![More than 2,500 colleagues rally at UOB Thailand's 2023 Global Heartbeat Run/Walk, Raising 4 million baht to boost children's education](/img/files/20230818/iq3ceb8e3d28f3795c84bbb38c1381795c.jpg)
More than 2,500 colleagues, families, customers, and business partners from UOB Thailand rallied together for the Bank's annual UOB Global Heartbeat Run/Walk event. They succeeded in raising 4 million baht, funds earmarked to enhance the quality of education for disadvantaged students in remote areas through the UOB My Digital Space programme.
The UOB Global Heartbeat Run/Walk is an annual flagship volunteering and fundraising programme held by UOB globally across 18 markets. Consistent with the Bank's brand promise to do right by its customers and communities, the funds amassed in Thailand will back the Thailand Collaboration for Education (TCFE). The primary goal is to provide youths with digital tools and comprehensive online education programmes.
Mr Tan Choon Hin, President and Chief Executive Officer of UOB Thailand, said, "Employee volunteerism is a foundational aspect of our UOB Heartbeat corporate social responsibility agenda. We remain unwavering in our commitment to bolster the social progress of the communities we serve. Annually, the UOB Global Heartbeat Run/Walk congregates our colleagues, customers, and partners, all working towards the enhancement of our communities. The funds raised through this event will bolster the UOB My Digital Space programme, providing high-quality education accessible to students regardless of place and time. In essence, such enhancement will open a gateway for students in remote areas to access vast knowledge and opportunities."
The 2023 UOB Global Heartbeat Run/Walk event in Thailand took place on 6 August 2023 at the Suphachalasai National Stadium, coinciding with the event in Vietnam. Meanwhile, four other markets, namely China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Singapore held physical UOB Global Heartbeat Run/Walk events on 12 August 2023 and UOB Malaysian will be holding the event on 27 August 2023. Participants were also treated to performances by the Surasakmontree School's Brass Band and engaging activities designed for children and adults.
UOB Heartbeat Run/Walk steps up for a greener race
UOB Thailand is taking significant steps towards a more environmentally friendly race with the UOB Heartbeat Run/Walk. The commitment to eco-friendly initiatives is evident in the UOB Global Heartbeat Run/Walk, which aims to minimise the event's ecological impact. One such initiative involves producing running shirts from surplus fabric from the fashion industry. This approach can effectively reduce the overall carbon footprint by 3,430 kg, equivalent to driving a car for 28,840 kilometres.
In this year's edition of the UOB Heartbeat Run/Walk in Thailand, a range of green initiatives has been integrated into the event. Introducing a medal that serves as a coin pouch among these initiatives stands out. Additionally, the event has strategically placed recycling bins to collect plastic water bottles, and two waste segregation stations have been established to sort and recycle various types of garbage. Surplus food from the event has been donated to nearby communities to further contribute to the community.
The UOB Global Heartbeat Run/Walk is integral to the Bank's ongoing UOB Heartbeat Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. This programme fosters sustainable positive change for more compassionate and inclusive societies, achieved through corporate philanthropy, collaborative partnerships with stakeholders, and active employee involvement. Aligned with UOB's core values of Honour, Enterprise, Unity, and Commitment, the Bank unites colleagues, customers, and business partners to collectively make a meaningful impact on our communities.