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SINGAPORE: Beleaguered charity Youth Challenge on Tuesday announced it has a new head and a slew of new plans.
The charity had been in the spotlight for irregular financial controls and corporate governance.
Its founder Vincent Lam resigned earlier this year, amidst the controversy.
And hoping to start afresh is Hong Won Young, who is taking over as the new leader.
Korean national Ms Hong, who is also a Singapore Permanent Resident, was picked as the new head from over 30 applicants.
She will be paid a monthly salary of S$6,000 - about half of what her predecessor Vincent Lam was getting.
Ms Hong also has fewer benefits.
Her appointment was announced by Youth Challenge in a news conference.
The charity also revealed a slew of measures which it has been putting in place, to address deficiencies highlighted after a probe by the Commissioner of Charities (COC).
The COC subsequently issued a damning report, released earlier this year.
Looi Teck Kheong, President, Youth Challenge, said, "In the audit report given to us by COC, there was a whole long list of things we needed to do to make sure it never happens again... things like pre-signed cheques... Before any expenses [are] incurred, [we’ve] got to make sure it goes through proper processes.
"Also the issue of internet banking facilities... that, of course, we addressed almost immediately by shutting down the facilities. Now the only way you can get money out is through a cheque with two signatories."
One other main issue was to review the Constitution - which has been tightened and sent to both the COC and Registrar of Societies for their comments.
Among the changes are new items - like non-members not being allowed to nominate, vote or stand for office.
"First of all, I want to emphasise the governance issue. We want to restore all the systems which have been practiced but not [in an] adequate way," said Ms Hong
"We tackle any issue related to our projects. I want to make sure donors [are] shown [the] entire picture of the project - how much budget we need, what kind of performance we will provide, so they can expect [to know] exactly what they are going to put their money [towards]."
One other issue remains.
And that is the police report, lodged by the committee, on what they said was an unauthorised electronic transfer of some S$15,000 from the charity's accounts, which was supposedly used to pay wages.
While the authorities have decided not to take any action after reviewing the complaint, the committee says it is still considering civil action.
However, Executive President Looi Teck Kheong added a word of caution, "We are considering... whether there is any cause of action because at the end of the day, civil actions are not something you should institute.
"There are legal consequences, there are legal costs and we are a small charity. And we have to consider whether... it's in the interest of the charity to pursue this matter, to have it amplified, and it's very costly with lawyers involved."
The Commissioner of Charities had given Youth Challenge six months to get its act in order since it issued its report in late Jan.
Now the new committee feels that with the changes they have introduced, they have addressed most of the deficiencies and are optimistic about meeting this deadline.
Looking ahead, the new Youth Challenge plans major changes.
It will move from things like selling pens on the street to professional fund-raising.
It also wants to focus on sustainable development for youth, rather than one-time relief missions. - CNA/yy
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