SINGAPORE - The national accountancy body, the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA), has set up a new charity to build a compassionate and caring accountancy community.
Called ISCA Cares, it will provide disadvantaged youth with quality accountancy education, and tap accountants' skills for community development projects.
The new charity was announced on Thursday night by ISCA advisor and Minister of State for Manpower Teo Ser Luck at the Singapore Accountancy Convention Networking Dinner, which was attended by more than 600 people from the accountancy profession. Former politician Lim Hwee Hua chairs ISCA Cares' board of directors.
The charity hopes to raise $1 million in its first year for the ISCA Cares Education Programme, expected to start next year.
Under the programme, donations will go towards subsidising the tuition fees and basic living expenses of young people who are pursuing accountancy diplomas and degree courses in local polytechnics and universities.
Beneficiaries will also receive internship and mentorship opportunities from corporate and individual donors. To be eligible, students' monthly household income should be below $2,500.
To kickstart the programme, ISCA will contribute an initial seed fund of about $100,000.
Said Mrs Lim: "The ISCA Cares Education Programme is bringing the local accountancy community together to help deserving individuals gain access to an accountancy education. This will go a long way in enabling them to build a career in the profession and contribute to Singapore's growth."
ISCA chief executive Lee Fook Chiew added: "With ISCA Cares... for the first time, there is a dedicated channel for accountants to give back collectively as a profession and contribute towards building a more inclusive society."
For information on how to make a donation, go to http://isca.org.sg/isca-cares
