Jazz Association (Singapore) (JASS) raised S$1,436,096 at its Benefit Gala 2026, When You Wish Upon A Star – A Decade of Dreams, on 26 September, with donations going towards music education, community outreach, youth development, and support for musicians.
Held at Shangri-La Singapore, the gala marked JASS’ 10th anniversary and brought together the organisation’s musicians, supporters, and young talents for an evening celebrating a decade of Singapore jazz.
Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong joined the celebration as Guest of Honour and delivered a heartfelt speech during the evening.
Music took centre stage with performances spanning generations of Singapore’s jazz community. Maya Raisha, a recipient of the JASS Music Scholarship 2025, opened the night, while renowned vocalist Teresa Carpio took to the stage later in the evening.
The celebration culminated in a finale featuring Carpio alongside a combined Jazz Association Singapore Orchestra (JASSO) and Jazz Association Singapore Youth Orchestra (JASSYO!) ensemble, led by JASS Executive Director and Music Director Professor Jeremy Monteiro.
The evening also featured the presentation of the JASS Appreciation Awards, JASS Ambassador Awards, and JASS Philanthropy Awards, as well as the “Power of Love” pledge ahead of the announcement of the night’s fundraising total.
A decade of growing Singapore jazz
Founded in 2016 by Monteiro, Albert Chiu, Dr Edmund Lam, and Susan Peh, JASS was established to expand Singapore’s jazz community, advance music education through scholarships, and bring jazz to wider audiences in Singapore and abroad.
Over its first decade, the organisation has raised more than S$6.3 million to support its programmes and activities. More than 220 musicians have performed across JASS concerts, festivals, and community programmes, while over 110 young musicians have gained stage experience and mentorship through JASSYO!.
Its work in music education has also grown significantly. Since the JASS Music Scholarship was established in 2018, more than S$500,000 has been invested in the programme, with 15 scholarships awarded as of 31 March.
View this post on Instagram
This year, JASS expanded its youth development efforts with JASS Junior, an initiative for musicians aged 18 and below that offers private coaching, mentored ensemble rehearsals, and performance-based learning opportunities.
The association also established the JASS Catalyst Fund in April to support Singapore’s jazz community across professional development, recording projects, and overseas performances.
Taking Singapore jazz beyond home shores
JASS’ work over the past decade has extended beyond Singapore. Since JASSO made its international debut at the JZ Shanghai Jazz Festival in 2017, the association has staged 13 international performances across seven countries and eight cities.
Its musicians have taken Singapore jazz to stages in Australia, South Korea, China, Thailand, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Closer to home, JASS has presented 114 signature productions and 50 community events while creating 39 original compositions and 151 new arrangements. Its international collaborations have included jazz artists Randy Brecker, Benny Golson, Carmen Bradford, Laura Fygi, and Roberta Gambarini.
The S$1,436,096 raised at the anniversary gala will now go towards continuing the programmes that have shaped JASS’ first decade — from developing young talent and creating educational opportunities to supporting professional musicians and bringing jazz to communities across Singapore.
The gala concluded with a 10th-anniversary cake-cutting, followed by a dance set led by JASS Deputy Music Director Chok Kerong, featuring Maya Raisha and the combined orchestra.
Like what you read? Show our writer some love!
-