Come and be enthralled by Australian writer Jon Doust as he recount stories that he always tells himself! Let Jon inspire your children to remember their own stories and write their own tales.
Show news
3 February 2012
Home @ 15 Minutes Cafe
12 – 14 Mar 2012 | 8pm | 15 minutes café | LASALLE College of the Arts1 McNally StreetSingapore 187940
“I want the right to succeed here, on my own terms. This is where I was born. This is my country, not theirs and I’m investing in it!”, so the young actors echo in the upcoming original production Home.
Revolving around the lives of three households, Home explores the increasingly common struggle of Singaporeans who need to build a home while being scarcely able to own one.
This paradox is articulated by a group of young performers of the Young Actors Academy, a youth theatre group started in March 2011. The actors, most of who are from low-income families, receive their theatre training which is supported by The Business Times Budding Artists Fund at The Little Arts Academy.
Vishnucharan Naidu, 16, who plays Lavin Raj in this original play, said, “In our maiden production, we hope to address the concept of home by sharing some of our own stories with our audiences.” Carefully crafted from real experiences and life stories of family and friends who have gone through, is going through or will be going through the very same situation, they hope that this production will surface the values of what makes a home and what our youths would like to build in Singapore as “Home”.
Shahanaaz bte Mohd Taufik, 15, who plays Sandra Lavin, said, “We have gained a fair amount of knowledge and experience through the making of this play. It is our hope that we can make this a success and continue to stage plays that impact those who watch it. We wish to stretch our abilities and passion for drama to its limits to convey messages from the hearts of people. We are on a continuous journey to improve ourselves, in order to do these messages justice.”
Said Ms Adelina Ong, the producer and director of the original Home production held in December 2011 at The Arts House: “The Young Actors Academy consists of a rare breed. Raw but multi-talented, diligent and highly motivated youths who not only act, but also devise their own scripts and believe that theatre can help to inspire people and give them a sense of hope. They represent the kind of artists that The Little Arts Academy wants to groom – socially-conscious individuals who are hungry for learning, dedicated to the craft and committed to giving back to the society that has helped to nurture their growth.”
This production of HOME will be re-staged at 15minutes café in LASALLE College of the Arts. The group managed to raise $9,760 at the first staging of Home and needs to raise another $21,000 to perform in New York in December 2012.
“We hope for your support in our project. Let us embark on this journey together,” says Siti Haleymatul Jannah Binte Jamal.
This re-staging will be directed by Zarrah Katrina Aloba, a third year student of LASALLE College of the Arts, Faculty of Performing Arts (Theatre & Performance).
Tickets can be obtained through The Arts House box office at 6332 6919 or at tickets@toph.com.sg. Ticket prices are $22 for adults and $15 for students and senior citizens and all tickets are inclusive of one drink and a $2 ticketing fee.
###
The Business Times Budding Artists Fund
The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF) was initiated by The Old Parliament House Limited and adopted by The Business Times in 2005. BT BAF originated from a conviction that no child with strong interest and potential in the arts should be denied the opportunity to develop his or her talents due to a lack of financial resources. Since 2005, the BT BAF has reached out to more than 8,000 disadvantaged children between the ages of five and 19 years through a variety of programmes including a systematic arts education programme, arts camps, workshops, and signature performance events.
Beneficiaries of BT BAF are trained primarily at the Little Arts Academy (LAA), set up in 2008 at POMO, to provide a sustained and systematic education in the Arts. The multidisciplinary curriculum covers Music, Dance, Theatre, Multimedia, Culinary Arts and Visual Arts and a key feature of the programming is the opportunity for beneficiaries to stage public performances.
21 December 2011
Home
21 – 23 Dec | 6pm and 8pm | Play Den, The Arts House
$30 (students) and $20 (seniors)
Keppel Nights 50% Subsidy:$15.00 (Retail price: $30.00)
Applicable for phone booking at (65) 6332 6919 or over-the-counter only.
What happened to the good old days where owning a home was not a financial liability?
If the Singapore Dream is to take on the debt of home ownership then I would rather wake up…
In this production, the young actors draw from their own personal struggles and experiences to create the work. Many of them come from broken families, struggling with financial difficulties and trying at the same time to find acceptance and belonging in this place that they want to call Home. Devised and written by the young actors of The Young Actors Academy, let their stories of Home move you: bittersweet, hopeful or darkly funny, they reveal a fighting spirit that seeks to make Singapore the home they envision.
