Opening up its centres to residents from all walks of life - not just students - might have been one of the Chinese Development Assistance Council's (CDAC) best decisions if its latest participation figures are anything to go by.

The Chinese self-help group remodelled these centres, formerly Student Service Centres, into CDAC Centres in 2010 to provide programmes such as basic IT classes, information-sharing sessions on SkillsFuture and job recruitment exercises.

Since then, yearly participation has increased from 9,000 unique individuals in 2010 to 13,000 last year.

During the past six years, programmes organised by CDAC Centres have received more than 250,000 sign-ups at its 12 outlets.

Yesterday, the CDAC opened its 13th centre at Block 138, Bedok North Street 2.

Already, close to 500 residents have signed up as members of the new centre and started using its facilities, including a mini library, study area and "surfing corner" where they can use the Internet.

The centre has received 300 sign-ups for programmes targeted at senior citizens, including those on basic IT, how to use Facebook and a weekly news reading programme, said Mr Lee Yi Shyan an MP for East Coast GRC, at the launch yesterday.

"I urge the community organisations to tap this platform to share resources and complement each other to serve the community better," he added.

This month, the centre will be organising activities for students to keep them occupied during the school holidays.

These include enrichment classes to help them better understand their school subjects.

Mr Alex Yam, the chairman of CDAC Community Outreach and Co-ownership Committee, and who is also an MP for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, said the council will strengthen its programme offerings for elderly residents and working adults.