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Employer going on holiday asks how much allowance she should give her helper for meals

Obbana Rajah
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0
Employer going on holiday asks how much allowance she should give her helper for meals

SINGAPORE: An employer going overseas took to social media asking others for advice on how much allowance she should give her helper.

In an anonymous post to a support group for domestic helpers and employers alike, the woman wrote: “I’m going overseas, how much allowance per day I should give my helper so she can buy her lunch and dinner while I’m away”.

In her post, the employer also had another question. She said that her maid had been working for the family for three months and was doing a great job. Since the year-end was approaching, the employer asked if she should give her helper the option of a bonus payment or a holiday trip.

A netizens who commented on her post said, “The best thing to do is buy her foods and groceries before leaving and make sure that its more than enough until you return home it’s more safe for her no need to go out and buy and to avoid unnecessary things to happen like maybe she will talk to strangers or bad people outside.And for the question number 2 some employers they just give Christmas present when the year ends but if you are generous enough and want to appreciate her being good maybe you can consider giving her a bonus:”.

Another netizen suggested that the employer could “buy groceries before leaving for her while you’re away and some money in case there’s emergency $50-$100 depending how long you will be overseas. 2.you can talk to her,is best ask her whether she wants to go home or other things.is all up to you,follow what’s your heart tell you”.

Earlier this year, a domestic helper took to social media asking if the money her employers had given her when they went on holiday was enough. In an anonymous post to a support group for domestic helpers and employers alike, the maid wrote that her employers went back to their home country for about two months. During this time, they left her home alone. “My emp go back to they are (sic) country about 2 months and they only gave me $100 for a month to buy food. I want to know is that enought with $100?” the maid asked.

In another case, a different foreign domestic helper who refused to stay at home alone while her employers went overseas got to go on her own holiday as well. In an anonymous post to Facebook page FDW in Singapore (working conditions forum), the maid’s employer wrote that she and her family had planned to go overseas on a short family trip. However, she added that her helper did not want to stay in their house alone so “we will treat her to a holiday at a place of her interest somewhere else”. She also wrote that she would be giving her maid paid leave and covering the cost of her flight tickets as well. “Any idea if we should also cover her accommodation? This is on top of her fully paid home leave which we have already approved. What is your arrangement for helper when employer goes overseas for holiday?” the woman asked netizens in her post. /TISG

Party all night long: SG’s underground scene is alive & buzzing

Anna Maria Romero
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0
Party all night long: SG’s underground scene is alive & buzzing

SINGAPORE: After one of the longest—and strictest—pandemic lockdowns across the globe and alongside the return of tourists bent on revenge travel, these underground parties are full to the brim almost every night.

VICE began reporting on Singapore’s underground scene as early as September last year, followed by a piece in Elle in November. And just this week, Vogue Singapore posted a list of five of its favourite underground rave venues. We’re happy to tell you that the following made it to Vogue’s list: North East Social Club, Conversion Therapy Clinic, Escape 56, Tuff Club, and Bussy Temple.

The Glass Hut, which used to be located at 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, is described in the piece as one of the venues for the “growing underground music movement within the Singapore nightlife scene” aimed “to create more inclusive spaces, focused on the intersection of art as a community-building project, blending people” from all sorts of backgrounds.

Strangely enough, it was Covid-19 that appears to have given some local artists the space to gather the courage to express who they are. “COVID was a reckoning for locals to look inwards and realize what we have,” VICE quoted Jie Che Wan, one of the organizers at The Glass Hut, as saying.

Elle also credits underground parties for reviving Singapore’s night scene: “A string of one-time events hosted in eclectic locations, these underground raves are organised by independent party hosts looking for a new way to have a good time. And, whether intentional or not, they’re also doing the good deed of spotlighting new local DJ talents and less-explored places in Singapore.”

“Underground parties bring a different energy and experience to a party-goer, compared to a traditional club. The sense of community and the intimacy of the parties also allows musicians to explore unconventional sounds,” Elle quoted Mako, an aspiring DJ, as saying.

The piece points to the people behind Eat Me Pop Tart, North East Social Club, and The Council SG as some of the movers and shakers for these events, adding that Eat Me Pop Tart, which began in 2004, even made an appearance as guest party host at F1 Singapore last year.

