How much money did AWARE new exco spend since 28 March 2009?

How much money did AWARE new exco spend since 28 March 2009?

It has been a month since the new exco won the AGM elections of AWARE and while we are still unclear about their goals and vision for AWARE, they are certainly not ashamed to display their spending prowess for all to see.

From the changing of all the locks in the office in one night, reinstalling a new security system and to renting of a hall at Raffles Town Club to give their first press conference, the new ladies in charge have been quite alarmingly profilgate in their spending.

The venue at EGM was initially held at HSR Auditorium in Toa Payoh. What was the amount of deposit forfeited for the cancellation of booking when it was changed to the Singapore EXPO?

A half day use of Singapore EXPO Hall 2 on a weekend could have easily run up to a six figure sum according to friends we spoke to in the industry. The cost is S$50 + GST per pax per event day.

In the event of cancellation after the contract is signed, a progressive cancellation fee of up to 80% of the contractual amount will be levied.

Since the EGM was forced by the police to relocate to Suntec, it is unknown if the cancellation fee still applies.

The new venue at Suntec Exhibition Hall 402 doesn’t come cheap either and will be probably cost between S$20,000 to S$50,000 depending on the number of hours used and if refreshments are provided. Don’t forget this is not inclusive of the cost of engaging an external events organizer - APES communication. (CNA reported that Suntec will be ‘pricer’ without quoting the figures, read here)

AWARE new exco has also engaged Rajah & Tann as Aware’s legal advisers and said lawyers would be present to address questions that arise, including any on ‘matters intended to be transacted, Aware’s Constitution and meeting law and procedure’.

This is the first time AWARE has engaged a law firm to be present during its meetings.

We do not know the identities and numbers of lawyers who will be at present during AWARE’s EGM, but obviously none of them will be doing pro bono for AWARE.

According to inside sources, a Senior Counsel can command up to $300 to $500 dollars a hour for their time, a lawyer with 20 years of experience may cost $200 to $400 a hour. (note: this is a conservative estimate only)

Will the lawyers be representing the entire AWARE or the new exco? Who will be footing the bill? These are pressing questions which must be raised and addressed during the EGM.

Though the cost incurred so far can be defrayed partially or completely by the fees collected lately from the spike in membership, it still doesn’t make economic sense to spend so much money in so short a time when there are cheaper alternatives available.

AWARE is a secular NGO whose funds are derived from a number of sources. As and far as possible, its funds should be managed prudently to serve the interests of the community while keeping its operating expenses to minimum.

The new exco doesn’t inspire confidence from the way it manages AWARE’s finances. As a non-profit organization, we would expect them to pay closer attention to fiscal matters instead of splurging unnecessarily.

AWARE members may like to consider if there are grounds to lodge a complaint to the Registry of Societies for possible misuse of money of the society under provision 19 of the Societies Act (CAP 311).


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