Shining the light on young talent

CHILDAID 2015's theme was "Be The Light", which was taken off the title of its new theme song written by ChildAid alumni Julian Wong and Amni Musfirah. These three words couldn't be more apt, as ChildAid has been "the light" for thousands of young talent over 11 years, including today's stars such as Nathan Hartono and Abigail Sin.

Since its inception in 2005, it has spotted and honed the artistic gifts of hundreds of youths aged 19 and below. The annual children's charity concert provides a glitzy platform that introduces them to the ins-and-outs of professional stage production, while at the same time raising funds for its two children's charities, The Business Times Budding Artists Fund and The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund.

The 2015 concert raised S$1.98 million, bringing the total sum for both funds over 11 years to about S$12 million. The Business Times Budding Artists Fund provides arts training for financially disadvantaged children, while The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund helps such children pay for transport to school and meals during recess.