As for this week’s piece in Vogue Singapore, the hopping night scene is described this way: “Underground party collectives can be recognised by their uniquely captivating posters, which often take inspiration from a myriad of subcultures and pop culture references. Nestled at the intersection of music and creative expression, these distinctive posters are bold and often carry a social message, echoing the inclusivity of the spaces they represent.”  /TISG

Woman says her “perfectionist” husband gets upset when she doesn’t sleep straight or close curtains properly

Obbana Rajah
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0
Woman says her “perfectionist” husband gets upset when she doesn’t sleep straight or close curtains properly

SINGAPORE: A woman took to social media to talk about her husband’s perfectionistic tendencies and how they have led to her not enjoying his company anymore.

In an anonymous post to popular confessions page SGWhispers, the woman said her 33-year-old husband has built up anxiety due to his perfectionistic habits. She said “he is always wanting to be perfect and when I make little ‘mistakes’ like not closing the curtains properly, not sleeping straight, not drying the sink, or sitting at the balcony in my old clothes,just to name a few, he becomes paranoid and upset. And this doesn’t allow me to enjoy life. I just want to switch on the aircon due to the hot weather but he’s saying it’s gonna cost us high electrical bills. When I put the washing machine on ‘soak’ mode because I just want to ensure my clothes are clean, he would tell me to use ‘ speed’ mode instead”, she wrote.

The woman added that she would like to live in the moment, but her husband was constantly worried about the future and would always find fault with the things she does. She said that he was a middle-born child while she was the youngest. She added that she tended to be whimsical, but he thought she was difficult to get along with. “Worst part is, during a recent church service we attended, the pastor was describing our habits/ situation perfectly. I laughed and laughed cos I could easily identify with the problems he was describing. My partner could not see what’s so funny about it”, she wrote.

The woman added that she was not able to live with his anxiety or perfectionistic ways any longer and said that even though they shared the same faith, she did not enjoy his company in the house anymore.

She asked netizens if others felt the same way. One said: “Your personalities are different. I’m not saying anyone is right or wrong. You’re just different. Different in something that has a huge impact on the health of relationship. It certainly doesn’t help in your relationship. It’s bound to get broken sooner or later. So break up before it’s too late”.

Another said: “So you’re not asking if you should leave him but if there are couples who are like you? Does it matter? What a painful way to live. You’re not compatible and you are resentful towards him. Take time to accept this fact and do something about it. Even if by sheer miracle that you can spend decades together, how toxic is the home environment going to be? There are more peaceful ways to live a life”.

Workers’ Party MPs file motion on SG’s Cost of Living Crisis

Anna Maria Romero
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Workers’ Party MPs file motion on SG’s Cost of Living Crisis

SINGAPORE: Two Members of Parliament from The Workers’ Party—Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh (Aljunied GRC) and Mr Louis Chua (Sengkang GRC)— have filled a full motion for debate at the next sitting in Parliament, scheduled for Nov 6, on Singapore’s Cost of Living Crisis.

“The subject of the motion reads as follows. 𝐂𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐒: 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬. We will debate robustly with the Government on the measures we believe it can take to alleviate the current cost of living crisis. #wpsg #makeyourvotecount,” the WP said in a social media post on Oct 26 (Thursday).

Indeed, various WP MPs have been shining a light on the issue, saying that Singapore’s cost of living pressure is a recurring theme that members of the public have been bringing to their attention in the ground engagements they have been holding.

“Many have expressed their concerns to us around the concurrent price increases for food, water, housing and both public and private transport, among others. With the Goods & Services Tax (GST) scheduled to increase yet again to nine per cent in 2024, this could add further pressures to the cost of living crisis faced by many Singaporeans and their families,” the WP added in its post.

Earlier this year, Mr Singh wrote in his May Day message, “Singaporeans are already living through one of the most rapid cost of living rises in recent history, eroding the purchasing power of their wages. MAS reported that headline inflation for 2023 is expected to ‘come in higher’ at 5.5 per cent to 6.5 per cent, reflecting the increasing price of transport, property and the effect of the 1 per cent GST hike.”

Read also: Pritam Singh: ‘Singaporeans are already living through one of the most rapid cost of living rises in recent history’

And more recently, in Parliament, Mr Chua asked the Government to defer the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST) hike. The GST was raised from 7 per cent to 8 per cent this year and set to go up to 9 per cent on Jan 1, 2024.

Urging the Government to defer the hike, Mr Chua cited the “cost of living crisis which is threatening the living standards of many Singaporeans” and “a better-than-expected fiscal position for the Government”. There have been “yet another year of record high collections of corporate income tax, personal income tax and even GST,” he noted.

