<![CDATA[CEOs host garden party for 1500 needy]]>SINGAPORE: The big wigs of the corporate world came together to host a party for the needy.


They treated about 1,500 people from low-income families, mainly living in rental blocks, to a garden party at the Istana.

The project is an initiative led by Corporate Singapore and supported by the People's Association.

Nine of them gamely performed the dragon dance at the party including entertaining performances like Indian dance and Taiko drumming.

They also met President Tony Tan Keng Yam and his wife, Mrs Mary Tan.

Dr Tan helped to serve traditional Chinese dessert called \"Tang Yuan\".

It's the first time the CEOs from some 30 private companies volunteered in \"Project We Care\".

Wee Wei Ling, chairperson of the CEO committee, said: \"I hope the CEOs will lead the staff to participate in this charity event, and are able to influence other CEOs to come on board.\"

The project will kick-start various other projects initiated by the CEO committee.

The group will also be showcasing their corporate social responsibility programmes at this year's Chingay Parade.

- CNA/ck

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1175509/1/.html

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/30678/ceos-host-garden-party-for-1500-needyRSS for NodeTue, 22 Sep 2026 06:03:21 GMTMon, 09 Jan 2012 00:14:57 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to CEOs host garden party for 1500 needy on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:12:12 GMT]]>It depends who penned the letter. A letter from the President’s Office inviting you to take part in the wayang, it is hard to turn it down for there will be mileage gained. A letter penned by Peasant’s Farm inviting you to play an active role, it is hard to find fuel to travel that mileage.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/690752https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/690752Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:12:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to CEOs host garden party for 1500 needy on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:58:59 GMT]]>

UncleLim:
I hope the Istana garden party achieves that and be the spark for a few small miracles later on.

I hope so too! I know some low-income families who are in need of basic furniture like beds, housekeepers (those who are too old to clean up their homes) and good education for the younger generation. Now that the wayang part is over and done with, I am waiting to see how Project We Care by the PA can make a lasting impact. 😉

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/690738https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/690738Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:58:59 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to CEOs host garden party for 1500 needy on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:24:01 GMT]]>I want to humbly retract my cynical knee jerk comment. Can I blame it on my post-presidential election fever? Wayang or not, I think good is being done. Getting CEOs involved in more charity work always help, even if some of us think corporate citizenry is nothing more than veneer for image building. Many years ago, I was "sent" by my employer to an orphanage as part for a community outreach programme. I don’t think the company made a lasting impact on the orphans who saw people from dozens of different organisations every year. But some us, through such programmes, caught our very first glimpse of a hidden parts of society. I hope the Istana garden party achieves that and be the spark for a few small miracles later on.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/690383https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/690383Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:24:01 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to CEOs host garden party for 1500 needy on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:51:20 GMT]]>It is always contradicting. The world is never fair in terms of comments and perception. People have every rights to comment and it also depends on individual whether to accept good or bad comments.


The moment when there is high publicity event, the organizer or the people involved are already inviting or expecting comments. Or are we simply deceiving ourselves that the society only wants to hear good comments only? How to improve further if only receive good comments? Aren’t the society suppose to be open minded. I don’t take sides but personally the whole event can be done much better.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/689619https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/689619Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:51:20 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to CEOs host garden party for 1500 needy on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:55:44 GMT]]>

Strparent:
3Boys:

[quote=\"laughingcat\"]Reportage = Show & Tell = See eh....we care yeah don't anyhow say we don't care = Wayang


:rotflmao:

So, better not to do then?

TigaKanakLelaki,

u serious ? :scratchhead:

ideally, to do - for sure. but it's up to individuals.

However, usually to do, and at the same time invite reporters - more leaning to wayang ( to show, to gain respect, to gain publicity, etc )

to do anonymously, or out of true compassion, generosity, magnanimity, without wish to be commended - that is the true act of being charitable and wanting to help or returning to society

imho[/quote]You do understand that I am being ironical.....

We don't know what we don't know. I agree it is better to do without being seen, but by definition, not being seen means we will not know about it.

Do we know if for every high publicity event, there are 10 other low key events?

By definition, we do not know.

Hence, is it fair for us to cast stones at the one high key publicity event on the basis that that is all that occurs?

I don't think so.

Yes, it is wayang, but from the standpoint of not judging others, unless I myself had committed the same amount of time (or more), the same amount of effort and perhaps, cold hard cash, I do not feel myself qualified to criticise or cast brickbats those who have indeed done it, wayang or not.

We are a society of arm-chair critics. Someone else can always do better/be more idealistic/sacrifice more/less wayang.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/688998https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/688998Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:55:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to CEOs host garden party for 1500 needy on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:04:54 GMT]]>

3Boys:
laughingcat:

Reportage = Show & Tell = See eh....we care yeah don't anyhow say we don't care = Wayang


:rotflmao:

So, better not to do then?

TigaKanakLelaki,

u serious ? :scratchhead:

ideally, to do - for sure. but it's up to individuals.

However, usually to do, and at the same time invite reporters - more leaning to wayang ( to show, to gain respect, to gain publicity, etc )

to do anonymously, or out of true compassion, generosity, magnanimity, without wish to be commended - that is the true act of being charitable and wanting to help or returning to society

imho

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/688877https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/688877Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:04:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to CEOs host garden party for 1500 needy on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:37:38 GMT]]>

laughingcat:
Reportage = Show & Tell = See eh....we care yeah don't anyhow say we don't care = Wayang


:rotflmao:
So, better not to do then?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/688849https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/688849Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:37:38 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to CEOs host garden party for 1500 needy on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:25:59 GMT]]>Reportage = Show & Tell = See eh....we care yeah don't anyhow say we don't care = Wayang


:rotflmao:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/688839https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/688839Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:25:59 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to CEOs host garden party for 1500 needy on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:20:51 GMT]]>By definition, Reportage = Wayang, if one were cynical


By definition, No Wayang = No Reportage

Therefore, events that occur with No Reportage, will never get airtime, and the impression people get, is that events with Reportage are the ONLY ones that occur.

Therefore, if one were to be cynical, the appearance is that ONLY Wayang occurs.

See the conundrum?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/688773https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/688773Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:20:51 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to CEOs host garden party for 1500 needy on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:42:04 GMT]]>I have help out at some charity events before. From what I know, some old people spend all their time at void decks and around their blk of flat. So they are very happy when people bring them go gai-gai (go out) on special occasions. Just the bus ride alone thrills them, they are able to see how Singapore has change over the years.


I think every charitable intention is commendable.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/687556https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/687556Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:42:04 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to CEOs host garden party for 1500 needy on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:12:53 GMT]]>I am also not against the intention. But really all this funfair is it really necessary? Is it possible to stinge on the funfair and returns all the extra in much better use? I remembered when i am used to be a civil servants, we were told to use and spend the $ wisely as we were constantly told that the $ are tax payers’s $. You don’t need to be showy to invite unnecessary question.


If the intention is true, give as much as you can to the needy. It would be even more appreciative if the CEOs and the President Tan to come down to the void deck - to be closer to the needy.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/687532https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/687532Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:12:53 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to CEOs host garden party for 1500 needy on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:55:29 GMT]]>What is the point of these party?

The needy need more practical help rather than this with many reporters around to wayang along

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/686337https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/686337Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:55:29 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to CEOs host garden party for 1500 needy on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:05:12 GMT]]>

HVR:
Sometimes I really don't understand why people can be so negative and unreceptive. Bias, perhaps. If you have no intention to see any good in an act, you won't see it.


Why can't this event be a start for something? To risk over simplifying things, who say among the 1500 'needy' none of them will be inspired by this experience, the mingling with the successful, the thought provoking talks, etc and thus strive to do better in their life? If these 1500 needy are all old folks and no future to speak of, at least this is a treat to them, no? At least this is showing of compassion to the less successful?

If you don't mingle, you are elitists, if you do, you are wayang. Even if you are not elitists and not wayanging, you are doing it wrongly.

We have been saying our government is a 'nanny' government, perhaps it is now time for the critics to lay now a detailed plan specifying exactly what they think how thing should be done to address the various social, economy, transport, housing issues, etc. The respond is of course they will say they are not the one in charge, not the one drawing high salary and simply put, it is not their job. Granted, but please bear in mind if you really care, you can do much more than criticize partially.
I am not against them doing something for the less fortunate.

But question what and how they do it. Garden party? A one time party won't help these people and like Mdm Koh rightly pointed out, not all that really needed help can attend such event.

Beside \"Once Upon a Village\" where they really made an positive impact, \"Reno Aid\" is also very practical. No though MediaCorp and the renovation company had done it for profit & marketing purpose, the less fortunate really benefited from it. The Table Tennis Association going to help spring clean homes, and Dr Lily Neo's anti-bed bug projects are other practical examples that would make a difference.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/686142https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/686142Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:05:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to CEOs host garden party for 1500 needy on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 07:52:03 GMT]]>

UncleLim:
The intention was good. But the project team probably did not check with the beneficiaries what they really really want.


When I was very little I remember I bought my mum a toy gun for her birthday. It cost me a couple of bucks from my own savings. I am sure my mum had many hours of fun playing with it.
:rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/686129https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/686129Mon, 09 Jan 2012 07:52:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to CEOs host garden party for 1500 needy on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 07:48:47 GMT]]>

HVR:
Sometimes I really don't understand why people can be so negative and unreceptive. Bias, perhaps. If you have no intention to see any good in an act, you won't see it.


Why can't this event be a start for something? To risk over simplifying things, who say among the 1500 'needy' none of them will be inspired by this experience, the mingling with the successful, the thought provoking talks, etc and thus strive to do better in their life? If these 1500 needy are all old folks and no future to speak of, at least this is a treat to them, no? At least this is showing of compassion to the less successful?

If you don't mingle, you are elitists, if you do, you are wayang. Even if you are not elitists and not wayanging, you are doing it wrongly.

We have been saying our government is a 'nanny' government, perhaps it is now time for the critics to lay now a detailed plan specifying exactly what they think how thing should be done to address the various social, economy, transport, housing issues, etc. The respond is of course they will say they are not the one in charge, not the one drawing high salary and simply put, it is not their job. Granted, but please bear in mind if you really care, you can do much more than criticize partially.
There's no doubt that the old folks enjoy events like the garden party. But I have a couple of questions.

1) Why is there a need for reporters to be present? :scratchhead:

2) What about those who can't travel for the events, such as those on wheelchairs, or those whose diets are restricted (diabetics, folks with renal failure), so they can't enjoy the food?

Due to practical concerns, those who are selected to attend these events are the relatively healthy old folks who will look good on TV shaking hands with the president.

However, there is a significant number of old folks who are left out. They're either too weak to travel or they can't consume the food served, so they see no point attending anyway.

Perhaps the generous donors, as well as the president, can complete their good work by paying some attention to the weak and infirm as well.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/686121https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/686121Mon, 09 Jan 2012 07:48:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to CEOs host garden party for 1500 needy on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 07:06:27 GMT]]>Sometimes I really don’t understand why people can be so negative and unreceptive. Bias, perhaps. If you have no intention to see any good in an act, you won’t see it.


Why can’t this event be a start for something? To risk over simplifying things, who say among the 1500 ‘needy’ none of them will be inspired by this experience, the mingling with the successful, the thought provoking talks, etc and thus strive to do better in their life? If these 1500 needy are all old folks and no future to speak of, at least this is a treat to them, no? At least this is showing of compassion to the less successful?

If you don’t mingle, you are elitists, if you do, you are wayang. Even if you are not elitists and not wayanging, you are doing it wrongly.

We have been saying our government is a ‘nanny’ government, perhaps it is now time for the critics to lay now a detailed plan specifying exactly what they think how thing should be done to address the various social, economy, transport, housing issues, etc. The respond is of course they will say they are not the one in charge, not the one drawing high salary and simply put, it is not their job. Granted, but please bear in mind if you really care, you can do much more than criticize partially.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/686072https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/686072Mon, 09 Jan 2012 07:06:27 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to CEOs host garden party for 1500 needy on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:40:05 GMT]]>

UncleLim:
The intention was good. But the project team probably did not check with the beneficiaries what they really really want.


