The support of our generous community and individual partners through the Garden City Fund has enabled us to further our efforts in advancing Singapore’s City in Nature vision and encourage greater ownership of our natural heritage.
Partnerships between stakeholders and NParks effectively harness the strengths and resources of both, as seen in marine conservation efforts. Generous donations from Ocean Network Express (ONE) and Singtel will support conservation, recreation and education at Sisters’ Islands Marine Park. Additionally, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and Uniqlo Singapore's contributions to the Plant-A-Coral, Seed-A-Reef programme have enabled us to scale up coral restoration in Singapore’s waters.
We are also encouraged by like-minded donors such as City Developments Limited, KPMG Singapore and PSA Singapore, who have contributed to the enhancement of our parks and gardens, enabling more visitors to appreciate and enjoy nature.
The Plant-A-Tree programme has progressed steadily, with over 79,000 trees planted with the help of some 134,000 community members since the start of the programme. In addition to raising financial capital, new partners such as the Singapore Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Singapore International Chambers of Commerce, and Orchard Road Business Association have engaged their stakeholders to donate and plant trees, expanding our reach and promoting nature in our urban landscape. This hands-on experience with nature remains a memorable first touch for many when it comes to contributing to nature conservation.
We deeply appreciate that donors share our vision of equipping the next generation to contribute to Singapore’s environment. This includes support from Mr Peter Lim through the NParks-Peter Lim Scholarship Study Awards, which enables youths from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue their interests in the landscape and veterinary industry. They will in turn go on to support Singapore in its next 60 years of greening and beyond.
Alongside corporate donors, individuals have also stepped forward to contribute to our City in Nature. Long-time supporters and friends like Dr Rosslyn Leong and Mrs Tina Ou have contributed to botanical research and species recovery at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Others who regularly participate in fundraising campaigns through the Giving.sg platform also help us forge ahead in our vision of a City in Nature.
Greening and conservation is a never-ending effort and therefore we remain dedicated to nurturing our City in Nature. We look forward to working with you as we step up marine conservation with the launch of the 100K Corals initiative and the Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey 2. New fundraisers to encourage responsible pet ownership and facilitate the microchipping of cats will promote better coexistence with animals in our urban ecosystem. We will also continue to enhance nature in our parks and gardens with new therapeutic landscapes for nature-based therapy and harness nature-based solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change in our parks and gardens, so as to enhance our long-term climate resilience.
Your partnership is important to us as we take significant strides towards a greener, more sustainable Singapore. Let us work together to conserve our natural heritage and ensure that Singapore continues to thrive as a vibrant City in Nature for generations to come.
Charity Registration Number/
Unique Entity Number:
T02CC1634C
Charity Registration Date:
19 November 2002
IPC Number:
IPC000104
Auditor:
Foo Kon Tan LLP
The Garden City Fund (GCF) is a registered charity and an Institution of a Public Character (IPC), with its registered address at National Parks Board, Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569.
It seeks to enhance the enjoyment of our City in Nature by working with corporations and individuals to support the development of amenities and special features in Singapore’s green spaces; community activities and programmes that promote and enhance nature and ecology, art and culture, landscape and horticulture, animal and greenery management, animal health and welfare, and conservation; and citizen involvement to encourage greater ownership of our City in Nature.
The Board of NParks serves as the trustee of the GCF and has appointed the GCF Management Committee to plan, develop, promote and manage the GCF in accordance with its Trust Deed.
The GCF Management Committee comprises mainly non-executive members except for the GCF Secretary. Dr Leong Chee Chiew, who was also NParks’ Executive Director of National Parks, Gardens & Nature Reserves, served as Secretary from November 2012 to June 2024. Dr Yap Him Hoo, who is NParks’ Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Professional Development & Services, was appointed Secretary on 13 June 2024.
Between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024, the total amount of cash donations through GCF was about S$10.6 million.
| Name | Current Appointment | Past Appointment | Occupation | Attendance at Management Committee Meetings in fy 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professor Emeritus Leo Tan* | Chairman 1 November 2022 |
Chairman since 1 November 2006 |
Retired | 4/4 |
| Mr Daren Shiau | Treasurer 1 November 2022 |
Member since 1 November 2016 |
Partner, Allen & Gledhill LLP |
3/4 |
| Dr Leong Chee Chiew* | Secretary 1 November 2022 |
Member since 1 November 2004 Secretary since 1 November 2012 |
Executive Director of National Parks, Gardens & Nature Reserves, NParks | 4/4 |
| Mr Gerald Tan | Member 1 November 2022 |
Member since 1 November 2020 |
Executive Director of Business Selection, Reputational Risk and Conflicts, UBS Global Banking | 3/4 |
| Mr Goh Kong Aik | Member 1 November 2022 |
Member since 1 November 2014 |
Retired | 4/4 |
| Mr Han Jok Kwang | Member 1 November 2022 |
Member since 1 November 2020 |
Business Development Advisor, Schneider Electric | 3/4 |
| Mrs Kirtida Mekani* | Member 1 November 2022 |
Member since 1 May 2005 |
Director, CISTECH International Pte Ltd | 4/4 |
| Mr Guy Harvey-Samuel | Member 1 November 2022 |
Member since 1 November 2022 |
Retired | 4/4 |
*These members have continued to serve for more than 10 consecutive years. Their wealth of knowledge, services and expertise have guided the charity to reach out to corporates and individuals for funding support and ensured sound governance of the charity. As professionals in their own right, they have also contributed to a balanced composition in the committee, with a diverse mix of backgrounds and experience to meet the growing needs of the charity.