Read related: Cost of living crisis: Defer GST hike, says WP MP Louis Chua

His fellow Sengkang GRC MP Jamus Lim also addressed rising living costs lately, having heard from residents that they are a pressing concern. “There was a common theme, however: that the recent price increases—postal, water, gas, and electricity—were all coming on the back of already-substantial spikes in the cost of food. Their proximity and size led one resident to exclaim that these were ‘too close, too many, can’t breathe’,” wrote the MP. /TISG

Read also: Jamus Lim Addresses Rising Living Costs: Residents Feel the Squeeze from Rapid Price Hikes

Woman says her maid always talks back to her and has snarky comments

Obbana Rajah
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0
Woman says her maid always talks back to her and has snarky comments

SINGAPORE: A frustrated employer took to social media because she found that while her helper was very useful, the latter had a lot of complaints and would always talk back to her.

In an anonymous post to a support group for domestic helpers and employers alike, the woman said that her maid had worked for her for 10 months. She wanted someone more senior, and her helper had over 20 years of experience. The woman wrote that she had a baby and was a working mother. Her husband would also go on long business trips. The woman explained that she treated her maid like a family member. However, she said her maid had a bad habit of talking back to her.

The woman gave some examples of the comments her helper would make. When she noticed that her maid did not drink coffee, her maid would sulk and comment that she did not buy the coffee even though it finished long ago. The woman also said that when she told her maid to incorporate baby-led weaning, the helper replied that it was too early: “(the child is) Only 10 months. And so messy”.

The woman said that when she told her helper to reduce the amount of formula given to her child so that more breast milk was given, the helper commented that she kept changing the instructions. “Last time ask me feed formula now change. I dunno (sic) what u want”, the helper replied. The woman also said that when she told her maid to reduce the amount of water in her child’s puree, the helper heard her, looked at her, yet continued to blend with too much water. When she asked her maid again, the helper said it was okay because if the puree were too grainy, the child would not like it.

“Seriously her talking back make(s) me powerless as a mom. I never never limit anything except set some “preference” (of) how i want my baby to be taken care of. Everytime i tried talking to her. She will say ok i follow whatever u say. Tell me a b c i (sic) will follow. 2-3 days she take(s) her own charge. Every feedback given to her end up with her being upset”, the woman wrote.

She said she treated her helper very well but felt that her helper would always ruin the mood.

Netizens who commented on the post were divided. Some felt that even the way the employer spoke to her helper was rude.

One said: “To those commenting saying how she said “hey” is rude… just stop. She is just quoting example of how the conversation goes. Not literally how it goes. And no, you helpers don’t get to talk back and blackfaced us. We are your employers. When we give instructions, you take it and implement. If you want us to listen to your suggestion, do it with much decorum as a helper. You don’t have to bow down to us, but a certain amount of respect is needed when communicating with employers. It applies in a professional working environment too. My advice to OP – send her right back. You don’t need the stress. You don’t need to justify if you did any wrong. You don’t need to answer to half of the people here who doesn’t even understand the point of your post here. Ultimately, if they want to be treated like you owe them something, they are welcome to go. Being firm doesn’t mean we are being mean and abusive.”

Another person commented: “You must understand where she was coming from. We are all different in how we communicate. I think you dictated every word that she was saying. It might sound not polite to you, but she might not realise it. I’m guessing. All your helper was trying was to be friendly to you. And you react in different ways. I think it’s all misunderstanding”.  /TISG

NEA dengue update: 208 new cases, 51 active dengue clusters

Mary Alavanza
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NEA dengue update: 208 new cases, 51 active dengue clusters

SINGAPORE: Singapore is facing an ongoing battle against dengue fever. The National Environment Agency (NEA) has recently reported alarming statistics in a Facebook update urging people to take immediate precautions against this mosquito-borne disease. In the week ending October 21, 2023, NEA reported 208 new dengue cases and 51 active dengue clusters.

On Thursday (Oct 26), NEA published a Facebook post stressing the importance of individual responsibility in controlling the dengue outbreak. NEA said: “Individuals infected with dengue are advised to avoid further mosquito bites to prevent passing on the virus to mosquitoes and other people in the neighbourhood.”