As one character states, “I want the right to succeed here, on my own terms. This is where I was born. This is my country, not theirs and I’m investing in it!”
The funds raised from this production will go towards a trip to New York as they have been invited to participate in the annual Summer ShakeUp 2012, a Shakespeare festival organised by The Public Theatre, New York. They need to raise $30k to make this dream a reality.
Presenting The Young Actors Academy
The Young Actors Academy was founded in Mar 2011 when 8 talented young actors came together, under The Little Arts Academy, to create a performance for The Arts House’s 7th Anniversary. The students come from a variety of backgrounds where creating a “home” is a constant struggle. From Girls’ Homes to shifting amongst friends’ houses to avoid an abusive husband, to trying to find acceptance for who they are and what they want to be within their families. This performance comes from the young actors who want to make Singapore their home, yet struggle with so many personal circumstances to do so.
25 November 2011
Wonder: Art In Our Dreams
To wonder is to think, ponder, and be curious about something, anything. Indeed, a simple thought of wonder can spark the beginning of learning. It is this awe and curiosity that triggered the start of the artworks presented by the young artists of The Little Arts Academy at their first group exhibition. Their ideas may have begun as dreams, but it is their steadfastness to their beliefs that makes their dreams come true. Wonder: Art in our Dreams exhibits the array of possibilities that can be fulfilled and signifies the beginning of their journey as young, curious and inquisitive artists.
18 November 2011
Not The Pressure Cooker | The Little Arts Academy’s 3rd Anniversary Production
An evil scientist has hypnotised all the teachers and turned them into Robozoids! Robozoids turn little children into robots who can excel at many things but are, otherwise, soulless machines. Come and save Lola, a sweet 7-year-old girl, from being turned into a robot by dancing, acting, painting and making music with us in this interactive, experiential performance for the whole family! Not The Pressure Cooker is a production to celebrate the third anniversary of The Little Arts Academy, the outreach and education initiative of The Arts House.
A $15/pax donation to The Business Times Budding Artists Fund, while not compulsory, is recommended.
To RSVP for Sunday’s performance, please contact Susan at enquirieslaa@toph.com.sg or call 6513 3013.
4 November 2011
Hari Raya Haji Weekend (5 Nov 11) at LAA
Dear parents and students of LAA,
In light of the Hari Raya Haji holiday on 6 November (Sun), most of the lessons at LAA will be suspended on 5 November (Sat). We will advise you again on the dates of the make up lessons.
However, the following rehearsals for upcoming rehearsals will continue as per normal on 5 November:
| Time
|
Classes | Trainer to be present | Venue |
| 1100-1300
|
Happy Mondays (Singing)
|
Greg | Recording Studio |
| Youth Dance
|
Faye Lim | Land of Sweets | |
| Budding Matisse (Youth Visual Arts)
|
Julie Liew | Calypso | |
| 1300-1500
|
Mini Monet | Jodi | Calypso |
| 1400-1600 | Intro to Theatre – Faustina, Jing Ying, Dinie
Youth Theatre – Klinsmann, Vishnu, Aaron, Haider, Guru Keyboard – Karyn, Faith and Dayana
|
Melody | Camelot |
| 1430-1600 | Ballet – all but Grade 4 students | Jaime Pang | Land of Sweets |
13 October 2011
Group Guitar holiday course for children and teenagers
Looking for a guitar course for your child during the school holidays? Look no further! Guitarra Play!, Singapore’s specialist guitar school is proud to present their Guitar Odyssey Program, a group guitar course who teaches children and teenagers to play the world’s most popular instrument. Students will learn to make music with the guitar and learn about different musical cultures of the world. Definitely a great way to have fun and make friends during the holidays!
6 sessions: Wednesdays (2 Nov – 14 Dec)
$100 per participant
Call Guitarra Play! at 81630125 or email us at enquiries@guitarra-play.com.sg to sign up now!
