All proceeds will go to The Business Times Budding Artists Fund and The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund.

This year, tickets for both shows - last night and tonight - sold out completely. Companies have also given generously. Four gold sponsors - Cerebos Pacific, Citibank, New Creation Church and Overseas Union Enterprise - each donated $50,000 or more this year.

Two silver sponsors - Cartier and CapitaLand Hope Foundation - each donated $30,000. And 10 bronze sponsors - including Seagate Technology, Stuttgart Auto and HSBC - each donated between $10,000 and $29,999.

"This shows that despite the challenging economic climate, the Singapore public and corporate sector have big hearts," said Child-Aid's organising chairman Peter Khoo. "It shows needy children that our society cares for them. We are grateful to everyone for the tremendous support." ChildAid, which opened last night at the National University of Singapore University Cultural Centre, showcases the nation's best young musical talent. It involves 80 performers, aged six to 19. Education Minister Ng Eng Hen and Singapore Press Holdings chairman Tony Tan will be attending the concert's Gala Night tonight.

Acts to keep an eye out for include 12-year-old Julia Abueva, who was featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show as one of the world's most talented kids, and 10-year-old Tiger Onitsuka from Japan, who is the world's youngest professional drummer.

Social workers from all family service centres in Singapore have been invited as special guests for tonight's concert.

"This is a ChildAid tradition," Mr Khoo said. "It is our way of recognizing these social workers for their outstanding service to the School Pocket Money Fund and the Budding Artists Fund."

Since the inaugural concert in 2005, more than $1.5 million has been raised.