Similar to the views expressed by Mr Jeffrey Law Lee Beng ("Corporate volunteerism can play key role in community"; last Monday), the Company of Good programme, which was recently launched by the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre, beckons all companies to give back more strategically and collectively.

Businesses can choose to give back in many ways, from giving out cash and in-kind donations to engaging in various forms of volunteering. Some can even provide advocacy for causes that align with the business' aims or objectives.

One key question companies should ask might be "Has my company considered different or other types of giving?" or "Are these forms of giving good or strategic to my business?".

Companies which are able to leverage their existing assets and resources could synergise meeting both the business and societal or community goals. That way, the giving becomes more sustainable over time and the communities will be the longer-term beneficiaries.

Issues plaguing the society are often too complex to be resolved by any single entity or agency. They take collective efforts from varying stakeholders and multiple parties with different types of resources and expertise to come and work together to address the needs.

The Company of Good programme is currently looking into bringing together companies to drive the movement of corporate giving in Singapore and helping to meet community needs.

These collaborations are planned to bring about a greater impact in alleviating the needs of the less advantaged and mobilising abler communities.

Quek Shiyun (Ms)

Assistant Director

Corporate Giving

National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre