|
|
| You are not authorized to post a reply. |
|
| Author |
Messages |
|
yoda
Posts:271
 |
| 02/14/2008 5:24 PM |
 Alert
|
CREATING SOCIAL IMPACT THROUGH BUSINESS - SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE ENTERPRISES, SOCIAL ENTERPRISES AND SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS
MCYS MEDIA RELEASE NO: 70/2007
DATE OF ISSUE: 05/12/2007
Give disadvantaged Singaporeans more opportunities to become economically active and independent - this is the objective that underlies the recommendations of the Social Enterprise (SE) Committee led by Mr Philip Yeo, SPRING Singapore Chairman. The Committee hopes to see vibrant and competitive socially responsible enterprises, social enterprises and social entrepreneurs that create jobs and services to address unmet needs and make a difference to the needy and disadvantaged in Singapore.
''We must be successful capitalists first, before we can be useful socialists. By building strong businesses which can create social impact, we can better help the needy and disadvantaged to strengthen their self-worth and self-reliance. The social enterprise sector is still nascent, but it is showing good promise. '' says Mr Yeo. The fifteen-member SE Committee was tasked with finding ways to grow the social enterprise sector. The committee is submitting its report to the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports.
The report contains a set of recommendations to promote better understanding of social enterprises and social entrepreneurship, highlight their social value, as well as show the way to invigorate the local social enterprise sector.
''Our social entrepreneurs have shown that it is possible to be both successful businesspersons, and champion a social cause. Their efforts have shown that there is a third way, to build a more inclusive society that does not marginalise people. Empirical evidence show that businesses that are innovative tend to invest in the community to do good and do well. Social entrepreneurs passionate about causes and who find solutions from within the community tend to be profitable and sustainable. Governments who understand this and empower these organisations to collaborate towards a multiplier effect tend to develop a self reliant and resilient society in the long run.'' advises long-time champion of social enterprises Ms Penny Low, founder of Social Innovation Park and MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC.
An important recommendation is a `Caring Companies' initiative to encourage more Socially Responsible Enterprises (SREs) to employ the disadvantaged. SRE is a term which the Committee uses to refer to commercial companies that hire needy disadvantaged workers as part of their workforce. The SE Committee is urging more 'companies with hearts' to provide jobs and skills training for needy disadvantaged Singaporeans (including ex-offenders, low-income single parents, and people recovering from psychiatric conditions).
There are also several recommendations to strengthen social enterprises. Social enterprises should align their social objectives with the businesses' expertise or competitive advantage. The ComCare Enterprise Fund should be strengthened to help new social enterprises obtain seed funding.
Another key recommendation is in facilitating leadership in the social enterprise community through a proposed Social Enterprise Association and a Social Enterprise Development Centre. The Association will give focus, voice and visibility to the sector. The Centre will be the focal point for building capabilities, networks and platforms to engage stakeholders in the private, people and public sectors.
To give the sector a boost, the SE Committee is urging community-conscious entrepreneurs, employers and consumers to get involved -- invest expertise, and resources in local social enterprises and social entrepreneurship initiatives. Ms Norma Sit, Founder of social enterprise Youth Life Ownership, says ''I believe private sector individuals want to contribute to social causes. They want to know more about the social sector and how they can be of help. Our society is facing many stresses. By working together to help each other, we can strengthen the fabric of Singapore society, and make Singapore a better home for all''.
The Government will consider the Committee's recommendations and respond in March 2008.
ISSUED BY
MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, YOUTH AND SPORTS
|
|
|
|
|
| You are not authorized to post a reply. |
|
|
|
ActiveForums 3.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|