Hitachi Sponsors the Orchard Road Christmas Light-Up 2017 in Singapore
and Plays Santa to Selected Beneficiaries!The yuletide season saw Singapore’s favourite shopping street transformed into an enthralling world of enchanting galaxy from 11 November to 1 January!
Stretching from Tanglin Mall shopping centre to Plaza Singapura, the 2.88 km was, as suggested by this year’s theme, an “Endless Wonder” of fun and fantasy where visitors immersed into a different world. This year was the first time that the Christmas lights were turned on earlier at 3pm, instead of 6.30pm, allowing visitors along Orchard Road to have a different experience to enjoy better day effects of the Christmas lights. Each of the 1,200 hanging globes that were strung on trees consisted of coloured fabric intertwined with LED fairy lights.
For the 27th year running, Hitachi was delighted to sponsor the iconic Christmas Light-up in Singapore. The Christmas Light-up reflects Hitachi’s commitment to the Singapore community as a responsible corporate citizen where the yearly donation tied with the Christmas Light-Up further showcases Hitachi’s commitment to contribute back to the society.
The switch-on ceremony took place at Orchard ION on 11 November where it was officiated by President Halimah Yacob, Singapore’s new President. This year, Mr Kojin Nakakita, Chairman for Hitachi Asia Ltd., represented the Hitachi Group of Companies in Singapore to present a cheque of S$230,000 to President Halimah and Mr Philip Tan, Chairman of Community Chest, the fund-raising arm of the National Council of Social Services. The Hitachi Group has been one of the major donors for the past 27 years, and these funds are used for empowering families in need.
Left: Mr Nakakita presenting a cheque of S$230,000 to President Halimnah.
Right: Mr Kosuke Horiuchi, Managing Director of Hitachi Asia Ltd., received a commemorative gift from Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for Social and Family Development.
Chairman Nakakita, together with President Halimah and other distinguished guests initiated the light-up where more than 200 double-sided lampposts inscribed with Hitachi’s Corporate Statement logo were immediately lighted.
Left: The 12-metre-high main arch is the tallest in history
Right: Lampposts inscribed with Hitachi's Corporate Statement logo.
In addition to the celebrations this year, Orchard Road debuted its Christmas Village, located at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza from 25 November to 25 December where Hitachi sponsored a Santa House. Hitachi plays Santa to selected beneficiaries at the Christmas Village on 8 December.
Left: Hitachi staff from various GOCs came together as One Hitachi and volunteered their time to pack goodie bags for children and guardians.
Right: Chairman Nakakita and Managing Director of HAS, Mr Kosuke Horiuchi (left) also took time off their busy schedules to help out in this meaningful event.
Left: Hitachi’s Santa House where Santa Claus was available for photography at selected timings.
Right: This event was successful because the various Hitachi Group of Companies came together as One Hitachi.
Jointly organised by Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA) and Community Chest, these selected children beneficiaries together with their family members were invited to the village for an afternoon of fun where the village was closed exclusively for this event. The beneficiaries enjoyed unlimited free rides, free food, performances and photo opportunities with Santa at Hitachi Santa House. Everyone received a goodie bag that was put together by Hitachi staff. As Hitachi faithfully spreads the Christmas cheer through 27 years of sponsorship, Hitachi hopes to affirm its commitment to the community by “co-creating” solutions with stakeholders to improve the sustainability and quality of life for Singaporeans.
