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Sunburst Virtual Concert 2020

The Business Times-CapitaLand Fundraiser

Annual fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy Association (Singapore) and School of the Arts Endowment Fund goes online for the first time in response to Covid-19 safe distancing measures

  • Fourth edition of Sunburst concert, Sunburst Virtual Concert 2020: The Business Times – CapitaLand Fundraiser broadcasts on Thursday 19 November 2020, 8 pm—8.45 pm on SOTA’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/user/sotasg/videos
  • Young talents respond with ingenuity to their study, play and work areas in school in the creation of their performances

19 November 2020 – The Sunburst Virtual Concert 2020: The Business Times – CapitaLand Fundraising Show will go online for the first time this year in response to the current Covid-19 safe distancing measures.

The concert, which since 2017 has been an annual fundraiser for School of the Arts Endowment Fund [SOTA EF] and Muscular Dystrophy Association (Singapore) [MDAS], had been previously held at SOTA’s Concert Hall and Drama Theatre.

This new edition promises a refreshing and new take on the theme of “air.” Sunburst 2020 will see SOTA students responding with ingenuity and creativity to spaces within the SOTA campus for their performances while collaborative performances between SOTA and MDAS beneficiaries take on a digital spin with clever editing effects.

Says Mr Wong Wei Kong, Editor of The Business Times, which is the concert’s Organiser, “The impact of Covid-19 has highlighted more than ever the need for greater inclusivity. The message of Sunburst, in bringing together SOTA students and MDAS members on the same stage, is even more relevant. The restrictions brought about by the pandemic have also not derailed the show–instead it has unleashed a new creativity.”

This virtual event promises to be a visual treat and takes viewers inside the beautiful spaces of SOTA which was designed by Singapore architectural firm WOHA. The young talents have taken themselves out of the conventional concert stage to record their performances in unconventional settings like the school’s library, canteen, rooftop, and a grove-like terrace.

Viewers can expect to see refreshing takes on well-known works from pop to classical including John Lennon’s Imagine and Bach’s Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring.

Artistic Director Jeremiah Choy says: “I don’t see the Covid-19 situation as a “challenge” but instead an opportunity to rethink, reflect and maybe re-set some of the programming that we’ve done before. The performers are still able to bond over the internet and deliver an amazing programme. The situation allows us to showcase the different aspects and façade of SOTA and MDAS, rather than confining the concert to the theatre or concert hall. Here, the platform showcases how the students and the members adapt to the situation and allows them to deliver something different, something refreshing.”

Sunburst Virtual Concert 2020 aims to raise $250,000 in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (Singapore) [MDAS] and the School of the Arts Endowment Fund (SOTA EF).
The concert’s presenting sponsor is CapitaLand, main sponsors are OCBC Bank and Standard Chartered Bank; supported by DBS Bank and the SPH Foundation.

Mr Tan Seng Chai, Chief Corporate & People Officer for CapitaLand Group and Executive Director of CapitaLand Hope Foundation, says: “CapitaLand is delighted to partner The Business Times and return as the presenting sponsor of this inspirational concert for the fourth year to help build a more inclusive society. As a socially responsible company, CapitaLand has been giving back to the communities where we operate globally. This gives us a sense of purpose, a soul to our company. Through our philanthropic arm, CapitaLand Hope Foundation, we support the social growth and development needs of underprivileged children so they can be nurtured to their full potential. We are heartened to see the resilience of our young beneficiaries putting together this virtual concert despite the pandemic. We hope that this concert will enable them to showcase their talents and give them greater confidence in shaping their future.”

Produced by arts and culture not-for-profit organisation Global Cultural Alliance, the 45-minute online concert also features members of MDAS and SOTA students in a collaborative cover of the catchy and resonant Bruno Mars’ number Count on Me. This performance acknowledges our interdependence and need for unity to rise against the disruptive nature of the pandemic, particularly in lives of MDAS members.

Mr William Eng, 32, MDAS member and designer with MDAS employment programme B-Hive says: “Despite difficulties we still can burst through the barriers like sunrays. Definitely felt very lucky and honoured that we can still perform under such circumstances. It’s been a fruitful experience. I’ve learnt a lot collaborating with this group of energetic, exciting, young talented students.”

