Collective for a Stronger Society Donor Learning Trip

Ms Christine Ong, Chairperson, Community Foundation of Singapore,

Mr Lam Yi Young, Deputy Chairperson, CFS

SSAs, Donors, Ladies and Gentlemen

Introduction

1. Good afternoon. I am delighted to join you this afternoon.

Philanthropy is a powerful tool for collective action

2. Let me begin by thanking the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS) for bringing various like-minded guests together today. I am heartened to see so many donors and partners participating in today’s learning session.

3. Since its launch in 2024, The Collective for a Stronger Society (or CSS for short), driven by CFS together with Community Chest (ComChest), has brought together donors, charities, businesses, community partners and government agencies around a shared goal — helping lower-income families achieve stability, self-reliance, and eventually social mobility.

4. Very often, lower-income families face multiple challenges. It could be financial needs, health concerns, displacement, or their children’s delayed development - all happening at the same time.

5. Under such stress, these families need a robust network of support. People need to understand their situation and journey with them, to help them move forward.

6. This circle of support cannot happen by chance, and cannot happen in silos. We need to come together to maximise our synergy. It’s only possible when we put our community at the top of mind - put the needs of the vulnerable family at the heart of what we are doing. When we go beyond – “what’s in it for me” to “what can we build together” – this is the essence of a “We-First” spirit we aspire towards.

7. Let me share with you how this circle of support has uplifted Nur Irnissa, an aspiring footballer and youth mentee at Tasek Academy’s Youth Mentorship Programme.

   1. She faced difficult circumstances at home – she had to navigate challenges arising from significant changes within her family and adjustments to her living arrangements. These transitions were not always easy, and there were moments when Irnissa felt overwhelmed.

   2. With the help of Tasek Academy, a youth development organisation that supports young people through mentorship, character development and holistic care, and various social service agencies, Irnissa received the support she needed. Her mentor and Tasek’s programme staff consistently encouraged her and ensured that both her academic studies and developmental progress at her football club were supported as well.

   3. They have journeyed with Irnissa since she was in primary school. Today, the fourteen-year-old represents Singapore at overseas football tournaments. Happy to share that she is thriving in both her studies and sport. I am glad to hear that she is one of the top goalkeepers in her age group. Her story is even more apt in the middle of World Cup 2026. Kudos to Irnissa and everyone in Tasek Academy.

   4. Irnissa’s uplifting story involved many people, each playing their part. And because they did, a young person is able to overcome the odds to pursue her potential, both in football and her studies.

8. This is the kind of “We First” society we aspire towards - where we look out for one another, and uplift each other to go beyond the circumstances, to attain our dreams and a better future.

9. Learning engagement sessions like today’s help donors understand firsthand how the community partners journey with beneficiaries, navigate challenges and touch lives. We want to be accountable to each and every donor, we do not take their support for granted. We want to let you know firsthand, how every dollar improves the lives and families of Singapore. With intimate understanding of what vulnerable families are up against, giving becomes more than just a gift – it becomes a heartfelt and sustained commitment to transform lives and to see through its impact, which may take a few years, like the case of Irnissa. This multiplies our chances of breakthrough success, uplifting families and children.

10. For instance, at CSS's Donor Learning Trip last November, after Ms Eunice Goh, Programme Manager from Calvary Care Community, shared candidly about the needs of Club Treasure, an after-school programme for vulnerable children and families, the programme’s remaining funding gap was met within 4 weeks. Kudos to the donors who supported Club Treasure.

    1. Ms Goh, who is here with us today, wrote to CFS to express how touched she was by the outpouring of support.

11. Thank you to all donors to Club Treasure, and to all the CSS programmes. You embody our “We First” society in action. I trust that today’s sharing from our community partners will inspire us all to champion and pledge our support for those in need.

Recognising donors who drive lasting change

12. Since its launch, CSS has mobilised over $21.4 million to support programmes spanning education, employment, healthcare, family and housing. Over 30,000 beneficiaries have received more coordinated and holistic support from these efforts.

13. This afternoon, CFS and ComChest are recognising some of the 119 donors who have generously supported CSS. For example:

    1. CapitaLand Hope Foundation contributed $1 million to CSS, as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, to support two programmes over three years. Thank you to CapitaLand Hope Foundation.

14. To everyone here and all our donors, thank you for your contributions towards CSS and for impacting many lives. Your generosity and kindness not only shape lives but also build stronger communities.

Strengthening health and social support for families

15. As CSS enters its next phase, it will deepen its focus on health, education and family resilience, especially in light of the global economic crisis. We will also strengthen our circle of care, as families do best when support is coordinated across different aspects of their lives.

16. Later on, we will have the opportunity to hear about four new programmes and how they will provide access to care and support families' long-term health and well-being.

Conclusion

17. I trust the conversations this afternoon will deepen your understanding of the challenges families face. May we also be inspired by their resilience and continue to play a part in helping vulnerable families realise their aspirations and potential.

    1. When we invest in one another, all of us are stronger together.

    2. When we come together to attain a shared goal, we will make a greater impact as one people.

18. And this is the “We First” Singapore we are building together. Our collective action will uplift and make a difference. For a better and brighter future. Thank you.