How to claim PIC & Community Integration Fund for up to 80% in Singapore without being denied
Picture Source: affordingivf.com
Are you stressed out? Finding out how to do PIC claim or the Community Integration Fund which can give up to 80% off can be stressful.
First, there are tons of information out there. Next, there is a fear of having your claim denied. Lastly, there is your actual job waiting for you.
With the useful step-by-step information below on how to claim PIC and the Community Integration Fund, you can cast your stress and fear away.
Source: hitched.co.uk
Before you start jumping in joy, read this
First things first, we would like to set expectations right. With tons of information on the sheer number of grants in Singapore, reading up on the various types of funding can be daunting. You can drown in the information.
Source: pinterest.com/explore/funny-signs/
Don’t believe me? Try to scroll through this comprehensive guide to government grants for SMEs in Singapore.
To avoid this, I will advise that you first take 5 minutes to think about the productivity issues or opportunities that you are trying to address first. Then you can browse through our quick 10 seconds guide on how to claim PIC, Community Integration Fund or other government grants in Singapore.
Lastly, read our detailed guide on PIC claim (Coming Soon) or Community Integration Fund claim. For those who like to jump straight into the quick 10 seconds guide to claim funding, here you go.
Source: likesuccess.com/topics/5173/productivity/8
PIC claim in 10 seconds
For who
-Singapore-based businesses | 30%+ Singaporean shareholding.
-3+ local employees with CPF in qualifying quarter | <200 employees
-Revenue less than $100 million
-Incurred at least $400 in qualifying expenses
For what
-IT/Automation equipments
-Training
-Getting IP rights
-Registering IP
-R&D
-Design
How much
-Up to 400% tax deduction/allowances or 40% cash payout
How to claim
-Spend it, get official invoice, e-file it online here for cash payout or here for tax deductions or read useful case studies. e.g. for “Team building training to improve productivity”, e-file it under training category.
Source: picturequotes.com
**Up to 80% off** Community Integration Fund claim in 10 Seconds
For who
-Singapore-registered organizations (NGOs) | ACRA registered companies | Trade Unions
-A good ratio of local:foreign participants (Good to have)
-Your corporate activities such as team building, family day, D&D etc. are more than 6-8 weeks away
For what
-Corporate activities that promote bonding within your employees
-You will need to customize these activities to promote integration or choose from one of these team building activities.
How much
-Up to 80% off the cost of activity, venue, food, transport and relevant costs
How to claim
–Village Singapura provides support to handle all the paper work for you if you choose our team bonding activities. Otherwise, you can:
-Select or create activities that supports integration, submit excel application form to SNEF, modify your application based on inputs, execute the activity after you received approval, submit post-events forms with the official invoice.
Source: johnlund.com
More government grants for SMEs in Singapore
There are many other grants available. We will briefly go through them. For more information, you can see these resources by SPRING Singapore, Ministry of Trade and Industry or Newunion.sg.
STB Business Events in Singapore (BEIS) funding scheme
Is your company’s business event such as regional or global meetings with team building, Dinner & Dance, Conventions, Exhibitions bringing in visitorsfrom overseas? Are you still deciding between holding your business event in Singapore or elsewhere? This funding is for you. If you are open to organizing Singapore-themed activities such as Village Singapura’s signature bonding activities, you may qualify. Find out more or email them at secb@stb.gov.sg.
Other Grants
We will list them here in alphabetical order with links to more details. We have taken these from SMEportal.sg, for your easy reference.
