President's Challenge on track to raise $15m

71 organisations recognised at Istana for volunteering and fund-raising efforts 

- Shermaine Ang

The President's Challenge 2022 is on track to raise more than $15 million to support low-income families through 82 social service agencies.

Seventy-one organisations, including Far East Organization and Sheng Siong Group, were recognised for their volunteering and fund-raising efforts at a dinner reception held on Thursday evening at the Istana.

In her speech at the event, President Halimah Yacob said low-income families have been more affected by the pandemic in the last two years.

For instance, the resident unemployment rate of workers who are not in the professional, managerial, executive and technical (PMET) categories stood at 5.1 per cent, higher than that of PMET workers at 3.4 per cent, in June 2021.

"While government support schemes have helped them cope with the financial impact of the pandemic, it is critical that they are empowered to achieve self-reliance and improved quality of life in the long run," she said.