It was a breakthrough victory for Metta, as its charity golf tournament - well into its ninth year - surpassed former milestones with its inaugural but stellar partnership with Raffles Country Club (RCC) and industrial heavyweight Keppel Offshore & Marine Limited (Keppel O&M).

Backed by such philanthropic might, the collaboration signalled a strong endorsement for Metta and its Organising Committee, as record figures were charted in all aspects ranging from event scale to golfers’ turnout to the sum raised.

Playing the central role in this mega tie-up was RCC, whom, in celebration of its 20th anniversary, appointed Metta as the exclusive partner and beneficiary for its Raffles Charity Open.

Pooling their resources and network of players, both parties resolved to garner $500,000 whereby part of the proceeds would be allocated by RCC as bursaries and scholarships to needy children from primary and secondary schools in the Jurong GRC.

Held in tandem was Metta’s flagship tournament, which roped in Keppel O&M as its title sponsor. The alliance with Keppel O&M attracted a record total of 204 players to tee off the charitable cause at the titular event, “Keppel Offshore & Marine - Metta Charity Golf” on 2 July at both the Palm and Lake Courses in RCC. Cutting a distinguished figure amongst them was Guest-of-Honour Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister for Finance.

The competition unfolded under cloudy skies, keeping the sun and sweltering heat at bay to pave a great game for all, who were later treated to an entertaining dinner at the RCC Ballroom.

Other than the angklung performances delivered by Metta School students, the highlight of the evening’s proceedings was the Minister’s lilting rendition of Teresa Teng’s evergreen classic, “The Moon Represents My Heart” in Mandarin.

Serenading the golfers for a good cause, his superb vocals garnered a generous bid of $5,000 from Mr Choo Chiau Beng, Chairman & CEO of Keppel O&M. As a mark of appreciation, Chairman of Metta Golf Sub-Committee Mr K K Teoh presented a batik painting produced by a Metta School alumnus to Minister Tharman.

Rounding off the wonderful times, everyone was rewarded with a lucky draw prize for their sporting zest; although it was the most skilful ones who got to bag home, as well, exquisite potteries crafted by renowned potter Mr Chua Soo Kim.