Automation Support Package (ASP)
Building Information Model (BIM) Fund
Business Improvement Fund (BIF)
Capability Development Grant (CDG)
Career Support Programme (CSP)
Critical Infocomm Technology Resource Programme Plus (CITREP+)
Enhanced iSPRINT (Increase SME Productivity With Infocomm Adoption & Transformation)
Enhanced Training Support for SMEs
Enterprise Training Support (ETS)
Global Company Partnership (GCP) Grant
Innovation & Capability Voucher (ICV)
International Expansion Grant (Market Readiness Assistance Grant)
International Marketing Activities Programme (iMAP)
Land Productivity Grant (LPG)
Market Access Incubation Programme (MAIP)
Marketing Assistance
Mechanisation Credit (MechC) Scheme
Operation & Technology Roadmapping (OTR)
Productivity Innovation Project (PIP) Scheme
Productivity-Max (P-Max) Programme
Revitalisation of Shops (ROS) Scheme
SME Talent Programme (STP)
Talent Assistance
Technology Adoption Programme (TAP)
Technology for Enterprise Capability Upgrading (T-UP)
Training@Maritime Singapore
Training Industry Professionals In Tourism (TIP-iT)
Workforce Training & Upgrading (WTU)
WorkPro
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheshire_Cat
Which grant should I choose?
Why you should first identify your productivity issues or opportunities
Like the famous lines in Alice in Wonderland, if you are not sure where you want to go, it doesn’t matter which road you take. Unless you are different from most of the people in the corporate world, you are likely to be concerned about growing sales and reducing costs, either in the short run or the long run.
Where you should go, or which grant you should choose, then depends on the productivity issues or opportunities that you are going to identify. Jumping right into choosing grants or claims may lead to the following consequences:
1.You don’t fully evaluate enough funding that suits you. As a result, you miss out on better funding opportunities. e.g. PIC claim for team building training can be 40% for cash payout option. However, Community Integration Fund for the same team building training can give you up to 80%.
2.You thought that you qualify for the grant but you don’t because you missed out on a small detail
3.You pay a consultant to help you claim without fully understanding the nitty-gritty details. Even if you are innocent, the consultant may lead you into trouble if the Government believes that your claim is fraudulent.
4.All went well and you succeeded in getting your claim. But because you have not identified the issue or opportunity, the productivity gains are not realised. Even if you get 80% funding, you will still spend 20% of the expenses with zero returns. The picture will look worse will you factor in transaction costs such as search costs, time spent with the paper work for funding, opportunity cost etc.
So how do you identify your issues or opportunities? You could look through the types that we have listed below to see which ones sounds like your case. If you suspect that it is a people issue, you could also contact us for a quick chat. We could help you diagnose your issues.
Source: www.imcusa.org
Which type of opportunities or issues do you have?
Coming soon.
How to do Community Integration Fund claim (Step-by-step)
There are a total of 10 steps. Village Singapura can assist you to handle all paper work for all the steps. Browse our group activities for team building in Singapore and let us know if we can assist you with this.
1. Check if you qualify
As mentioned above:
-Singapore-registered organizations (NGOs) | ACRA registered companies | Trade Unions
-A good ratio of local:foreign participants (Good to have)
-Your corporate activities such as team building, family day, D&D etc. are more than 6-8 weeks away. More than 8 weeks is better. Less than 8 weeks will be risky. Less than 6 weeks will be impossible.
2. Get proposals that fit your needs & qualifies for funding
It is ideal to brainstorm on what you need within your team together with your management before you embark on this step. There are 4 criteria for this fund and you can browse successful case studies as listed by the NIC. Signature activities from Village Singapura will qualify too.
3. Select one that best fits your needs and solves your issue
Assuming you have brainstormed on your needs during step 2, this will be easy.
4. Submit application form
Contact SNEF or NIC to get the application form in Microsoft excel format. Fill it up with your integration objectives and details such as activity details, participants demographics etc.
5. Modify application based on SNEF’s feedback to improve effectiveness
Be prepared to customize your program to enhance its effectiveness in integration. If you have selected a vendor who is familiar with Community Integration Fund, good for you. If your vendor is not familiar or if you are doing it internally, it is advisable to meet up with SNEF to seek their guidance.
6. Modify application based on NIC’s feedback to improve effectiveness
Same as per step 5.
7. Wait for approval, which will come ~1 week before your event date
This notice of approval may come quite late. You will know the percentage of funding or the max. dollars funded.
8. Execute activity as planned
Take photographs of your event as this will be needed for your claim to be successful.
