Championing Social Good in Business
In today’s climate of societal change, businesses are expected to do more than just provide products and services. The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and social justice movements have all highlighted the need for companies to play a significant role in building a more resilient and unified society. Several businesses have stepped up, making a meaningful impact by aligning their core business values with their social responsibility efforts. The three companies featured here have been recognised for their commitment to social good and for leveraging their resources to create positive change.
Shiseido Group: Empowering Through Beauty
Founded in Japan and headquartered in Singapore for the Asia-Pacific region, Shiseido has been actively involved in supporting communities, particularly through the Shiseido Life Quality Centre (SLQC), which was established in 2019. This centre focuses on helping individuals dealing with skin concerns, particularly those undergoing cancer treatment. Shiseido’s commitment to corporate sustainability includes skills-based volunteering, where employees volunteer as beauty consultants to assist patients at SLQC.
Fang Jiayun, who oversees corporate sustainability for Shiseido Asia-Pacific, emphasised the company’s focus on empowering vulnerable women. For example, Shiseido partnered with Daughters Of Tomorrow to provide job opportunities for women from low-income families, offering one beneficiary a role at SLQC that eventually led to a promotion within the company. Despite the pandemic’s challenges, Shiseido has continued its community initiatives, including a global initiative called Shiseido Camellia Day, aimed at addressing gender inequalities and empowering women.
Johnson & Johnson: Improving Health and Well-being
Since setting up its regional headquarters in Singapore in 2018, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has been committed to improving public health. A notable example is its collaboration with Lions Clubs International Foundation, which since 2002 has implemented the Sight for Kids programme, offering eye-health services to low-income schools across Asia, Africa, and Europe. In 2023, J&J collected 3,000 pairs of pre-loved spectacles for its South Africa programme, while its global efforts have resulted in over 42 million students screened and over 600,000 receiving treatment.
Beyond eye health, J&J has launched the Mental Health Resiliency Programme, targeting NGOs and frontline workers, which has gained significant traction since the pandemic. Guillermo Frydman, J&J’s Managing Director in Singapore, highlighted how the pandemic has accelerated conversations around mental health, and through this initiative, over 120 NGO staff were reached with training and support.
Xylem: Water for Life
Xylem, a global water technology company, has been a part of Singapore’s water landscape since 1982. Through its Xylem Watermark programme, the company has provided clean water solutions to millions of people across the globe. In Singapore, the company has equipped water supply pipelines with over 320 sensors to monitor performance. Internationally, it has installed over 220 aqua towers, providing clean water in countries such as Cambodia and India.
Koh Chong Hin, Vice President and Managing Director of Xylem Southeast Asia, noted that Xylem’s goal is to provide clean water and sanitation to 20 million people in underserved communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Xylem adapted its volunteer events to virtual formats, allowing employees to continue making an impact despite travel restrictions. Xylem’s efforts have proven to be vital in regions where access to clean water is scarce, demonstrating how business can directly improve quality of life and health.
Conclusion: A Purposeful Approach to Business
The recognition of these companies as Champions of Good underscores the vital role that businesses can play in advancing social and environmental change. By integrating social good into their core operations, these companies not only enhance their brand reputation but also make lasting contributions to communities in need. Their initiatives highlight the importance of collaboration, long-term thinking, and corporate accountability in driving a positive societal impact.
