For the past 10 years, Mr Jetno Tsai has been spending at least two days of leave every year on volunteer work.

However, he does not have to worry about saving up his annual leave as he is able to tap on the paid volunteer leave that his employer, UOB, provides.

Last year, the 59-year-old was able to volunteer more frequently after UOB increased this leave entitlement from two to three days.

“Three days is good. We can give back more to the community now,” said Mr Tsai, who does compliance at the bank’s credit card products department.

“In fact, I was involved for more than three days but I didn’t have to apply for annual leave … My boss has been kind enough to let me go as long as I finish my work.”

One of his favourite activities was accompanying about 40 children with special needs on a trip to the National Museum of Singapore.

It was a rare trip for the children from the Rainbow Centre, which helps individuals with developmental disabilities. For Mr Tsai and the volunteers, it was equally meaningful time spent.

“Seeing them smiling and playing gives you a sense of satisfaction … but some of the children were not able to show a response (due to their disabilities).”

Mr Tsai, who has been volunteering at orphanages since he was a teenager, continued: “I like to spend time with kids. Their smiles are very priceless … so sometimes, it can be very hard to say good bye.”

He is also part of a WhatsApp chat group where avid volunteers from UOB remind each other about upcoming activities.

For the volunteer hours that he has clocked over the past decade and for being a positive influence to his fellow colleagues, Mr Tsai was named UOB’s first employee volunteer of the year for 2019.

“I just want to keep the good going,” he told CNA.

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