Straits Times Reflection 9

Question 1
What are big companies doing in order to be more socially responsible?

Answer: SingTel had an energy saving programme to help them reduce business costs and an opportunity to re-invite their customers to join their environmental efforts. McDonalds does not purchase beef or other food originating from rainforest land. DBS focused on helping children reach their full potential in the area of learning and make a difference in their lives. Major companies are commited to help the less privileged by raising funds. For example, last month, ERA helped The Singapore Association for the Deaf organise its first charity walkathon, raising $80,000.

Question 2
How important it is to be socially responsible? And do you think it is still possible to make a social impact during the recession?

Answer: It is exceptionally important to be socially responsible as being responsible is every indivitual's supreme responsiblity beyond all other responsiblity. As, being responsible to be responsible helps cultivate good thoughts and will let foreigners think of Singaporeans in a new light- a light of hope ending from darkness and despair through the Singaporean way of life, we shall forge ahead with dignity and pride. Being responsible also helps us practice independence which is a virtue in life. If we are not responsible for our own actions, who will? I mean, isn't it only fair to pay the price for everything you do? If everyone is not responsible, this world would be in total chaos. Everybody would put the blame on each other and there will not be peace. Isn't it better for us to just take pride in what we do and then face the consequences if any? The world would be in peace and harmony without harm. So, I think it is also a virtue that we should practice-responsibility. It is very possible to make a social impact even without money. Making a social impact is based on respect. When you have influence and respect, even if your dirt broke, you will be able to make a social impact on everybody's life as your the person they look up to. Money is only an object. To be more specific, the most important "object" we need to survive. Object cannot replace what is in people's heart. In fact, nothing can. So, if you people really look up to you, it is not only possible, but very simple to make a social impact even during the recession. For example, the charity walkathon need not spend lots of money to organise and it is able to raise $80000 and having a social impact on the deaf people.