Singapore, 1 October 2026 – Nearly 500 children, together with their families and volunteers, came together today for the 18th edition of Children for Children (CFC), the annual Children’s Day fundraiser in support of The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF). Held for the first time at Curiosity Cove, Mandai Wildlife Reserve, this year’s CFC invited children to explore, play and learn through shared discovery.
Guest of Honour Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education and Ministry of National Development, joined children and invited guests at Curiosity Cove before the CFC ceremony at Green Canvas. Pupils from CHIJ (Kellock) Primary School opened the ceremony with a performance, followed by the presentation of tokens and a cheque presentation.
This year’s CFC marks a record $750,000 raised, made possible through the support of the Estate of Mr Lim Chin Hua, Musim Mas Foundation, the Hong Leong Group of companies (Hong Leong Foundation, City Developments Limited, Millennium Hotels & Resorts, Hong Leong Holdings, Hong Leong Finance, Hong Leong Asia) and CWT Pte. Limited.
As long-standing CFC sponsors, the Hong Leong Group of companies and CWT Pte. Limited have been an important part of CFC’s journey, helping bring joy and meaningful experiences to generations of children.
This year’s CFC also celebrates the first acknowledgement of a $1.5 million gift to BT BAF from the Estate of Mr Lim Chin Hua, supporting children and youth through the arts. The donation will be recognised equally across CFC, ChariTrees and ChildAid, at $500,000 per event.
With the support of Musim Mas Foundation, Musim Mas Holdings Pte Ltd has committed $200,000 to strengthening the theatre and music programmes at The Little Arts Academy and 10 Square Youth Arts Academy, and will be acknowledged for CFC, ChariTrees and ChildAid.
Ms Ong Hwee Hwee, Executive Editor of The Business Times, said: “Children for Children reminds us that a child’s world expands when a community makes room for discovery, play and possibility. For our 18th edition, it was especially heartening to see our young participants enjoying a day of fun, discovery and exploration at Curiosity Cove alongside their families, teachers and volunteers. We hope the occasion also offered our donors and partners an opportunity to see the joy their contributions bring to these young lives, as we continue BT BAF’s commitment to helping young people build confidence and realise their potential through the arts.”
The Fund has collectively supported more than 25,000 children and youth over the years, helping to make arts education and creative opportunities more accessible to young people from underserved communities. BT BAF also supports Art of Play @ Schools, an initiative by the Ministry of Education and The RICE Company Limited (TRCL) that expands access to the arts for primary school students.
Mrs Shanthi Suraj Nair, Principal, CHIJ (Kellock) Primary School, said: “Our students are elated and proud to be part of an extremely meaningful tradition, bringing children together through performance, play and kindness. CHIJ Kellock has always deemed it purposeful to see children and families share the same sense of wonder. What better way to show our students how they can contribute to a more caring community?”
Ms Elaine Tan, Director of Partnership Development, TRCL, said: “CFC has always been about bringing children together with a community that believes in them. At Curiosity Cove, play and imagination became a bridge between generations. We are deeply grateful to every sponsor, partner and volunteer who made this memorable day possible, while helping BT BAF sustain our work with children and youth.”
TRCL and The Business Times also thank partner, Mandai Wildlife Reserve, the BNP Paribas volunteers; and the teachers, parents and caregivers who shared in the day’s celebrations.
