A Celebration of Growth, Gratitude and New Beginnings: CFS’s Annual Chinese New Year Appreciation Luncheon
On 7 February 2025, the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS) welcomed over 200 donors, charity partners, and friends to our Annual Chinese New Year Appreciation Luncheon at Paradox Singapore Merchant Court Hotel.
As we celebrated the festive season, we also reflected on the impact we’ve made together – thanks to the generosity and commitment of our community.
Coming Together for Good
Celebrating Leadership and Impact
A significant leadership transition was also announced at this year’s luncheon. After 13 years of dedicated service, Catherine Loh will be stepping down as CFS CEO to pursue new opportunities. Stepping into this role is Paul Tan, currently CFS’s Chief of Staff, Strategic Planning, and Finance, who will take over as CEO in April 2025.
Catherine has been instrumental in the success of CFS, particularly in building a strong culture of trust and lasting, meaningful relationships with donors and the charities we work with.
She has been a driving force behind CFS’s growth, fostering a culture of purposeful givers.
In 2018, she helped raise the first S$100 million in donations. She has since led CFS to win multiple awards and initiatied several transformational initiatives: Legacy Giving, which empowers donors to leave behind a lasting legacy; the Sayang Sayang Fund, which united the community to support 401,000 beneficiaries in Singapore during the COVID-19 pandemic; and the FUN! Fund, aimed at bringing joy and fun to the elderly.
Catherine showed her appreciation to all who have made her 13-year tenure so special, who, without, none of the work we have done as an organisation would have been close to achievable.
Celebrating the Arts & Culture
CFS champions the arts to foster cultural appreciation and nurture local talent. As they entered the foyer, guests enjoyed a Guzheng performance by Ms. Sim Kee, winner of the Audience Choice Award at the Singapore Chinese Music Competition 2024, followed by a vibrant drum dance and Yue opera by Tang Renaissance, celebrating Chinese heritage with a uniquely Singaporean touch.
Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, and Second Minister for Law, was also in attendance and took the time to thank guests for their generosity, partnership, and belief in the work CFS does. He emphasised the importance of “planting the trees of tomorrow” today.
“The work that CFS does, with the support of all our donors, is immeasurable. It is not just about supporting one cause but about bringing together different stakeholders to build the heart of Singapore,” Minister Tong said.
Philanthropy has the power to shape a stronger, more connected Singapore. At CFS, we partner with donors to create meaningful, strategic giving that transforms lives. As we embark on a new year, we invite you to join us in this mission.
On 7 February 2025, the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS) welcomed over 200 donors, charity partners, and friends to our Annual Chinese New Year Appreciation Luncheon at Paradox Singapore Merchant Court Hotel.
As we celebrated the festive season, we also reflected on the impact we’ve made together - thanks to the generosity and commitment of our community.
Coming Together for Good
Celebrating Leadership and Impact
A significant leadership transition was also announced at this year’s luncheon. After 13 years of dedicated service, Catherine Loh will be stepping down as CFS CEO to pursue new opportunities. Stepping into this role is Paul Tan, currently CFS’s Chief of Staff, Strategic Planning, and Finance, who will take over as CEO in April 2025.
Catherine has been instrumental in the success of CFS, particularly in building a strong culture of trust and lasting, meaningful relationships with donors and the charities we work with.
She has been a driving force behind CFS’s growth, fostering a culture of purposeful givers.
In 2018, she helped raise the first S$100 million in donations. She has since led CFS to win multiple awards and initiatied several transformational initiatives: Legacy Giving, which empowers donors to leave behind a lasting legacy; the Sayang Sayang Fund, which united the community to support 401,000 beneficiaries in Singapore during the COVID-19 pandemic; and the FUN! Fund, aimed at bringing joy and fun to the elderly.
Catherine showed her appreciation to all who have made her 13-year tenure so special, who, without, none of the work we have done as an organisation would have been close to achievable.
Celebrating the Arts & Culture
CFS champions the arts to foster cultural appreciation and nurture local talent. As they entered the foyer, guests enjoyed a Guzheng performance by Ms. Sim Kee, winner of the Audience Choice Award at the Singapore Chinese Music Competition 2024, followed by a vibrant drum dance and Yue opera by Tang Renaissance, celebrating Chinese heritage with a uniquely Singaporean touch.
Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, and Second Minister for Law, was also in attendance and took the time to thank guests for their generosity, partnership, and belief in the work CFS does. He emphasised the importance of “planting the trees of tomorrow” today.
"The work that CFS does, with the support of all our donors, is immeasurable. It is not just about supporting one cause but about bringing together different stakeholders to build the heart of Singapore,” Minister Tong said.
Philanthropy has the power to shape a stronger, more connected Singapore. At CFS, we partner with donors to create meaningful, strategic giving that transforms lives. As we embark on a new year, we invite you to join us in this mission.
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