Check us out at http://www.guitarra-play.com.sg
21 September 2011
Largest Ever Number of Children Participating In Fourth Edition of Children for Children
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Largest Ever Number of Children Participating In Fourth Edition of Children for Children
Fri, 7 Oct 2011 | 8am – 6pm
Singapore, 20 September 2011 – The fourth edition of Children for Children at Resorts World Sentosa promises to be bigger, better and more exciting for 1,400 children from low-income families who have accepted the invitation to participate in this annual community event on Children’s Day (7 October, 2011).
With an overwhelming response from 73 out of a total of 173 primary schools in Singapore participating in this year’s Children for Children, this is the largest ever gathering for the event since its inception in 2008.
This event, jointly organised by The Arts House, The Business Times and CHIJ (Kellock), is also a fundraiser for ChildAid, an annual children’s charity concert organised by Singapore Press Holdings. Proceeds from ChildAid will benefit The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF) and The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (STSPMF).
Mr Alvin Tay, editor of The Business Times and chairman of The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF), says, “This community event is organised as part of BT’s 35th Anniversary celebrations. We sincerely thank our generous donors who have helped us raise $240,000 so far. This will enable us to reach out to even more children with financial difficulties and, as importantly, offer them hope and maybe even some happiness.”
Immersing in this year’s theme of ImaginAction, the participants will embark on an exciting journey to discover the beauty of Dreaming, Daring and Doing, so as to bring about transformative change in self and other. The children will take part in arts activities comprising face painting, furry art, balloon sculpting, badge making and origami at the yet-to-be-opened Maritime Experiential Museum and Aquarium (MEMA), and watch a series of performances at the Coliseum, all specially prepared by their young hosts from CHIJ (Kellock), before proceeding to the Universal Studios Singapore, where they could enjoy, to their hearts’ content, rides at the popular theme park.
Mrs Clara Lim-Tan, principal of CHIJ (Kellock), says, “Over these last 4 years, Children’s Day has taken on quite a different meaning for pupils at CHIJ (Kellock). They no longer view it as just another school holiday. Rather, our pupils now look forward to Children’s Day as they associate it with the significance of the day as an opportunity and platform to do something special and meaningful for others, particularly children from less privileged backgrounds. Children for Children continues to be a powerful reminder that we are never too young to make a difference. It challenges us to dream up ideas and fresh ways of creating and leading positive change around us and in the process, inspire others to do the same. We are delighted to be working once again with our strategic partners The Business Times and The Arts House to make this year’s event a truly joyful and memorable one for all involved.”
Says Mr Robin Goh, Assistant Director of Communications of Resorts World Sentosa, of this year’s event: “We are honoured to partner The Business Times Budding Artists Fund as the venue for Children for Children 2011. This year, the organisers pulled out all the stops and hope to wow the kids with an exciting line-up of activities. Resorts World Sentosa is delighted to welcome these kids as our first guests to the Maritime Experiential Museum & Aquarium even before it officially opens to the public, in addition to the region’s most exciting theme park, Universal Studios Singapore, which the kids will also be visiting. Since 2008, on our journey of giving, we have been privileged to have reached out to over 2,500 underprivileged kids, youths and social workers. This meaningful ride has enriched us as a socially responsible corporate citizen and we hope to continue to inspire lives and making a difference for the community.”
With more than 100 corporate volunteers from Great Eastern Holdings Limited, Agape Group Holdings and The Arts House stepping in to ensure that the young guests have the most memorable Children’s day, Children for Children 2011 encapsulates the virtuous cycle of giving and sharing between the larger community and the underprivileged shared by BT BAF.
Mr Heng Swee Keat, Minister for Education, will be the guest-of-honour for the event.
For more information on BT BAF, please visit www.baf.sg or contact us at enquirieslaa@toph.com.sg.
###
The Business Times Budding Artists Fund
Launched by The Old Parliament House Ltd (a not-for-profit enterprise committed to enriching lives through arts and cultural initiatives) and adopted by The Business Times in 2005, The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF) originated from a conviction that no child with strong interest and potential in the arts should be deprived of the opportunity to develop his or her talents due to a lack of financial resources. The BT BAF encourages the development of creativity amongst the young and is critical in providing opportunities for disadvantaged children to discover hidden artistic talents and to develop their self-worth. Since 2005, the BT BAF has reached out to more than 7,000 disadvantaged children between the ages of five and 12 years through a variety of programmes comprising arts camps, workshops, and signature performance events. From 1 October 2010, the BT BAF has extended its reach to economically disadvantaged youths who are between 13 and 19 years of age. For more information on BT BAF, please visit www.baf.sg.
