CHILDAID, the fund-raising concert by Singapore Press Holdings, has raised a record $1 million to help needy children.

The proceeds will be split 75-25 between The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund and The Business Times Budding Artists Fund.

This year's tally of $1,015,000 is the highest raised since the annual concert started in 2005, and is more than double last year's total of $506,000.

Brisk ticket sales - all 4,800 were sold out last week - and strong corporate support gave a boost to the funds raised.

ChildAid organising chairman Peter Khoo said main sponsors Citibank, Stuttgart Auto, HSBC, New Creation Church and Cerebos doubled their donations from last year.

The concert's takings crossed the $1million mark after Citibank and PricewaterhouseCoopers pledged $100,000 and $30,000 respectively on Monday.

Mr Khoo praised the public for its generosity despite the challenging economic year. 'The recession has affected everyone. Yet Singaporeans have once again responded with tremendous heart. It shows they believe in the ChildAid cause of showcasing young talent who want to help their less fortunate peers.'

Mr Khoo, who is also the organising chairman of The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, said the generosity was timely as there were more needy children than before.

In the first nine months of this year, 11,642 children applied for the fund, surpassing the previous high of 10,419 supported during the Sars-hit year of 2003.

The fund anticipates that at least 12,500 children will need help this year.

ChildAid's 274 performers have been rehearsing hard for the concert, which will be staged from Saturday to next Monday at the Festive Grand Theatre at Resorts World Sentosa.

Conductor Wang Ya-Hui, 41, who is the music director at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, said: 'As performers, we are there for the music and the passion for sharing. We really appreciate that the public comes forward to share our passion.'

She said the 73-strong orchestra, which is drawn from 10 different schools and organisations, performed as one. 'As conductor, I have been impressed by the level and quality of music put together.'

ANG YIYING