Their aim: to raise funds and public awareness about the safety of the sport.
The three-hour boat relay, called 'Show of Faith', is also meant as an expression of solidarity within the dragon boating community, which lost five youths from the national team in November.
The relay kicks off the Singapore Dragon Boat Association's events this year.
Mr Adrian Tan, the spokesman for the corporate organising committee and co-captain of Shell's dragon boat team, said 500 paddlers from up to 40 corporations will be in the relay.
Each team will aim to cover the longest distance it can in three hours. The teams see it as the best way they could give back to the sporting community.
Mr Tan said: 'Normally, we view each other as competitors. but we are coming together to show our support of the sport we are all so passionate about.'
The $12,500 expected from the participation fees and corporate sponsorships will go into improving the facilities at the Kallang Water Sports Centre.
The association estimated that $10,000 will go into improving the pontoon and storage facilities there.
Those who want to take part - even those without previous paddling experience - can register at $25 a head, or make donations at www.sdba.org.sg. Registration ends on Feb 4.
SHOBANA KESAVA