THE Japanese Association on Thursday became the first expatriate group to win the Community Chest's Pinnacle Award for significant long-term contributions.

Over the past 21 years, the association has raised over $3 million through an annual charity draw, and its members have volunteered at charities such as the Jurong Gardens School.

Other awards presented include the Special Events Platinum Award, which went to the National University of Singapore for raising $444,000 in last year's Rag and Flag day, and the Share Award for staff participation, which went to the PSA Corporation.

The annual award ceremony, the 24th in a series, was held on Thursday at the Istana.

For the financial year from 2007-2008, ComChest raised $52 million

This financial year, it needs to raise a further $52 million to fund 147 social service programmes and help over 310,000 people.