SINGAPORE: The annual President’s Star Charity (PSC) will return on Oct 22. This year’s Mediacorp fundraiser under the President’s Challenge showcases a special appearance by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and his wife, Ms Jane Yumiko Ittogi, who will be performing Never Let Go with the poet, Ms Stephanie Fam.
The theme of this year’s fundraiser is “Respect for All”. Under the President’s Challenge, the programme supports a wide range of beneficiaries and is aimed at rallying members of the public to raise funds for the country’s vulnerable groups.
Best-selling Asian artist singer Anggun will appear in a PSC show for the first time. The Indonesian-French vocalist is this year’s headliner and will sing her original songs, Snow on the Sahara and A Love Before Time, at the live show.
Returning for hosting duties is Ms Diana Ser, emceeing the show with actor and comedian Rishi Budhrani. A rendition of the Elton John classic, Your Song, will be performed by opera tenor Jonathan Charles Tay, Singapore Idol’s Taufik Batisah, accompanied by local ensemble Orkestra Melayu Singapura and the all-girls choir ensemble from St. Margaret’s School (Secondary).
Orkestra Melayu Singapura is also set to accompany Aisyah Aziz as she sings “Rise Up.” Singing that night as well will be “Broadway Beng” Sebastian Tan, who’ll be treating the audience to the soulful Hokkien song 爱拼才会赢 (Strive to Win).
Other performers on the bill are Tasha Low, Govin & Krsna, Sheikh Haikel, ShiGGa Shay, OmarKENOBI, and Wheelsmith. On the dance front will be Denise Camillia Tan, Dhivya Raveen, Endang Rahayu, performing BLACKPINK’s smash debut hit Boombayah, choreographed by K-Pop’s Ronnie Chen.
“Aside from dazzling performances, audiences will be treated to a special performance featuring President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Ms Jane Ittogi, and poet Stephanie Fam as they captivate audiences with their heartfelt reading of the poem Never Let Go. This performance will also feature Zoe Tay’s unique performance of the steel tongue drums, with violinist and pianist from Orkestra Melayu Singapura, and dancers from Diverse Abilities Dance Collective,” Mediacorp said in a release on Oct 10 (Tuesday).
Along with the performances, beneficiaries and caregivers will also be sharing their stories at the show. The public may donate any amount until November 5 using the QR code available on mediacorp.sg/psc or this donation link.
“Each President’s Star Charity is not just a collection of performances, but of stories that build on each other. This year’s President’s Star Charity reminds us that respect for the inherent dignity of every individual is the key to building a fairer and more inclusive society,” said President Tharman.
PSC live may be viewed on mewatch, Channel 5 and Mediacorp Entertainment on YouTube on Oct 22, from 7:30 to 9:30 pm and in a repeat on mewatch and Channel 5 on Oct 29 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. /TISG
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