ICPAS Sponsors World Expo 2010 Forum on Volunteerism

As part of its commitment to fostering corporate social responsibility, ICPAS sponsored a forum on volunteerism in January. The forum “Volunteerism As a Way of Life is held in celebration of the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, happening from May to October this year. Some 70,000 volunteers will be needed for the World Expo.

Organised by MediaCorp and the Expo 2010 committee, the forum aimed to encourage volunteerism at the personal and corporate levels. ICPAS President Dr Ernest Kan was one of the panelists at the forum, which discussed issues such as enhancing the volunteer experience and encouraging people to volunteer.

Dr Kan spoke on ICPAS’ commitment to corporate social responsibility, including the Institute’s recent collaboration with People’s Association to encourage ICPAS members to volunteer with PA’s grassroots organisations. ICPAS signed a Memorandum of Understanding with PA in January, aimed at having more CPAs Singapore volunteer their time and expertise in aid of the community, with opportunities to serve as treasurers or assistant treasurers in grassroots organisations.

Other panelists included Professor Zhou Hanmin, Vice Chairman of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo Executive Committee, Ms Claire Chiang, Senior Vice President of Banyan Tree Holdings, Mr Laurence Lien, CEO of National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, MediaCorp artiste Pierre Png, Ms Li Yin from Shanghai University and Mr Zhang Ning, founder of Charyou Organisation.

Panelists gave their views on the value of volunteerism. The discussion also touched on the role organisations play in fostering volunteerism.