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STSPMF kids meet journalists, enjoy film treat

It was a fantastic day out for 30 beneficiaries of The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (STSPMF), when they were treated to a screening of the latest film in the Harry Potter franchise.

The children also engaged in a short discussion about world problems, before drawing their own magical creatures to address them. Issues raised included global warming and society's obsession with the game Pokemon GO.

Joining the kids as they put their heads together were journalists from The Straits Times in this inaugural HeadSTart outing, a programme to bring journalists and fund beneficiaries together.

Held at Shaw Theatres at Nex mall in Serangoon yesterday, the screening of Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them was sponsored by Samsung Electronics Singapore. Its head of public relations and corporate marketing, Ms Esther Low, presented a mock cheque of $10,000 to STSPMF secretary and board trustee, Ms Fiona Chan.

Each child also received the latest version of the Galaxy Tab A tablet with S Pen, priced at $495 each.

"Samsung shares the belief that every child is special. We hope our gift of the Galaxy Tab A with S Pen comes in handy, whether they are researching for school work or using it for enrichment and entertainment," said Ms Low.

Ms Tan Bee Heong, general manager of the STSPMF, said it was wonderful that the journalists took time off to meet the children.

Housing beat reporter Yeo Sam Jo said he seldom got to meet the beneficiaries except in the course of covering the fund.

"So, this event was meaningful because it gave us a chance to learn more about the kids and interact with them, all while having fun.

"I was very impressed with some of their musings about the problems we face in this world today. It really showed how they are so creative and full of ideas. I hope they enjoyed the session as much as I did."

Enoch William Soh, 11, a pupil at Ang Mo Kio Primary School, said he enjoyed the movie as he is an animal lover, and the magical creatures fascinated him.

"I really enjoyed today's outing. I will share the tablet with my (older) sister and brother, for playing games and also to do our work," he said.

The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission.