Shell Celebrates 120th Anniversary By Raising S$1.2 Million For Charity

Shell Singapore celebrates its 120th Anniversary by coming together with its staff and industry partners to raise S$1.2 million for charity through a Charity Gala Dinner tonight.

This joint charity drive is Shell’s way of contributing back to society and to celebrate the company’s long term success and achievements in Singapore. The cheque was presented at the dinner graced by Mr Lee Kuan Yew, former Minister Mentor of Singapore and Mr Peter Voser, Chief Executive, Royal Dutch Shell. It was also attended by over 1,000 guests, comprising customers, suppliers, partners, government officials, senior company executives and Shell staff.

“We owe our growth and success in Singapore to the longstanding relationships and trust we have developed with our customers, partners and staff, as well as the wider community.“ said Mr Voser. “Shell clearly has benefited from the growth of Singapore and Asia over these many years, and we know this dynamic region will remain critical to our future success as well.”

Shell underwrote the entire cost of the Charity Gala Dinner and all funds raised will be donated to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) and Fei Yue Community Services. In addition, an auction of autographed copies of Mr Lee’s books, “The Papers of Lee Kuan Yew” and “Hard Truths to Keep Singapore Going,” was held.  Over S$160 000 was raised from the book auction and the proceeds will go to the Lee Kuan Yew Awards under the Ministry of Education’s Education Fund.

“It is heartening that Shell has chosen to celebrate its success and heritage in Singapore in a spirit of generosity and kindness,” said Mr Lee. “The funds raised through this event will benefit children who need special care and families in need of help. This charity drive together with other long standing initiatives such as the Traffic Games and the Youth Science Festival are important social contributions that deepen Shell’s involvement with the community in Singapore.”

The Charity Gala dinner culminates a year-long programme of anniversary activities which includes a photo exhibition, a charity car rally, a charity variety show and joint celebratory programmes involving staff and key partners. The charity car rally and concert were both organized by staff, and has to-date raised more than S$100,000 for The Lions’ Befrienders, a beneficiary for the “Helping Hands” project.

Mr Voser will also speak at the Singapore Energy Summit Dinner on 31 October 2011. The Dinner brings together energy leaders to discuss the role of fossil fuels in the future of energy security.

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About Shell

Shell has been in Singapore since 1891, when it acquired eight hectares on Pulau Bukom and set up an oil storage installation. From its world-class manufacturing plants on Pulau Bukom and Jurong Island to its international trading and treasury operations, Singapore has expanded into an important hub for the Shell Group’s businesses in the region.  

When Singapore came under self rule in 1959, there was labour strife and confidence in the country was low. Many foreign companies shifted their operations elsewhere. Shell was however still confident of Singapore’s strategic location and its people and government, and decided, even in those early days, to build a refinery. EDB awarded Pioneer Certificate No. 1 to Shell in 1961 and we have since then been living up to our pioneer status throughout these years.

This certificate also signified the start of a petrochemical industry in Singapore. Today Shell continues to be a key player in the energy and petrochemicals sector. In May 2010, we have completed our Shell Eastern Petrochemicals Complex (SEPC) project, which was our biggest investment in Asia. 

Over the last 120 years, Shell has contributed greatly to Singapore’s social and economic growth, and helped to build its talent and intellectual capital. Our success here is a result of its good working relationships and long-term partnerships with our staff, union, customers, community and the government. 

For Enquiries:

Serene Loo
Media Manager, External Affairs & Communications
Shell Companies in Singapore
Tel.: +65 6384 8943/ +65 9186 8504
E-mail:  serene.loo@shell.com