###
Resorts World
Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), Singapore’s first integrated resort is located on the resort island of Sentosa. Spanning 49 hectares, the resort has welcomed over 15 million visitors since it opened in January 2010. RWS is home to the region’s first-and-only Universal Studios theme park, a casino, luxurious accommodation in four unique hotels, the Resorts World Convention Center, celebrity chef restaurants as well as specialty retail outlets. The resort also offers entertainment ranging from its resident theatrical circus spectacular Voyage de la Vie, to public attractions such as the Crane Dance and the Lake of Dreams. Resorts World Sentosa is currently developing the second phase of the Resort. Upon completion, RWS will open the Maritime Experiential Museum and Aquarium, the Marine Life Park, a destination spa and two additional hotels. Resorts World Sentosa is wholly owned by Genting Singapore, a company of the Genting Group.
###
CHIJ (Kellock)
Established in 1964, CHIJ (Kellock) is an established all-girls’ government-aided primary school and the youngest of the 11 CHIJ schools in Singapore. The school’s vision of “A Globally-Minded Community with a Passion to Learn, Lead and Make a Difference” encapsulates its commitment toward providing a holistic education for its pupils, where each child can develop her potential to the fullest. Placing high priority on the learning and well-being of its pupils, the school aims to cultivate 21st century learners with a global perspective – learners who are confident, creative and connected. It provides opportunities for them to grow and develop into concerned citizens and leaders of tomorrow.
| For MEDIA queries, please contact:
Miss Janice Zhang Executive, Communications and Partnerships The Little Arts Academy | The Business Times Budding Artists Fund PoMo, 1 Selegie Road, #05-01/02, Singapore 188306 Tel: (65) 6513 3015 Email: janice_zhang@toph.com.sg
Mr Robin Goh Assistant Director, Communications Resorts World at Sentosa Pte Ltd 39 Artillery Avenue, Sentosa, Singapore 099958 Tel: (65) 6577 9778 Email: robin.goh@rwsentosa.com
Mrs Clara Lim-Tan Principal CHIJ (Kellock) 1 Bukit Teresa Road, Singapore 099757 Tel: (65) 6273 0096 Email: Clara_LIM-TAN@moe.gov.sg |
MEDIA KIT
Initiated in 2008, and jointly organised by The Arts House, The Business Times and CHIJ (Kellock), Children for Children is an annual community event held on Children’s Day with the aim of giving a taste of fun, camaraderie and the arts to children who might otherwise never get such an opportunity.
Pupils of CHIJ (Kellock) play host to 1,000 needy children and regale them with performances and craft activities. This event is also an opportunity to raise funds for ChildAid, an annual fundraising concert jointly organised by The Business Times and The Straits Times. Proceeds from ChildAid will benefit The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF) and The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (STSPMF).
With corporations coming on board to volunteer and donate towards this course, Children for Children encapsulates the virtuous cycle of giving and sharing between the larger community and the underprivileged.
Children for Children over the years
1 Oct 2008: Singapore Flyer
30 Sep 2009: Singapore Zoological Gardens
1 Oct 2010: Underwater World Singapore
7 Oct 2011: Resorts World Sentosa (including Universal Studios Singapore)
Programme
Children from various primary schools will be arriving in batches from 8.00am to 8.45am at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) to celebrate Children’s Day. Upon arrival, the children will proceed to the Maritime Experiential Museum and Aquarium (MEMA) and be engaged in various arts activities. After the arts activities, the children will proceed to the Coliseum to watch performances by CHIJ (Kellock). After lunch (provided), the children will proceed to Universal Studios Singapore for the rides and shows. By 6.00pm, the event will be completed.
