The Methodist Schools’ Foundation (MSF) raised $1.033 million at its Charity Concert Dinner on 15 August 2026, bringing together some 350 guests, including corporate donors, alumni and long-time supporters from the Methodist community.
The funds raised will support MSF’s work across 15 Methodist schools in Singapore by enhancing school facilities and educational resources, creating learning opportunities, and providing grants, subsidies and bursaries for students who need financial assistance. At the heart of this work is a simple hope: level the playing field so that every student can learn, grow and flourish, regardless of his or her circumstances.
Titled “Una Voce, Una Sera” (One Voice, One Evening), the dinner brought its tagline “Giving Voice, Celebrating Giving” to life through music, fellowship and the first screening of MSF’s new video, Behind Every School Day.
MSF Board Chairperson Mrs Joni Ong reflected that behind every programme, grant and dollar raised is “a child, a teacher, a school—and a story of possibility”.
“Sometimes support means financial help or access to opportunities. Sometimes, what a young person needs most is simply to know that someone believes in them—that there is a community prepared to stand in the gap,” she said.
Bishop Philip Lim, together with principals from the Methodist schools, led guests in a sung grace earlier in the evening.
Towards the close, Maurizio Tassani and Nadia Kam performed “The Prayer”, after which past and present MSF Board members were invited on stage in recognition of these who have carried the Foundation’s mission through different seasons. Together, they joined Bishop Lim in singing the Benediction.
Passing the baton
At MSF’s Annual General Meeting on 30 October 2026, Mrs Joni Ong stepped down after 20 years as Board Chairperson. Mr Wong Taur-Jiun, who has served on the MSF Board for nine years and chaired three editions of MethodistWalk, MSF‘s biennial schools fundraising initiative, succeeds her. A senior legal and compliance professional, Mr Wong worships at Christ Methodist Church.
Mrs Joni Ong, Ms Yeoh Chee Yan, Mr Eddy Chong, Mr Ong
Kian Min; (seated from left) Mdm Lydia Ng, Bishop Philip
Lim, Mr Heng Swee Keat and Mdm Chang Hwee Nee
Reflecting on the transition, Mrs Ong said: “It has been an extraordinary privilege to serve MSF for these 20 years. I have seen again and again what becomes possible when people come together with a shared belief in our Methodist schools and in the young lives entrusted to them.
“I am very happy to pass the baton to Taur-Jiun and the new leadership team. They know MSF, they believe deeply in its mission, and I know they will bring fresh energy and ideas to the next chapter.”
Looking ahead, Mr Wong said: “It is a privilege to serve as Chairperson of the Methodist Schools’ Foundation, especially on the cusp of its 30th anniversary. The Foundation has been blessed by the generosity of donors and the many servant-leaders who chose to stand in the gap over the years.
“As we welcome ACS (Academy), we will need to evolve what we offer and how we deliver it. I ask for the prayers of the Methodist community for the work ahead.”
Mr Wong is supported by Vice-Chairperson Ms Patricia Yeo, Honorary Treasurer Ms Elaine Ng and the MSF Board and Investment Committee.
As MSF approaches its 30th anniversary, the leadership may have changed, but its calling remains: to stand in the gap for our Methodist schools and for the generations of students who will come after us.
– Mr Wong Taur-Jiun, incoming MSF Board Chairperson
Text and photos courtesy of Methodist Schools’ Foundation
