In celebration of Singapore’s 60th year of independence, the Automobile Association of Singapore (AAS) hosted the SG60 – AAS Charity Fundraising Dinner 2025 on 6 September at the Cassia Main Ballroom, Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre. AAS raised a quarter of a million dollars through the generous support of donors. The fundraising dinner also marked the launch of the School Road Safety Playbook, a testament to the AAS’ longstanding commitment to road safety, community engagement, and charitable giving.
AAS was deeply honoured to welcome Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong as the Guest of Honour at the Charity Fundraising Dinner. Despite his busy schedule, Senior Minister Lee graciously took time to join the occasion, spending the evening with guests and showing his support for AAS’ charitable efforts and commitment to community causes.
Founded in 1907, the AAS has been a pillar of Singapore’s motoring community for over a century, providing Roadside Assistance, issuing International Driving Permits, and advocating for safe and responsible driving. Senior Minister Lee lauded the AAS as “a fine example of the ground-up initiatives that we encourage in Singapore”, highlighting the organisation’s ‘We First’ ethos and its sustained contributions to society.
In line with this mission, the AAS launched the School Road Safety Playbook during the dinner. Developed in partnership with the Ministry of Education, the Land Transport Authority, the Traffic Police, and the Singapore Road Safety Council, the playbook aims to instil safe road habits among children, who are among the most vulnerable road users. The initiative received invaluable grant support from the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), helping to bring practical road safety education to schools nationwide.
With the rise of traffic accidents resulting in fatalities in 2025, AAS President Mr Bernard Tay emphasised the importance of road safety, and the urgent need to strengthen road safety programmes and preventive measures for vulnerable groups. The Playbook brings together best practices and practical guidance to help schools, educators, and communities implement effective, locally relevant road safety initiative. “Therefore, we hope this Playbook will inspire you and guide your children and grandchildren,” he said in his welcome speech. “By sharing it with your friends, neighbours and community, we can make road safety a daily habit and a shared responsibility.”
Mr Tay also expressed his gratitude to donors, noting that 100% of the funds raised would support six organisations dedicated to social welfare and community support: ACES Care HelpLife, Allkin Singapore, the Association of People for Special Needs (APSN), Autism Resource Centre, Singapore Road Safety Council, and Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities. Each of these organisations provides critical support to vulnerable populations, including families-at-risk, the elderly, and individuals with special needs.
Among the evening’s attendees was Mr Martin Marini, a member of the AAS since 1987 and a volunteer secretary at APSN. Having attended the Overseas Safety Driving Forum 2025 earlier in the day, the retired maritime lawyer was thankful for the opportunity to participate in the dinner. “Every contribution counts at APSN as we strive to provide lifetime support to individuals with special needs,” he said. “We are absolutely grateful for the patronage of AAS.”
Over the course of the night, the Charity Fundraising Dinner brought together a distinguished gathering that included the Special Guest from the FIA, Mr Carmelo Sanz de Barros, President of the FIA Senate, along with representatives from the FIA Foundation, FIA Region II motoring clubs, and speakers from the Overseas Safe Driving Forum. Guests were treated to a Chinese banquet, inspiring speeches, a cake-cutting ceremony to commemorate SG60, donor appreciation presentations, and captivating musical performances by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) Fusion Band.
Drawing the loudest cheers was the launch of the School Road Safety Playbook, featuring two children dressed as mini traffic police officers riding a tiny police motorcycle on stage. As the charity dinner drew to a close, the SPF Fusion Band performed a hearty rendition of the popular song, ‘Ai Piah Jia Eh Yia’, meaning “strive to win” in the Chinese Hokkien dialect, accompanied by spontaneous sing-alongs from several tables.
With an official headcount of 400 people, the SG60 – AAS Charity Fundraising Dinner was a resounding success, celebrating the Singapore spirit of ‘We First’ collaboration, selflessness, and community service. As guests made their exit, they were handed a goodie bag, which included a copy of School Road Safety Playbook to share with their loved ones.
