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Opening Remarks by Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development, at the KidSTART and SP Group Green Adventures Launch on 2 March 2024

Type: Official Speeches (All), Official Speeches: Masagos Zulkifli, All

Topic(s): Children & Families, Financial Assistance & Social Support, MSFCare Volunteers, All,  

Published on 02 March 2024

Mr Stanley Huang, SP Group, CEO
Mr Chew Sutat, Chairman Community Chest,
Dr Derrick Heng and Mr Neo Sing Hwee, KidSTART Board of Directors,
Mdm Rahayu Buang, CEO KidSTART Singapore,

  1. Good morning, everyone! I am delighted to be here today at the KidSTART and SP Group Green Adventures Launch. 


  1. It has been almost 3 years since I announced the partnership between SP Group and KidSTART under the Growing Together with KidSTART initiative.  Since 2021, SP Group has generously contributed $3.2 million to give children access to educational resources and launch various KidSTART initiatives such as KidSTART Stories, the Adventures with Andi Play, and today’s Green Adventures. These programmes have significantly contributed and enriched the lives of our KidSTART families, families like yourselves, and I am heartened by SP Group's steadfast support for KidSTART. Thank you, SP Group.


Green Adventures Initiative and the Benefits for KidSTART Families


  1. Today’s Green Adventures programme builds on KidSTART’s goal of empowering parents to create opportunities for their children and foster positive child development outcomes. 


  1. The programme is designed to help families adopt simple and sustainable practices at home to help combat climate change, and this is how we safeguard our children’s future. There are simple actions such as conserving energy and proper waste disposal, although small, all these added together can go a very long way.  We have to involve our children from a very young age, to nurture their desire to care for the environment and help them cultivate positive habits.


  1. We hope the programme also provides opportunities for parents to bond with their children.  Both parents and children can work together to adopt sustainable practices together and make this a regular family activity, and take the chance to discuss the impact of their actions and the importance of environmental sustainability. I remember when I was growing up, my parents always taught me to turn off the water when soaping myself during my shower.  This is something I grew up with that my parents taught me, and I still hold on to till this day.


  1. At the various booths, you can try out different activities such as creating souvenirs with natural materials – so do not throw away things at home, learn about composting. Even food that you may throw away can become useful materials, and you will be able to speak with experts on wildlife and ocean life at the booths later. 


  1. I hope through these fun and educational activities, our families can create lasting memories while cultivating a shared sense of responsibility towards our environment. 


Importance of partnerships with KidSTART stakeholders in the community


  1. Again, we appreciate the support of SP Group, whose initiatives have provided our families opportunities to grow and bond while cultivating a love for reading and arts from a very early stage. 


  1. SP Group has also been generous in supporting their staff who volunteer at KidSTART activities and events. Known as SP Heart Workers, they are here today around you. These corporate volunteers help pack and distribute essential aids and learning packs for families, as well as serve as event volunteers.  This highlights the vital role every corporate in Singapore can play in uplifting families, promoting community spirit, and strengthening our social compact. We can all become better, doing it together.


  1. As we celebrate the Year of Celebrating Volunteers, I want to acknowledge all KidSTART volunteers, including staff of SP Group, here today.  Your dedication and hard work, and the time you have given to events like this, have created meaningful experiences and lifelong memories for our KidSTART families, which in turn helped their children have a good start in life. 


  1. As we expand KidSTART nationwide to benefit even more families and their children, I look forward to seeing even more Singaporeans step up as volunteers.  I encourage everyone to bring along a friend or family member to your next volunteering opportunity for this meaningful experience. 


Concluding remarks


  1. Ladies and gentlemen, let me wish everyone a fun and enriching time today, bonding with your children and being with your family.  May you all have a rewarding time in your own Green Adventure as a family.  Thank you.