ASEAN Para Games 2015 Blog

Chaly’s story
Chaly Mah, Chairman, Deloitte Singapore & CEO, Deloitte SEA
[Seen on the left with Singapore Disability Sports Council President Dr. Teo Koh Sock Miang and Team Singapore athletes]

December is the time of year for celebrations, and today, Singapore is all set to celebrate the extraordinary with the opening of the ASEAN Para Games. I penned a similar blog entry back in June this year for the SEA Games, and from then till now, Deloitte’s focus has been unwavering – to Deliver the Dream and make an impact that matters to one and all in our community.

The ASEAN Para Games brings with it a lot of heart as it encapsulates the true meaning of friendship and community, and our people have also exhibited a great deal of passion through our partnership with the Games – from the engagement team who are working tirelessly to fulfil our commitment as the Official Professional Services Partner, to the Deloitte volunteers helping out at the Games, to everyone else in the organisation who have lent a hand.

There are 17 Deloitte volunteers who are giving their time towards the success of the Games. We have lesser volunteer slots for the ASEAN Para Games, but the work of these 17 volunteers is no less important – they ensure that the visiting dignitaries and VIPs are well taken care of throughout the Games duration. Like our athletes, they too represent Singapore and Deloitte, and I am sure that they will do us proud.

In addition, since the announcement of our partnership, there have been numerous platforms for our people to contribute and we have done so with much gusto. For example, we ran the “Back Up APG 2015” social media campaign and came together for the Gift-A-Nila initiative to use our creativity to sew and decorate Nila hearts to be given to all the athletes from around the region participating in the Games. We also showed our support by donning the Team Singapore red at the recent One Team Singapore Rally, and walked to raise funds for the Singapore Disability Sports Council on International Accountants Day early last month.

This is the first time that Singapore is hosting the ASEAN Para Games, and it certainly has been an eye-opener for the local community. The Games committee is doing a great job raising awareness of disability sports and its athletes. The athletes themselves represent courage and strength of character that hold true for all people with disabilities. Their ability to overcome the odds and take control to emerge victorious in life, and in their sport, is to be respected and admired.

Today, Deloitte will be part of the Torch Relay, and will also be in the audience to welcome athletes from around the region at the Opening Ceremony of the 8th ASEAN Para Games. I look forward to a spectacular week at the Games which will bring to fore the values of resilience, determination and endurance. I hope you will join me to cheer on all the para athletes, including our very own Deloitte athletes and friends.

While the end of the ASEAN Para Games will mark the end of a busy year for Deloitte SEA in the sports arena, the impact to the firm and our communities of our involvement will last for many years to come as we strive to attain our aspiration to be the undisputed leader in professional services.

It’s time for the Games to begin: let’s Celebrate the Extraordinary!

Chaly