SOTA students have augmented their vocal performances with visuals to amplify their sets. The group JFR (Jaime Chew, Freesia Tong, Raeanne Wong, all aged 15) have added a visual element to their medley When You Wish Upon a Star and Over the Rainbow with original art by MDAS members.

On behalf of the trio, SOTA Music student Raeanne Wong, 15, says: “To us, Sunburst is a platform that unites hearts and brings the community together. As such, we are immensely honoured to be given such an opportunity.”

Visual Arts student Freesia Tong adds, “Our performance includes a special visual arts component where we digitally drew on original artworks created by MDAS members. These meaningful and vibrant works represent friendship, hope and joy as we strive to create a more inclusive community.”

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ChariTrees Light Up 2021: Tales of the Future

  • ChariTrees Light Up 2021 welcomes new beneficiary – SOTA Endowment Fund (SOTA EF) – alongside existing beneficiaries, #Engage and Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)
  • The line-up of ChariTrees features a design by a 13-year-old SOTA student
  • Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade to be lit up for five weeks through Sun 26 Dec 2021
  • Public donations here: https://www.giving.sg/trcl/charitrees2021

SINGAPORE 19 November – The 11th edition of annual fundraiser ChariTrees will see new initiatives in its efforts to further serve the community. President Halimah Yacob will officiate the Light Up Ceremony at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, this evening at 7.30 pm.

ChariTrees is an annual event that sees specially designed Christmas trees lighting up Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade to bring cheer to the public during the year-end-festive season as well as fundraise for charities.

ChariTrees 2021 takes on a new beneficiary, the School of the Arts Endowment Fund (SOTA EF), in addition to beneficiaries from 2020, TRCL’s #Engage Initiative and Samaritans of Singapore (SOS). SOTA EF addresses the need for long-term sustainability in providing SOTA students with bursaries, scholarships and other financial assistance. In this, ChariTrees seeks to reach a wider segment of the community as Singapore strives to bounce back from the obstacles brought about by the pandemic this last year.

Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) carries out intervention and suicide prevention services and the #ENGAGE Initiative by arts and culture organisation TRCL provides vulnerable children with digital devices and digital-art programmes to equip them with know-how and creative skills.

Says Mr Tan Puay Kern, Chairman of the ChariTrees 2021 Organising Committee, “We are very grateful to our donors, sponsors and partners for their generous support toward ChariTrees 2021. As the year comes to an end, we hope this movement will be a source of encouragement to all as we look toward a brighter, more hopeful future.

“Even as we strive for better days, we must continue to remember those among us who might need that extra push. Together, we hope to inspire positive thoughts and actions that can bring communities closer, making this year-end season of giving all the more meaningful.

To date, ChariTrees has raised $315,000 for the charities. Platinum Donors include Franklin Templeton, Mind the Gap 200 Fund, Pavilion Capital and Sea Limited; Gold Donors: Allen & Overy LLP, Arrowcrest Technologies Pte Ltd, Certis, OUE, PAP Community Foundation, and Mr William Koh. ChariTrees is managed and curated by Global Cultural Alliance, a wholly-owned subsidiary of charity arts organisation TRCL.

ChariTrees 2021 is themed “Tales of the Future” and it seeks to celebrate Singapore’s future-ready mindset and optimism. The movement will highlight the efforts of 10 community heroes who are striving towards empowering the underserved through providing educational platforms and opportunities for growth.

Mr Phan Ming Yen, Chief Operating Officer, TRCL, added: “ChariTrees 2021 is all about optimism and hope in what the future holds. These specially-fabricated Christmas trees bring cheer to a year that has seen our communities take tentative steps towards a sense of normalcy.”

In line with its focus on the future, ChariTrees 2021 also involves a member of the community in the design of the trees. One of the four tree designs was co-designed by SOTA’s 13-year-old first year visual arts student Ms Choi Minjoo. Inspired by the traditional Christmas tree, the tree designed by SOTA is a reminder that tradition and the past is the foundation for the future.

