the programme today.
Dr Ng together with grassroots leaders from Toa Payoh Central, and staff and volunteers from Maybank Singapore and NEA who were involved in the initiative today.