Singapore Airlines Raises $3 Million to Support Children with Disabilities Through SG60 SIA Cares Campaign, Doubling Impact to $6 Million with Government Support
In a powerful display of corporate responsibility and community solidarity, Singapore Airlines (SIA) has successfully concluded its SG60 SIA Cares 2025 fundraising campaign, raising $3 million to support more than 1,600 children and youth with disabilities and developmental needs across Singapore. This initiative reflects SIA’s enduring commitment to giving back to the community, marking a milestone in Singapore’s 60th year of independence.
Over the course of three months, the national carrier rallied a diverse community of corporate partners, SIA staff, and the public, who collectively contributed $1.5 million. Demonstrating its commitment to impactful philanthropy, Singapore Airlines matched this amount dollar-for-dollar, bringing the campaign total to $3 million.
To further extend the initiative’s reach, the Singapore Government will contribute an additional $3 million through its SG Gives Matching Grant. As a result, the total impact of the SG60 SIA Cares campaign has reached an extraordinary $6 million, representing a significant investment in Singapore’s social development infrastructure.
Supporting a Brighter Future for Children and Youth
The $3 million raised by Singapore Airlines will be directed to three key beneficiaries:
- AWWA – a leading social service agency providing support to children with multiple disabilities and autism.
- Rainbow Centre – a nonprofit dedicated to serving children and youth with developmental and multiple disabilities through special education.
- Community Chest – Singapore’s central charitable fundraising body, which supports over 200 social service programmes aimed at vulnerable groups across the nation.
At the SG60 SIA Cares Open House, held at the Singapore Airlines Training Centre, a ceremonial cheque was presented by Mr Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Airlines, to Mr Chew Sutat, Chairman of Community Chest; Mr J R Karthikeyan, CEO of AWWA; and Mr Chew Kei-Jin, Vice-President of Rainbow Centre’s Board of Governors. The event was graced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Gan Kim Yong, who attended as the Guest of Honour.
Strengthening Inclusive Education at AWWA
The funds received by AWWA will be instrumental in advancing its Community Integration Service, which supports more than 300 students in mainstream schools and over 470 students with multiple disabilities and autism at its Napiri and Bedok campuses.
The donation will help enhance AWWA’s existing programmes in several impactful ways:
- Expansion of therapy services
- Development of independent living skills training
- Comprehensive curriculum reviews
- Improved access accommodations
- Enrichment through co-curricular activities
All these efforts aim to promote greater inclusion within the community by enabling students of varying abilities to participate more fully and meaningfully in society.
Mr J R Karthikeyan, CEO of AWWA, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in building an inclusive society. He stated,
“Since starting Singapore’s first school for students with multiple disabilities in 1979, AWWA has been dedicated to empowering individuals through holistic education. Delivering high-quality services and fostering inclusiveness takes the collaborative efforts of many. We are sincerely grateful to Singapore Airlines and its generous partners for their support. This campaign not only provides essential funding but also sends a strong message of compassion and solidarity.”
Expanding Holistic Care at Rainbow Centre
Rainbow Centre, another key beneficiary, will channel its share of the funds into expanding its Special Education Programme across its three campuses: Admiral Hill, Margaret Drive, and Yishun Park. The funding will directly benefit over 900 children and youth with autism or multiple disabilities, enabling enhancements in person-centered care, education, and therapeutic intervention services.
These improvements will include:
- Better-resourced classrooms and specialist training
- Individualised developmental support plans
- Life skills training to foster greater independence
- Increased capacity for family support services
Ms Tan Sze Wee, Executive Director of Rainbow Centre, shared her gratitude, remarking,
“As we celebrate Singapore’s 60th anniversary, we reflect on the power of community and collaboration. Building an inclusive society is not a solitary effort — it takes all of us. Singapore Airlines’ contribution will greatly strengthen our ability to support every child’s growth, equipping them to live empowered and meaningful lives. We are deeply thankful for their belief in our mission.”
Broadening Social Support Through Community Chest
The Community Chest will use the funds to bolster a broad range of social service programmes that cater to underrepresented groups in Singapore. These include:
- Children with special needs
- Youth-at-risk
- Adults with disabilities
- Individuals with mental health conditions
- Seniors and low-income families
In total, over 200 social service programmes will receive vital support through this initiative, reinforcing Community Chest’s mission to build a more inclusive and caring society.
Mr Chew Sutat, Chairman of Community Chest, expressed his appreciation for SIA’s enduring partnership:
“Singapore Airlines has once again shown how corporate leadership and compassionate action can come together to make real change. Their dedication to matching public contributions demonstrates not just generosity, but a sincere commitment to building a more inclusive future. We call on other businesses to emulate this multi-year approach to philanthropy, ensuring that more lives can be uplifted.”
Corporate Commitment to Nation-Building
Mr Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Airlines, underlined the broader purpose behind the SG60 SIA Cares campaign:
“This initiative reflects SIA’s deep-rooted commitment to the community. The combined support of our partners, staff, and the public helped us raise $1.5 million, which we proudly matched. Thanks to the Government’s SG Gives Grant, our collective impact now reaches $6 million. These funds will support programmes that empower individuals, provide care for those in need, and help build stronger, more inclusive communities.”
He added that the Airline has long supported Singapore’s social service agencies and will continue to explore ways to uplift the lives of individuals facing challenges, especially among the most vulnerable populations.
The SG60 SIA Cares 2025 campaign is a shining example of how public-private partnerships can be leveraged to address critical societal needs. As Singapore celebrates six decades of independence, initiatives like this reinforce the values of compassion, inclusivity, and shared responsibility.
With $6 million now mobilized to support children and youth with special needs, and many more vulnerable individuals, Singapore Airlines has demonstrated that meaningful change is possible when communities unite for a cause greater than themselves.