Community
As a symbol of unity, the President is actively involved in the community, supporting various causes including volunteerism, social entrepreneurship, sports, culture and the arts.
Support Social Causes
President’s Challenge
Started in 2000, the President's Challenge (PC) raises more than $10 million every year for some 60 beneficiary organisations to help the under-privileged. PC also encourages volunteerism and social entrepreneurship.
Empowering for Life Fund
In 2018, the President's Challenge takes on a new direction under President Halimah. While it will continue to raise funds for a broad range of social causes, over the next five years, $20 million will be set aside to help vulnerable groups through skills upgrading, capacity-building and employment, to facilitate their integration into society.
President’s Challenge Memorabilia
To raise awareness of social causes, a new series of memorabilia and greeting cards was launched in 2018. A collaboration between the President’s Office, Volunteer Welfare Organisations (VWOs) and social enterprises, they feature artworks of scenes within the Istana and hand drawn by beneficiaries. The memorabilia are available to visitors at the Istana Open House and the Istana Heritage Gallery. Find out more here.
Youth Volunteerism
One of the social causes championed by President Halimah is youth volunteerism. She believes our young people can step up and contribute to our nation building efforts.
Community Engagements
Community Events
As a symbol of unity, the President is actively involved in events organised by community and welfare groups, grassroots, as well as ethnic and religious organisations.
Istana – A Palace for All Singaporeans
Istana Open House
The Istana is opened to the public five days a year. During the Open Houses, the President will take the opportunity to meet and greet with visitors and to wish them well. Find out more about the Open House here.
Picnic@Istana, Volunteer Gardeners@Istana and Garden Tours@Istana
To make the Istana more accessible to the public, President Halimah has introduced initiatives such as Picnic@Istana, Volunteer Gardeners@Istana and Garden Tours@Istana for more Singaporeans to enjoy the Istana grounds.
President's Awards