9. Submit post-event forms together with invoices to claim
You will receive a list of forms to prepare for submission. An experienced vendor may be able to guide you. Village Singapura will largely assist you with most of these forms.
10. Check for reimbursement via GIRO ~30 days later
Here are some ideas to increase your chance of success of your community integration fund projects.
How to do PIC claim (Step-by-step)
Coming soon.
Other useful Information about the funds.
About the Community Integration Fund (CIF):
Why?
To assist organisations in executing ground-up initiatives projects focused on Integration, the CIF was launched in 2009 by the National Integration Council (NIC).
What are the criteria for successful funding of CIF projects?
Main criteria 1: Provide resources and information on Singapore
Examples: Productions, team building activity, Learning journeys, seminars and field trips that provide information on social norms, culture of Singapore, and its history.
Main criteria 2: Encourage social interaction between locals, immigrants and foreigners
Examples: Sports, arts or other activities such as team building, D&D etc. that offer platforms for people to interact and build relationships around common interests.
Main criteria 3: Encourage social interaction between locals, immigrants and foreigners
Examples: Projects that introduce new immigrants to ways to connect with the society and opportunities to volunteer.
Main criteria 4: Encourage social interaction between locals, immigrants and foreigners
Examples: Projects that enhance and increase mutual understanding, like diversity workshops, cultural programmes and media productions.
Other influencing factors: Whether the project has an impact on a mix of participants that are inclusive AND Project innovation and sustainability
Community Integration Fund Projects:
Increase your chance of success! 6 ideas to improve effectiveness of your community fund projects
When you plan your team building with Village Singapura, we will assist you with these ideas to increase your chance of success to make it hassle-free and effective for you. Should you be claiming it on your own, here are 6 useful ideas that you can use.
1. Bond over local breakfast before the team building activity
Know your kopi-C from your kopi-O kosong!
Curious about the creative lingo used by aunties and uncles at coffeeshops? Singaporeans are definitely very creative in giving names to drinks. You may be a Singaporean, but have you been ordering your daily dose of coffee (or any drinks, tuck kiu anybody?) at coffeeshops the Singaporean way? If you are not local, this is an extremely useful guide which allows you to place your order like an absolute pro that will certainly shock the locals.
Picture Source: www.thefinder.com.sg
A memory simple game can be conducted based on this, and you will be surprised at how challenging it is, be it being a local or a foreigner.
One way to conduct the simple game would be to assign one player as the waiter who will take orders from fussy customers with complicated drink orders. After taking orders from everyone, the waiter will then repeat them again and see how many orders turn out correct. Everyone take turns being the waiter, and the one with the most mistakes will treat everyone a kopi orteh or even a cup of Clementi, putting whatever learnt into practice!
You will surprised at what funny situations will arise from such a seemingly simple game! One kopi siew dai please!
2. Go on heritage tours/activities
National Museum of Singapore
The National Museum of Singapore is Singapore’s oldest museum, with history dating all the way back to its inception in 1887. Galleries in the museum adopt innovative ways of presenting history and culture, in a multi-faceted perspective, which totally redefines the ordinary museum experience one would usually expect.
An array of programmes are available and guided tours are also provided daily.
Picture Source: Klook
Address: 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897
Opens daily from 10am to 7pm (Special Exhibition opens at 1pm on Thursdays)
Nearest MRT: Bras Basah MRT (5 min walk from Exit A or B)
Asian Civilisations Museum
The Asian Civilisations Museum is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of Asia, and more specifically, conserving the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans. The museum not only explores art which blends different ideas, it also seeks to enhance the appreciation of the rich history behind the creation of the multi-ethnic society Singapore is today. Special exhibitions that expands on the themes of the museum are regularly presented, showcasing spectacular objects from other museums and institutions all around the world. Guided tours are also scheduled daily.
