The biennial Individual Giving Survey by the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) showed a 9% increase to 32.3% in volunteerism in 2012 compared to 2010. NVPC CEO Laurence Lien said: “The rise in the number of people volunteering is heartening. It shows Singapore is becoming a more compassionate society.” As for the stark contrast between this survey and the results of the World Giving Index, NPVC Director Kevin Lee commented that results of both surveys were not comparable, as different definitions were used. Ms Giscelle Chen, an SMU undergraduate and co-director of Project RICE, said: “Rice is a staple food for Asians. We want to make sure the needy can enjoy a full meal.”