20 November 2011

Singapore, 20 November 2011–StarHub believes in empowering the youth of today, especially those who are in less privileged situations, to realise their potential in creating a brighter and more vibrant future for Singapore.

With that belief, StarHub will be funding the tuition for children from lower-income families in the Fengshan-Jade district for the whole of 2012’s school year. These are households that typically earn less than $2,500 a month. With about three subjects for each of the 165 students, ranging from Primary One to ‘N’ and ‘O’ Levels, this works out to some $150,000.

“StarHub has always believed in reaching out to the youth and empowering them. Everyone should have a chance to follow and fulfill their dreams, and we want to give the less privileged youth a helping hand to do just that,” said Mr Neil Montefiore, Chief Executive Officer, StarHub.

“By providing these children with the funds necessary for tuition, they now have a better chance to prove themselves academically,” elaborated Mr Montefiore. “They will be on a more even footing with their classmates who are better off and, hopefully with improved grades, have a greater sense of self worth and higher self esteem.”

Mr Montefiore was speaking at a performance of Jack and the Beanstalk by the Singapore Repertory Theatre, where some three dozen of the child beneficiaries were hosted by StarHub to watch the show for free.

After the performance, the children were treated to an exclusive meet-and-greet and photo session with the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk. They’d even received specially autographed programmes before the show. For many, it was the first time watching a live show on stage and they all chorused that it was fun and interesting.

Ignatius Khoo, 12, found the mooing cow most amusing, while seven year-old Charlene loved it when the some of the characters came down into the audience and ran around. “I was very excited,” she said, “because I thought they will run to me!”

“We believe educating the youth helps to improve this world and StarHub has been a tremendous help in making a difference for these less fortunate/privileged students,” said Mr Lim Tee Peng, Chairman of Fengshan-Jade Resident’s Committee. “With the tuition sponsorship, the students can transform their academic lives, putting them on par with others. Fengshan-Jade RC would like to extend our deepest gratitude to StarHub for their generous support of these children.”