Online campaign leads to rethink at DBS

Source: Business Times
Date: 5 December 2008

Online campaign leads to rethink at DBS

Bank removes ad references to controversial outfit
By Siow Li Sen

[SINGAPORE] DBS Bank has removed all referneces to Focus on the Family (FOTF) in its advertising after its credit card promotion supporting the evangelical Christian organisation provoked some angry reactions.

Since the bank’s Nov 13 credit card promotion where DBS said that it would donate money to FOTF, “a charity dedicated to helping children and families thrive”, members of the gay and lesbian community have called for a boycott of the bank.

DBS’ charity tie-up draws flak

Source: Straits Times
Date: 5 December 2008

DBS’ charity tie-up draws flak

Some cardholders don’t agree with charity’s anti-gay, anti-abortion stance
By Grace Chua

DBS Bank’s selection of Focus on the Family as its charity for the holiday season this year has attracted a backlash from some customers unhappy with its choice.

When Intolerance Becomes Intolerable

Source: New York Times

June 2, 2008

When Intolerance Becomes Intolerable

By MARCI ALBOHER

Correction Appended

Many career shifts involve an “aha” moment. In Lisa Sherman’s case, the moment was not only the catalyst for a career change but also led her to tell her boss she was gay.

And her experience ultimately became memorialized in a case study for the Harvard Business School.

Do we really need more people?

Source

Comment by editor: The main thrust of Richard Hartung’s argument in his op-ed (Today newspaper, 3 May 2008 ) is that Singapore should examine the wisdom of wanting so many immigrants without fixing other essentials that make an innovative city. He refers to the three T’s that Richard Florida outlined a few years ago – talent, technology and tolerance. “Singapore may need to re-examine whether it has the right environment to attract talent, and how its environment is presented. A bourgeoning arts scene, allowing in same-sex partners and pouring money into research centres may help pave the road to success,” he writes. “Yet, it is anecdotes such as censors banning movies and limited media freedom that attract attention. The image of the environment for one T – tolerance – could need improvement.”

Banks and the pool of pink talent

30 January 2008
Today

Banks and the pool of pink talent

Neo Chai Chin

American investment bank Lehman Brothers is planning an unusual initiative in Singapore, Financial Times reported recently. It is specifically targeting gay and lesbians who aspire to be bankers. This follows the success of a presentation and buffet dinner for 50 gay students in Hong Kong.

Today has learnt that the banking giant is not alone. Global banks around Asia are breaking new ground to attract and retain the best and brightest. Increasingly, their hiring and diversity policies are taking into account the homosexual community, which makes up as a significant part of the talent pool.

Cool reception for Asia’s gay workers

Source

15 January 2008
The Financial Times

Cool reception for Asia’s gay workers

By Raphael Minder

Lehman Brothers, the US investment bank, recently held an unusual recruitment event at Hong Kong university. Lehman’s invitation was specifically aimed at gay and lesbian students who aspire to be bankers.

Encouraged by the success of the presentation and buffet dinner for 50 students, Lehman is planning to extend its initiatives targeting the gay community this year. It will include the bank’s first pro-gay activities in Singapore, the city-state that has become one of Asia’s leading financial centres but where sex between men is illegal.

Disney opens Fairy Tale Weddings to gay couples

Reuters
5 April 2007

Disney opens Fairy Tale Weddings to gay couples

By Gina Keating

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The Walt Disney Co. has changed its policy to allow same-sex couples to participate in a popular Fairy Tale Wedding program it runs mainly at its two U.S. resorts and cruise line, a Disney spokesman said on Thursday.

Disney previously had allowed gay couples to organize their own weddings or commitment ceremonies at rented meeting rooms at the resorts, but had barred them from purchasing its Fairy Tale Wedding package and holding the event at locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World that are set aside specifically for weddings.