Taiwanese rock band Mayday donates RM696,000 to Singaporean non-profit in appreciation of country's fans

Mayday gifted the money to My Inspiring Journey Hub which provides education and life skills for special needs students aged four to 40 who have conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, dyslexia and more. Photo: Handout

Taiwanese rock band Mayday has made a $200,000 (RM696,000) donation to a Singaporean non-profit to mark its appreciation for the country's fans who have supported its music over 25 years.

The quintet – comprising vocalist Ashin, leader and guitarist Monster, guitarist Stone, bassist Masa and drummer Ming (also known as Guan You) – gifted the money to My Inspiring Journey Hub (MIJ Hub), which provides education and life skills for special needs students aged four to 40 who have conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, dyslexia, Down syndrome, global developmental delay and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

MIJ Hub announced the contribution in a press statement on June 26 and said that the sum will be used to help 22 students.

More than half the money will go towards the Readiness Adult Programme, which helps the students understand their abilities and assists them in securing internships and employment.

The remaining funds will go towards the Early Intervention Preparatory Programme, which helps younger students with a smooth transition to primary school.

MIJ Hub was founded in 2011 by a couple who have a child with autism.

One of the biggest names in Mandopop, Mayday are celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

The group was last in Singapore for two concerts at the National Stadium in January and will be rocking the same venue on Jan 11 and 12 in 2025.

Singapore is a frequent tour stop for the band, who has performed at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in 2012, 2013, 2016 and 2017, as well as at the National Stadium in 2018 and 2022.

Monster says: “We have always felt a deep connection with our fans in Singapore, and this donation is our way of giving back to a community that has given us so much over the past 25 years.”

Muhammad Nasrul Rohmat, executive director of MIJ Hub, says: “We are deeply grateful to Mayday for their generosity and commitment to making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals with special needs.

“Their contribution exemplifies the spirit of giving back, providing crucial support to our students and enabling organisations like ours to thrive and make a difference.” – The Straits Times/Asia News Network