When I reflect on Borneo Motors Singapore’s 100th year—or “BMS100” to the team—I feel a deep sense of pride and responsibility. In business, a centennial milestone is a rare achievement, but for me, it means more than a celebration of history. It is an opportunity to ask ourselves: how can we make the next 100 years matter more to our customers, people, and the communities we serve?
While cars are what we sell, journeys are what we enable. Journeys of progress, sustainability, and community. That’s why our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is at the heart of our centennial year. It is not an afterthought or a one-off campaign. It is a reflection of who we are as a company and the kind of legacy we want to leave.
A CULTURE OF RESPONSIBILITY
Borneo Motors Singapore’s (BMS) vision is to continue redefining mobility, championing innovation, and fostering a sustainable future, while also being Singapore’s most trusted automotive distributor and retailer, driven by a “customer first” philosophy.
We earned trust over the decades by delivering on our promises, and trust means even more to us today. Customers respect and appreciate businesses that act responsibly, whether by championing sustainability, supporting inclusivity, or giving back to communities around them. Our BMS100 initiatives have been shaped by this appreciation.
The dedication to community is deeply rooted in BMS’s volunteering culture. Since 2020, it has empowered employees to grow into their best selves while making a positive impact beyond their daily roles. Over 500 employees have contributed hundreds of hours to CSR initiatives. BMS has been moving lives forward beyond vehicles for a century through its spirit of giving back.
In the same spirit, we collaborated with The Art Faculty, a social enterprise that supports artists on the autism spectrum. They embody what we believe in: empowering diverse communities and giving a platform to talents who deserve to be seen and celebrated.
With the limited-edition patches created by Dylon, one of the talented artists, this spirit is brought to life in a tangible, meaningful way. They adorn the Special-Edition Superga 2750 shoes presented to guests at our BMS100 celebration in August. Symbolising our journey, they represent the inclusion, craftsmanship, and memories that have shaped us. Each step is a reminder of where we’ve been and the promise of what lies ahead.
Some might ask why a car company should care about CSR. For me, the answer is clear: it is about trust and responsibility
Ng Khee Siong on why CSR is not an afterthought
Our partnership with Grab is another example of how we live out our values. Working together, we provided 100 complimentary rides to underprivileged communities. These included beneficiaries of the Caregiving Welfare Association, Singapore Fashion Runway, and the elderly from active ageing centres. They joined the nation in celebrating this year’s National Day Parade. Our shared commitment to inclusive mobility and community care reinforces our dedication to moving lives forward in meaningful ways.
In parallel, we are collaborating with Singapore Polytechnic on projects to inspire and nurture the next generation of innovators. As part of the BMS100 celebration campaign, we teamed up with students from the School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering to showcase a Toyota Corolla Cross cut in half, offering a rare glimpse into the inner workings of Toyota’s Self Charging Full Hybrid System.
By turning the classroom into a hands-on lab, we gave students the chance to experience hybrid technology up close. As we spark curiosity, we also equip future talent with the skills and imagination to shape mobility’s future, since the future begins today, when ideas are born and potential is limitless.
INCREASING CSR’S IMPACT ON BMS
Some might ask why a car company should care about CSR. For me, the answer is clear: it is about trust and responsibility. We practise CSR because it’s part of who we are and what we believe in. It has never been an afterthought.
When we celebrate local talents of all abilities, or create opportunities for the next generation, BMS shows that it is more than an automotive brand. In providing mobility solutions that give back, we demonstrate that our values are deeply connected to the people we serve. That builds
lasting trust, strengthens loyalty, and allows us to contribute to shaping a better future for everyone.
Additionally, it strengthens our people. Our employees take pride in working for a company that contributes meaningfully to society. I see how energised they are when they participate in our initiatives—and that collective spirit drives us forward.
THE WAY FORWARD
We see BMS100 as more than a marker of the past—it’s a pledge to grow with purpose and a declaration of the future we want to help shape. Our commitment has always been to put people at the heart of everything we do. Cars have never been the only thing we’ve done—it’s always been about trust, responsibility, and making a positive impact on people’s lives.
As part of this commitment, we have adopted a multi-pathway approach to electrification. From infrastructure readiness to daily needs, every community faces different realities. In adapting our solutions to these diverse contexts, we make practical, inclusive, and meaningful progress. We want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to move forward into a brighter, more connected future, and not just in terms of technology.
Through BMS100, we also deepen our CSR efforts. This includes empowering local talents of all abilities, opening doors for the next generation, and providing mobility solutions that ensure dignity and inclusion for everyone. These values have guided us for a century, and they will continue to light our way forward.
Out next hundred years will not only be defined by the vehicles we put on the road. They will also be defined by the lives we touch, the opportunities we create, and the futures we help build. To move with purpose, to walk alongside our communities, and to build a tomorrow where everyone can benefit is the true legacy of BMS100.