Picture Source: YourSingapore
Address: 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
Opens daily from 10am – 7pm, and 10am – 9pm on Fridays
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (5 min walk from Raffles Place MRT station)
The Peranakan Museum
The Peranakan Museum was officially opened in 2008, and is operated and managed by the Asian Civilisations Museum. The Peranakan Museum focuses and explores more on the culture of communities in Singapore, Malacca and Penang, and the unique links with other communities in the Southeast Asia region. The Museum was also ranked third in Singapore by TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice awards for Museums in 2015.
Similarly, check out for regular updates in the museum’s latest programmes or join their guided tours for an informative session!
Picture Source: Roots.sg
Address: 39 Armenian Street, Singapore 179941
Opens daily from 10am – 7pm, and 10am – 9pm on Fridays
Nearest MRT: 10 min walk from City Hall MRT or Bras Basah MRT stations
Malay Heritage Centre
The Malay Heritage Centre was officially opened in 2005 and not only does it provide a remarkable cultural exposure, many learning opportunities are also present for vistors from all walks of life. This Centre also acts as a fundamental heritage institution for the Malay community in Singapore. A series of enriching programmes are available, alongside guided tours.
Picture Source: SG Asia City
Address: 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501
Nearest MRT: Bugis MRT (10 min walk from the MRT station)
Malay Heritage Centre Museum
Opens Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Closed on Mondays
Malay Heritage Centre Compound
Opens Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
3. Re-discover Singlish
Picture Source: Keep Calm and Posters
Singlish is an informal, colloquial form of English that is used in Singapore. Singlish contains non-standard features of the English language and incorporates elements of other languages or dialects. It has its own unique grammatical structures as well as a distinctive pronunciation.
Despite the government’s call to speak standard English and discourages the use of Singlish, supporters of Singlish have defended the place of Singlish in the local linguistic landscape, citing Singlish cuts across racial differences and thus functions as a marker of a multi-ethnic Singaporean identity. Singlish has since become a fundamental part of Singapore’s local culture and heritage. 19 Singlish words were even added into the Oxford English Dictionary just last year. So don’t play play okay?
Picture Source: angmohdan
Paiseh
A Hokkien term, “paiseh” means embarrassed. In Singlish, a speaker is more likely to use it after making a mistake because they feel embarrassed, so a better translation now would be that it means ‘sorry’.
Usage: ‘Paiseh, I’m late because I thought we were meeting tomorrow’.
Eye power
To describe someone standing by, looking on without helping out with a manual task.
Usage: “Come and help us move this furniture! You stand there using eye power, ah?
Picture Source: onthesannyside
Shiok
Definitely a must-know! The original term in Malay means ‘great’ and is one of the most common words you will hear in Singlish. It is used to express excitement or amazement, with something, often food, and can be used on its own or with other words to increase its intensity, like ‘So shiok!’.
Abuthen
Used when someone asks a stupid question which has an obvious answer and you can’t be bothered to reply. So you say “abuden?”
Kope (sounds similar to ‘cope’)
To steal, usually something trifling.
Usage: “Wah, where you kope all this stuff from?”
Picture Source: Mothership.SG
Corright
The combination of two English words – correct and right. The Singlish way of saying something is correct, and yes, right. This totally illustrates how Singlish can combine 2 related words to boost its potency!
Talk cock
The etymology of this phrase comes from 18th century English phrase, ‘a cock and bull story’, used to describe obviously untrue stories. When used in Singlish, it is implying that the person who is speaking isn’t saying anything useful or that they are talking nonsense. However, the longer version of this phrase, ‘talk cock sing song’ means to get together with friends to catch up and gossip.
4. Drink and drink
Picture Source: Nat Eliason
Remember “yum seng” or rather, “yuuuuuuuum seng” from our previous issue of newsletter? Yup, it’s actually a sneak preview to our drinking issue! Not just an ordinary segment recommending where to drink, but heritage places where you can drink and admire a piece of history.
CHIJMES
Picture Source: SG Asia City
CHIJMES began with one building – Caldwell House – which was designed by prominent colonial architect George Coleman (who also designed Old Parliament House) as a home for a Senior Magistrate’s clerk. The property was bought over in 1853, together with surrounding parcels of land, to build a girls’ school. Now it is brimming full of nightlife and an excellent spot to dine and chill at with its vast dining options available.
