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Construction firm founder donates $500,000 to ST School Pocket Money Fund

Mr Teo Hock Chwee has contributed more than $140,000 in total to the fund that supports some 10,000 children from low-income families every year. PHOTO: ST FILE

SINGAPORE - The founder of prominent local steelworks firm TTJ Design and Engineering has donated $500,000 to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund.

That figure can support the education of more than 640 primary school pupils for a year, the charity said on Aug 19.

Mr Teo Hock Chwee has been a donor since 2015, contributing more than $140,000 in the past to the fund that supports some 10,000 children from low-income families every year.

TTJ is behind several iconic structures, including the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay, The Helix Bridge at Marina Bay, the Henderson Waves and the pavilion roof at Changi Airport Terminal 3.

The firm’s principal activities lie in design, supply, fabrication and erection of steelworks. It has also entered the offshore oil and gas industry through fabrication and construction of shipyard structures used in oil rigs.

Mr Teo said: “In recent years, our business has been sustainable, and our projects have been progressing successfully.

“I wish to give back to society by donating more to the less fortunate personally.”

The pocket money fund was started by The Straits Times in 2000 as a community project. Since its inception, the fund has disbursed more than $100 million and helped more than 220,000 children and youth.

The young beneficiaries come from families whose per capita gross monthly household income is not more than $750. This limit is higher than the $690 income ceiling in place before 2024.

Primary school pupils receive $65 a month, secondary school students get $100 a month and those in ITE, junior colleges and polytechnics get $125 a month.

“The Straits Times School Pocket Money fund is grateful for Mr Teo’s generosity and commitment in helping the less fortunate in our community,” the fund said.

The Straits Times © SPH Media. Reproduced with permission.