Xylem Water Solutions Singapore has been recognized for its work to help communities across Southeast Asia solve water challenges, including providing humanitarian disaster relief, clean water access solutions and WASH education as part of the global water technology provider’s corporate social responsibility program Watermark. The National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre of Singapore named Xylem Water Solutions Singapore one of their Champions of Good for the work the team has accomplished throughout the region.
The Champions of Good program was launched in 2017 in order to celebrate organizations that create value for the environment and their communities, in addition to the business itself. The center also looks for companies that are multiplying their efforts by working with partners and stakeholders, creating a larger impact than what they could make alone.
In addition to being named a Champion of Good, Xylem Water Solutions Singapore also received the High Distinction Award from The American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore’s Corporate and Societal Action: Recognition for Excellence in Singapore (CARES) 2020 Awards. During a ceremony held virtually in December, the team was recognized along with six other companies for their commitment to positively impacting Singapore by creating both long-term economic and social value in a sustainable way.
Xylem has been a driving force for natural disaster relief across the region. Impacts to water systems are often one of the immediate concerns following a disaster, and Xylem has supported rebuilding efforts throughout Southeast Asia. After a major dam collapsed in Laos that left many villages flooded, the Singapore team collected donations and sent volunteers to build AquaTowers in partnership with Planet Water at schools and emergency shelters. The team has also responded similarly in Lombok after a series of earthquakes, in the Philippines after the Taal volcano eruption and in Rolli after the recent Typhoon. Additionally, the team was instrumental in the Tham Luang cave rescue, assisting local authorities and first responders in the rescue of the trapped boys’ soccer team and their coach.
Of utmost importance, Xylem believes access to safe, clean water is a human right for all. In addition to areas impacted by natural disasters, they also work to establish AquaTowers and educational programs in communities that lack reliable access to the resource. Employees have been active participants in bringing this support to communities in Cambodia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand. Educational courses around hygiene, handwashing and preventing the spread of germs have imperative in creating behavioral change and helping residents fight illnesses, including COVID-19.
In addition to Xylem’s broader community efforts, the company also engages and empowers employees to participate in social impact initiatives in their communities.
“We want our employees to find purpose in their work and be engaged,” said Southeast Asia managing director Koh Chong Hin. “We encourage our employees to make a difference and take action by volunteering their time, providing pro bono skills expertise, donating in-kind equipment or raising funds for causes that matter to them.”
Especially as the pandemic continues to impact communities, employees have been there for their neighbors with food drives, running errands for those who cannot and more, in addition to traditional water related volunteer activities, such as cleaning up waterways. Employees were also given the opportunity to nominate and fundraise for nonprofit organizations impacted by the pandemic. Any donations employees raised were then matched at a rate of 2:1 by Xylem. In Singapore, the team chose to support the Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (HOME) and Children’s Wishing Well with these funds.
In recent years, Xylem Watermark has expanded its humanitarian efforts, working with valued partners to reach more communities in more ways. “Solving the water crisis is not something that can wait,” says Emma Housman, Program Manager, Corporate Social Investment at Xylem “We’re so thankful to have the support of many partners, from suppliers to nonprofit organizations, who can amplify our support and help us provide assistance communities and people facing the toughest water challenges. Together, we can help create a more water-secure and sustainable world.”