“After Work Hours = Happy Hours” is what was stated on the CHIJMES website. How true, we totally agree. At CHIJMES, they offer “Happy Hours” promotion daily, from 5-9pm. Now you can get drinks and chill with your colleagues and friends, without feeling the pinch. What’s more, you can indulge in the beautiful architecture and soak in the relaxing atmosphere. Cheers!
30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996 | Tel: 6337 7810
Druggist
Picture Source: sangsara.net
The Druggists is a craft beer joint situated at the ground floor of the Singapore Druggists Association 80-year-old shophouse right behind Jalan Besar Stadium. Interesting, because the Singapore Druggists Association actually still operates in the level above. The interior is designed to look like a Chinese diner, complete with marble tabletops and old-schooled mosaic flooring, with a signboard that look straight out of the 1960s.
At this hipster joint, there are 23 types of beer on taps fitted sleekly on the walls. How cool! They are really serious about their craft beers folks. Do approach their friendly staff who are more than ready to recommend to you their house specials. Mark this place down and give it a shot!
119 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207547
Tuesdays to Sundays, 4pm to 11pm (Closed on Mondays)
Café Colbar
Picture Source: Entree Kibbles
It is actually short form for Colonial Bar, and initially serves as a canteen for the British Army in 1953. It has since shifted locations and is now a charming and old-timey cafe located in Wessex Estate. Okay it isn’t exactly a place for alcoholic drinks, but hey, this quaint little café does serve up quite decent nosh and definitely deserves a mention! This standalone café is a favourite hideout for those looking for a getaway from the busy city life, having a couple of drinks with friends, and basking in the old-school ambience. A must-try.
9A Whitchurch Road, Singapore 138839 | Tel: 6779 4859
5. Activities that you didn’t know of
Have you checked out all those cool places to drink and chill? Hope you enjoyed them as much as we did. What about something more interesting, other than the classic attractions? Yes, we heard you. So here, we are introducing to you some activities that even your local colleagues may not hear about. Go ahead and impress them with our handy guide, and of course, visit them together!
Singapore Philatelic Museum
Picture Source: YourSingapore
Singapore Philatelic Museum is housed in a century-old, double-storey, colonial building, which used to be part of the Anglo Chinese School. The Museum is the custodian and curator of Singapore’s treasure of philatelic materials, with collections ranging from stamps and archival philatelic material of Singapore from the 1830s to present day, to stamps from member countries of the Universal Postal Union. Explore how stamps are really a window to the world!
Address: 23-B Coleman Street, Singapore 179807
Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00am – 7:00pm (last admission 6:30pm)
Police Heritage Centre
Picture Source: Home Team News
Mata (meaning policemen in Malay) in shorts? Yes that’s right. Step into the Police Heritage Centre here, where the colourful past of the Singapore Police Force comes alive on the walls in the galleries! Some of the artefacts also include security arms, riot gears, seized weapons and more, all on display. Visit to learn more and be sure that your knowledge of policemen in olden days Singapore would exceed that of just knowing that they wear shorts.
Address: 28 Irrawaddy Rd, Singapore 329560
Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Fridays: 10.00am to 5.00pm
Civil Defence Heritage Gallery
Picture Source: With Kids, We Go…
The Civil Defence Heritage Gallery traces fire fighting and civil defence developments in Singapore from the late 1800s till modern day, and is intended as a twin vehicle for showcasing the Singapore Civil Defence Force’s (SCDF) proud and long history, as well as heightening public awareness of civil defence.
By locating the gallery in the Central Fire Station, which is part of the Civic District Heritage Trail, visitors will be able to fully experience and understand this integral part of Singapore’s history. Guided tours are available so come experience it for yourself now!
