Mr Ng Lang, CEO, National Parks Board;

Mr Guy Harvey-Samuel, CEO, HSBC;

Ladies and Gentlemen,

A very good morning to you. I am glad to be able to join so many of you here today at Pulau Ubin.

Volunteers@Pulau Ubin

2 Pulau Ubin is a popular island getaway, providing a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of our city life. Each year, Pulau Ubin welcomes around 300,000 visitors to her shores. These visitors choose Ubin as a destination for various forms of outdoor recreation and nature appreciation.

3 With the help of many dedicated volunteers, NParks organises over 400 guided walks and events annually. The Nature Society, Pedal Ubin and Green Volunteers Network also organise many complementary activities for the benefit of visitors.

4 Here in Ubin, we can regularly see people from all walks of life contributing their time, energy and expertise to promote and safeguard Ubin’s natural heritage. As volunteers, your passion for nature has inspired a love for the natural environment among our fellow Singaporeans. Through your efforts, visitors are able to enjoy a distinctive Ubin experience whenever they visit.

Ubin-HSBC Volunteer Hub

5 To further facilitate nature-based activities on the island, NParks has put in place the Pulau Ubin Conservation and Management Plan to guide the provision of facilities and amenities.

6 Since the announcement of the plan last year, the new campsite at Jalan Jelutong has been completed, and is now open for use. Construction of the bike park at Ketam Quarry has commenced, and development of visitor amenities at Chek Jawa is progressing well. These facilities should be ready early next year.

7 Today, I am pleased to launch the Ubin-HSBC Volunteer Hub. This Hub will serve as a volunteer centre to facilitate nature outreach and conservation activities, to enhance volunteer training and networking, as well as to function as a base for community involvement programmes. Facilities such as the resource centre-cum-activity room will serve as a one-stop centre for information about Pulau Ubin. There will also be a seminar room and a volunteer lounge. The Hub will be open to all volunteers, civic groups, schools, and all involved in activities that contribute to nature conservation and outreach in Pulau Ubin.

HSBC Care-for-Nature Stamp Series

8 Together with the launch of the Volunteer Hub, we will also be unveiling this year’s HSBC Care-for-Nature stamp series. The Care-for-Nature stamp series was first issued in 1991, and each limited stamp print collection features a nature theme.

9 This year’s stamps feature the native wildlife of Singapore like the Common Palm Civet, the Common Flying Dragon, the Black-spotted Sticky Frog, and the Common Tiger Butterfly. I believe the images captured in the stamp series will instil in everyone, a deeper appreciation of the natural beauty and ecological significance of our natural environment in Singapore.

10 In making the dream of a Volunteer Hub into a reality, HSBC played a critical role. I would like to take this opportunity to thank HSBC for their generosity and support. HSBC has been a steadfast and consistent supporter of nature awareness and conservation programmes in Singapore. It is my hope that other organisations will be encouraged to emulate this excellent example of corporate social responsibility.

Conclusion

11 On this note, I would also wish to thank all individuals and organisations that have helped us implement and sustain conservation and nature appreciation programmes for the benefit of all.

12 Thank you also for taking the time to be here today. Your unwavering support and zeal for Pulau Ubin will ensure that our future generations can enjoy and treasure the Ubin experience that we cherish today.

13 I wish you all a pleasant day ahead. Thank you.

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