Signify's journey to brighten lives and build a better world across SEA countries

Signify is on a mission to bring sustainable lighting solutions to underserved regions in Southeast Asia.

Signify, formerly known as Philips Lighting, has embarked on a mission across the SEA region to illuminate lives and foster sustainable development. Through innovative Philips solar-powered solutions and #BrighterLivesBetterWorld initiatives, Signify is lighting up brighter futures, one village at a time. 

A Vision for Brighter Lives

Light is fundamental to human life. It extends our productive hours, enhances safety, and fosters learning and development. However, in many remote areas around the world, access to proper lighting is a luxury rather than a given. These communities face challenges that most of us cannot imagine, living without reliable sources of light. Understanding this critical need, Signify, formerly known as Philips Lighting, has dedicated itself to bringing sustainable lighting solutions to these underserved regions. Through numerous Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) campaigns, Signify has been on a mission to light up the lives of those who need it the most.

With a steadfast commitment to its goals and consistent actions, Signify was recognised with the Vietnam Sustainability Initiative of the Year - Youth Award at the GovMedia Conference & Awards 2024. The accolade recognises the impactful "Empowering A Luoi: Solar Illumination Initiative," a collaborative effort with students from Hue University aimed at transforming lighting infrastructure in rural Vietnam.

The project, part of Signify’s broader "Brighter Lives Better World" campaign, focussed on illuminating village roads and community meeting houses with solar-powered LED lights in A Luoi. Additionally, the initiative included upgrading the lighting system at the Huong Nguyen commune preschool, significantly enhancing the learning environment for young children. This initiative has positively impacted over 1,000 residents and 300 households across 4 villages and community centres.

By leveraging solar-powered LED technology, Signify has addressed the critical issue of inadequate lighting in A Luoi, where the challenging terrain and limited light have historically constrained nighttime activities. This initiative not only ensures safer mobility for residents but also fosters community engagement by enabling cultural gatherings after dark. The improved lighting conditions at the Huong Nguyen kindergarten are particularly noteworthy, providing children with a conducive learning environment and reducing the risk of vision-related health issues in the future. Local residents have expressed overwhelming enthusiasm for the new lighting, noting a marked improvement in their quality of life, especially during the prolonged rainy season when travel between villages previously posed significant risks.

A key element of the initiative was the active involvement of union members and students in the project’s implementation. This hands-on approach included training on lighting installation techniques and the use of specialised solar-powered lighting products. Students from Hue University played a pivotal role, gaining valuable skills and practical experience that will enhance their future contributions to the field.

Jitender Khurana, System and Service Leader, ASEAN & Pacific at Signify, shared: “Governments and organisations need to closely collaborate through public-private partnerships, sharing responsibilities and resources to achieve sustainable development goals. This cooperation not only helps optimise resources but also creates more effective and sustainable solutions.”. He also emphasised: “Providing education and training to minority communities on sustainable technologies and methods is extremely important. This not only raises awareness but also equips them with the necessary skills to actively and effectively participate in sustainable development projects.”

Signify’s initiative underscores the transformative power of sustainable lighting solutions in enhancing livelihoods and fostering socio-economic development. By providing quality, safe, and sustainable lighting, the project aligns with Signify’s commitment to creating brighter lives and a better world. This initiative also highlights the importance of community participation and skill development in driving sustainable change.

Aiming to improve people’s lives with meaningful innovations, Signify has for many years implemented CSR projects to bring solar lighting systems to remote and mountainous areas with limited access to power grids around the world, especially in Southeast Asia. In Vietnam, Signify deepened its impact by partnering with UNESCO in 2020 to enhance educational opportunities for ethnic minorities, providing advanced lighting equipment to over 5,000 students across 16 secondary schools in Hà Giang, Ninh Thuận, and Sóc Trăng. In Malaysia, Signify has illuminated the Orang Asli village in Sg. Jentong, Trolak with solar lighting solutions as part of the company's programme, which focusses on providing lighting accessibility to communities - benefiting 380 residents in need​​. In Thailand, Signify has donated LED bulbs and floodlights to help flood victims and people in rural areas of southern Thailand via a charity project by the Ministry of Industry​. In Indonesia, Signify Indonesia’s signature “Kampung Terang Hemat Energi (“Bright Energy-Saving Villages”/KTHE) programme, brings access to light for 130,000+ people in rural areas including Central Kalimantan, North Sumatra, Central Maluku, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) by donating solar street lighting and solar home lighting.

Signify's commitment to lighting up Vietnam continued with several impactful initiatives in 2024, the "Illuminating Compassion" programme was implemented in Gia Lai province and Lam Ha district (Lam Dong province), bringing light to kindergartens and disadvantaged households in these localities including activities including installing lights and giving gifts to 500 children at 7 kindergartens and 400 households (with about 2,000 residents) in the two districts of Ia Grai and Chu Pah (Gia Lai province).

As the recipient of the Vietnam Sustainability Initiative of the Year - Youth award, Signify continues to lead by example, demonstrating how technology and community collaboration can pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable future. The recognition at the GovMedia Conference & Awards 2024 not only celebrates the success of the A Luoi project but also reinforces Signify’s role as a catalyst for positive change in Vietnam’s rural communities.

With continued focus on expanding such initiatives, Signify aims to extend its impact, illuminating more lives and fostering sustainable development across Vietnam and beyond. This award marks a significant milestone in their journey towards creating brighter, safer, and more sustainable communities.

The Gov Media Awards is presented by Gov Media Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2025 awards programme and be recognised for your organisation's government projects and initiatives, please contact Jane Patiag at [email protected].