Singtel Touch Change: Making a Difference Through Technology-Driven CSR

Singtel

The corporate social responsibility (CSR) world is rapidly evolving, with companies seeking innovative ways to create positive social impact. Singtel Touch Change is a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative launched by Singtel in 2012. It leverages technology to empower communities across diverse areas like education, healthcare, digital inclusion, and social entrepreneurship. This flagship initiative reflects Singtel's commitment to responsible business practices, aiming to bridge the digital divide and foster an inclusive digital future for all. Its innovative approach and measurable impact have earned it numerous accolades.

Empowering Communities: A Multifaceted Approach

Singtel Touch Change operates through a range of impactful programs, each addressing specific community needs:

1. Tech for Good: Provides technology solutions to address social challenges like education, healthcare, and disaster relief. Examples include:

• "SchoolNet": Connects schools in remote areas with internet access and educational resources.

• "Silver Touch": Uses technology to provide elderly care and connect them with loved ones.

• "Hawkerpedia": Digitizes hawker stall information to promote local businesses.

1. Digital Inclusion Programs: Recognizing the importance of bridging the digital divide, initiatives like "Data Xone" offer affordable data plans, while "Digital Bridge" empowers individuals with digital literacy skills.

2. Supporting social enterprises: Invests in and mentors social enterprises that use technology for good. For example the Impact Investment Fund funds social enterprises tackling social and environmental issues. And the Social Innovation Challenge supports the development of innovative tech solutions for social impact.

More than 1 million students are connected to the internet through SchoolNet and over 500,000 individuals are equipped with digital literacy skills.

Measurable Impact: Changing Lives, One Project at a Time

The success of Singtel Touch Change is quantified through several key metrics:

• Over 500 million people reached across the Asia Pacific region.

• More than 1 million students are connected to the internet through SchoolNet.

• Over 500,000 individuals are equipped with digital literacy skills.

• Investment in and mentorship of over 100 social enterprises.

• Numerous awards, including the UN WSIS Prize and the Singapore Business Awards, recognise its social impact.

These numbers paint a powerful picture of positive change. However, the true impact of Singtel Touch Change lies beyond statistics. It's about the countless lives transformed, the opportunities created, and the communities empowered through the transformative power of technology.

Singtel’s CSR initiatives include investing in and mentoring social enterprises that use technology for good.

A Model for the Future: Building a Socially Responsible Future

Singtel Touch Change is a shining example of how technology can be leveraged for positive social impact. Its innovative approach, multi-faceted programs, and measurable results offer valuable lessons for other companies and CSR initiatives. Singtel Touch Change continues to evolve as we move forward, setting a high bar for responsible business practices and inspiring others to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future.