Straits Times editor Han Fook Kwang (third from left) and Business Times editor Alvin Tay (fourth from left) having a "behind the scenes" look at rehearsals yesterday for the concert by the ChildAid orchestra. With them are (from left) ChildAid artistic director Iskandar Ismail, organising committee chairman Peter Khoo and emcee Tay Kuan Li, 12. -- ST PHOTO: CAROLINE CHIA

TOMORROW will be a big day for 12-year-old Tay Kuan Li.

Together with students Zach Hourihane, 13, and Jane Lee, 14, the CHIJ Katong (Primary) pupil will be the emcee for the first ever event to be held at Resorts World Sentosa, the children charity concert ChildAid.

'It's really great because not many people have this chance. It's also a little scary, but it will be a great opportunity for me,' she said.

Kuan Li won this year's Plain English Speaking Award organised by the Ministry of Education, National Library Board and Speak Good English Movement.

Now into its fifth year, this year's ChildAid will be held over three nights, from tomorrow to Monday at the Festive Grand Theatre. Tickets to all three shows are sold out. President SR Nathan is the guest of honour on Sunday.

The $1 million raised by ChildAid so far will go towards The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund and The Business Times Budding Artists Fund.

The Festive Grand boasts a 50m by 25m stage which is deeper than the stage at the Esplanade and has 12 dressing rooms.

It also has 1,600 tiered seats, out of which 32 are VIP ones with leather seats. These, located in the middle of the theatre, have more leg room and have small, round tables in front of them for refreshments.

Yesterday was the first time that all the performers came together to rehearse at the Festive Grand, and Straits Times editor Han Fook Kwang and Business Times editor Alvin Tay paid them a backstage visit.

Mr Han said: 'The venue is impressive, and from what I've seen, the kids are determined to make this year's concert the best.'

Among the 274 performers are child prodigy pianist Abigail Sin, 17, and Rachel Chua, 15, who represented Singapore in Taiwan's One Million Star 5 singing competition.

After the concert this weekend, the theatre will be closed and refitted for Voyage de la Vie, the resort's own resident musical and circus extravaganza.

The soft launch of the $6.59 billion Resorts World at Sentosa is scheduled for early next year. By then, the theme park and four out of six hotels will be open, as will the casino and Festive Walk, a shopping and dining area.

songyuan@sph.com.sg