As part of the SG60 celebrations, a meaningful initiative is striking a chord with Singaporean families. Launched by SGMUSO and The Rice Company Limited (TRCL), the Gift a Guitar programme aims to empower 600 underserved youths aged 13 to 19 with not just musical instruments—but opportunities.
Each selected participant will receive a brand-new acoustic guitar and be enrolled in structured music lessons designed to help them develop their musical skills, confidence, and creativity.
Inspired by a Childhood Memory
The initiative was inspired by Danny Loong, Chairman of SGMUSO and CEO and Founder of Timbre Group, who recalls his own journey with music beginning at the age of 16.
“I was just 16 when I received my first guitar, an old Yamaha classical from my dad, tucked away in our family store room. That guitar sparked my passion for music, and I never looked back. I spent countless hours jamming with friends at church, HDB void decks, and East Coast beach, where music became a way to connect and express myself. These formative experiences inspired me to start Gift a Guitar – to give youth the same opportunity I had to discover music and develop their own voices. Music is more than enjoyment; it shapes lives, providing a powerful outlet for self-expression and bringing joy to others.”
For Danny, the guitar became more than just an instrument—it became a bridge to connection, confidence, and community.
More Than Notes, It’s About Finding Their Voice
The programme hopes to do more than teach music. It aims to give youths a safe and creative space to express themselves.
“Music is more than sound, it’s a voice for the unheard. When a child picks up a guitar, they’re not just playing notes; they’re telling their story, finding strength and showing that their voice matters. And that’s why this initiative truly makes a difference.”
– Santhiya, Head of Arts and Community Development
For many youths, especially those from underserved backgrounds, music becomes a lifeline. It is a tool to communicate, to heal, and to be heard.
Guitars with a Story: Auctioning for a Cause
To raise funds for the programme, 60 guitars donated by well-known public figures, artists and corporate sponsors will be auctioned in August 2025. Each guitar carries a story—some are personally signed, others specially crafted—and all are unique.
Among the contributors is Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who not only donated and signed a guitar but also supported the campaign in a video released in 2023 during the programme’s soft launch.
“Guitar playing has always been a powerful way for Singaporeans to express their rock star dreams. Through Gift a Guitar, we aim to celebrate the legacy of guitar heroes, using that to inspire the next generation of young musicians to shape the future of Singaporean music together.”
– David Ebenezer Toh, Vice Chairman of SGMUSO and CEO of The Ebenex Group
Before the auction, the guitars will be displayed at a public venue for up to a month. The auction will be conducted online and open to a global audience, with proceeds supporting The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF).
Application Details for Youths
Applications for youths to join the Gift a Guitar programme will open in July 2025. Successful applicants will receive their guitars and be enrolled in music lessons guided by experienced mentors.
Parents who know of children with a budding interest in music—or who simply need a creative outlet—are encouraged to apply when applications open.
How Families Can Support
Families and individuals can also support the initiative by:
For enquiries or to support the programme, contact:
Danny Loong – [email protected]
Peishan Lim – [email protected]
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