Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung has been appointed to the newly created post of deputy chairman at the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC).

Mr Ong, who has been on its board since 2010, will also lead efforts in engaging and reaching out to the community, the self-help group said yesterday.

Its statement said that he took up his new role yesterday, adding that the appointment was made by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is patron of the CDAC.

Mr Ong could not be reached for comment as he is on a work trip in the United States.

The CDAC also said it is reorganising its five core programmes.

The move will "sharpen CDAC's focus in addressing the emerging needs of the community", said its chairman, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong.

The group is merging its family workfare and workers programmes, which were aimed at helping low-income families and low-wage, low-skilled workers.

Mr Sam Tan, Minister of State for Manpower and in the Prime Minister's Office, will chair the expanded committee for such families and workers.

Mr Ong, who chaired the workers programme, will lead the community outreach and engagement committee and help "expand CDAC's outreach to the community".

A new fulfilling-ageing programme for the elderly has also been formed and is chaired by MP Alex Yam.

The remaining two programmes for students and volunteers will continue to be led by Parliamentary Secretary for Education Low Yen Ling and Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth Baey Yam Keng, respectively.

Mr Gan said that the self-help group "will also focus on engaging the community to support its programmes and promote the spirit of mutual support".