$2.5 million donated to launch two COVID-19 Relief Funds

Mr Jamie Teo, President, The Ngee Ann Kongsi, and Mr James Teo, Honorary Treasurer, The Ngee Ann Kongsi, with Guest of-Honour, Mr Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Minister for Finance, and the five Mayors of the Community Development Councils, at the launch of The Ngee Ann Kongsi – CDC COVID-19 Relief Fund.

On 2 November 2020, The Ngee Ann Kongsi launched two COVID-19 Relief Funds to support people who suffered prolonged income loss. The Kongsi dipped into its reserves to set aside $2.5 million for the two funds.

Over the decades, the Kongsi has been actively contributing to various philanthropic causes in Singapore; going beyond the Teochew community, to support and benefit Singaporeans from all walks and races.

The Ngee Ann Kongsi-CDC COVID-19 Relief Fund

The first Fund, The Ngee Ann Kongsi-CDC COVID-19 Relief Fund seeks to provide relief to Singaporean households whose family members may have lost their jobs or incomes due to COVID-19, as Singapore moves towards the next phase of crisis recovery. The Kongsi donated $2 million, which was matched dollar-for-dollar by the Community Development Councils, thus topping up the total Fund to $4 million.

The launch of the Fund was witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Mr Heng Swee Keat. He shared, “Over the years, I have attended many events initiated and organised by The Ngee Ann Kongsi for various charitable causes, especially in education. I have attended many of those when I was the Education Minister. I know the good work that you have been doing. At today’s event, I understand that The Ngee Ann Kongsi has dipped into its reserves to donate this amount. A very big thank you to The Ngee Ann Kongsi!”.

The Ngee Ann Kongsi COVID-19 Relief Fund for Teochews

As a Teochew philanthropic organisation, the Kongsi also reaffirmed its commitment to the Teochew community, by setting aside an additional $500,000 to support Singaporean Teochews who lost their incomes or jobs. The $500,000 The Ngee Ann Kongsi COVID-19 Relief Fund for Teochews benefited 1,000 Singaporean Teochews, with each eligible applicant receiving a one-time relief of $500.

Applications of the Fund were administered by the Teochew Federation (Singapore) on behalf of the Kongsi. The Federation also worked closely with its affiliated Huay Kuans and associations to reach out to Singaporean Teochews.

Emerging stronger from the pandemic

The Kongsi hopes that the two Funds can help ease financial burdens and tide the community through this difficult period. The Kongsi strongly believes in the importance of unity and will continue to play its part to help the community emerge from the pandemic better and stronger, as one.