Helping employees stay prepared in the event of emergencies, threats and crises is the Business Psychological Resilience Programme (B-PREP). The programme helps to equip local companies with the core skills and competencies to manage the psychological impact of emotionally stressful situations, and debunk any misconstrued ways to react during such situations. For example, while a casual comment like “I know how you feel” may seem like a gesture of goodwill when comforting someone in distress, such commiserations are a big no-no in times of crisis.

This was one of many lessons gleaned from B-PREP by SMRT CARE Officer Cheong Vin Mei, who is part of SMRT’s 72-strong CARE unit. Officers in this unit are activated and deployed in times of emergency to render psychological and emotional support to affected commuters. Having completed her B-PREP training in 2017, Ms Cheong was able to put her knowledge into practice during a deployment later that year where she had to tend to an injured commuter.

In addition to one-on-one interactions, B-PREP also provides frameworks for group crisis interventions and strategic responses to critical incidents. The provision of such frameworks is salient for SMRT CARE Activation Officers like Mr Derrick Poh, who coordinates the deployment of manpower in the event of an emergency.

Mr Poh commented, “We run a public service, so our readiness is very important to the people of Singapore. B-PREP makes us more cognizant of other factors that we didn’t consider before, for example, what to look out for in affected commuters in the first 24 hours, as well as the recommended intervals for follow-ups. This heightened awareness helps us put ourselves in the shoes of our commuters.”

Through this meaningful programme led by Temasek Foundation, businesses also learn to implement appropriate processes for coordinated response, and share knowledge and best practices with one another.

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About B-PREP

A Temasek Foundation-led initiative to establish a model and praxis before being implemented in the wider business community, the Stay Prepared — Business Psychological Resilience Programme (B-PREP) aims to help businesses prepare employees for the psychological impact of emergencies, crises, and threats. ‘Stay Prepared’ programmes are funded by the Temasek Emergency Preparedness Fund (T-PREP), which was initiated by Temasek and currently managed by Temasek Foundation.

About Temasek Foundation

Temasek Foundation supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Singapore and beyond. Collectively, our programmes strengthen social resilience, foster international exchange and enhance regional capabilities, and advance science and nature for a sustainable world. Temasek Foundation’s programmes, made possible through philanthropic endowments gifted by Temasek, strive towards achieving positive outcomes for individuals and communities now, and for generations to come. For more information, visit Temasek Foundation.