Ms Mary Seah, Principal, SOTA, shared, “SOTA is thankful to be a part of ChariTrees 2021, and for the opportunity given to our student, Minjoo, to co-design one of the trees for this meaningful event. The donations raised from ChariTrees goes to our SOTA Endowment Fund, which forms a sustainable source of funds to provide for bursaries, scholarships, and other financial assistance to the students who need them. This enables us to make arts education accessible to more young aspiring artists. Minjoo’s design represents hope and light for our youth, to continue pursuing their dreams, even when the future may seem uncertain.”

The SOTA Trees will be joined by two new designs known as “Sail Trees” and “Pyramid Trees”, as well as traditional-styled ones to make up a dazzling line up of 30 ChariTrees which will light up the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade till 26 December.

Says Mr Gasper Tan, Chief Executive of SOS, “The ChariTrees movement this year marks a truly special celebration, especially amid a time where events have been curtailed due to COVID-19. Despite the ravaging pandemic, we want to remember this year as the year of social responsibility and to continue to build on existing efforts and find new ways to support mental health in our communities. ChariTrees also symbolizes the congregation of strength among charities, where we hope others may be inspired by the resilience and determination of our people to rise above, resolve and respond to adversities.

We are humbled to be able to spread a festive cheer along the Marina Bay precinct, but more importantly, also bring light to the importance of suicide prevention – strengthening advocacy among the community must continue to be an important pillar for our nation.”

ChariTrees 2021 partners include production partner Rich-Art Enterprises Pte Ltd, and venue partner Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).

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ChariTrees 2020: Lighting up Marina Bay in support of the fight against Covid-19

  • President of Singapore Halimah Yacob officiates light-up of ChariTrees at Marina Bay on Sunday, 15 November 2020, 7 pm
  • Light-up honours community heroes who have stepped up during the Covid-19 public health crisis
  • Fundraises for Samaritans of Singapore and the #ENGAGE initiative which addresses needs that have arisen during this period, funds raised to-date $211,000

15 November 2020 – On Sunday evening 15th November, annual fundraising movement ChariTrees 2020 will light up Marina Bay this year in support of the fight against the ongoing Covid-19 public health crisis.

ChariTrees 2020 will focus on two social causes that have become urgent during the current situation and recognise the efforts of community heroes who have contributed for the betterment of the underserved during this period.

The two social causes are: Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) which carries out intervention and suicide prevention services and the #ENGAGE Initiative by arts and culture organisation TRCL which provides vulnerable children with digital devices and digital-art programmes to equip them with know-how and creative skills. These charities epitomise key concerns wrought by the pandemic that many Singaporeans are facing this year: mental well-being and digital inclusivity. To date, the ChariTrees movement has raised about $211,000 for these two charities.

Says Mr Tan Puay Kern, Chairman of the ChariTrees 2020 Organising Committee, “We are grateful to all our donors, sponsors and partners for their support and generous giving spirit. As 2020 draws to a close, we hope the ChariTrees will be a source of inspiration and light to all of us, cheering us on in our fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In such challenging times, it is even more important that we continue to remember and support those in need amongst us. Together, we can make this year-end season of giving and goodwill more meaningful and significant.”

Now in its 10th year, ChariTrees is a movement that sees Marina Bayfront Waterfront Promenade being lit up by specially designed Christmas Trees. Past beneficiaries of ChariTrees have included The Business Times Budding Artists Fund which provide arts education for economically distanced young talents and the Community Chest. ChariTrees 2020 is organized by arts and culture organisation, TRCL (The Rice Company Ltd).

ChariTrees 2020 will also recognise the efforts of individuals whom throughout this public health crisis have stepped out to alleviate the challenges and suffering faced by the underserved.

These community heroes include (see Annex A for details):

  • Park$2Project which collaborated with Kindness Mart delivered essentials to the needy
  • Project Stable Staples which raised funds to support those living in rental blocks during the Circuit Breaker period
  • Art4SGMW, a team of psychotherapists and art practitioners, who supported the emotional well-being of migrant workers during the public health crisis
  • PleaseStay. Movement which advocates support for suicide prevention and mental health amongst youths in Singapore.

Says Mr Gasper Tan, Chief Executive of Samaritans of Singapore, “During celebratory periods, there are pockets of society that may not have the privilege to celebrate with their loved ones. The trees are dedicated to those who are struggling during this period. It also serves as a reminder that no matter how tough it gets in the journey of life, one does not have to face the challenges alone.”

