US Embassy in Singapore says asking businesses for ‘financial contributions’ is standard practice

The US Embassy in Singapore called on partners to consider “substantially larger gifts than in previous years in support of our 250th anniversary”. - STEVEN OKUN/LINKEDIN via ST/ANN

SINGAPORE: It is not out of the norm for US embassies around the world to ask for donations, the US Embassy in Singapore said, after a letter seeking donations drew criticism online.

The letter was sent to members of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Singapore, an association for international businesses seeking to establish or expand their presence in South-east Asia.