Singapore Chinese Girls' School (SCGS) celebrated its 120th birthday yesterday by donating $250,000 to the President's Challenge - a yearly fund-raising effort supported by President Halimah Yacob.

The donation was made at the school's anniversary gala, held last night at Shangri-La Hotel. The celebrations also marked Singapore's bicentennial.

Madam Halimah, herself a former SCGS student, told those at the gathering: "I am delighted that the school has chosen to raise funds for the President's Challenge.

"The concerted efforts of the SCGS family to give back speak volumes of the school's love for and deep commitment to the nation."

The donation was part of the school's 120 Ways of Giving Back initiative, which encourages students to help the community in various ways.

Earlier this year, SCGS students participated in various activities around this theme.

One initiative involved Secondary 3 students taking part in the school's Service Learning Carnival in March.

They worked alongside the elderly from Pek Kio community and students and staff from NorthLight School, an institution for students who face difficulties handling the mainstream curriculum.

Proceeds from the SCGS Family Day in February and yesterday's anniversary gala dinner will go to the President's Challenge 2019, which was launched in January by Madam Halimah.

The President's Challenge is taking on the pressing issue of mental health this year. Funds raised will go to 67 organisations in a range of service sectors.