A 26-year-old Singaporean man has been barred from conducting any form of fundraising for charitable, benevolent, or philanthropic causes.
The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) announced the prohibition against Eugene Liow Chia Hau on 10 June 2025.
The prohibition was issued by the Commissioner of Charities (COC) and first published in the electronic gazette on 9 June.
According to the joint statement, the action follows multiple breaches of fundraising regulations under the Charities (Fund-raising Appeals for Local and Foreign Charitable Purposes) Regulations 2012.
Between July 2023 and January 2024, the COC received feedback regarding fundraising activities by Direct Hope, a sole proprietorship run by Liow.
Direct Hope had acted as a commercial fundraiser for youth charity Bilby Community Development from May 2023 to January 2024.
Investigations by MSF found that Liow had failed to establish adequate safeguards and control measures in the fundraising process.
These included shortcomings in the accountability and protection of donations collected, with no effective steps taken to prevent potential loss or theft.
Additionally, Direct Hope lacked proper accounting records for its fundraising appeals and failed to maintain a list of individuals who assisted in collecting donations.
Although it worked with a registered charity, Direct Hope itself was not a registered charitable organisation.
A search of the company’s business records showed its main activities were listed as “other social services without accommodation” and the sale of handicrafts, collectibles, and gifts.
Incorporated in August 2021, its business licence expired in August 2024 and was not renewed.
Direct Hope’s website is currently inactive, though an archived version from August 2024 described it as a “community driven social youth enterprise.”
Its stated mission was to support marginalised youth through life skills training, community support, and financial aid via job and entrepreneurial opportunities.
However, complaints had circulated online since as early as 2022 about Direct Hope soliciting donations through door-to-door visits.
In light of this case, MCCY and MSF urged the public to remain cautious when approached by individuals or groups seeking donations.
They reminded donors to verify the legitimacy of fundraising appeals, noting that most are genuine but should still be checked for authenticity.
Verification can be done through the Charity Portal at www.charities.gov.sg, which lists registered charities and public fundraising details.
Alternatively, donors can scan a QR code provided on official letters or send an SMS to 79777, formatted as “FR [space] organisation’s name”.
Further enquiries can be directed to the Charities Unit at 6337 6597.
If anyone suspects fraudulent activity, they should report the matter to the COC at mccy_charities@mccy.gov.sg or file a police report if criminal conduct is suspected, added the statement.
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