President Halimah Yacob will officiate the light-up of the trees this Sunday 15thNovember. In keeping with on-going safe distancing measures, the light up will be streamed online to donors and stakeholders on the evening after the event. The trees will light up Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade up till 26 December.

Adds Mr Tan Tee Tong, Chief Operating Office, of co-organiser TRCL: “We’re indeed grateful for the support shown by our donors who keep the spirit of giving alive during this difficult time. ChariTrees allows us to enrich the community and the lives of our most vulnerable and needy.”

The donors of ChariTrees 2020 are: Gold Donors — Arrowcrest Technologies Pte Ltd, Certis, PAP Community Foundation, and Sian Chay Medical Institution; Silver Donors — Century Evergreen Pte Ltd, Dr Daniel Fung, and Hatten Group. Our partners include production partner Rich-Art Enterprises Pte Ltd, venue partner Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), and marketing partner Northpoint City.

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Singapore-China Webinars Connect Entrepreneurs to Benefit from Proposed Xiamen Joint Venture

Livestreamed Event Provides Networking Opportunities in Singapore, Xiamen, Chongqing and Nanjing

  • Business leaders discuss how Singapore-Xiamen joint-venture mutually benefits; helps the ASEAN region gain market access via a placemaking project in Xiamen and vice versa
  • Educators discuss opportunities for tertiary exchange programmes between Singapore and Chongqing
  • New immigrants from Jiangsu share their cross-cultural experiences with friends from provincial capital of Nanjing

Acknowledging this year’s 30th anniversary of Singapore’s diplomatic relations with China, a Singapore not-for-profit arts organisation and a design firm have come together with various partners to organise a series of inter-city webinars to further people-to-people relations between the two countries.

Titled Business with a Cultural Handshake, this three-part webinar will see arts organisations, academics, business leaders and professionals from Singapore, Xiamen, Chongqing and Nanjing look at new areas of collaboration and cross-cultural exchange across all sectors.  This ‘ground-up’ initiative by TRCL and IDM Cultural Alliance Pte Ltd (IDMCA) will discuss opportunities that can encourage attendees to expand their entrepreneurial footprint to include Chinese markets.

The livestream event is the brainchild of Singaporean Architect Mr Daniel Mei, Founder of IDM Group and IDM Cultural Alliance (IDMCA). He grew up in China and has worked in Singapore for almost 30 years.

“I see myself as a link between the two countries and it’s a privilege to host such a meaningful cultural exchange between Singapore and China,” said Mr Mei, who is also chairman of the daylong webinar. “It is a source of deep satisfaction for me to help others gain a deeper understanding of both countries.” Co-hosting the online event are TRCL, its subsidiary, Global Cultural Alliance Ltd (GCA), and the Jiangsu Association (Singapore).

The highlight of these webinars is the opening Singapore-Xiamen dialogue that explores an initiative between both cities to rejuvenate an existing space into a cultural and economic node for the ASEAN region in Xiamen and vice versa.

Three companies, TRCL, IDM Group and a Xiamen investment company, have come together to repurpose a mixed-use development. TRCL’s Xiamen project lead Ms Sum Wai Ying says this joint-venture project will be “a nexus for developing a mini-ASEAN community in Xiamen.”

“Xiamen’s Haoli ThinkCity is positioned as a global intersection of business, the arts, community, and culture. It’s conceived as a space for entrepreneurs and visitors from ASEAN to live, play, work and connect. I will be discussing the potential that businesses can leverage by rejuvenating heritage spaces like this. Beyond this, the community will be enriched; given a freshness of purpose and direction.”

Interest in the discussions has led to support for the other two webinars from the Jiangsu Association (Singapore) and Temasek Polytechnic. President of the Jiangsu Association (Singapore) Dr Zhou Zhao Cheng says, “Frequent interactions between Singapore and China like this have a strong positive effect on Singapore society. There’s more vitality and energy when business and social groups come together like this to share insights and ideas. This webinar encourages good things to happen.”