Address: 62 Hill Street, Singapore 179367
Opening Hours: Tuesdays – Sundays, 10am – 5pm (including public holidays)
National Gallery Singapore
Picture Source: YourSingapore
National Gallery Singapore is a new visual arts institution which oversees the largest public collection of modern art in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Not only does the Gallery reflect Singapore’s unique heritage, it also features Singapore and Southeast Asian art in its long-term and special exhibitions
The Gallery has also won numerous awards such as “Best Attraction Experience”, “Breakthrough Contribution to Tourism” and more at the prestigious Singapore Tourism Awards, which is further testament that it is certainly an attraction you shouldn’t miss! Guided tours are available and you can even download a digital copy of the map on your mobile device, cool!
Address: 1 Saint Andrew’s Road, #01–01, Singapore 178957
Opening Hours: Sun–Thu, Public Holidays: 10am–7pm; Fri–Sat, Eve of Public Holidays: 10am–10pm
Army Museum of Singapore
Picture Source: The Wacky Duo
The Army Museum of Singapore takes its visitors on a journey that traces the development of the Singapore army and preserves the heritage of the Singapore Army. Honouring the contributions and experiences of Singaporean soldiers in the past and present, the museum allows visitors to learn more about the heritage of the Singapore army while celebrating the contributions of our citizen soldiers. It is located in the SAFTI Military Institute, near to Singapore Discovery Centre and is easily accessible by public transport!
Address: 520 Upper Jurong Road Singapore 638367
Opening Hours: daily from 10am – 6pm except on Mondays; opened on all Public Holidays including Mondays.
Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
Picture Source: National Heritage Board
Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall (SYSNMH) is heritage institution that traces Dr Sun’s revolutionary activities in the Southeast Asian region, highlighting the impact of the 1911 Chinese Revolution on Singapore as well as Singapore’s contributions to the Revolution.
The SYSNMH will also share how the 1911 Revolution left its lasting imprint on Singapore, in various areas such as education, print media and economic contributions. The SYSNMH in Singapore is Nanyang-centred focus, and is what that sets the SYSNMH apart from other museums and institutions dedicated to the legacy of Dr. Sun Yat Sen around the world.
Address: 12 Tai Gin Road, Singapore 327874
Opening Hours: 10am to 5pm (last admission at 4.30pm), Tuesday to Sunday (Closed on Mondays)
6. Enjoy traditional arts & music
Arts and culture is an integral part of Singapore and is especially unique given we are a multi-ethnic society, where different art forms are embraced. Hop on a little artsy trip with us now as we take you through different types of art and music, from traditional Teochew opera to Indian classical dance.
Thian Hock Keng
Picture Source: YourSingapore
Picture Source: World Top Top
Thian Hock Keng (translating to “Palace of Heavenly Happiness”), is also known as the Tianfu Temple, and is a temple of Mazu, a Chinese sea goddess. The temple was designed and built in 1842 by skilled craftsmen from China according to traditional Chinese temple architectural style. It is the oldest and most important temple of the Hokkien people in Singapore.
Guided tours are offered by the temple which covers Thian Hock Keng’s history, customs and faith, to allow one to better understand and appreciate the temple. However, be sure to registration is required so be sure to register to learn more about the rich history of the temple!
158 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068613
Esplanade
Picture Source: Families for Life
Picture Source: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
As one of the busiest arts centres in the world, there are about 3,000 performances presented by Esplanade. The Esplanade believes making art accessible to each and every one, and takes pride in presenting the best in the performing arts, with world-class venues showcasing a diverse range of dance, music and theatre performances, in addition to captivating visual arts exhibitions and more. Check for regular updates of programmes available because I’m sure you wouldn’t want to miss out. Step in and be in awed now.
1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981
Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society
Picture Source: http://www.sifas.org/imagegallery.php
Picture Source: http://www.sifas.org/imagegallery.php
Singapore is a multi-ethnic society and is proud of various art forms in different cultures. The Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society is devoted to the teaching of the classical arts in a non-formal environment. It has fostered homegrown talent and created an awareness and understanding of the Indian cultural heritage, particularly valuable in the culturally-diverse Singapore.
Do check out their programmes schedule to watch their productions!
2 Starlight Rd, Singapore 217755
Lao Sai Tao Yuan Teochew Opera
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