Highlights of some of the charitable causes and contributions to society made by insurers in recent weeks. Share yours with us to spread the good news. Email them to: Editor@AsiaAdvisersNetwork.com
Singapore: NTUC Income extends Future Development Programme to 2019 with bursary awards totalling US$1.55 mln
Mr Marcus Chew, Chief Marketing Officer of Income (middle) with FDP Alumni Coach, Andrea Chong and FDP beneficiaries at the inaugural ‘Income OrangeAid Future Speak’ seminar, which kick-started the FDP Alumni Programme. (Credit: NTUC Income)
Income OrangeAid, the community development arm of NTUC Income (Income), is extending its flagship initiative, Income OrangeAid Future Development Programme (FDP), for another two years (2018 to 2019).
This follows the success of the initiative for the past three years as it provided Singaporean students from low-income households studying in polytechnics and Institute of Technical Education (ITE) with bursaries, financial literacy and character development training.
The extended programme will see FDP offering an additional 800 bursaries, amounting to S$2.04 million (US$1.55 million), to support more underprivileged youths in their school fees and living expenses. It has also introduced an Alumni Programme, which comprises coaching and facilitator training, to further support current and past FDP beneficiaries.
Mr Marcus Chew, chief marketing officer of Income said, “The extension of FDP underscores Income’s commitment to help youths from low-income families level the playing field in today’s increasingly competitive landscape and to empower them and their families to break out of their disadvantaged circumstances. It is with this aim in mind that we have introduced the Alumni Programme so that we further lend our support in ensuring that these youths become more future ready.”
#FWDTeamAsia raises US$32,500 as they complete the 2018 FWD North Pole Marathon race
Credit: FWD
After battling unsettled weather near the Arctic Circle which postponed the start of the 2018 FWD North Pole Marathon, the event eventually took place on 16 April with both amateur and experienced runners.
Taking part in the world’s coolest marathon where temperatures average -40?, the eleven-strong team of runners sponsored by FWD performed to their best and raised over HK$255,000 (US$32,500) for a range of FWD-partnered charities, including Humanity & Inclusion (previously known as Handicap International), the Hong Chi Association Hong Kong, and Special Olympics.
In total 62 participants took part from across 23 countries.
Mr Tim Oliver, FWD group chief commercial officer said, “It is really inspiring to see such a diverse group of runners from Asia undertake this extreme challenge to raise funds for people with disabilities. Our belief at FWD Group is that everyone should have the confidence to pursue their passions.”
Dr John Dow, chief of regional & program operations & acting president & managing director, Special Olympics Asia Pacific, said, “We are grateful to #FWDTeamAsia for not only raising funds on our behalf but also for raising awareness for people with disabilities. We are especially encouraged by the efforts of the disabled runners of #FWDTeamAsia for their contribution to the partnership between FWD and Special Olympics. They are a tribute to the power of the human spirit and sport over disability.”
The FWD North Pole Marathon 2018 marks the second year of FWD’s title sponsorship and the first region-wide participation of FWD-sponsored runners. The race saw 11 FWD sponsored-runners from across Asia featuring disabled and amateur athletes.
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