The second part of the webinar, People to People Communication, features guest speaker Dr Sun Ling Ling, Head of Temasek Polytechnic’s Healthcare Engineering Centre. She leads a multi-disciplinary Research and Development team at Temasek Polytechnic developing innovative healthcare devices.

Dr Sun says: “I am honoured to be part of this global forum discussing our polytechnic’s collaboration with Chongqing’s universities and firms dealing with clean energy and other forms of high-tech innovative solutions.  Flexibility and keeping up with advancements is key.”

The closing webinar of the day, Business with a Cultural Handshake, wraps up with a relaxed sharing of anecdotes, experiences and insights. Jointly organised by the Jiangsu Association (Singapore), this is a lighthearted chat where attendees will come away inspired about potential collaboration with their Mandarin-speaking counterparts.

“At the end of the day,” adds the webinar’s chairman Mr Mei, “you will come away from the webinar knowing more about the Chinese point of view on many issues.”

ANNEX: Webinar Highlights

Attendees can register on globalculturalalliance.sg for any one or all three parts and easily drop in throughout Tuesday Oct 27th. Be inspired by the ideas, views and opinions of professionals and experts. All topics will be discussed in English and Mandarin (with translation by moderators), and is designed to appeal to entrepreneurs, creatives, educators, students, and anyone interested in things Chinese.

10:00 – 11:15  •  Xiamen: Three Organisations – Two Cities – One Vision         

Since the late 1800s, Singapore has enjoyed warm historical ties with this southeastern city in Fujian province, ties which are familial (many Singaporeans call Xiamen their ancestral hometown), and inimitable.  Formerly Amoy, Xiamen was the hometown of Singapore’s founding fathers, Tan Kah Kee, Lee Kong Chian and Gan Eng Seng.

Who should attend: Investors, entrepreneurs, creatives, founders of SMEs and startups who want to learn more about placemaking, opportunities and expansion into the Chinese market.

14:00 – 15:30  •  Chongqing: People-to-People Communication

This session kickstarts a conversation between educators in Singapore and Chongqing, widely regarded as one of the most futuristic cities worldwide. Attendees will benefit from learning how student exchange programmes can promote a deeper understanding between the two cities.

Who should attend: Students, educators, entrepreneurs in the business of education, clean energy, technology, creatives, urban planners and architects.

17:00 – 18:15  •  Nanjing: Business with a Cultural Handshake

Attendees will gain insight into the nature of cross-cultural exchanges between Singapore and Nanjing, a dynamic Chinese city with a distinguished cultural legacy. This session, jointly supported by the Jiangsu Association (Singapore), is a lighthearted one where attendees will come away inspired about potential collaboration with their Mandarin-speaking counterparts. This final segment wraps up the webinar with a relaxed sharing of anecdotes, experiences and insights.

Who should attend: Business leaders and potential investors, young entrepreneurs and creatives from both Singapore and Nanjing who are keen to connect, and members of the Jiangsu Association Singapore.

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Annual Children Fundraiser ‘Children for Children’ Brings a Glimmer of Dawn to Children’s Day Amidst Ongoing Pandemic

Annual community fundraiser for children, Children for Children (CFC), will take on a virtual spin this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

With restricted group activities resulting from safe distancing measures during the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, CFC – which since 2008 has annually treated 1,000 children to a live performance and a visit to an iconic Singapore attraction – will take the form of a blend of online and physical activities. The event is jointly organised by not-for-profit arts organisation TRCL (The Rice Company Ltd), CHIJ Kellock, The Business Times and Resorts World Sentosa.

The 12th edition of CFC will see its first online musical video production which will be launched on 8 October 2020 and streamed over two months so as to reach out to a wider public. Titled ‘A Glimmer of Dawn’, the video features music, dance, and theatre talents from CHIJ Kellock and beneficiaries of the The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF).  Minister of Education, Mr Lawrence Wong, will share an opening address in the video.

Says Mr Tan Tee Tong, Chief Operating Officer of TRCL: “Unlike previous editions of CFC, this year is the first time the public can view the online performance staged by the children on TRCL’s YouTube Channel as well as BT BAF’s Facebook Page. We hope that this video will inspire our children to remain united and resilient as we work towards overcoming the challenges of COVID-19 and to emerge stronger.”

