SINGAPORE – The founder of prominent local steelworks firm TTJ Design and Engineering has pledged $3 million over the next three years to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (STSPMF) to commemorate the company’s 45th anniversary on July 14.
Teo Hock Chwee has been a donor since 2011, with total contributions from then to 2025 crossing $960,000, said STSPMF in a media statement.
In a statement, Teo said he chose to support STSPMF beneficiaries over three years as he sees “the meaningful impact it has on them”.
“I hope that this can strengthen the long-term support for the needy students and encourage others to contribute too,” he added.
Teo will donate $1 million each year from 2026 to 2028.
TTJ’s structural steel solutions have been used in several iconic structures, including the Supertrees and OCBC Skyway at Gardens by the Bay, The Helix at Marina Bay, The Pinnacle@Duxton, Henderson Waves and Changi Airport’s terminals 2 and 3.
Recently, the company also completed the Sensoryscape at Sentosa and the viaduct aesthetic features for the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link.
The firm is involved in the manufacturing of steel for commercial building construction, as well as for the offshore oil and gas industry.
STSPMF said the firm’s generous commitment “will go a long way in supporting students from low-income families with their educational expenses”.
It added: “STSPMF is deeply grateful to TTJ for its longstanding partnership and dedication to empowering children through education and congratulates the company on its 45th anniversary milestone.”
STSPMF started in 2000 as a community project that provided pocket money to children from low-income families. Since its inception, it has helped more than 230,000 children and youth and disbursed more than $110 million.
The young beneficiaries come from families whose per capita gross monthly household income is not more than $1,000.
Primary school pupils get $65 a month, secondary school pupils receive $100 a month, while students from the Institute of Technical Education, junior colleges and polytechnics get $125 a month.