A SINGAPOREAN-only event embroiled in controversy after allegedly refusing to allow entry to Caucasians was funded by the Singapore government .

The event was organised by the Singapore government's Overseas Singaporean Unit at the Botanic Gardens on Saturday to celebrate Singapore Day - enabling Singaporeans to catch up on the politics, music and food of their home nation.

media_camera Singapore Day at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney. Picture: OverseasSingaporean/Facebook

But it became embroiled in controversy after a Sydneysider called James rang 2GB to report he had twice been turned away from the event because he was white.

"We were just stunned and angry that this had happened to us in a public space in the middle of Sydney," James said.

"If it was a private event it should have been held in a hotel and not in a public park funded with taxpayers' money."

James said he learned about Singapore Day online and wanted to attend with his father because he has Singaporean friends and enjoys Singaporean food.

Singapore Day is an annual ticketed event which participants are required to register online in advance to attend the celebrations - which include live performances and free food stalls.

It is held for Singaporeans based abroad and is held each year in a different country.

This year's celebration in Sydney was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.

The "Frequently Asked Questions" section of the Singapore Day website states the event is an "exclusive event for Singaporeans and their families" only.

But a spokesman for the Singaporean government said the event had been attended by "all races".

"The Singaporeans invited to the event can also bring a guest who is non-Singaporean," he said.