In keeping with the event’s tradition of bringing children to an iconic Singapore attraction while observing safe distancing measures, Resorts World Sentosa has sponsored 1,000 children from 50 primary schools with a pair of tickets each to Universal Studios Singapore.  They will receive the tickets during the Children’s Day celebration in schools on 8 October 2020 where they will book online their preferred date of visit and enjoy Universal Studios Singapore at their own leisure before the end of November.

Says Mr Tan Hee Teck, Chief Executive Officer of Resorts World Sentosa (RWS): “RWS has supported Children for Children over the years because we believe in helping children discover their potential and realise their ambitions. Children’s Day is a joyous occasion for our young friends. At a time when families are transitioning to a new normal, RWS wants to bring fun and cheer to children from low income homes. A trip to Universal Studios Singapore means a lot to them. They can enjoy the many thrilling rides, meet their favourite characters and bond with their families. We are very happy to make a positive impact on the community as part of our corporate social responsibility outreach.”

Each of the 1,000 children will also receive a CFC souvenir book specially published by CHIJ Kellock titled ‘A Hero Within’ which tells the tale of three young children whose lives have been upended by the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. Faced with real issues in these uncertain times, the three characters, Zaiton, Xiow Ling, and Anand come together to understand this new landscape and realise that in their own ways they can be heroes.

Say Ms Magdalene Chin, Principal of CHIJ Kellock, “This period of the pandemic has seen many acts of quiet heroism amongst the community, regardless of their age. Many of us have made sacrifices in our own ways and also done things we may not ordinarily do to serve others. Some of these acts may be ‘big’ acts that are known and visible to all. Some of these acts could be private and yet still impact and touch others in a special way. Sometimes we may tend to take for granted the sacrifices that our young ones make or the acts of bravery they do for others.

This book highlights and reminds all that each of us, young or old have a role to play in overcoming this public health crisis.  Each day as we do seemingly simple acts of responsibility such as wearing a mask or washing our hands or observing safe distancing measures, we are playing an important and big role in overcoming this pandemic and a hero unto ourselves.”

Says Mr Wong Wei Kong, Editor of The Business Times, “For the children, CFC is an annual event which connects them with the community who cheer them on.  This year, we are proud of how our BT BAF kids and children from CHIJ Kellock have displayed tenacity and creativity in working with safe distancing measures to create an engaging online performance video to ensure that they can still put a smile on the faces of these children.

We are also extremely heartened by the continued support from partners and donors during these difficult times to ensure that this event can go on. This is all the more important in times like these.”

CFC raised a total of $110,600. Donors have included the Hong Leong Group of Companies (comprising Hong Leong Foundation, City Developments Limited, Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Hong Leong Holdings Limited, Hong Leong Finance Limited and Hong Leong Asia Limited), Certis Group, CWT Limited and Perennial Real Estate Holdings Limited.  CFC also welcomes three new donors – Jardine Cycle & Carriage Limited, V3 Group Limited, and Singapore Press Holdings Foundation Ltd.

Since 2008, CFC has brought more than 12,000 children to iconic destinations in Singapore including The Singapore Flyer, the Singapore Zoo, Underwater World, Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and KidZania Singapore. CFC is also a fundraiser for BT BAF, a fund which provides financial support for financially disadvantaged children and youth (between the ages of six to 19) to nurture their interests in the arts.

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Annual Children Fundraiser ‘Children for Children’ Brings a Glimmer of Dawn to Children’s Day Amidst Ongoing Pandemic

Annual community fundraiser for children, Children for Children (CFC), will take on a virtual spin this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

With restricted group activities resulting from safe distancing measures during the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, CFC – which since 2008 has annually treated 1,000 children to a live performance and a visit to an iconic Singapore attraction – will take the form of a blend of online and physical activities. The event is jointly organised by not-for-profit arts organisation TRCL (The Rice Company Ltd), CHIJ Kellock, The Business Times and Resorts World Sentosa.

The 12th edition of CFC will see its first online musical video production which will be launched on 8 October 2020 and streamed over two months so as to reach out to a wider public. Titled ‘A Glimmer of Dawn’, the video features music, dance, and theatre talents from CHIJ Kellock and beneficiaries of the The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF).  Minister of Education, Mr Lawrence Wong, will share an opening address in the video.

