SINGAPORE — UM Singapore, part of the global media agency network IPG Mediabrands, recently celebrated its annual Impact Day with a unique twist, spreading joy and sweetness with clients from MINDS, one of Singapore’s leading organizations supporting persons with intellectual disability and their families. This year’s event, a collaboration between UM and MINDS for the second year running, aimed to further foster understanding, inclusion, and community integration for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The agency partnered with media partner GumGum and venue partner Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie to create a memorable experience: a chocolate factory tour and decorating session. This heartwarming event provided a platform for UM employees to connect with MINDS clients, fostering shared experiences and a sense of community.
The 2024 Impact Day theme, “ONE Day, ONE UM, ONE Better World,” underscores UM’s commitment to its core values of community, curiosity, and courage. The Singapore office’s initiative aligns with APAC’s focus on Equity, demonstrating the agency’s dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable world.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with MINDS, GumGum, and Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie to create such a special experience for our employees and the beneficiaries,” said Kasper Aakerlund, Regional President of UM APAC and Head of UM Singapore. “Impact Day is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to give back to the community and make a positive impact. We believe in the power of connection and hope this event will inspire others to join us in creating a better world.”
“GumGum is passionate about creating a more equitable workplace, industry, and world and we’re proud to have been able to partner with UM Singapore on this year’s Impact Day,” said Kevin Smyth, Head of Sales, Asia, at GumGum. “MINDS is an incredible organization doing extremely important work to empower persons with intellectual disabilities and we’re honored to have been able to spend the day with MINDS Clients.”
“We’re extremely honored to be able to work with UM who share our vision for sustainability. At Mr. Bucket, we aim to highlight the best of Asia’s rich and diverse cacao heritage, using chocolate as a medium to provide exceptional experiences. Our collaboration with farmers within the region enables us to bring unique and authentic flavors to our customers while staying true to our commitment to ethical sourcing and quality,” said a representative from Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie.
“At MINDS, we strive to empower and enhance the quality of life of persons with intellectual Disability (PWIDs) and their families and advocate for their integration into society. But we cannot achieve this alone, and we’re heartened that partners like UM are journeying alongside us to support PWIDs and advocate for their integration into society. UM’s Impact Day offers an excellent opportunity for UM employees to interact with our clients. We look forward to deepening our partnership with UM to enable our clients to live independently in the community, for as long as possible,” said Sophia Lim, Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement at MINDS.
To learn more about MINDS and the ongoing efforts to support individuals with intellectual disabilities, check out the upcoming MINDS Film Festival (MFF) 2024. Jointly presented by MINDS and the Singapore Film Society, the annual MFF aims to create greater awareness and understanding of intellectual disability, encourage the community to play a more active role in supporting PWIDs, and advocate for greater social inclusion. Working in collaboration with Shaw Theatres this year, MFF 2024 will present seven international films over two weekends — from September 14 to September 15, then September 20 to September 22.
Learn more about the festival by clicking here.