Schedule
Batch 1
8 – 8.45am: Arrival of the children from 73 schools in batches
9– 9.45am: 1st Performance at the Coliseum
10 – 11.30am: Craft activities and Typhoon Experience at MEMA
11.45am – 12.30pm: Lunch
12.30 – 6pm: Proceed to Universal Studios Singapore
Batch 2
8.30 – 10am: Arrival of the children from 73 schools in batches
Craft activities and Typhoon Experience at MEMA
10am: Arrival of GOH, Mr Heng Swee Keat, Minister for Education
11 – 11.45am: 2nd Performance at the Coliseum
11.45am – 12.30pm: Lunch
12.30 – 6.00pm: Proceed to Universal Studios Singapore
Theme
The theme for this year’s event is ImaginACTION. Participants at this year’s event will set out on an exciting journey to discover the beauty of Dreaming, Daring and Doing so as to bring about transformative change in self and others. Their ImaginACTION experience comprises 3 segments as follows:
- CHIJ (Kellock) Performance – Highlights the power of dreaming of undreamed shores and that we are never too small to make a difference.
- CHIJ (Kellock) Crafts Booths and Typhoon Experience @ Maritime Experiential Museum and Aquarium (MEMA) – Highlight the differences people in history have made as a result of doing. Crafts include Furry Art, Sun Catcher, Stencil Artwork, Magnet Making etc.
- Universal Studio – Highlights the importance of daring to take on challenges and overcoming our fears.
To make it even more special, this year’s goodie bag will contain ImaginACTION kit with three symbolic items representing ‘Dream’, ‘Dare’ and ‘Do’. Through the performances and hands-on activities, each individual would definitely take away with them a unique experience of his/her own.
Goodie Bags
Each participant will be presented with a goodie bag, carefully packed by an estimated 1,200 pupils and 100 staff from CHIJ (Kellock).
The symbolism of each item is indicated below:
| No. | Items | Rationale | ||||
| 1 | A packet of sweets
|
Dreams: Sweets with inspirational words to spur others to think about their dreams. The variety of colours represents the uniqueness of each dream. |
ImaginACTION Kit To inspire others of the beauty of dreaming, daring and doing so as to bring about transformative action towards self and others. |
|||
| 2 | A personalised bookmark
|
Dare: A personalised bookmark to inspire others to take on challenges. | ||||
| 3 | A hand-shaped clapper |
Do: Hand-clapper to represent the act of doing.
|
||||
| 4 | A cap | To inspire others that we are never too small to ImaginACT and make a difference. | ||||
Participants
The participants of Children for Children 2011 come from families with monthly household incomes of $1800 and below (or $450 per capita and below). These children fall under the financial assistance scheme of MOE schools.
Each participating school is allotted tickets for 20 children and 1 teacher to Universal Studios Singapore, sponsored by BT BAF.
The following schools have responded to the invitation sent in July:
| 1 | Ai Tong School |
| 2 | Anchor Green Primary |
| 3 | Ang Mo Kio Primary |
| 4 | Anglo-Chinese School(Junior) |
| 5 | Anglo-Chinese School(Primary) |
| 6 | Bedok Green Primary |
| 7 | Boon Lay Garden Primary |
| 8 | Bukit Timah Primary |
| 9 | Bukit View Primary |
| 10 | Cantonment Primary |
| 11 | Cedar Primary |
| 12 | Changkat Primary |
| 13 | CHIJ (Kellock) |
| 14 | CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel |
| 15 | CHIJ Our Lady of the Nativity |
| 16 | CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace |
| 17 | CHIJ(Katong) Primary |
| 18 | Chua Chu Kang Primary |
| 19 | Compassvale Primary |
| 20 | Concord Primary |
| 21 | East Coast Primary |
| 22 | Edgefield Primary |
| 23 | Elias Park Primary |
| 24 | Endeavour Primary |
| 25 | Eunos Primary |
| 26 | Farrer Park Primary |
| 27 | Fuhua Primary |
| 28 | Gan Eng Seng Primary |
| 29 | Greenridge Primary School |
| 30 | Griffiths Primary |
| 31 | Guang Yang Primary |
| 32 | Innova Primary |
| 33 | Jun Yuan Primary |
| 34 | Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary |
| 35 | Lakeside Primary |
| 36 | Lian Hua Primary |
| 37 | MacPherson Primary |
| 38 | Marsiling Primary |
| 39 | Mayflower Primary |
| 40 | Mee Toh School |
| 41 | Meridian Primary |
| 42 | Nan Hua Primary |
| 43 | New Town Primary |
| 44 | Ngee Ann Primary |
| 45 | Opera Estate Primary |
| 46 | Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ |
| 47 | Pei Hwa Presbyterian High School |
| 48 | Pioneer Primary School |
| 49 | Red Swastika School |
| 50 | Rivervale Primary |
| 51 | Rosyth School |
| 52 | Sembawang Primary |
| 53 | Seng Kang Primary |
| 54 | Shuqun Primary |
| 55 | South View Primary |
| 56 | St Andrew’s Junior School |
| 57 | St Margaret’s Primary |
| 58 | St Stephen’s School |
| 59 | Stamford Primary |
| 60 | Telok Kurau Primary |
| 61 | Townsville Primary |
| 62 | Unity Primary |
| 63 | Wellington Primary |
| 64 | West Grove Primary |
| 65 | Woodlands Primary |
| 66 | Xing Hua Primary |
| 67 | Xinmin Primary |
| 68 | Xishan Primary |
| 69 | Yuhua Primary |
| 70 | Yumin Primary |
| 71 | Zhangde Primary |
| 72 | Zhenghua Primary |
| 73 | Zhonghua Primary |
Volunteers
To ensure that the participants will have a fun-filled day, a total of 325 volunteers have stepped in to help at the event. A breakdown of their roles is as follow:
| Role | Scope | Organisations involved | Strength |
| Facilitators | Each facilitator is attached to each school for the entire event to ensure the safety of the participants.
|
Great Eastern Holdings Limited
Agape Group Holdings |
70
8 |
| Logistics | Ensures the whole event runs smoothly. | The Arts House (Managed by The Old Parliament House Limited)
|
27 |
| Performers and facilitators at craft booths | Conceptualise the entire programme of the event, including the craft activities and performance. | CHIJ (Kellock) | 200 pupils 20 teachers |
Donation in kind
The following corporations have donated in kind to Children for Children 2011.
Great Eastern Holdings Limited
- 1900 bottled water
Gardenia Foods (S) Pte Ltd.
- 634 pieces of custard buns
- 1266 buns at special rates
MLA Special Events
- Stage backdrop
Packing Day at CHIJ (Kellock) on 20 September 2011
17 August 2011
Fly Me To The Moon | Mooncake-Making Workshop for Adults
Come celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with a difference! Conducted by Lynn Lim of the dessert blog Little Bake Shop, Fly Me To The Moon is a mooncake-making workshop for adults where you’ll learn to create snowskin mooncakes in three yummy flavours (white lotus, red bean and black sesame) and handle the tools with finesse through this hands-on session.
At a fee of $55 (including GST), you’ll not only get to sample the mooncakes and bring some of these delicacies back, you’ll also be doing your bit for charity! Part of the proceeds from this workshop will go towards The Business Times Budding Artists Fund which disburses funds to fully-sponsor arts training underprivileged children receive at The Little Arts Academy.
So sign up with us today at enquirieslaa@toph.com.sg or 6513 3013. Do register soon as the class will be kept small.
11 July 2011
Children for Children invites 1,000 kids to celebrate Children’s Day at Resorts World Sentosa
Children for Children 2011 @ Resorts World Sentosa
Friday, 7 October 2011
Organising committee of Children for Children 2011
Singapore, 30 June 2011 – Come 7 October this year, Children for Children 2011 will partner Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) to give some 1,000 children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds the thrill of a lifetime as they get the opportunity to ‘Live The Movies’ at RWS’ Universal Studios Singapore®.
Initiated in 2008, and jointly organised by The Arts House, The Business Times and CHIJ (Kellock), Children for Children is an annual community event held on Children’s Day with the aim of giving a taste of fun, camaraderie and the arts to children who might otherwise never get such an opportunity. Pupils of CHIJ (Kellock) play host to 1,000 needy children and regale them with performances and craft activities. This event is also an opportunity to raise funds for ChildAid, an annual fundraising concert jointly organised by The Business Times and The Straits Times. Proceeds from ChildAid will go towards The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF) and The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (STSPMF).
Mrs Clara Lim-Tan, principal of CHIJ (Kellock), says, “This meaningful event provides our pupils with the platform to make a difference in the lives of others in bold and creative ways. With RWS coming on board this year as venue partner, I think that all the invited children are in for a real treat.”
