Ricoh Asia Pacific, the first Corporation to undertake a Green Project with NParks

Office workers and visitors will soon be able to enjoy a new green oasis amidst hard concrete skyscrapers in the Central Business District. The development of a new pocket park at Tanjong Pagar is a project by the National Parks Board (NParks) and Ricoh Asia Pacific Pte Ltd (Ricoh), and is expected to complete by September this year.

Situated at the entrance of Tanjong Pagar MRT Station, the 0.6ha green space will be transformed into a pocket park named Tanjong Pagar Ricoh Park, and will allow office workers and visitors to rest and relax in a lush garden setting. Some of the features at the park will include landscaping with more colourful plants, a trellis with climber plants, and an event area. The footpath and lighting will also be upgraded, and educational signages on the greenery in the park will be installed. More benches and seats will be installed at the park under the existing mature trees such as the Cratoxylon formosum (Singapore Sakura) and Pterocarpus indicus (Angsana). The benches are specially manufactured by Ricoh in Australia, and are made from recycled printer toner cartridges.

This development is part of NParks’ larger efforts in advancing Singapore’s premier Garden City status, and meeting the needs of our people. The park is conveniently located near the Tanjong Pagar MRT Station. Office workers and visitors will have a new meeting place and be able to relax and rest under shady trees. The event area will be able to host activities such as roadshows and exhibitions, which will create a lively atmosphere.

On the partnership, Dr Leong Chee Chiew, Chief Operating Officer, NParks, said: ”Evolving Singapore into a City in a Garden is a vision that we cannot achieve alone. Support from organizations and the community are essential. We are heartened that Ricoh recognises the importance of greenery and its physical and sociological benefits, and shares this vision with us. In providing a new pocket park in the city, we are confident that this will be a welcome respite for visitors and people working in the area.”

On their contribution, Mr Shuzo Saito, Managing Director, Ricoh, added: “We appreciate NParks’ efforts in developing the Garden City. With our contribution, we hope to be able to provide added value to the park and allow visitors to enjoy unique landscaping. We also hope that our benches will help raise awareness of the importance of recycling and conservation of our environment.”

Apart from lending their support to this project, Ricoh is also a strong advocate of environmental conservation. In 2003, Ricoh had contributed about S$8,000 for their employees and volunteers to participate in reforestation activities at Pasir Ris Park.

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About Ricoh Asia Pacific Pte Ltd

Ricoh Asia Pacific Pte Ltd is a subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd., the 69-year-old leading supplier of office automation equipment and electronics, with fiscal year 2003 sales in excess of $17.1 billion.
Ricoh Asia Pacific Pte Ltd is a leading provider of document solutions. Ricoh’s fully integrated hardware and software products help businesses share information efficiently and effectively by enabling customers to control the input, management and output of documents. Ricoh’s line of document management devices include, color and black & white digital imaging systems, facsimile products, printers, scanners, digital duplicators and wide format engineering systems. Additionally, Ricoh offers a wide variety of document and printing solutions through strategic alliances enhancing office productivity and document workflow. Ricoh’s document management software enhances workgroup collaboration and offers secure storage, retrieval and sharing of critical information.

Ricoh Asia Pacific Pte Ltd markets and distributes its products through its subsidiaries and distributors in Asia Pacific.

More information about Ricoh's complete range of products and services can be accessed on the World Wide Web at www.ricoh.com.sg

National Parks Board (NParks) is responsible for providing and enhancing greenery of the Garden City. Beyond green infrastructure, NParks is committed to enhance the quality of life through creating memorable recreational experiences and lifestyles.

NParks manages some 300 parks, the park connector network and the lush roadside greenery in Singapore. Some of the parks managed include Singapore Botanic Gardens, Fort Canning Park, East Coast Park, Bishan Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park and Pulau Ubin Recreation Area. In addition, NParks manages nature reserves such as Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.

As Singapore’s scientific authority on nature conservation, NParks monitors and coordinates measures to ensure the health of designated nature areas.

NParks is also the lead agency in the efforts to continually upgrade the Landscape and Horticulture Industry in Singapore. It works closely with industry partners to promote good work practices and create a thriving, innovative and professional industry that will support Singapore’s aspirations of being a City in the Garden.