DBS partners Esplanade to bring meaningful experiences to the community and foster inclusivity
Singapore, 28 Apr 2023 - DBS and Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay today announced a strategic partnership, anchored by a common vision to help uplift the community and pave the way towards a more inclusive and socially-conscious Singapore. This builds on the bank’s ongoing efforts and initiatives in and around the Marina Bay area to give back to the community.
DBS, Esplanade and key community partners gather to celebrate the light-up of the DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre Signage.
Beginning 3
rd
May 2023, the bank will also launch and present its own series of free programmes – “DBS Perspectives @ Esplanade” – at the DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre, which will run mostly on the first and last Wednesday of every month
.
As part of the new partnership, DBS will donate SGD 3.5 million towards Esplanade, in support of the full range of free programmes that will be presented at its Outdoor Theatre every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and on public holidays. As such, the Outdoor Theatre, which has a seated and standing capacity of about 1,000 pax, will be recognised as the
DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre at Esplanade (“DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre”)
for the next five years.
Beginning 3rd May 2023, the bank will also launch and present its own series of free programmes – “DBS Perspectives @ Esplanade” – at the DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre, which will run mostly on the first and last Wednesday of every month. Members of the public can expect to enjoy a variety of programmes ranging from live shows, interactive dialogues, to experiential workshops.
Ms Karen Ngui, DBS Group Head of Strategic Marketing and Communications, and Board Member of DBS Foundation, said, “It is a huge privilege to be working with the Esplanade, which has been integral in promoting and widening access to the arts in the community. With the myriad of uncertainties we all face – be it the pandemic, inflation concerns or geopolitical tensions, among others – it is even more important that we find light in our daily lives and develop a greater sense of community to uphold one another. We look forward to providing the community with more experiences to discover, explore and express themselves, and more opportunities to come together and bond.”
Ms Yvonne Tham, CEO, The Esplanade Co Ltd, said, “We express our heartfelt appreciation to DBS Foundation for its generous gift to the arts. In the 20 years since Esplanade first opened our doors, this Outdoor Theatre has become an indispensable part of the civic life at the Marina Bay and is a key part of what makes Singapore’s cityscape dynamic and inclusive. Every weekend, regardless of ability or background, anyone can sit down at this theatre to enjoy the arts. This stage has also provided countless opportunities for Singapore artists, particularly emerging musicians and performers, to connect with new audiences and dream bigger. In the wake of the pandemic and amidst global uncertainties, we are encouraged that DBS has stepped forward to share and grow these efforts in bringing diverse people together, uplifting spirits, and inspiring Singapore’s creative future through the arts.”
DBS presents “DBS Perspectives @ Esplanade”
Titled “DBS Perspectives @ Esplanade”, the programme line-up seeks to bring diverse segments of the community together to explore, connect, and engage on pertinent societal themes interlacing Singapore’s past, present, and future – with topics ranging from a light-hearted look into intergenerational dynamics within the family, to unpacking the nation’s sustainability concerns, to diving into much-needed discussions around issues such as mental health, among others.
With food being an essential part of Singapore’s culture and heritage, programmes will also focus on using food as a medium to spark new ideas and exchanges around Singapore’s food-related challenges, such as food waste. This also builds on DBS’ broader ‘Towards Zero Food Waste’ initiative – launched in 2020 to rally its stakeholders (including employees, customers, ecosystem partners, and the wider community) to help pave the way towards a more food secure and resilient future, this has generated over 2,000 tonnes of food impact across Asia to date.
In addition, “DBS Perspectives @ Esplanade” aims to be a platform for like-minded impact-makers to come together and join the bank in shaping meaningful experiences. For example, 3rd May’s instalment – “Intergenerational Fashion Runway” – is organised in partnership with local social enterprises City Sprouts, The Fashion Pulpit, and Singapore Fashion Runway, and will use fashion as a theme to explore and bridge generational perspectives and conversations. The show will even feature the social enterprises’ very own beneficiaries as runway models – making it truly a programme for the community, by the community.
“Through DBS Foundation’s work with many purpose-driven and innovative entrepreneurs in Singapore, we have witnessed first-hand the great ideas and potential residing within the next-generation. It is our hope that the DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre can eventually be a stage for more of these bright minds to come forth, express their thoughts, and be heard,” said Ms Ngui.
With fostering inclusivity being a key priority of the DBS Foundation, it will also work with People of Purpose (PoP), DBS’ employee volunteer movement, to bring more underserved communities to the bay to enjoy experiences that they may not have been able to access otherwise. In 2022 alone, the bank’s employees contributed more than 50,000 volunteer hours and reached out to over 80,000 beneficiaries.
