Transparency Requirements and Compliance Reviews for Foreign-Linked Charitable Organisations Operating in Singapore
Ministry of Culture, Community and YouthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the regulation of foreign-linked charities, with Dr Hamid Razak inquiring how the Commissioner of Charities ensures fundraising aligns with Singapore’s laws and foreign policy. The Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, through Mr David Neo, explained that a mandatory permit system involves inter-agency reviews with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs. Transparency is upheld by publishing permit details on the Charity Portal and requiring that all information provided to donors be accurate and not misleading. Permit holders must also comply with specific conditions and are legally obligated to submit a Statement of Accounts once the fundraising appeal concludes. These measures ensure that cross-border charitable activities remain legitimate and do not support any unlawful activities within or outside of Singapore.
Transcript
70 Dr Hamid Razak asked the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) how the Commissioner of Charities reviews foreign-linked charitable organisations that raise funds in Singapore to ensure that the purposes and use of such funds comply with Singapore's laws and align with its stated foreign policy positions; and (b) what additional transparency or reporting requirements apply to cross-border fundraising activities.
Mr David Neo: Anyone or any entity raising funds in Singapore for foreign charitable causes must apply for a Fund-raising for Foreign Charitable Purposes permit from the Commissioner of Charities (COC) prior to the start of the appeal. The permit system serves to ensure that fundraising appeals carried out in support of foreign causes are legitimate and do not support unlawful activities. Details of fundraising appeals granted a permit are published on the Charity Portal. The COC's Office works with relevant agencies, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs, when reviewing permit applications which may have foreign policy and security considerations. Permit holders are responsible for conducting the fundraising appeal in accordance with the details submitted in the application, and for complying with any additional conditions which may be specified in the permit. In addition, permit holders must comply with other relevant requirements, such as ensuring that information provided to donors is accurate and not misleading. A Statement of Accounts relating to the appeal must be submitted to the COC after the appeal has ended.