Community and Environment
NOL is a global business providing socially useful services that contribute to the business success of our customers and the economic well-being of whole countries.
With more than 12,000 employees in nearly 50 countries we touch many communities.
In 2005, the NOL Group, its operating businesses and employees made a particular difference in the aftermath of several natural disasters. We continued our support for targeted community development activities, and emphasised good employer, sound governance and environmental responsibility principles within our business.
Responding to emergencies
In a year that saw the advent and aftermath of natural calamities such as the Indian Ocean tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and the Pakistan earthquake, NOL Group was able to use the resources at our disposal to make a difference in the lives of people in affected areas. Whether it was relocating aid containers free-of-charge around New Orleans, distributing containers of clothing, shelter, food and toys following the Indian Ocean tsunami, or distributing tents in Pakistan, the Group mobilised its expertise in logistics.
Our employees also showed generosity of spirit through fundraising efforts and in volunteering their time to organise and deliver the various aid initiatives.
Contributing to communities
In 2004, NOL Group established the Beyond Boundaries Trust Fund to facilitate the Group's support for community programmes in Singapore. In 2005, this was complemented with the setting up of the Neptune Global Trust to achieve a global reach.
Fulfilling its role as a good corporate citizen, the Group supported national level activities such as the Singapore National Day Parade, Singapore Arts Festival and Sailability World Inc - a sailing organisation for the disabled (supported by APL Singapore since 2001). Our offices in Malaysia and France sponsored local Sailability teams to help with the purchase of boats and equipment for competitions and regular practices. NOL Group employees in each location volunteered their own time to assist at the sailing events.
A broad range of support for community development initiatives saw sponsorship for activities as diverse as Refugees International and the College Women's Association in Japan, tuition and books for students in Cambodia and remote provinces of China, support for educational programmes in Oakland, United States, practical assistance for a children's home in St Petersburg, a child cycling safety programme in Vietnam, and Christmas collections for needy members of the community in a number of localities including Singapore. Group CEO David Lim led Singapore-based employees in a visit to the Cheshire Home for senior citizens on one of the Group's community visits.
In 2005 the Group committed to a contribution of S$10 million over 10 years to establish the NOL Fellowship at the National University of Singapore. The aim is to develop a high quality, multi-disciplinary programme of research to enhance knowledge and expertise in the field of global cargo transportation and logistics. The fund was officially launched early 2006.
Environmental responsibility
Preventing damage to marine habitats and reducing fuel emissions have been pivotal to the NOL Group's approach to environmental management. In many instances the Group has instigated projects well in advance of international regulations and policy. The ship management arms of NOL have been early adopters a broad range of risk management, quality and environmental protection regimes, including the ISO9001 quality standards, the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, and ISO14001 certification for environmental management.
In 2005, the NOL Group rolled out a range of initiatives to further reduce impact on the environment. This included installing a system of bilge primary tanks on board vessels to supplement existing oily water separators, painting ships’ bottoms with non-leaching and biocide-free anti-fouling silicon paint as part of a continuing programme, and testing a shipboard ballast water treatment system well in advance of possible legislation in 2009.
Our fleet's sulphur emission levels have reduced by an average of 0.2% per annum and now stand at 3.2%, well below the 4.5% level mandated by Annex VI of MARPOL 73/78.
Developing our people
The Group is committed to investing in the development of staff. In 2005, a pilot Management Development Programme brought 25 emerging executives from across the globe to Singapore. The programme, jointly developed with the Singapore Management University, helped participants develop a range of practical skills and explore emerging business concepts. Participants benefited from close interaction with each other and regular discussions with senior NOL management 'mentors'. The entry-level Global Management Trainee Programme continued to attract young high-calibre graduates into the organisation.
Our offices across the globe have been active in deploying training programmes to enhance skills and impart new knowledge. Our programmes enhance skills in areas as diverse as leading people, innovation and creativity, sales processes, effective writing and presentations, and improving personal effectiveness in business environments.
Looking ahead, the Group has developed a series of executive education programmes in collaboration with reputable business schools (effective from 2006) to develop promising leaders within the organization and ensure a strong and active 'pipeline' of talent within the NOL Group.
The Group recognises work-life balance as an important part of maintaining a positive working environment. Recreational activities, such as team sports, family days, and a range of social activities are organised by offices across the globe through in-house recreational clubs and the Group supports an active employee volunteer programme.
The Group's contribution of S$10 million over 10 years to the NOL Fellowship is aimed at developing a high quality, multi-disciplinary programme of research to enhance knowledge and expertise in the field of global cargo transportation and logistics.
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