Practice S-A-W to protect yourself and others:

  • Spraying insecticide in dark corners around the house.
  • Applying insect repellent regularly.
  • Wearing long-sleeve tops and long pants.
NEA SG Dengue Update
Photo: Facebook/ NEA

Cause of dengue

Dengue, a viral infection transmitted by the female Aedes aegypti mosquito, remains a significant health concern in Singapore. The Aedes aegypti mosquito finds a hospitable environment in the urban setting, laying its eggs and feeding on the host’s blood.

As dengue is endemic in Singapore, areas with higher Aedes aegypti mosquito populations face an increased risk of dengue transmission, particularly during the dengue season.

NEA urges residents living in areas with relatively higher Aedes aegypti mosquito populations to take extra care.

These residents are encouraged to practise the “Mozzie Wipeout” — steps to prevent mosquito breeding — regularly and educate their families, friends, and neighbours about the importance of removing stagnant water from their surroundings.

Town Councils (TCs) and other stakeholders are encouraged to prioritize dengue prevention and control measures, focusing on areas with a high mosquito population.

It’s important to note that vigilance is essential even in areas not highlighted for high mosquito populations, as low risk does not imply no risk. The rapid expansion of localized mosquito populations remains a significant concern, given that a single female mosquito can lay up to 300 eggs in her short lifespan.

NEA’s Gravitrap

One of the critical tools NEA uses for monitoring and controlling the Aedes aegypti mosquito population is the Gravitrap. These traps have been deployed in about 70,000 locations across public and landed housing estates throughout Singapore. Designed to attract and trap female Aedes adult mosquitoes seeking to lay their eggs, Gravitraps serve a dual purpose by capturing these mosquitoes and preventing them from biting individuals. Furthermore, these traps also intercept the emergence of mosquitoes from eggs laid within the trap.

The data collected from these Gravitraps helps to monitor the Aedes mosquito population in a given area and its vicinity. To bolster the dengue control strategy, NEA updates information on areas with relatively higher Aedes aegypti mosquito populations on a monthly basis on their website.

The battle against dengue fever in Singapore is ongoing, and the latest statistics from the National Environment Agency (NEA) serve as a crucial call to action as 2023 nears its end. Together, let’s take action and precaution.

SMRT, SBS launch new virtual maps for passengers

Jewel Stolarchuk
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0

SINGAPORE: SMRT and SBS Transit are taking steps to improve the overall riding experience for passengers by introducing new services such as virtual route exploration and convenient facilities location through QR codes.

In September, SBS Transit initiated a trial at Sengkang MRT Station, aiming to empower passengers with advanced tools for a smoother commute. Passengers can access a virtual map of their route by visiting the dedicated link on the SBS Transit website or scanning the QR code conveniently placed at the station. This service is set to expand to four interchanges, including Hougang and Tampines, in the coming year.

The core objective of this service is to assist passengers in navigating their surroundings. It offers insights into the environment within the bus interchange and MRT stations and extends to nearby amenities like entrances, exits, restrooms, and shops.

This navigation approach aims to ensure passengers have all the information they need at their fingertips.

SMRT has also taken strides to enhance passenger convenience, particularly when it comes to finding facilities. In the previous year, SMRT revamped toilets at 30 MRT stations.

Starting in May this year, SMRT introduced a trial facility locator service at North-South Line MRT stations.

Passengers can effortlessly locate nearby facilities, such as restrooms, by scanning QR codes displayed at stations or inside the trains. A dedicated webpage provides information about the nearest facilities, including vital details like the location of disabled toilets, baby diaper changing rooms, and even toilet cleaning schedules.

The feedback from passengers has reportedly been overwhelmingly positive, prompting SMRT to consider expanding this service concept to the East-West Line.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is actively involved in enhancing the overall infrastructure of Singapore’s MRT system. LTA has been renovating toilets at nine MRT stations, with Clementi among them. The construction work is expected to conclude in the third quarter of the following year.

NEA and MAS Issue Scam Alert: Beware of Dengue Flyer Scam

Mary Alavanza
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0
NEA and MAS Issue Scam Alert: Beware of Dengue Flyer Scam

SINGAPORE: In a bid to safeguard the public from scams, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has warned people not to scan dengue flyers as these are not from them. The warning follows mysterious flyers promising free anti-mosquito lamps in exchange for meeting a financial adviser. The NEA is urging vigilance and prudence when confronted with such unsolicited materials.

Last Wednesday (Oct 25), NEA pointed out on their Facebook page: “DO NOT scan unknown QR codes or access links on flyers or other unsolicited material from suspicious sources! We were again alerted that some residents continue to receive flyers about the redemption of a free dengue lamp, and would like to reiterate that these flyers are NOT from NEA.”

