Sunburst raises close to S$1.2m over 5 years

Singapore

SUNBURST raised more than S$200,000 this year in its annual fundraising concert - held virtually - for the Muscular Dystrophy Association Singapore (MDAS) and School of the Arts (SOTA) Endowment Fund.

The event, organised by The Business Times and presented by CapitaLand, marks its fifth anniversary this year.

Sunburst has raised close to S$1.2 million for the two beneficiaries over the past five years, as they continue to strive in their respective missions.

Judy Wee, executive director of MDAS, said: "The funds raised from Sunburst concerts have supported MDAS in providing a wide range of programmes and services for over 500 beneficiaries. Through these programmes, we hope to nurture our young adult members and equip them with the necessary skills such as graphic design and website development."

Sunburst Virtual Concert 2021: The Business Times - CapitaLand Fundraising Show, took the form of three online webisodes, with the final webisode aired online on Oct 29 (Friday). The first two webisodes were aired on Oct 15 and 22 respectively.

Wong Wei Kong, editor of The Business Times, said: "Our key donors have remained with us since the very first year till today and this dedication is symbolic of the high and deep level of the corporate citizenship which exists in Singapore.

"This commitment is also symbolic of how the needs of these two causes have become ingrained in the consciousness of society. This augurs well for the future as both the beneficiaries continue with their work to serve those in need."

Mary Seah, principal of SOTA said: "We are constantly moved by the fact that our SOTA students and alumni, together with members from the MDAS community, create arts with deep, new meaning, that cuts to the core of humanity and inspires...

"A good example was during the Circuit Breaker in 2020. Music alumna, Natasha da Costa, collaborated with her friends from SOTA and MDAS to put together a digital music performance. While the video was created to show support and appreciation to the frontliners and migrant workers in Singapore, being a part of the performance also motivated the MDAS members during an especially difficult time. These meaningful friendships that have been forged through these shared experiences, is truly the heart of Sunburst."