Says Mr Tan Tee Tong, Chief Operating Officer of TRCL: “Unlike previous editions of CFC, this year is the first time the public can view the online performance staged by the children on TRCL’s YouTube Channel as well as BT BAF’s Facebook Page. We hope that this video will inspire our children to remain united and resilient as we work towards overcoming the challenges of COVID-19 and to emerge stronger.”

In keeping with the event’s tradition of bringing children to an iconic Singapore attraction while observing safe distancing measures, Resorts World Sentosa has sponsored 1,000 children from 50 primary schools with a pair of tickets each to Universal Studios Singapore.  They will receive the tickets during the Children’s Day celebration in schools on 8 October 2020 where they will book online their preferred date of visit and enjoy Universal Studios Singapore at their own leisure before the end of November.

Says Mr Tan Hee Teck, Chief Executive Officer of Resorts World Sentosa (RWS): “RWS has supported Children for Children over the years because we believe in helping children discover their potential and realise their ambitions. Children’s Day is a joyous occasion for our young friends. At a time when families are transitioning to a new normal, RWS wants to bring fun and cheer to children from low income homes. A trip to Universal Studios Singapore means a lot to them. They can enjoy the many thrilling rides, meet their favourite characters and bond with their families. We are very happy to make a positive impact on the community as part of our corporate social responsibility outreach.”

Each of the 1,000 children will also receive a CFC souvenir book specially published by CHIJ Kellock titled ‘A Hero Within’ which tells the tale of three young children whose lives have been upended by the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. Faced with real issues in these uncertain times, the three characters, Zaiton, Xiow Ling, and Anand come together to understand this new landscape and realise that in their own ways they can be heroes.

Say Ms Magdalene Chin, Principal of CHIJ Kellock, “This period of the pandemic has seen many acts of quiet heroism amongst the community, regardless of their age. Many of us have made sacrifices in our own ways and also done things we may not ordinarily do to serve others. Some of these acts may be ‘big’ acts that are known and visible to all. Some of these acts could be private and yet still impact and touch others in a special way. Sometimes we may tend to take for granted the sacrifices that our young ones make or the acts of bravery they do for others.

This book highlights and reminds all that each of us, young or old have a role to play in overcoming this public health crisis.  Each day as we do seemingly simple acts of responsibility such as wearing a mask or washing our hands or observing safe distancing measures, we are playing an important and big role in overcoming this pandemic and a hero unto ourselves.”

Says Mr Wong Wei Kong, Editor of The Business Times, “For the children, CFC is an annual event which connects them with the community who cheer them on.  This year, we are proud of how our BT BAF kids and children from CHIJ Kellock have displayed tenacity and creativity in working with safe distancing measures to create an engaging online performance video to ensure that they can still put a smile on the faces of these children.

We are also extremely heartened by the continued support from partners and donors during these difficult times to ensure that this event can go on. This is all the more important in times like these.”

CFC raised a total of $110,600. Donors have included the Hong Leong Group of Companies (comprising Hong Leong Foundation, City Developments Limited, Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Hong Leong Holdings Limited, Hong Leong Finance Limited and Hong Leong Asia Limited), Certis Group, CWT Limited and Perennial Real Estate Holdings Limited.  CFC also welcomes three new donors – Jardine Cycle & Carriage Limited, V3 Group Limited, and Singapore Press Holdings Foundation Ltd.

Since 2008, CFC has brought more than 12,000 children to iconic destinations in Singapore including The Singapore Flyer, the Singapore Zoo, Underwater World, Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and KidZania Singapore. CFC is also a fundraiser for BT BAF, a fund which provides financial support for financially disadvantaged children and youth (between the ages of six to 19) to nurture their interests in the arts.

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Art from the Circuit Breaker by 300 children and youth in new online arts festival

Over 300 students from 33 primary and secondary schools have documented the Covid-19 pandemic in a new online arts festival that will be launched on Monday 29th June.

Called #Engage 2.0: An Online Arts Festival , the platform is organised by TRCL in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and schools.