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has joined NEA in issuing a warning to the public regarding these suspicious advertisements. This comes after several residents in Ang Mo Kio received anonymous flyers offering free anti-mosquito lamps if they agreed to meet a financial adviser, reported the Straits Times.

The flyers, left at residents’ gates in a Housing Board block on Ang Mo Kio Street 21 in September, bore the conspicuous slogan, “Beat The Bite”, at the top. The flyers also featured alarming headlines such as “Singapore records first two deaths from dengue” and “One in 20 diagnosed with severe dengue.”

The credibility of the information presented in the flyers was purportedly backed by organisations such as The Straits Times, the National Environment Agency (NEA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States. However, a closer look revealed some spelling errors in the text, raising suspicions about the authenticity of the content.

The flyers held a catch that was not immediately apparent to residents. To claim their promised anti-mosquito lamp, they had to scan a QR code, which led them to a website where they were required to input personal details, including their name, address, phone number, and email.

These lamps typically cost around S$20 on e-commerce platforms and are touted to be effective in attracting and eliminating mosquitoes.

One resident, Mr. Yukna, 23, who discovered the flyer on his doorstep on Sept 29, initially dismissed it as routine dengue-related public advertising, which is a common sight. However, his suspicions were raised when he scanned the QR code and encountered prompts demanding his personal information. Upon reading the fine print, he discovered that the applicants’ contact details would be shared with “associated third parties”, who would then conduct a 20-minute sharing session before delivering the lamp.

The website provided no information about the company’s identity employing these financial consultants. In hindsight, Mr. Yukna, a National University of Singapore computer science undergraduate, realised several red flags. Notably, there was no company logo or source mentioned and no alternative URL link for the QR code.

The website linked to the QR code claimed that personal information was collected by “The K Marketing Pte Ltd.” However, despite extensive searches, contact details for this company could not be found online.

According to an MAS spokesman, financial advisers are bound by guidelines to disclose their identities and the financial institutions they represent when engaging in marketing and prospective activities in public.

Consumers who receive dubious flyers were encouraged to consult MAS’s Financial Institutions Directory, Register of Representatives, and Investors Alert List. This extra verification step ensures that the corporations and individuals featured in the publication are authorised to conduct financial activities, thereby adding an extra layer of consumer protection.

/TISG

 

Read also: 

Jamus Lim: Resident shares concerns over migrant professionals crowding out locals – Singapore News 

Resident talks to Jamus Lim about challenges singles face in Singapore 

Resident tells Jamus Lim that higher prices are “too close, too many, can’t breathe” – Singapore News 

Marcus Loh takes over from Ling Weihong to lead PAP Sengkang East branch

Khalis Rifhan
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0
Marcus Loh takes over from Ling Weihong to lead PAP Sengkang East branch

SINGAPORE: The People’s Action Party’s (PAP) Sengkang East branch will have a new chairman from Nov 1, as Marcus Loh takes over from Ling Weihong. The ruling party announced this on Thursday (Oct 26), adding that Ling would be redeployed within the party.

Loh, a party activist since 2015 and currently a council member in the PAP Policy Forum, has been actively involved in the Sengkang GRC community with the rest of the PAP’s team for several months. He was present during their National Day walkabout with Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing and Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu to distribute the Singapore flag to Sengkang residents.

Photo: Facebook screengrab / hiweihong

Outgoing Sengkang East branch chairman Ling praised Loh’s ability to connect with residents, saying he had demonstrated this during their community engagements in the neighbourhood.

“Marcus has been with the Party since 2015 and held various positions of responsibility. In his time with PAP Sengkang East, I have personally observed him to be humble and hardworking. Just as importantly, Marcus is always ready with a listening ear and a willing heart. He connects well with residents and takes good care of them. I’m proud to call Marcus my friend and hand over stewardship of the branch to him,” explained Ling in a social media posting.

Loh is a director and head of strategic communication, public affairs, and corporate marketing at Temus, a Singapore firm that drives digital transformation for companies. He recently created a Facebook page and posted about his work at Temus and his appointment as Sengkang East branch chairman.

“Today, I have been announced as the branch chairman of Sengkang East for the People’s Action Party from 1 November 2023. It is an honor to be a part of Team Sengkang, working with comrades associate professor Elmie Nekmat and Ms. Theodora Lai, under the lead of Dr. Lam Pin Min,” posted the incoming PAP Sengkang East branch chairman.

