JARDINE MATHESON – Jana had been suffering from depression for about six years when she found a temporary job as an administrative assistant at Jardine Engineering (Singapore) – created as part of the group’s efforts to support mental health. Not only did the placement allow her to find a new focus in life, giving her less time to dwell on negative thoughts, she eventually did so well that she was converted to a permanent employee in the company.
Jana (not her real name) is one of 87 people suffering from mental health disorders who have been placed on temporary jobs within the Jardine Matheson Group, since the behemoth started its philanthropic initiative Mindset Care Limited in Singapore in 2011. This followed a similar thrust in the group’s headquarters in Hong Kong, created over a decade ago. In both cities, mental health is an area that is often under-served by both the community and the private sector, said Mindset Care programme manager Colyn Chua.
In Singapore, the group helps to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues through events and campaigns. It supports organisations such as Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) in their social enterprise efforts, providing retail space for free in places such as CityLink Mall, a Hongkong Land property, or helping to sell their products through its 7-Eleven convenience stores.
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Source: The Business Times, 15 May 2017