Mr Alvin Tay, editor of The Business Times and chairman of BT BAF board of trustees, says, “Many children from disadvantaged backgrounds face difficult situations every day. We would like these children to set aside their worries this Children’s Day and join us for a memorable and fun-filled experience at Universal Studios Singapore®.”
Ms Lynn Lee, RWS Corporate Social Responsibility Co-ordinator, says, “We are pleased to partner The Business Times Budding Artists Fund this year as the venue for Children for Children at Resorts World Sentosa. The Business Times has been at the forefront of corporate responsibility, an inspiration to many of us in the corporate world. Resorts World Sentosa has reached out to over 2,500 underprivileged kids, youths and social workers since 2008, two years before our opening. As our business continues to grow, we strive to bring hope and inspiration to many more children from needy families.’’
Now into its fourth year, Children for Children has hosted more than 3,000 children at popular attractions such as the Singapore Flyer (2008), the Singapore Zoo (2009) and Underwater World Singapore (2010). Since 2008, this event has raised more than $675,000. The organisers hope to raise $300,000 this year.
Mr Colin Goh, CEO of The Old Parliament House Limited which manages The Arts House and BT BAF, says, “We are committed to enriching lives through arts and cultural initiatives. With one of our goals centred on building creative communities, we hope that Children for Children would be the platform to spark off the interest of these children in the arts, and in time to come, that their lives be transformed by the arts.”
Adds Mr Tay: “Children for Children encapsulates the virtuous cycle of giving and sharing between the larger community and the underprivileged that has made The Business Times Budding Artists Fund a success since its launch in 2005. We hope to help these children to rediscover their childhood innocence and creativity, and remind them that society remembers and cares for them.”
Children for Children 2011 at Resorts World Sentosa takes place on 7 October and is open to all primary school children with monthly household incomes below $1800. The organisers are seeking to collaborate with individuals and corporate organisations to raise funds for this worthy cause. Interested partners can contact BT BAF at enquirieslaa@toph.com.sg. For more information on BT BAF, please visit www.baf.sg .
###
The Business Times Budding Artists Fund
Launched by The Old Parliament House Ltd (a not-for-profit enterprise committed to enriching lives through arts and cultural initiatives) and adopted by The Business Times in 2005, The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF) originated from a conviction that no child with strong interest and potential in the arts should be deprived of the opportunity to develop his or her talents due to a lack of financial resources. The BT BAF encourages the development of creativity amongst the young and is critical in providing opportunities for disadvantaged children to discover hidden artistic talents and to develop their self-worth. Since 2005, the BT BAF has reached out to more than 7,000 disadvantaged children between the ages of five and 12 years through a variety of programmes comprising arts camps, workshops, and signature performance events. From 1 October 2010, the BT BAF has extended its reach to economically disadvantaged youths who are between 13 and 19 years of age. For more information on BT BAF, please visit www.baf.sg.
###
The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund
The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund was initiated on Children’s Day (October 1) in 2000 by The Straits Times, with the objective of heightening public awareness of the plight of children from low-income families who were attending school without proper breakfast, or pocket money to sustain their day in school.
It aims to ease the financial burden faced by parents in providing for their children’s education. At the same time, the funds will help children who are already facing difficulties in remaining in school to stay on. As the official fund-raiser, The Straits Times rallies support for the cause and appeals to the public for their donation to the fund. It collaborates with different partners, from corporate organisations to interested individuals for various fund-raising events.
###
Resorts World
Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), Singapore’s first integrated resort is located on the resort island of Sentosa. Spanning 49 hectares, the resort has welcomed over 15 million visitors since it opened in January 2010. RWS is home to the region’s first-and-only Universal Studios theme park, a casino, luxurious accommodation in four unique hotels, the Resorts World Convention Center, celebrity chef restaurants as well as specialty retail outlets. The resort also offers entertainment ranging from its resident theatrical circus spectacular Voyage de la Vie, to public attractions such as the Crane Dance and the Lake of Dreams. Resorts World Sentosa is currently developing the second phase of the Resort. Upon completion, RWS will open the Maritime Experiential Museum and Aquarium, the Marine Life Park, a destination spa and two additional hotels. Resorts World Sentosa is wholly owned by Genting Singapore, a company of the Genting Group.
###