Loh said that the role of Sengkang East chairperson is a heavy responsibility and one that he is humbled to be shouldering.

“I am determined to roll up my sleeves and build on our Party’s record of service for Sengkang residents over many years through the sincere efforts of the chairpersons and activists before me,” added Loh, who was previously a party activist in the Braddell Heights division at the Marine Parade GRC.

As the PAP’s Sengkang East chairman, Loh will join the party’s other Sengkang branch chairpersons – former Senior Minister of State Dr Lam Pin Min (Sengkang West), Assoc Prof Elmie Nekmat (Sengkang Central), Theodora Lai Xi Yi (Sengkang North) – in a bid to challenge the incumbent Workers’ Party (WP) in the next general election.

In the previous election in 2020, the PAP (47.88%) lost the newly-created Sengkang GRC to the WP (52.12%) team of Assoc Prof Jamus Lim, He Ting Ru, Louis Chua, and Raeesah Khan. WP’s Khan resigned from the party at the end of November last year and vacated her parliamentary seat after she admitted to lying in Parliament, with the matter referred to the Committee of Privileges.

Community Chest awards for 196 individuals and organisations

Jewel Stolarchuk
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0
Community Chest awards for 196 individuals and organisations

SINGAPORE: A total of 244 awards were presented to 196 organisations and individuals during the Community Chest Awards 2023, held at the Istana on Wednesday (Oct 24). These accolades acknowledged the remarkable contributions made in 2022 through donations, volunteering, resource provision, and inclusive hiring practices.

Marking its 40th anniversary, Community Chest’s commitment to sustainable philanthropy was showcased during the event. The organisation recognized pioneer partners of the Change for Charity initiative, celebrating their pivotal role in fostering positive change. Additionally, the event paid tribute to long-term donors who faithfully contributed to SHARE, Community Chest’s regular giving programme.

The ceremony was attended by guest of honour President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, First Lady Jane Ittogi, Minister of State for Social and Family Development and Home Affairs Sun Xueling, and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development, and Culture, Community and Youth Eric Chua.

Mr Chew Sutat, Chairman of Community Chest, reflected on the organization’s journey and said: “Community Chest has come a long way in the last four decades, evolving from a national fundraiser to a key philanthropic partner of the community. By incorporating giving as part of living, whether through donations, volunteering, or resource provision, we can make a more sustainable impact on the community.”

The top honour, the Pinnacle Award, was bestowed upon SP Group, acknowledging their exemplary holistic giving efforts. This accolade is reserved for organisations that excel in donation, volunteerism, and inclusive employment practices, setting a benchmark for others to follow.

SP Group’s partnership with Community Chest began in 2005 when they established the Heartware Fund, raising funds for programmes benefiting vulnerable individuals in Singapore. In addition, they facilitated contributions through the SP app and collaborated with the non-profit organisation Trampolene, creating internship and employment opportunities for individuals with special needs under the Growing Autistic Talent for Engineering Sector program.

Apart from the Pinnacle award, SP Group also received the Charity Platinum, Enabler, and Volunteer Partner Awards for their extensive contributions, including donations, volunteerism, and various forms of support.

Stanley Huang, Group Chief Executive Officer and Director of SP Group emphasized the organisation’s commitment to sustained giving, saying: “This year, we are committed to extending close to $5 million in philanthropic contributions, building on the $5.1 million disbursed in the last two years through Community Chest, and scaling up our volunteer outreach.”

Individuals were not left out of the recognition as well. Gerald Rodrigues, Director at Marina Bay Sands, was among the SHARE donors recognised for their unwavering support. As a former police officer, Mr Rodrigues’ firsthand experiences with lower-income individuals in Singapore fuelled his passion for giving back to the community through SHARE and other charitable endeavours.

The awards ceremony also highlighted the collective impact of over 2,000 companies and 250,000 individual donors contributing to SHARE, which provides approximately 25% of the annual funds raised by Community Chest.

The ceremony also featured the talents of social service users, including a dance performance by students from the Diverse Abilities Dance Collective and the Maya Dance Theatre, as well as a duet by two visually impaired artists.

Every donation to Community Chest is directed towards supporting more than 200 critical social services, benefiting over 93,000 individuals in need. This support extends to children with special needs, at-risk youths, adults with disabilities, individuals with mental health conditions, and families and seniors requiring assistance.

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