Singapore’s leading bank, DBS, has introduced an innovative metaverse concept for DBS BetterWorld, using gamification to showcase how the metaverse can be a catalyst for positive change. The virtual experience provides insight into the global food waste challenge while highlighting the endeavors of Businesses for Impact supported by the DBS Foundation, as stated in the bank’s announcement.
Karen Ngui, Head of Group Strategic Marketing and Communications at DBS and Board Member of DBS Foundation, emphasized the potential of the metaverse as a force for good. By leveraging the interactive nature of the metaverse, DBS aims to raise awareness about crucial environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues and spotlight innovators finding novel solutions. DBS BetterWorld’s debut centers around food waste and resilience – matters championed by DBS and DBS Foundation.
Within the experience, participants engage in activities inspired by five Businesses for Impact. These businesses tackle food waste in distinct ways:
Brewerkz: A Singapore-based craft beer maker, Brewerkz repurposes brewers’ spent grains into consumable products, reducing waste from beer production.
Breer: This Hong Kong food upcycling startup collects surplus bread to create craft beer, transforming a common food waste source into something valuable.
GreenPrice: Hong Kong’s GreenPrice sells food items nearing or just past their “best before” date, making affordable food accessible and reducing waste.
Edible Garden City: Operating in Singapore, this initiative promotes urban farming, making soil-based cultivation accessible to city residents.
Rooftop Republic: A Hong Kong-based project converts underutilized spaces like helipads into urban farms, transforming wasted areas into productive ones.
According to the United Nations, approximately 1.3 billion tonnes of food – one-third of the total produced globally – goes to waste annually. DBS launched its “Towards Zero Food Waste” initiative in 2020, rallying its stakeholders to contribute to a more food-resilient future. By the end of 2022, the initiative has already resulted in more than 2,000 tonnes of food impact encompassing waste reduction, recycling, and redistribution.
The DBS Foundation’s commitment extends to the community, empowering positive change through various avenues. The interactive component of DBS BetterWorld encourages engagement and interaction among players. Those in Singapore enjoy extra rewards via special QR codes accessible using DBS PayLah!, while the experience is enriched with hidden surprises, including appearances by characters from the bank’s popular web series, Sparks.
DBS BetterWorld will become available to the public upon the launch of The Sandbox’s Alpha Season 4. Through gamification and metaverse technology, DBS strives to inspire individuals to recognize the significance of addressing global challenges, fostering change, and building a more sustainable future.
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