Featuring 74 works spanning the genres of visual arts, dance and music, the festival will be available online after the launch. The works were created by students between the ages of seven and sixteen during the extended Circuit Breaker phase from 4th May to 2nd June 2020 and will be displayed in a
virtual gallery and through video performances.

Second Minister for Education, Ms Indranee Rajah will be the guest of honour for the launch of the online arts festival. She will deliver a speech as part of the festival’s online launch video which will be live-streamed on TRCL’s YouTube channel.

“This online arts festival is an extension of the inaugural #Engage initiative which ran from mid-April to end April during the Circuit Breaker. The initiative was aimed towards keeping some of our children and youth engaged during the full Home-Based Learning (HBL) period through online arts and lifestyle programmes. With the extension of the Circuit Breaker from May to June, there was interest and an expressed need to continue engaging these students and hence the natural progression from training and equipping students with new skills to giving them a goal to work towards, that is, to create a work and to share their own original creations with a wider public”

– Mr Tan Tee Tong, Chief Operating Officer of TRCL

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In conjunction with Kindness Day SG, BT BAF Beneficiaries and Certis Continue to Give Back to the Community despite the COVID-19 Circuit Breaker

Music and movement can certainly transcend physical boundaries during this COVID-19 Circuit Breaker period. Two beneficiaries of The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF) took the lead in taking over 25 staff of leading advanced integrated security organisation Certis through a dance workshop to create a video for Kindness Day SG’s TikTok Hashtag Challenge on 22nd May.

“What I found the most enjoyable was that I got to interact with new people
from different backgrounds and also have the chance to teach others. I really enjoyed teaching a part of the session to Certis employees today and I would like to have more opportunities to do so in the future”
– 14-year-old beneficiary Nur Adrianz Bin Kamaruddin

This dance workshop capped off the 4-part Community Give-Back series sponsored by Certis. In the past year, the programmes from this series has enabled BT BAF beneficiaries to utilise their artistic talents to reach out to and uplift other needy members of the community through various activities.

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BT Budding Artists Fund beneficiaries lead Certis staff in virtual dance workshop

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BT BAF celebrates 15 years of transforming lives Through The Arts As Beneficiaries Give Back Amid COVID-19

Afiqah conducting one of her LAA Arts Of Play (AOP) dance classes at The Little Arts Academy

One of them has since become a co-owner of a dance studio. Another is an early childhood educator while another is an independent artiste. Many others are pursuing their further studies in the arts and humanities in Institutes of Higher Learning.

As The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF) celebrates its 15th anniversary next Monday, 11th May, the Fund can certainly claim its role in having levelled the playing field for the artistically talented who could not afford an arts education and having nurtured a next generation of artists and creative professionals in Singapore.

To date, BT BAF has served more than 19,000 beneficiaries through a variety of programmes including arts camps, workshops as well as structured arts training at two training centres, The Little Arts Academy and 10 Square Youth.

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BT BAF celebrates 15 years of transforming lives

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Art from the Circuit Breaker by 300 children and youth in new online arts festival

Over 300 students from 33 primary and secondary schools have documented the Covid-19 pandemic in a new online arts festival that will be launched on Monday 29th June.

Called #Engage 2.0: An Online Arts Festival , the platform is organised by TRCL in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and schools.

Featuring 74 works spanning the genres of visual arts, dance and music, the festival will be available online after the launch. The works were created by students between the ages of seven and sixteen during the extended Circuit Breaker phase from 4th May to 2nd June 2020 and will be displayed in a
virtual gallery and through video performances.

Second Minister for Education, Ms Indranee Rajah will be the guest of honour for the launch of the online arts festival. She will deliver a speech as part of the festival’s online launch video which will be live-streamed on TRCL’s YouTube channel.

“This online arts festival is an extension of the inaugural #Engage initiative which ran from mid-April to end April during the Circuit Breaker. The initiative was aimed towards keeping some of our children and youth engaged during the full Home-Based Learning (HBL) period through online arts and lifestyle programmes. With the extension of the Circuit Breaker from May to June, there was interest and an expressed need to continue engaging these students and hence the natural progression from training and equipping students with new skills to giving them a goal to work towards, that is, to create a work and to share their own original creations with a wider public”

– Mr Tan Tee Tong, Chief Operating Officer of TRCL

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