SINGAPORE – To groom the next generation of leaders, five business chambers and associations representing Singapore’s various racial groups have, for the first time, teamed up with the aim to raise $10 million in less than a month.
The money will go towards the Lee Kuan Yew Centennial Fund, which supports scholarships, bursaries and programmes to develop young leaders here.
The fund-raising initiative launched on Thursday is spearheaded by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI), the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA), the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SMCCI), the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), and the Eurasian Association (EAS).
The diverse groups have made common cause by pledging collective support for the fund. Over the next month, they will reach out to their networks of members, schools, trade associations and community partners, with the aim of galvanising Singaporeans to donate to the fund and sign signature books placed at their venues.
The initiative will continue until Sept 15, after which the donations and signatures will be presented to Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at a ceremony, said the organisers at a press conference held at the SCCCI building in Hill Street. Founding prime minister Lee’s birthday was on Sept 16.
Noting that racial harmony was one of the key values that the late Mr Lee upheld, SFCCA president Thomas Chua said he hopes the community effort, which involves the different races, will show Singapore and the world the Republic’s unity.
SCCCI president Kho Choon Keng said: “Whether it is signing the signature books or donating, it is also the intent of our initiative to bring to Singaporeans’ minds, particularly the next generation, Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s contributions, his values, beliefs and principles that are still relevant for Singapore’s present and the future.”
It is the chamber’s firm belief that developing and nurturing Singapore’s youth and next generation is a very impactful investment that will reap significant returns, the SCCCI president added.
The Lee Kuan Yew Centennial Fund was launched by DPM Wong in May to mark the 100th birth anniversary of the late Mr Lee. Set up by business leaders, $82.3 million worth of donations had been collected as at May. It is managed by the Ministry of Education under its Education Fund.
SMCCI deputy president Azhar Othman said he is confident that with the organisers’ combined efforts, the $10 million target will not only be met, but also exceeded.
He said SMCCI is reaching out to Malay-Muslim organisations to gather support.
“Our vision for the future of Singapore is one of innovation, progress and inclusivity,” he said. “The fund aligns perfectly with this vision.”
SICCI chairman Neil Parekh noted that the Indian business community had benefited from Mr Lee’s focus on the values of meritocracy and multiculturalism, and that the fund-raising effort is a small but significant way to thank Singapore’s founding prime minister on his 100th birthday.
“The chamber and its members are grateful for Mr Lee’s vision and leadership in building Singapore into a thriving economic hub,” he said.
Mr Vincent Schoon, who is the first vice-president of EAS, said the association has a database of about 5,000 members and contributors to the Eurasian Community Fund. Donation boxes and signature books will be placed at EAS’ upcoming events.
“Our community may be small, but when it comes to rallying support for causes like this, Eurasians from all walks of life will step up to chip in,” he added.
