Written by Denise Tay
Teamwork makes the dream work in going green! Shimizu Corporation, a Japanese construction company, has long supported MSE’s sustainability movement since our Climate Action Week days (predecessor of Go Green SG).
Through the years, Shimizu has active in environmental CSR, supporting NParks’ One Million Trees movement, conducting regular campaigns to encourage employees to reduce waste, and even training their staff to be volunteer hosts of educational learning trails about Singapore’s Water Story and PUB’s ABC Waters Programme.
In support of this year’s Go Green SG, Shimizu also organised a litter-picking activity to involve their staff in keeping their surrounding public spaces clean. The activity not only reinforces the importance of public cleanliness, it also encourages team bonding, showing that collective efforts are important in building an environmentally sustainable Singapore.
Shimizu staff and their family members were excited to embark on the litter-picking activity!
On 6 June 2025, over 40 staff and their family members gathered at the Aperia Towers, where Shimizu’s headquarters are located.
Shimizu staff participating in a mass warm-up before starting their litter picking.
Armed with their litter-picking tools like litter pickers, gloves and buckets lined with trash bags, the staff were grouped into five different teams and set off on different routes for the litter-picking.
Collaboration is key
What made Shimizu’s event different from any other litter-picking event was their focus on team bonding. Clear responsibilities was allocated to each staff member, from holding the trash bags to sharing information about the Kallang vicinity as they walked the trail. Everyone worked together in high spirits, all while appreciating the greenery around them.
Mr Teoh Chee Keong, Deputy Managing Director of Business Development, and his team scouring the Kallang area for litter scraps, cigarettes and tissue paper.
As the teams traversed the vicinity of Aperia Towers, Ms Susan Teo, Manager of Environment, Health and Safety and the organiser of the litter-picking event explained that Shimizu has always prioritised corporate social responsibility, in line with the company’s values in environmental stewardship. “We hope that this litter-picking activity not only makes the environment litter-free, but also inspires others to adopt sustainable practices.”
Exploring the rich insights of Singapore’s geography and history
The journey led the teams to different landmarks in the Kallang area. They passed by unique architecture and waterways with significant historical importance to Singapore, such as Crawford Bridge and the Kallang River. To appreciate the beauty of Singapore’s waterways and to make memories as a company, the teams huddled together for group photographs at every pit stop.
Shimizu staff taking group photos at Rochor Canal (top), and Kallang River (bottom), both historically significant landmarks.
An unexpected turn of events
At the end of the trail, as Shimizu staff were heading back to their headquarters, they passed by a pavement littered with confetti. The teams immediately jumped into action to clean up the area.
Shimizu staff working together to help clean up the confetti littered on the grass patch.
Demonstrating that team effort is essential for litter picking!
After the event, Susan and her colleagues weighed the litter bags. With everyone’s efforts, the staff collected about 5.5kg of litter! Indeed, going green and giving back to the community certainly requires a joint effort from everyone.
Achieving a ripple effect in sustainable efforts
In support of Go Green SG 2025, Shimizu also held other activities to encourage its staff to protect the environment. Under the ‘Train-the-Trainer Programme’ for the ABC Waters trails, Shimizu trained its employees to lead guided tours on water sustainability, becoming ambassadors to promote water conservation in the Built Environment sector. Additionally, the company’s digital campaign ‘Reduce Disposable Usage (Promote Alternatives to Disposables)’ utilised fun and games to encourage employees to reduce single-use disposables and adopt sustainable consumption habits.
“Shimizu is proud to be part of Go Green SG 2025,” Susan said. “We will remain committed to championing sustainable practices within our company and throughout the broader community.”
