Singapore: The Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) May Day Charity 2025 has been hailed as a resounding success, raising S$1.89 million to empower lives and inspire communities across Singapore.

Held on May 1 at the SICC Grand Ballroom, this year’s event marked another significant milestone in the club’s on-going commitment to uplifting vulnerable communities.

The occasion was graced by Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Madam Tan Choo Leng. The Gala Dinner brought together SICC members, donors, corporate partners, and beneficiaries in a celebration of compassion, unity, and collective action.

The evening encapsulated this year’s theme, Empowering Lives, Inspiring Communities, demonstrating the power of giving to foster positive change and create a stronger, more inclusive society.

Since its inception in 1972, the SICC May Day Charity has raised more than S$27 million, making a lasting impact on Singapore’s social service sector. The 2025 edition continued this proud legacy by supporting 10 selected charity organisations that deliver vital services to vulnerable and marginalised communities.

The beneficiaries for this year’s charity include:

• Singapore Hospice Council
• Caregiving Welfare Association
• SUN-DAC
• ARTDIS (Singapore) Ltd
• RSVP Singapore
• Reach Community Services
• Singapore Association of Women’s Lawyers
• Blossoms Seeds Limited
• Ambulance Wish Singapore
• Seventy Times Seven (Prison Fellowship Singapore)

A focal point of the event was the premier charity golf tournament on May 1, where close to 500 golfers showcased their skills on both the club’s The New Course and Bukit Course, vying for luxurious hole-in-one cars and cash prizes.

This tournament sets the tone for a day of spirited competition, reinforcing the theme of unity through philanthropy.

In a bid to make giving more accessible, SICC introduced a PayNow donation channel, allowing members and guests to contribute seamlessly during the event. This digital initiative was supported by a variety of fund-raising activities, including golf tournaments, and community-led fringe events.

Fringe activities will continue throughout the month, with various fraternities from Lifestyle, Tennis and Squash, Swimming, Gym, Pickleball, Billiards and Bowling hosting events to keep the spirit of giving alive. Donations will be accepted until Saturday, May 31.

The Gala Dinner also featured performances from young talents such as Lyla Ng, James Widjaja, and performers from the Dyslexia Association of Singapore, who exemplified the evening’s theme through their music.

These performances highlighted the transformative power of arts and community engagement in empowering lives and inspiring communities. The programme was hosted by seasoned emcee Kelly Latimer.

Reflecting on his experience, James Widjaja, a young cellist and pianist, said: “It’s an honour to be part of the SICC May Day Charity Gala Dinner, where we come together to support those in need. Through music, we can inspire change and bring people closer, and I’m proud to contribute to such an impactful cause.”

How Seen Yong, May Day Charity Organising Committee Chairman and SICC Club Captain, said: “The May Day Charity is possible largely due to the generosity of the club members sharing the golf and other facilities to raise funds.

“I am proud to stand with our members to continue this tradition to do our part to help the needy and under-privileged in our society. We are deeply grateful to all who contributed – your generosity is helping to build a more inclusive and compassionate Singapore.”

The event also acknowledged the steadfast support of His Excellency Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore, who serves as Patron of the SICC May Day Charity.

Though unable to attend, President Tharman sent his warmest wishes for a successful event and affirmed his support for the club’s long-standing charitable mission.

*The Singapore Island Country Club is a Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.