S$650,000 Winning Bid by Sea Limited for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s Guitar Supports Gift a Guitar’s Mission to Expand underserved Youth Access to Music
Sea Limited’s bid strengthens TRCL and SGMUSO’s nationwide effort to unlock musical opportunities for underserved youth.
Singapore, 5 December 2025 – Sea Limited represented by Mr. Forrest Li has secured Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s signed guitar with a winning bid of S$650,000, marking one of Singapore’s most significant philanthropic contributions to a youth arts initiative this year.
Organised by The Rice Company Limited (TRCL) in partnership with SGMUSO, Gift a Guitar is a national movement that equips and empowers youths aged 13 to 19 from underserved communities with guitars, structured music lessons, mentorship and performance platforms.
Sea Limited’s bid underscores both philanthropic leadership and a belief that music can create meaningful, long-term change in young lives. Speaking on behalf of Sea Limited, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mr Forrest Li said: “Owning this guitar is meaningful for us at Sea. It represents a shared belief that young people should have avenues to explore and express themselves through music. Supporting Gift a Guitar is a way for us to encourage this growth and we are glad to contribute to the development of young musicians in our community.”
The winning bid will enable TRCL and SGMUSO to support 600 youths islandwide. Each participant will receive a new acoustic guitar, structured lessons delivered by professional instructors, and opportunities for mentorship with local musicians. The contribution also supports performance platforms such as the Sing60 Music Festival, allowing participants to gain confidence, develop teamwork, and build a sense of belonging through music.
Ms. Santhiya Subra, Head of Arts and Community at The RICE Company Limited (TRCL), said: “Music offers young people a structured way to express themselves and develop important life skills. With this contribution we can continue providing accessible lessons mentorship and platforms for youths to perform and grow. We are grateful for the support that strengthens our collective effort to ensure every young person has the opportunity to learn and participate meaningfully in the arts.”
The programme’s impact came to life at the Sing60 Music Festival at Fort Canning Park, where Gift a Guitar youths made their debut performances on 6 and 7 December 2025. The Gift a Guitar Band featuring Awi Rafael and Danny Loong with Anthony Khoo and Ju Lynn on guitar and backup vocals led a memorable showcase. Awi Rafael and Danny Loong performed alongside 60 young guitarists mainly from The Business Times Budding Artists Fund, presenting Me and My Guitar, an original work composed specially for the movement. The performance was a powerful demonstration of how access guidance and opportunity can transform young lives.
With the successful auction of the Prime Minister’s guitar, bidding continues for the remaining collector instruments contributed by some of Singapore’s most recognised and influential music talents.
• JJ Lin, an international Mandopop star and one of the region’s most successful singer-songwriters, contributes a guitar reflecting his global artistry and deep connection to home audiences.
• Taufik Batisah, Singapore Idol’s first winner and a beloved household name, brings his soulful pop legacy to the movement.
• Benjamin Kheng, acclaimed singer, actor and multi-disciplinary creative, represents a new generation of homegrown storytellers shaping Singapore’s cultural landscape.
• Shabir Sulthan, award-winning singer-composer and pioneer of Singapore Tamil pop, adds a distinct voice celebrated for bridging cultures through music.
• The collection also includes a one-of-a-kind LEGO Bass Guitar, a fully functional instrument handcrafted with a LEGO exterior, merging creativity, innovation and design into a singular collectible piece.
Bidding continues at https://trcl.sg/gift-a-guitar-auction/
More than an auction, Gift a Guitar is a movement grounded in the belief that the arts should be accessible to all. Through music, TRCL and SGMUSO aim to widen creative pathways, strengthen community ties and empower young people with the confidence to pursue their aspirations – both on and off the stage.
