The annual Christmas Light-Up at Singapore’s most popular shopping street at Orchard is an event that is much anticipated by those living in Singapore, as well as visitors to the country. With the COVID-19 situation, it was without a doubt that everyone’s life had been affected in more ways than one. This year’s edition of the Christmas Light-Up was carefully planned to make it one that was meaningful and memorable for everyone to enjoy.

This year’s theme, “Love This Christmas”, was a reminder that no circumstances should stop us from spreading love and joy to those we care about. The Hitachi Group of Companies in Singapore was proud to come together as ‘One Hitachi’ and continue to be the main sponsor for the 30th consecutive year. Despite the COVID-19 situation, we decided to proceed with the sponsorship of this event after much deliberation, to demonstrate our strong commitment to the community in Singapore. The yearly sponsorship is tied to our annual donation to the Community Chest where our past contributions have gone towards helping over 80 charity organizations to empower the lives of those in need. Through the Christmas Light-Up. we hoped to boost everyone’s spirits and show our dedication to our global message of "Hitachi Social Innovation is POWERING GOOD".

For the health and safety of everyone, the light-up ceremony was a virtual one that was broadcasted live on the evening of 13 November 2020 so that anyone in the world could witness the lighting up of Orchard in real time. We also had the opportunity to have Toshiaki Higashihara, President & CEO of Hitachi, Ltd., to speak online from Japan and address the public for the first time ever at this event. He shared about his appreciation of the longstanding friendship between Hitachi and the Singaporean people and Government, as well as Hitachi’s commitment to build stronger relationships with communities, and to design innovative solutions that improve the quality of life and bring happiness to the people.

The next highlight of the night took place when President Halimah Yacob activated the light-up mechanism together with Kojin Nakakita, Chairman of Hitachi Asia Ltd., and other distinguished guests. The 3.1-kilometre stretch was transformed into a dazzling display of lights and decorations. Brightly lit snowflakes intertwined with mistletoe and hollies in white, gold and blue could be seen across the sub-precincts of Somerset, Orchard and Tanglin, while Christmas ornaments and white and gold baubles hung from trees and lampposts that line the boulevard. We truly appreciated that we could continue to spread the Christmas cheer to the community in this New Normal, and sincerely hope that the new year will bring good luck and blessings to everyone.

 

In conjunction with our sponsorship, we also organise an annual CSR program called Hitachi Plays Santa, where employees come together as One Hitachi to spread the Christmas joy to the less privileged among us. This is our 4th year organizing this activity, and we have partnered with the Down Syndrome Association (Singapore) to adopt and fulfill the wishes of over 160 beneficiaries.

 

For the first time ever, Hitachi partnered Down Syndrome Association (Singapore) or DSA for its annual CSR event. Dubbed Hitachi Plays Santa 2020 (A Virtual Edition): Adopt a Wish, the Hitachi Group of Companies (GoCs) in Singapore came together as ‘One Hitachi’ to adopt and fulfil the wishes of over 160 DSA beneficiaries.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Hitachi did not deter from doing good. An employee committee comprising of representatives from the Hitachi GoCs in Singapore was convened in late September. Thereafter, response from employees was overwhelming where the wishes were adopted quickly. Special thanks to all Hitachi employees for contributing to this meaningful annual event!

In ensuring all safe management measures were observed, the event was as contactless as possible. On 7th November, distribution of wishes commenced with a small group of beneficiaries at DSA’s office. As distribution will take place in small groups, it will take approximately two months before all the wishes are fully distributed.

Remembering that powering good starts within, Hitachi is happy to play a small part in lighting up the lives of DSA, especially during such unprecedented times. 2020 has not been an easy year for many, and it is through little gestures like these that will go a long way to encourage those within our community.