Fifty-four children from underprivileged homes were given new desks and lamps on Friday to provide them a better study environment. Their homes were also given a makeover.

The activities were part of CapitaLand's first Volunteer Day and in which CapitaLand Limited president and group chief executive Lim Ming Yan joined 200 staff and senior management to carry out painting and refurbishment jobs.

"We believe that a better living environment including a conducive study area will help boost the children's desire to learn and their confidence to realise their full potential," Mr Lim said in a media release.

The homes were identified through Beyond Social Services, Kampong Kapor Family Service Centre, ISCOS' (Industrial & Services Co-operative Society's) Yellow Ribbon Fund-ISCOS Fairy Godparent Programme and Thye Hua Kwan Family Service Centre @ Tanjong Pagar.

The initiative was funded by CapitaLand's philanthropic arm CapitaLand Hope Foundation, and staff were given volunteer service paid leave to take part.