As part of Garden City Fund’s commitment to renewal, succession planning and diversity for the management committee, plans are ongoing to identify suitable members to enable an appropriate balance of skills, expertise, experience and views.
About the Garden City Fund
The GCF Management Committee members are required to comply with the charity’s conflict of interest policy. The charity has put in place documented procedures for committee members to declare actual or potential conflicts of interest on a regular and need-to basis. Committee members also abstain from and do not participate in discussions or decision-making on matters where they have a conflict of interest.
GCF follows NParks’ whistleblowing policy for reporting improper conduct and addressing concerns about possible wrongdoing or improprieties in financial or other matters within the charity.
The journey to transform Singapore into a City in Nature has gained remarkable momentum, driven by the unwavering support of both corporate partners and dedicated individuals over the past year. Through collaborative efforts, we have seen steady progress in enhancing our parks and gardens, stepping up conservation and research, and providing educational and recreational programmes for the community.
The KPMG Wellness Garden, a multi-generational garden located in East Coast Park, was opened in September 2023. Funded by KPMG, the development of the Garden took inclusiveness, accessibility and environmental sustainability into its design consideration. The Garden encompasses various interconnected zones including a biophilic playgarden, therapeutic landscape and tranquil environment for seniors. In line with NParks’ efforts to develop parks for mental and physical wellness, the new Garden contributes towards NParks’ goal to establish 30 Therapeutic Gardens in Singapore by 2030. KPMG’s support extends to the Garden’s programming, including five years of horticulture programmes. Ultimately, the Wellness Garden serves as a prime example of urban planning for health and wellness while also promoting intergenerational togetherness and a sense of community.
Contributions from the community played a key part in the expansion and overall enhancement of a new 2.2 km section at Pasir Panjang Park, including a S$3.5 million and in-kind donations from PSA Singapore, maritime artefacts from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, and archival photos from the community. PSA's upcycled shipping containers and the maritime artefacts within them draw out the maritime theme of the Park, and enable the community to appreciate Singapore’s history as a shipping hub. The extension also enhances the recreational connectivity of the area, enabling park-goers to run or cycle between Labrador Nature Park and West Coast Park.
City Developments Limited (CDL) and NParks have extended their decade-long partnership on the CDL Green Gallery for another 10 years. With CDL committing S$1.5 million for the Gallery’s refurbishment, Singapore’s first net-zero energy Gallery received a facelift and will continue to host nature- and sustainability-themed exhibitions for the public.
The Plant-A-Tree (PAT) programme continued to make significant strides in the past year, bolstering the OneMillionTrees movement with substantial growth. As of 31 March 2024, more than 79,000 trees have been donated and planted by some 870 corporates and 6,000 individuals since the programme's conceptualisation in 2007. To date, over 134,000 participants have been reached through this programme.
AIA Singapore raised close to S$200,000 towards its S$5 million pledge through the AIA Charity Golf 2023; this was further matched by Tote Board’s Enhanced Fund-Raising Grant of S$154,000.
The PAT also saw multiple new supporters, including the Singapore Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, which pledged S$150,000 (500 trees), the Singapore International Chambers of Commerce which donated S$30,000 (100 trees), and the Lion’s Club of Singapore, which contributed S$60,000 (200 trees). The Orchard Road Business Association also contributed S$30,000 to plant 100 trees in Orchard Road and other areas, while Takashimaya Singapore commemorated its 30th anniversary by donating S$30,000 (100 trees). In addition to greening Singapore, these contributions also go towards supporting capacity building efforts and outreach programmes that enable people to connect with nature.
As part of community efforts to enhance Sisters’ Islands Marine Park as a sanctuary for a wide range of coastal and marine habitats, Ocean Network Express (ONE) and Singtel contributed S$1 million each to support projects which will enrich visitors' experiences and educate them on the importance of conserving coastal and marine biodiversity.
ONE’s contribution will enable the creation of the new Ocean Network Express Coastal Forest Trail, which will feature critically endangered coastal species and support species conservation efforts while also providing an immersive and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Singtel’s contribution will help transform an existing lagoon into a tidal pool, creating new habitat niches to support marine biodiversity and a unique visitor experience to come up close to marine fauna. These features will be accessible to the public once the enhancement works at the Marine Park are completed in 2024. Contributions from ONE and Singtel will also support outreach and marine education programmes at the new marine classroom, fostering greater awareness and appreciation for marine conservation efforts.
