Community Development
Our long-term approach to community development is founded on the premise that the physical completion of a project simply marks the beginning of its social growth. Our aim is to continually identify development opportunities which maximise the value of our investments, as well as enhance the communities in which our investments are located.
Our journey started with Island East, which exemplifies our long-term commitment to creating quality developments and building integrated communities. Over three decades, we have transformed the site of the old Taikoo Sugar Refinery and Taikoo Dockyard into a thriving residential and business communities. Our experience from Island East is now helping us to transform a rundown part of Wan Chai into a prosperous and creative new enclave.
Community Investment
We believe there are many ways in which we can give back to the community.
Our approach is broad; we provide sponsorship and donations to numerous organisations and charities, particularly those that support cultural arts and environmental sustainability. Our people are vital in our connection to the community.
Our Community Ambassador Programme underpins our engagement with the community. Set up in 2001, Community Ambassador is an ever-growing network of our employees’ family and friends, our Swire Group peers, business partners, tenants and customers who want to make a difference to the lives of others.
In collaboration with our community partners, we design and volunteer in various activities throughout the year to help the elderly, the disabled, children and disadvantaged families in our community. Our goal is to help generate understanding between people from all walks of life. Aside from helping others, our Community Ambassadors gain value from their experience and often learn new skills in the process.
From 2001-2011, the Community Ambassador team has grown from 40 to over 1,000 Ambassadors, who have contributed over 45,000 service hours and participated in over 400 activities to benefit more than 50,000 people in the community.
Recognition
We recognise the efforts of our employees through our Social Responsibility Award, which is granted to those who have made outstanding contributions to the community.
We also offer our full-time employees an additional day of annual leave for every 10 hours of eligible volunteer service, up to a maximum two days per year.
We have been recognised for our contributions to social services. Since 2002, we have been awarded the ‘Caring Company Logo’ by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service. In 2011, our Community Ambassador Programme was honoured the Fourth Hong Kong Volunteer Award (Corporate Award) by the Agency for Volunteer Service.