A 26-year-old Singaporean man has been prohibited from conducting any fundraising activities due to violations of multiple regulations. Eugene Liow Chia Hau, the sole proprietor of Direct Hope, will no longer be able to raise funds for charitable, benevolent, or philanthropic purposes starting from June 10. This decision was announced by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) on the same day.

The prohibition order was officially issued by the Commissioner of Charities (COC) and published in the electronic gazette on June 9. Following feedback received between July 2023 and January 2024 regarding fundraising appeals conducted by Direct Hope, an investigation was carried out by MSF. It was discovered that Mr. Liow had violated regulations outlined in the Charities (Fund-raising Appeals for Local and Foreign Charitable Purposes) Regulations 2012.

Mr. Liow failed to implement proper control measures and safeguards to ensure the accountability of donations collected by Direct Hope. Additionally, he did not maintain adequate accounting records of fundraising appeals or possess a list of personal details of individuals involved in soliciting donations. Direct Hope, a sole proprietorship, was not a registered charity and its business licence expired in August 2024.

Despite marketing itself as a social youth enterprise aimed at assisting marginalized youth by providing them with life skills, community support, and job opportunities, Direct Hope faced complaints about door-to-door solicitation of donations as early as 2022. The ministries advised the public to exercise caution when approached for donations and to verify the legitimacy of charitable causes through the Charity Portal or by contacting the Charities Unit.

If individuals suspect fraudulent fundraising activities, they are encouraged to report to the COC or file a police report immediately.