When I was very little I remember I bought my mum a toy gun for her birthday. It cost me a couple of bucks from my own savings. I am sure my mum had many hours of fun playing with it.
:rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

it's like buying a new vacuum cleaner for the wife's birthday ? :evil: :siam:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/686044https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/686044Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:40:05 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to CEOs host garden party for 1500 needy on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:26:10 GMT]]>The intention was good. But the project team probably did not check with the beneficiaries what they really really want.


When I was very little I remember I bought my mum a toy gun for her birthday. It cost me a couple of bucks from my own savings. I am sure my mum had many hours of fun playing with it.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/686028https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/686028Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:26:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to CEOs host garden party for 1500 needy on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:23:49 GMT]]>but maybe the lion dance is FOC from some volunteer grp? alot of people will grab the chance to perform in the istana in front of the president.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/685768https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/685768Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:23:49 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to CEOs host garden party for 1500 needy on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:20:27 GMT]]>All this extras like "lion dance" can be put into better use. So this is is what i call wayang.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/685762https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/685762Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:20:27 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to CEOs host garden party for 1500 needy on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 02:59:58 GMT]]>Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.


These CEOs should take a leaf out of "Once upon a Village", where professional went to rural villages and taught the villagers a trade or a skill that would help to improve the villagers’ life. They did not bring "Tang Yuan" nor did lion dance.

IMHO no one would like to be labelled a "needy". To be invited to a party then labelled as a needy is not helping their self confidence.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/685729https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/685729Mon, 09 Jan 2012 02:59:58 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to CEOs host garden party for 1500 needy on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 02:23:30 GMT]]>not sure about the 1500 famiies invited, but imho the underlying intention is good and worthy, but perhaps the method of execution is at best subjective.


It's like the lord, noting the poor hungry peasants in the nearby villages, and then inviting them to his big mansion for a banquet. so yes, they appreciate the gesture, the thought, but they also see how the affluent wears, lives, how much their lifestyles differs.

Garden party ? maybe a better option would be a BBQ, buffet gathering at the local RC or void deck. Just my personal opinion, of coz.

I was impressed with some SDP activites which they organised with their limited budget last year, AFTER the elections. Of course, there may be an agenda behind, but the efforts were worth applauding.

http://yoursdp.org/index.php/news/singapore/4915-dr-leong-yan-hoi-makes-house-calls-to-those-in-need

http://yoursdp.org/index.php/news/singapore/4907-democrats-step-up-assistance-to-marsiling-needy-families

http://yoursdp.org/index.php/news/singapore/4990-democrats-host-first-ever-block-party-

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/685694https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/685694Mon, 09 Jan 2012 02:23:30 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to CEOs host garden party for 1500 needy on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 01:03:05 GMT]]>

tankee:
Garden Party? :scratchhead:


I am sure that these 1500 needy's life have been improved by this garden party :roll:

Surely these top earners, strategic thinking CEOs can come up with much better ideas on how best to help the needy. Or it is just a weekend wayang for news coverage. :siao:
There is no win for the high earners in Singapore. Sit on your hands, get accused of passivity, do a high profile event, get accused of wayang. So how?

I'm sure that there is more behind the scenes than the reported garden party, lets not be too quick to leap in and castigate. Poor families get a chance to go to the Istana, have free makan and lion dance show, also quite nice way to spend weekend right?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/685594https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/685594Mon, 09 Jan 2012 01:03:05 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to CEOs host garden party for 1500 needy on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:18:02 GMT]]>Garden Party? :scratchhead:


I am sure that these 1500 needy's life have been improved by this garden party :roll:

Surely these top earners, strategic thinking CEOs can come up with much better ideas on how best to help the needy. Or it is just a weekend wayang for news coverage. :siao:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/685566https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/685566Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:18:02 GMT