S.League gets new title sponsor in Great Eastern

Story by Koh Yizhe/Red Sports

Jalan Besar Stadium, Monday, February 16, 2009 -The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) announced insurance company Great Eastern Life Assurance Ltd as a new co-title sponsor of the S.League, Singapore’s only professional sports league. Great Eastern joins beverage company Yeo's as co-title sponsors, replacing NTUC Income who were the co-title sponsor from 2004 to 2008. The sponsorship is for three years from 2009 to 2011.

"It is great that Great Eastern is coming in as a title co-sponsor to support football in Singapore and to bring it to greater heights. Now that the sponsors have done their part, it is up to the fans and clubs to give national, as well as upcoming players a platform to hone their skills," said Senior Minister of State (Law and Home Affairs) Ho Peng Kee and President of FAS.

Mr Ng Keng Hooi, Group CEO of Great Eastern, expressed his delight in the partnership.

"We are pleased to be the Co-Title Sponsor of the S.League. It is great to be able to play a part in grooming local sports talents. This will be a mutually beneficial partnership and we will be the Official Insurer of the S.League. This sponsorship will give us new business opportunities."

The Great Eastern foray into football comes on top of the company’s sponsorship of the Women 10K running event.

When asked what the sponsorship amount was, Winston Lee, General Secretary of FAS, did not reveal exact figures but said: "It's more than a million, and we are more than satisfied with it! But this sponsorship includes other areas such as developing football across schools and exchanging commercial contacts."

"On top of that, Great Eastern is now the official insurer of the S.League, so we can look for the players at a lower cost! We will get a better idea when the details have been finalized."

Minister Ho added on, "For Great Eastern to come out during this tough time is a strong affirmation in their belief in the football in Singapore and sports in general."