Keppel Care Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Keppel Limited, has donated $100,000 to the Digital for Life (DFL) Fund, which provides support for projects and activities promoting digital inclusion, digital literacy and digital wellness.
According to an Oct 6 announcement, Keppel’s donation will be used to support initiatives relating to digital literacy wellness, including the areas of cyber safety, media literacy and mitigating the risks of online harms.
Volunteers from Keppel will also support seniors and other vulnerable groups by promoting digital wellness, including identifying scams.
The national DFL movement was launched in February 2021 by former President Halimah Yacob. The DFL Fund provides funding for digital inclusion projects and activities that help lower-income families and seniors gain digital access, equip carers and family members to teach seniors in using technology, and promote personal responsibility for online safety.
On top of Keppel’s financial contribution, Keppel will donate refurbished laptops to SG Bono, facilitated by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). SG Bono is a volunteer group comprising engineers, IT experts and enthusiasts that provides help to low-income families in Singapore to meet their IT needs.
The laptops will be provided through AsiaPac Technology, which is part of Keppel’s Connectivity Division, and will be distributed via SG Bono to vulnerable communities to promote digital access.
See also: Jardine Matheson Group charity MINDSET launches Unlocking ADHD–MINDSET Support Hub, pledges $1 mil
Ho Tong Yen, chief sustainability officer of Keppel and CEO of Keppel Care Foundation, says: “As Keppel continues to expand our footprint in the connectivity sector, we recognise the importance of bridging the divide that has arisen from increasing digitalisation while ensuring safe adoption of digital technologies in our daily lives. We are pleased to support the national Digital for Life movement in promoting digital literacy and wellness, which will empower vulnerable communities in Singapore with the knowledge, skills and tools to navigate the challenges of the digital age.”
Doreen Tan, assistant chief executive of strategic planning and digital readiness at IMDA, says: “Keppel has been a DFL partner since 2021. We are thankful to Keppel for their continued commitment to the DFL cause. Indeed, their support for digital literacy and wellness initiatives reflects a shared commitment to helping all Singaporeans thrive in the digital age and leaving no one behind.”
The current DFL fund application window for individuals and organisations is open till Dec 31. According to the DFL website, the fund will support up to 50% or 80% of qualified costs, and is capped at $20,000.
