Playland Fiesta – SG60 Edition A Day of Play, A World of Joy
Children for Children (CFC) marked Singapore’s 60th year of independence with the Playland Fiesta: SG60 Edition,
transforming Fort Canning’s Fort Gate into a vibrant playground of wonder for 410 children. Now in its seventeenth edition, CFC welcomed students from over 11 schools to celebrate through play, creativity and imagination.
Children for Children’s Playland Fiesta SG60 Edition featured four themed zones—Futurescape, Imaginarium Lab, Adventure Playground and Foodie Land. These zones brought play, creativity and imagination to life for children and families. Performances by Otah & Friends, Ai & Aiko by artist Peter Draw, and students from CHIJ (Kellock) presented an imaginative story of kindness in action, weaving heartwarming moments of friendship and graciousness ‘caught’ between 1965 and 2025, set against Singapore’s ever-changing landscape.
The event was being graced by Guest of Honour Ms Jasmin Lau, Minister of State for Education who joined the celebrations and emphasised the importance of nurturing children through play and creativity.
“Children for Children has stood with us from the start. Seeing this event grow and touch young lives confirms that the causes we support and the stories we tell do matter. They help shape a brighter future for the next generation,” said Ms Chen Huifen, Editor of The Business Times.
CFC has reached more than 15,000 underserved children while BT BAF has supported over 25,000 children and youth through arts education and enrichment till date.
“Since 2008 Children for Children has given underserved children the chance to feel celebrated. Over time it has become a platform where children’s voices are heard, and their presence really matters. We are proud to be part of this journey and to see how CFC continues uplifting young lives,” said Mrs Shanthi Suraj Nair, Principal of CHIJ (Kellock) Primary.
This year’s CFC also raised $124,000 through the support of Hong Leong Foundation, City Developments Limited, Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Hong Leong Holdings Limited, Hong Leong Finance, Hong Leong Asia Ltd, CWT Ltd, UBS Singapore, ArtBeatz, DHL Express Singapore and Singapore Youth Culture & Arts Centre. BNP Paribas has been a long-term supporter of CFC through staff volunteering for the past decade.
“Hong Leong Group is proud to support Children for Children and The Business Times Budding Artists Fund in giving every child the chance to dream and discover. Supporting this year’s Playland Fiesta is our way of ensuring that underserved children know they are being valued and their potential is equally important. We believe that investing in children today builds stronger communities and a brighter future for Singapore,” said a Hong Leong Group spokesperson.
“Children for Children is an annual event aimed at giving underserved children a meaningful Children’s Day celebration. With Playland Fiesta SG60 Edition we wanted to create a space where play, imagination and creativity come together. Beyond the fun it is about showing every child that they are valued and giving them experiences that can inspire confidence, curiosity and dreams for the future.” Ms Elaine Tan, Director of Partnership Development at TRCL.
As Singapore celebrates 60 years of independence, Children for Children affirmed a simple truth that every child deserves the chance to play, to imagine and to thrive.
For media enquiries contact
Daphne Loo, Head of campaigns and communications
Contact 8945 9388 email daphne_loo@trcl.sg
Annexe A
Children explored four themed zones designed to encourage creativity and imagination.
• Futurescape featured robot control games, 60-second challenges and a Gachapon station with surprise toys.
• Imaginarium Lab offered activities such as upcycled CD painting, mosaic design, writing notes to Singapore and ribbon reflections that formed a collective installation.
• Adventure Playground included a mini train ride, carnival booths, two bouncy castles and roving vintage soldier characters.
• Foodie Land provided snacks such as popcorn, candy floss and cup corn.
Stage performances included Otah & Friends, which introduced Otah the Otter, Luckee the Boar, Billy the Hornbill and Sambal the Sambar Deer, highlighting friendship and teamwork. Ai & Aiko, created by Singapore artist Peter Draw, shared a story of kindness and hope through the characters of a boy and his Shiba Inu companion. Students from CHIJ Kellock Primary School also presented a showcase of music and dance.
Fact Sheet
Event Details
Venue: Fort Canning, Fort Gate
Dates: 2–3 October 2025
Guest of Honour: Ms Jasmin Lau, Minister of State for Education
About TRCL
TRCL is a not-for-profit arts and culture charity with Institute of
Public Character (IPC) status. The organisation is committed to addressing the social divide through creative and artistic intervention for the underserved with the aim of building a more resilient Singapore community. In this, TRCL manages two funds – The Business Times Budding Artist Fund, which provides arts education to underserved children and youth; and The Bloom Fund, which seeks to bridge the intergenerational divide. For more information, please visit www.trcl.sg
About Children for Children
A collaboration between TRCL, CHIJ (Kellock) Primary School and The Business Times, CFC is an annual fundraiser for BT BAF. Since its inception in 2008, CFC aims to bring camaraderie and cheer to children under the Ministry of Education’s Financial Assistance Scheme. It is with this intent that the organisers annually plan a day of fun at iconic attractions coupled with performances and arts activities to remind them that our society remembers and cares for them. CFC has hosted over 15,000 children at popular attractions such as the Singapore Flyer, Singapore Zoo, Underwater World Singapore, Universal Studios Singapore, Kidzania, Sentosa and Mt Faber’s cable car.
ABOUT BT BAF
Empowering Young Lives. Supporting Young Dreams. Leave No Child Behind. Initiated in 2004 and adopted by The Business Times in 2005, The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF) originated from a belief that no child should be denied the opportunity to pursue the arts regardless of their personal circumstances. Since its inception, BT BAF has reached out to more than 25,000 underserved children and youths, between the ages of six and 19 years old. BT BAF aims to uplift these children and youths through the transformative power of the arts; building their confidence, expanding their skillsets and developing their character via a variety of programmes including structured arts training programmes, camps, workshops and signature events.
BT BAF supports two arts training centres, The Little Arts Academy and 10 Square Youth, and is managed by TRCL. For more information, please visit www.baf.sg
