President’s Star Charity Show- is there a need for artistes to perform stunts to milk the public’s compassion for more generous donations?

Charity shows are shows that showcases famous artistes' talents in order to get people to donate money to the unfortunate. Or in some cases, it is to gain sympathy from the audience. While some may agree that it helps the unfortunate get noticed or highlighted, there are also controversial thoughts on the need for such a performance by the artistes. While it is true that it does help get donations for the needy, there are some who argue that it is not necessary. The donors did not help on their own accord. Rather, they were impressed with the stunts by their favourite artistes. To skeptics, there is no need for such a show. Donors will find organisations to donate to if they have the compassion and sympathy for the needy.


As President S.R. Nathan said, "the aim (of President's Star Charity Show) was to create a caring and compassionate nation by fostering acts of kindness and generosity towards the less fortunate in our society." For those who strongly support it, it is a chance for the public to show their warmth and kindness which is clearly lacking in the everyday lives of Singaporeans. Singaporeans get to lend a helping hand and it is spiritually fulfilling too. Similarly, it is an opportunity for the needy to gain support and help which they desperately need. It is known that there is a huge number of people struck with illnesses or poverty and is unable to cope with current living standards. To them, this is their chance to be highlighted. This is their lifeline. Removing the show would mean depriving them of help in the form of money. Life would continue to be a suffering. Taking away the show would thus be immoral. Hence there is basis for creating such a charity show.


Though it is true that such a charity show is beneficial for both parties, there are people who feel that it is unnecessary. Even if people donate, it is only because they were fascinated by performance by the MediaCorp artistes. This is especially so for the fans who are moved by anything that their idol says or does. All that the artiste got to do to garner donations is to appeal to the fans. Thus, what people really donate for is not out of compassion for the needy, but to support their idol. If people wish to help the needy, there is certainly no need for artistes to milk compassion and sympathy for the needy. People will help in every way they can if they have the sincerity and humanity. Furthermore, we cannot deny that there will be instances when people misuse the donations. An example would be the NKF scandal. NKF had been carrying out their own charity shows for years. At least a few million dollars have been donated into NKF's charity fund. However, it was embezzled by the CEO T T Durai. The money, meant for the ailing and poverty-stricken, instead went to the CEO. He went on to enjoy luxurious living each year, from installing gold taps in bathrooms to going on first class in SIA, all at the expense of the needy. After he was exposed, people no longer trust NKF, with some even questioning the necessity of such a show. The donations from the people could have gone to better use if they had donated directly to the organisations for the needy. Though it is true that not all charity shows are not as controversial as the NKF case, we must admit that the liability of all organisations are questioned by the public. People now think twice before donating to charity shows. Hence is there still a need to carry out the President's Star Charity Show now that faith in them has been lost?


In conclusion, who really determines the need for the President's Star Charity Show is neither the president nor the producer. Rather, it is the public that decides if the show should stay or go. Yes, the show may carry on. However, without the support and donations from the public, the show is nothing but a mere performance from MediaCorp artistes. Hence, the public needs to decide if such a show is really necessary, or if they are willing to bypass the show and go to the extend of reaching out to external organisations to donate. They must know that they should not regret after donating, even if the funds are wrongly used. Afterall, they have done their small part in helping the needy carry an optimistic outlook of life. Whether or not the performance of the artistes is necessary, they have already shown their compassion for the unfortunate in the society.