Amni Musfirah (centre, in red), ambassador of The Business Times Budding Artists Fund, performing the opening item 'Stars Out Tonight', with dancers from Singapore Chinese Girls' School. -- PHOTO: BT

BACK for the fifth time, the annual charity concert ChildAid was a smashing success this year as the audience was treated to a musical extravaganza which boasted 274 performers, including a 70-strong orchestra.

And while many of the stars were young, none was lacking in talent.

ChildAid was on from Dec 19-21 at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), ahead of the integrated resort's official opening early next year. Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) chairman Tony Tan was the guest of honour on Sunday night. This year, the organisers saw strong response from interested participants with 550 submissions, but had to whittle the number down to 15 acts. Six performers from Malaysia and Indonesia were also roped in, as auditions were held in the two countries as well.

Strong corporate support and brisk ticket sales pushed this yea's funds raised for ChildAid to over $1 million, about double the $506,000 raised last year. Tickets for all three nights were sold out. But at its heart, what makes the charity concert truly special is the concept of children doing their part to help other needy children. As 17-year-old performer Abigail Sin put it: "It's not just about performing well for the sake of performing well. It's about using our gifts to serve a greater cause."

Funds raised from the concert went to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund and The Business Times Budding Artists Fund. The latter helps under-privileged children develop their artistic talents.

Those who missed the show can catch the highlights at http://www.straitstimes.com/childaid.