SINGAPORE - About $9 million will be set aside to support more than 300 ideas on how best to celebrate the nation's 50th birthday, surpassing the $5 million that was initially allocated at the beginning of the year.
Another 400 projects are being reviewed or refined, said the SG50 Programme Office said on Wednesday.
The 330 approved projects will get up to $50,000 each under the SG50 Celebration Fund, which provides support to Singaporeans who initiate programmes to commemorate Singapore's Golden Jubilee.
More than 1,300 ideas have been submitted from individuals, organisations and societies - more than double of that in January - and applications remain open until August.
"Many of the projects are community-based events that celebrate our identity and culture through areas such as arts, music, food, and sports," said the SG50 Programme Office. "Other projects are aimed at helping the less privileged or to recognise our pioneers' contributions to nation building. There are also projects that look towards the future of Singapore."
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong, who chairs the SG50 Programme Office added: "I am happy to see the strong public response in initiating and leading projects for SG50.
"These passionate Singaporeans are taking ownership and making the extra effort to find meaningful ways to mark this significant occasion with their community. With their involvement, we can make SG50 a truly inclusive and special celebration for all."
