Child Aid celebrates its legacy - and the future - to mark 20th year

Alumni return to perform at charity concert with futuristic storyline incorporating elements of AI

- Judith Tan

They cut their teeth performing on stage at previous Child Aid concerts.

In 2024, pianist Iessie Meng, 17, R&B singer Riszuan Syah, 19, and guitarist Alex Hooi, 22, were back in the spotlight again, with 80 others, at the concert that marked Child Aid's 20th-year milestone.

Ioining the trio virtually was singer Ariadna Padron Yassin, 22, who is in Amsterdam pursuing her studies.

Titled The Dream Emporium, the 2024 concert - held on Nov 29 and 30 - was set in an enchanting world where children's dreams come alive through song, dance and artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

Organised by The Straits Times and The Business Times (BT), Child Aid 2024 has raised about $2.1 million through ticket sales and donations from UOB; TTI Design & Engineering, a structural steel specialist company; and Mr Mohamed Abdul Ialeel, founder and chief executive of MES Group, a property and logistics solutions firm.

The money goes to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, which sponsors the lunch and transport fees of children from low-income families, and The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BAF), which supports artistically talented youth from less-privileged households.