Eugene Liow’s firm Direct Hope failed to meet regulatory standards, prompting official prohibition.

A 26-year-old Singaporean has been officially barred from soliciting funds for charitable causes following multiple breaches of charity fundraising regulations.

Breaches in Accountability Lead to Ban

Eugene Liow Chia Hau has been banned from engaging in any form of fundraising for charitable, benevolent, or philanthropic purposes. The prohibition, issued by the Commissioner of Charities (COC) and gazetted on 9 June 2025, was jointly announced by Singapore’s Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) the following day.

The decision stems from serious regulatory lapses in fundraising activities conducted by Direct Hope, a sole proprietorship owned by Liow, which served as a commercial fundraiser for Bilby Community Development between May 2023 and January 2024.

Investigations Reveal Systemic Failures

Investigations found that Direct Hope lacked basic safeguards and internal controls critical to protecting public donations. These included no mechanisms to prevent loss or theft of funds and a failure to maintain proper accounting records or a register of individuals involved in the fundraising efforts.

The COC received complaints about Direct Hope’s door-to-door donation drives as early as July 2023. Despite working with a registered charity, Direct Hope itself was not a registered organisation—a critical oversight under Singapore’s Charities (Fund-raising Appeals for Local and Foreign Charitable Purposes) Regulations 2012.

Questionable Structure and Inactive Status

Business registry checks revealed that Direct Hope was incorporated in August 2021 with activities listed as “other social services without accommodation” and the sale of gifts and handicrafts. Its business license expired in August 2024 and was not renewed. The firm’s website, now inactive, previously branded itself as a “community-driven social youth enterprise” offering life skills and job support to marginalised youth.

Despite its stated mission, public complaints about questionable fundraising tactics—particularly door-to-door appeals—had circulated online since 2022.

Ministries Urge Public Vigilance

In light of the findings, MCCY and MSF issued a strong reminder for the public to verify the legitimacy of fundraising appeals before donating. Donors can check an organisation’s registration status and appeal details via the Charity Portal (www.charities.gov.sg), scan a QR code on official documents, or send an SMS to 79777 with the format “FR [space] organisation’s name.”

Anyone with concerns or suspicions is encouraged to report questionable activities to the COC at mccy_charities@mccy.gov.sg or file a police report if fraud is suspected.

Ensuring Transparency and Protection

This case highlights the critical importance of due diligence in charitable fundraising, especially when private entities are involved. While many appeals are genuine, even a few bad actors can undermine public trust. Regulatory vigilance and informed giving are essential to safeguarding both donors and beneficiaries.

This prohibition serves as a stern reminder to aspiring social enterprises and donors alike about the importance of regulatory compliance. For Singaporeans and Indonesians supporting charitable causes across the region, transparency, accountability, and verifiable credentials should remain top priorities when engaging with or contributing to any fundraising initiative.

Sources: The Online Citizen (2025) , Straits Times (2025)

Keywords: Charity Regulations, Direct Hope, Eugene Liow, Fundraising Ban, Ministry Of Culture, Commissioner Of Charities