Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong praises strong public support for SGSHARE as individuals and companies rally to strengthen Singapore’s social sector.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Mr. Gan Kim Yong spoke at the Community Chest SG60 Appreciation Ceremony on 7 March 2026 in Singapore, marking the conclusion of the SGSHARE campaign launched during the nation’s SG60 celebrations.
Addressing donors, social service agencies, corporate leaders, volunteers and community partners, Mr. Gan highlighted the strong support from Singaporeans during the year-long campaign. Mr. Gan said the country’s greatest strength lies in its people and their willingness to care for one another.
Mr. Gan shared that individuals and companies donated more than $100 million in 2025 alone to support social and community programmes through Community Chest and other national initiatives. Some donors have also committed to giving more than $70 million over the next two years.
These contributions are supported by the SG Gives matching grant announced during Budget 2025 by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Under the scheme, the Government matches donations made through Community Chest, the President’s Challenge and the Collective for a Stronger Society, allowing each contribution to have greater impact.
The funds will help Social Service Agencies (SSAs) run more than 300 programmes and projects across Singapore. These initiatives support children receiving early intervention services, seniors who need companionship, persons with disabilities building new skills, and families seeking stability.
Mr. Gan also noted that more than 270,000 individuals now contribute regularly through the SGSHARE programme. Donations through SGSHARE increased by nearly 19 percent compared to the previous year. In addition, over 19,000 acts of giving were recorded on the giving.sg platform during the SG60 campaign, raising nearly $2 million.
To encourage continued generosity, the Government has extended the 250 percent tax deduction for qualifying donations to Institutions of a Public Character (IPCs) until 2029. The Corporate Volunteer Scheme has also been extended to support companies that encourage employee volunteering.
During the ceremony, Mr. Gan also announced a new collaboration between the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC), and Ernst & Young (EY). The organisations will introduce a special mention award at the annual EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards to recognise entrepreneurs who demonstrate strong social impact while leading their businesses.
Mr. Gan said the initiative highlights the importance of combining business success with social responsibility. Mr. Gan encouraged business leaders to embed social purpose into their long-term strategies.
As the SG60 campaign concludes, Mr. Gan urged Singaporeans to continue supporting social causes beyond milestone celebrations. Mr. Gan said that sustained giving and stronger partnerships will help the social sector build long-term solutions for communities in need.
The ceremony also recognised volunteers and partners involved in distributing Habuan Harapan bags to more than 9,700 families during Ramadan. Mr. Gan extended his wishes for peace and blessings to those observing the fasting month and preparing for Hari Raya.
Closing his speech, Mr. Gan called on Singaporeans to continue embracing the “We First” spirit as the nation moves forward.
Mr. Gan said that acts of generosity help strengthen trust and unity in society, ensuring that no one in Singapore faces challenges alone.
Source: PMO