The Plant-A-Coral, Seed-A-Reef programme continues to receive support that boosts NParks' marine conservation efforts. In conjunction with its 60th anniversary, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation contributed S$120,000 in support while another S$50,000 was donated by Uniqlo, as part of its JOIN: The Power of Clothing campaign. These generous gifts will go towards a delicate process of transplanting coral nubbins from a coral nursery to degraded or artificial reefs for them to regenerate naturally.
Photo credit: Dr Karenne Tun
Donor support enables large outreach and educational events to reach the masses, as evidenced by the From Mudflats to Metropolis public exhibition that showcased Singapore’s urban transformation journey into the sustainable, green city it is today. The roving exhibition moved across North, East and Central Singapore and was made possible by partners Frasers Property and Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd at Northpoint City, Our Tampines Hub, Heartbeat@Bedok, and Vivocity.
A wide range of researchers, conservationists and hobbyists, orchid enthusiasts and families also attended the 14th edition of the Asia Pacific Orchid Conference (APOC), collectively organised by NParks and the Orchid Society of South East Asia, from 16 to 20 August 2023. The event was supported by multiple sponsors: Singapore Expo, Matrix Star Marketing, Natural GRO, Nikon and Sistic. Product brands such as Himalaya Sports, Himalaya Vajomba, St Dalfour and Ricola also showcased their enthusiasm for the programme.
Our youths continue to be crusaders for many greening efforts. The 3rd World Wildlife Day Regional Youth Symposium, held from 24 to 25 February 2024, was facilitated by 16 youth stewards from NParks' Youth Stewards for Nature Programme. The event gathered some 300 youth participants from 15 countries, including all 10 ASEAN member states. With the S$150,000 donation from Mandai Nature, a non-profit wildlife conservation organisation, the Symposium provided a meaningful platform for discourse on how young people can actively contribute to nature and biodiversity conservation efforts.
Over 220 youths from local universities, polytechnics, Institutes of Technical Education and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) have been awarded study grants through the NParks-Peter Lim Scholarship, established with a generous S$10 million pledge from Mr Peter Lim. This initiative supports young talents pursuing careers in landscape architecture, horticulture, ecology, veterinary sciences and animal sciences — crucial sectors that contribute to Singapore’s environmental sustainability as we look forward to the next 60 years of greening.
As a mark of appreciation for supporting the City in Nature vision over the years, Heritage Trees were dedicated to five corporate and individual donors who have donated S$1 million and above. These include AIA Singapore, Ocean Network Express, Singtel, LU Foundation and Vince and Amanda Steckler.
Besides corporate partners, GCF also receives robust support from many individuals. Mrs Tina Ou and Dr Rosslyn Leong, regular visitors to Singapore Botanic Gardens, donated S$50,000 and S$150,000 respectively, for the enhancement of the Gardens and maintenance of the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden.
Twenty-three individual donors, alongside 10 corporate partners, raised S$184,000 at the Festive Celebrations at Singapore Botanic Gardens, held from 8 December 2023 to 7 January 2024. Other donors included Equinix and its participating partners: Fortinet Singapore, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Orange Business and Telstra Singapore, who made a S$60,000 contribution. The fundraiser aimed to raise greater awareness for three key areas: environmental sustainability in the Gardens, botanical art and its fascinating functions, and digitalisation of the Singapore Herbarium. The event featured four themed lighted displays at the Bandstand, Nassim Visitor Centre, Tyersall Visitor Centre and Botany Centre and brought about festive cheer to the Gardens at the end of the year.
In the coming year, GCF will continue to maintain close collaborations with corporate partners and individuals while seeking community support for various projects. Among these will be nature-based projects in the Mandai Mangrove and Mudflat, aimed at reducing the impacts of climate change and enhancing Singapore’s long-term resilience to climate challenges, and the second instalment of the Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey (CMBS), which serves to assess Singapore’s marine biodiversity through its mudflats, intertidal areas, coral reefs and seabeds. Additionally, GCF will continue to enhance its Plant-A-Coral, Seed-A-Reef programme in the coming year.
Other important initiatives include the development of more Therapeutic Gardens which will provide visitors with access to nature-based therapy for overall well-being, as well as various programmes on responsible pet ownership after the launch of the Cat Management Framework.
Through these efforts, GCF aims to enhance corporate and community engagement with its activities, fostering deeper collaboration between people and nature. Visit www.gardencityfund.gov.sg for more information.
We acknowledge and thank the following donors who have generously supported our City in Nature efforts, including those who wish to remain anonymous.
Donations listed above are of a minimum amount of $1,000.
We thank all other individuals and organisations who have given to the charity, including in-kind donations.