HIDDEN_ADDENDA, MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, YOUTH & SPORTS

MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, YOUTH AND SPORTS: DR VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN

Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports

MCYS seeks to build a cohesive and resilient Singapore – a multicultural nation united by shared values and steadfast in the face of new challenges. Our vision is that of an inclusive society, where all citizens have opportunities to be the best that they can be, and no one is left behind.

Helping lower-income and lower-skilled Singaporeans improve their lives

Every Singaporean who wants to work will have the support and opportunities to become self-reliant. MCYS will work with community partners to refine our social safety net. We will introduce ComCare Local Networks to link agencies providing social services in the community, so that help for the needy can be provided in a more coordinated manner. We will also introduce ComCare Connection, to help match community resources from corporations and private individuals to effective programmes that help the needy.

Preparing inspired and committed youth for the future

Every young Singaporean has a part to play in shaping Singapore’s future. MCYS will support our youth to develop their potential and realise their aspirations, and prepare them for the future. Through initiatives like the Youth Expedition Programme, the Young ChangeMakers funding scheme, and the Youth Hub (*scape) project, MCYS will provide opportunities for the youth to develop a stake in the community, and take responsibility for the well-being and future of Singapore.

For youths disengaged from society, MCYS and our community partners will step up outreach, strengthen early intervention, and enhance the re-integration of young offenders, by providing more opportunities for employment and education.

Supporting older Singaporeans

The Committee on Ageing Issues (CAI) has put forth its recommendations to harness economic and social opportunities for our seniors and prepare for the challenges arising from Singapore’s ageing population. These recommendations will be implemented. MCYS will help older Singaporeans lead active lives as fully integrated members of the community. Through the Golden Opportunities! (GO!) Fund and a new Council that will be set up to promote active ageing, more opportunities will be created for seniors to pick up new skills, work or volunteer.

More opportunities for people with disabilities

MCYS will chart out the directions, programmes and services which will help persons with disabilities be as self reliant as possible and to integrate with society. For children with special needs, we will improve early intervention and education to help maximise their potential. For adults with disabilities, we will look into improving employability and employment opportunities.

Making Singapore a great place for families

The family is the basic building block of society. To ensure that our environment is conducive for raising families, the new National Family Council will engage stakeholders in the People, Private and Public sectors to promote and build resilient families in Singapore. The People Sector-led "Making Businesses Pro-Family" Initiative will also rally businesses to support a pro-family environment. MCYS will also continue to review our policies to support parenthood, and facilitate family support.

Bonding the nation through sports

Besides building character and resilience, sports provides a focal point to rally Singaporeans together and boost national pride. MCYS will provide more opportunities for Singaporeans to play sports, by working with MOE to open up more facilities for public use, and by enhancing sports programmes at public sports facilities.

We have achieved record performances at the last Asian Games, and the recent South East Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. MCYS, the Singapore Sports Council and the Singapore National Olympic Council will strive to bring our sports performance to a higher level through enhanced and customised support for our athletes, and work towards doing well at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

Promoting a philanthropic culture

The transfer of the office of the Commissioner of Charities from Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore to MCYS and the formation of the Charities Unit in MCYS signify the Government’s commitment to strengthen the governance of charities and sustain community support for the charitable sector. A Charity Council will also be set up to promote self-regulation and good governance amongst charities and Institutions of Public Character. The Council will also advise the Commissioner of Charities on key regulatory issues.

Preserving racial and religious harmony

MCYS will continue efforts in promoting racial and religious harmony. Under the Community Engagement Programme, MCYS will forge closer partnerships with stakeholders across the religious, community and social service sectors, so that we are better prepared to deal with external developments that may threaten racial and religious harmony in Singapore.

The National Steering Committee (NSC) on Racial and Religious Harmony will be the national platform to promote racial and religious harmony; and build understanding across religious, ethnic and community organisations. The NSC will provide the directions for engagement at both the leadership level and at the grassroots level through Inter-Racial Confidence Circles. The NSC will also facilitate two-way communication between the Government and community groups, and devote special attention to the engagement of young religious leaders.