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Veteran banker Edmund Koh and his wife Wong Poh Choo have donated $ 500,000 to The Straits Times School (STSPMF) Pocket Money Fund to celebrate Mother’s Day today.
It is a personal donation and your largest overall contribution to a single program to date.
Koh, who is president of UBS Asia-Pacific, said the Covid-19 situation has been a difficult period for children and parents, especially mothers, due to home-based work arrangements and the closure of many facilities.
He and his wife, who are 60 years old and have three children, are “fortunate to have built a good home and family,” but that may not be the case for others, he told The Sunday Times. “The daily wages of some parents could be under tremendous stress … if we can help, we should. This donation is also to help nurture the next generation of leaders,” he said.
“(It is also) a reflection of the utmost respect I have for all mothers who go through this period. Motherhood is very selfless and it takes a lot to fulfill this role.”
In addition to honoring mothers, the couple hopes that their donation will stimulate more people to contribute, in whatever way they can, to help Singaporeans during this difficult period.
“Fortunately, you will get more support from all of us in Singapore, to join us and help when we can, whether through financial contributions, words of encouragement, understanding or social responsibility,” said Koh.
Warren Fernández, president of STSPMF and editor-in-chief of English / Malay / Tamil Media Group of Singapore Press Holdings, said the donation is timely and appropriate.
Fernández, who is also editor of The Straits Times, added: “Many families who ask us for help include mothers who make great sacrifices for the good of their children.
“These mothers are eager to ensure that their children do well in school despite their circumstances. It is a great way to show our appreciation for the efforts of all our mothers, and I thank Edmund for this kind and thoughtful contribution.” .
STSPMF provides out-of-pocket money annually to approximately 10,000 elementary, middle and high school students from low-income families.
The money is disbursed to these students with the support of the main schools and social service agencies across the island.
Last week, STSPMF and the Ministry of Education (MOE) pledged to continue providing food subsidies to more than 47,000 elementary and secondary students from low-income families during the month-long school break that began on May 5.
STSPMF pledged up to $ 2 million, with MOE matching every dollar distributed to ensure students continue to receive financial support for meals despite the fact that there is no school or home learning.
STSPMF, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, has helped more than 170,000 children and youth in need and has disbursed $ 68 million since 2000.
Approximately $ 6 million is disbursed each year, helping about 10,000 students from families whose gross monthly income per capita is less than $ 625.
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