On 14 November, Keppel was honoured as one of the top 40 businesses with meaningful CSR activities at the Saigon Times CSR 2024, marking its third consecutive year of recognition.
Saigon Times CSR 2024, now in its sixth edition, aims to spread positive values and highlight outstanding CSR projects, reflecting a strong commitment to environmental protection and building a sustainable economy.
Mr Lee Leong Seng (middle), Head of Property Development/Residential, Real Estate (Vietnam), Keppel Ltd., receiving the trophy and certificate on behalf of Keppel.
Saigon Times CSR 2024 welcomed nearly 150 guests, including consulate representatives, foreign business associations, and business leaders. The programme showcased a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility, with goals ranging from emission reduction to supporting education.
Overall view of the event.
During the panel discussion themed “Invest in a sustainable future” at the event, Mr Joseph Low, President, Real Estate (Vietnam), Keppel Ltd., said: “Through our sustainability and community programmes, we hope to convey our deep commitment to building a better world. We believe that by working together, embracing social responsibility and pursuing sustainable practices, we can create a brighter future for everyone.”
Mr Joseph Low (left), President, Real Estate (Vietnam), Keppel Ltd., at the panel discussion.
Keppel entered Vietnam more than three decades ago and has grown to become one of the largest foreign real estate investors, with 25 projects and a total registered capital of approximately US$3.8 billion.
Keppel’s Real Estate Division is an innovative urban space solutions provider that leverages technology to deliver sustainable and customer-centric solutions that enrich people and communities.
Since 2021, Keppel has contributed over VND14 billion to society through various meaningful initiatives. This includes Keppel’s donation under SG Community Cares to provide essential support to communities affected by Typhoon Yagi, as well as a donation of VND7.4 billion to support COVID-19 relief efforts.
Keppel has also carried out several socially significant projects, such as the “Living Well” program, which provides clean water to areas severely affected by drought and salinity intrusion in the Mekong Delta. Since 2022, through “Living Well”, Keppel has implemented seven water filtration systems, capable of producing up to 42,000 litres of clean water per day for domestic usage, benefiting some 70,000 villagers in seven communes.
In the area of environmental protection, Keppel’s initiatives include the "R.I.S.E. to the Challenge” programme, which raises community awareness about climate change, and the 3,000-tree planting project in Dong Nai which emphasizes environmental sustainability.
Equipping the next generation with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in the digital world is the goal of the "Bytes for Future" initiative, Keppel’s latest effort in supporting education. In mid-September, through “Bytes for Future”, more than 800 students from Dong Khoi and Bien Gioi secondary schools in Chau Thanh District, Tay Ninh Province, gained access to better learning environments through Keppel’s donation of 80 computers, four air conditioners, as well as books contributed by the company’s staff.
Bytes for Future equips the students in Tay Ninh with necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in the digital era.
Keppel also sponsored the “Words on Wheels” mobile library program, which aimed to raise literacy levels among students in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City by providing them with convenient access to reading and audio-visual materials as well as the Internet. The program successfully reached almost 38,000 student beneficiaries in 32 schools in Vietnam, from 2011 to 2024.
Keppel has also awarded more than 100 scholarships to students through various educational initiatives. The company also regularly organizes experiential tours for university students, nurturing young talent and supporting learning.
Keppel’s sustainability and community programs are widely promoted among all employees, to encourage them to contribute towards sustainable development, climate action and the community, and better understand the impact of their activities.
Over the past four years, Keppel staff in Vietnam have volunteered nearly 7,000 hours, participating in around 30 community outreach activities and supporting some 83,500 beneficiaries.