Intensifying community programmes in and around Marina Bay
The popular
DBS Sailing at the Bay
programme was first launched in 2013. Now in its tenth year, over 42,000 people have enjoyed complimentary sailboat rides in Marina Bay, and this programme continues to be much sought after by the public. Moving forward, DBS will be increasing the frequency of sailing from two to five days a week. This means, in addition to the existing weekend sail days, the sailboats will also set sail very Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, with priority slots reserved for the underserved segments.
DBS Sailing at the Bay will be increasing the frequency of sailing from two to five days a week.
In addition to the existing weekend sail days, the sailboats will also set sail very Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, with priority slots reserved for the underserved segments
In addition, DBS is returning as the presenting sponsor of
i Light Singapore
, Asia’s leading sustainable light festival, for the second year running. The festival will be held at Marina Bay from 1 to 25 June 2023, and admission is free.
The partnership with Esplanade is the latest in the bank’s efforts in uplifting lives and livelihoods through its work with businesses for impact (i.e. businesses with a double bottom-line of profit and impact) and community causes, as well as employee volunteerism.
DBS Foundation has supported over 800 businesses for impact since 2014. It also expanded its mandate last year with the formation of a Community Impact chapter to equip the underserved with digital and financial literacy skills to face the future with confidence, and enable communities to be more food secure and resilient.
For more details on the partnership and upcoming “DBS Perspectives @ Esplanade” programmes, please visit:
https://www.dbs.com/live-more-by-the-bay/index.html
[END]
About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “
World’s Best Bank
” by Global Finance, “
World’s Best Bank
” by Euromoney and “
Global Bank of the Year
” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “
World’s Best Digital Bank
” by Euromoney and the world’s “
Most Innovative in Digital Banking
” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “
Safest Bank in Asia
“ award by Global Finance for 14 consecutive years from 2009 to 2022.
DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets.
DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting social enterprises: businesses with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping communities with future-ready skills and building food resilience.
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit
www.dbs.com
.
About DBS Foundation
The DBS Foundation is committed to uplifting lives and livelihoods by igniting change in businesses and communities.
Since 2014, the DBS Foundation has been championing social enterprises in Asia, businesses that are for profit, and impact. The Business for Impact chapter now catalyses the growth of innovative, purpose-driven businesses, including SMEs, designed to address pressing issues facing our planet and society.
In 2022, the DBS Foundation raised the bar with the formation of a new Community Impact chapter, to equip the underserved with digital and financial literacy skills to face the future with confidence, and enable communities to be more food secure and resilient.
Our vision is to spark collective action, together with our partners and DBS People of Purpose, to help build a better world for generations today and tomorrow.
For more information, please visit:
www.dbs.com/dbsfoundation
.
About Esplanade
Esplanade is Singapore’s national performing arts centre. It hosts a year-round line-up of about 3,500 live performances and activities presented by Esplanade, its partners and hirers. As an arts centre for everyone, Esplanade also creates opportunities for seniors, youth, children and underserved communities to experience the arts. More than 70% of the shows that take place each year at the centre are free for all to enjoy.
Esplanade also brings the arts virtually to audiences in Singapore and beyond, through its diverse range of digital programmes on
Esplanade Offstage
, an all-access backstage pass to the performing arts and guide to Singapore and Asian arts and culture, with videos, podcasts, articles, quizzes and resources.
The centre works in close partnership with local, regional and international artists to develop artistic capabilities and content, push artistic boundaries and engage audiences. Esplanade supports the creation of artistic content by commissioning and producing new Singapore and Asian work for the international stage. It also develops technical capabilities for the industry nationally.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is operated by The Esplanade Co Ltd (TECL), which is a not-for-profit organisation, a registered Charity and an Institution of a Public Character. The Charity Council awarded TECL the Charity Governance Award – Special Commendation for Clarity of Strategy in 2016 and 2022, and the Charity Transparency Award from 2016 – 2019 and 2022. Esplanade is Singapore’s first Dementia-Friendly Arts Venue and a certified Dementia Go-To Point, as well as a Guide-dog Friendly centre.
TECL receives funding support from Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and its Community Programmes are supported by Tote Board Family, comprising Tote Board, Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club.
Visit
Esplanade.com
for more information.
DBS Bank Ltd | 12 Marina Boulevard, DBS Asia Central @ Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3,
Singapore 018982 | Co. Reg. No. 196800306E
Tel: 65.6878 8888 | www.dbs.com
