Promoting Education
Nurturing an appreciation for the arts
March 2018
Keppel invests in programmes to nurture communities wherever it operates. This includes initiatives that instil an appreciation for the arts and culture among the young.
On 29 March 2018, Keppel announced its commitment of $500,000 over three years to Keppel Nights, renewing its partnership with Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay to nurture a deeper appreciation of the arts among students in Singapore. Since 2013, the partnership has provided about 20,000 students from more than 70 schools in the heartlands with access to arts and cultural shows presented by Esplanade.
In conjunction with the announcement, Mr Loh Chin Hua, CEO of Keppel Corporation, together with senior management of Esplanade, hosted 50 students from Jurongville Secondary School to the gala performance of London’s National Theatre production of ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ at the Esplanade Theatre.
Starting this year, Keppel Nights will expand its scope to include Esplanade’s sensory-friendly performances designed for audiences with special needs, including those on the autism spectrum. Aural and visual elements will be adjusted for such performances, and a calming space at the theatre foyer will also be made available for the children to acclimatise themselves before entering the theatre, or to take time out during performances.
On 8 April 2018, students from Teck Whye Secondary School, together with their families and caregivers, attended the sensory-friendly performance of ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ at the Esplanade Theatre.
Mr Ho Tong Yen, GM of Group Corporate Communications, Keppel Corporation, said, “Keppel Nights aims to foster appreciation of the arts among students by exposing them to world-class performances and diverse art and cultural forms. 2018 marks Keppel Corporation’s 50th anniversary and we are pleased to extend this very well-received and impactful initiative for the benefit of more students, including those with special needs.”
Ms Yvonne Tham, CEO designate, The Esplanade Co Ltd, said, “As Esplanade turned 15 in October 2017, we re-affirmed our commitment to serve our diverse communities and to do even more to be inclusive. With Keppel Corporation’s continued support, more students of different needs will be able to come to their national performing arts centre for meaningful arts experiences that we hope will inspire them and pique their curiosity about the arts and the world.”
Mr Edwin Chan, Principal of Teck Whye Secondary School, said, “We appreciate that the Keppel Nights programme has provided our students with good aesthetic learning experiences. Parents and their children are also given wonderful opportunities to bond when they enjoy this performance together.”
Keppel Nights, launched by Keppel Corporation in 2008, was a first-of-its-kind ticket subsidy programme to nurture an audience for the arts. The programme was refreshed in 2013 to reach out specifically to students.