by Cheryl Lim

TWENTY people here have set up a trust fund for their disabled or chronically ill children, siblings and spouses, under a Special Needs Trust Company launched yesterday.

The non-profit welfare group lets Singaporeans start a trust account with at least $5,000, with the aim of caring for their relatives in the long run.

The group will act as a liaison between account holders and the Insolvency and Public Trustee's Office, which will safeguard the funds.

Mr Bernard Ong, 59, who is semi-retired, set up a trust fund for his 27-year-old twin sons who suffer from autism.

He felt that it was better than an insurance policy, as the group would disburse sums from the trust fund to his sons even after his death.

He said: "Now I have peace of mind, knowing that my children will be taken care of after I die."

Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Vivian Balakrishnan announced yesterday at the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) Members Conference that from next January, the ministry will take over from the NCSS the regulation of more than 300 charities and 200 Institutes of Public Character.

This would help the NCSS concentrate on its role as an adviser to its members, he said. "It is a shepherd rather than a watchdog," he added.

The Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centres' chief executive officer, Mr Nicholas Lim, welcomed the more defined role that NCSS will have.

"Now, I see them as a closer partner. If I see them as a regulator, then when are they wielding the whip and when are they helping me?"

cheryll@sph.com.sg

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