TDCX Foundation, the social impact arm of Singapore-based TDCX (NYSE: TDCX), an award-winning digital customer experience (CX) solutions provider for technology and blue-chip companies, celebrated its first anniversary with the completion of projects aimed at helping youths in South East Asia enhance their digital literacy. TDCX Foundation collaborated with World Vision in the Philippines and Thailand on the projects.
Helping Filipino out-of-school youth gain essential workplace skills
Digital literacy is a key focus for TDCX Foundation as the company believes strongly in the ability of technology to equalise access to basic needs such as education, financial and healthcare services and economic opportunities.
To help out-of-school youth in the Philippines better their employment opportunities, TDCX’s team of 14 volunteers set out to mentor 21 youths from Project HOPE[1].
For four weeks, TDCX employees planned and organised the sessions, from preparing the content to engaging with the youth. They supported the youth in acquiring essential skills, from using digital communication tools to presentation techniques.
In addition to digital competencies, TDCX’s employees shared their experience of being part of the Philippines’ outsourcing services sector to spark the youths’ interest. The sector is a key employer in the Philippines, providing employment for an estimated 1.3 million people[2]. With the Philippines battling a shortage of skilled talent[3] and the need to upskill its workforce as the sector continues to transform digitally[4], it is hoped that TDCX’s efforts would contribute to addressing this issue.
One of the beneficiaries, 24-year-old Kaya, shared her gratitude for this programme, “I have learned so much in just three weeks. The TDCX volunteers were patient and supportive, and I am now confident in my ability to communicate effectively and handle tough interactions. This programme has provided us with much-needed skills that will benefit our future endeavours.”
Christine Mae Escabal, Customer Experience Specialist, TDCX, said, “We are grateful to have played a part in empowering these young individuals with digital skills. Our aim is to make a positive difference in the communities we’re a part of, and we see imparting digital skills as a meaningful way to do that. This initiative goes beyond giving back to the youth as I also had the opportunity to work with my colleagues to achieve a sense of fulfilment and purpose.”
Providing Thai youths from rural communities with online learning resources
To support its Thai community, TDCX embarked on a project with World Vision where it contributed USD15,000 for the digitisation of a school library in rural Thailand.
The beneficiary was Pupan Wittaya School in Udon Thani Province. Its former library was old and dilapidated and did not have any IT equipment for the students to increase their digital proficiency. As a result, the library had low usage rates.
With TDCX’s support, the school was able to transform the library, modernising and brightening the premises. The library is now equipped with computers and other digital resources for students, creating an engaging learning environment.
Launched in October 2021, the TDCX Foundation predominantly drives social impact for disadvantaged communities, particularly by providing funding for initiatives that give access to technology, connectivity, IT equipment and the skills needed to thrive in a digital economy. In the last year, TDCX’s employees worldwide have dedicated nearly 5,000 hours to volunteering with organisations across the globe.
TDCX Foundation aims to continue closing the digital divide and collaborate with partners aligning with its Corporate Social Responsibility focus. These are ‘Be Greener’ to address climate change, ‘Be Happier’ to support its employees, and ‘Be Kinder’ to uplift local communities. These efforts have already positively impacted more than 54,000 beneficiaries to date.
References:
[1] Project Hope is an initiative by World Vision and stands for Helping Out-of-School-Youths Pave Towards Employment and Engaging in Business.
[2] Source: Future Of BPO Industry in The Philippines 2023
[3] Source: AI, Talent Shortage Pose Threats to Philippine Call Centers, Bloomberg
[4] Source: Chatbots, AI news readers: Asia embraces automation despite job loss fears, The Straits Times
Source: TDCX Foundation
