Former journalist Tuminah Sapawi was announced as self-help group Mendaki's new chief executive officer (CEO)-designate on Friday.

The 53-year-old is currently the senior assistant director in the ComCare and Social Support Division under the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). She will take over the reins from current chief executive Moliah Hashim, who led Mendaki for four years.

Madam Moliah, 55, will be returning to the Ministry of Education on Dec 16 as principal of Princess Elizabeth Primary School.

In a statement released on Friday, Mendaki said Madam Moliah had "sharpened Mendaki's focus to reach out to and provide more holistic help to families in need" during her term.

The organisation also stepped up its efforts to help promising youths under her leadership through initiatives such as Project Protege and the Ridzwan Dzafir Community Awards, which offer scholarships for post-graduate students in the public and social service sector.

Her successor, Madam Tuminah, joined MSF, then the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, as assistant director in 2008.

Her current areas of work include overseeing programmes and policies that help vulnerable Malay/Muslim families. Madam Tuminah also saw through the setting up of Vista Sakinah, a centre which runs marriage preparation classes for remarrying couples.

The mother of three started her career at the then Singapore Broadcasting Corporation as a scriptwriter before working at Malay daily Berita Harian and The Straits Times. She also previously led Malay lifestyle and entertainment monthly Manja.