New annual course will groom future leaders of Singapore’s Chinese community
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Mr Chee Hong Tat, chairman of the Chinese Community Liaison Group, speaking at the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations in Toa Payoh on Aug 20.
ST PHOTO: ONG WEE JIN
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- A leadership course will develop 100 young leaders over five years.
- The Government will partner with SFCCA to modernise clan association operations via shared services like HR and event management.
- The course includes policy briefings and networking opportunities.
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SINGAPORE – Around 100 Chinese community participants in their 30s and 40s will be the beneficiaries of a government-funded initiative to foster the future leadership of the community over the next five years.
They should be active in the Chinese community, demonstrating a passion to serve, to be eligible for the Chinese Community Leadership Course, said Mr Chee Hong Tat, chairman of the Chinese Community Liaison Group (CCLG), at the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) in Toa Payoh on Aug 20.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said in his National Day Rally speech delivered in Mandarin
SFCCA, which is the apex body of Chinese clan associations with 251 members, noted that the younger generation’s interest in Chinese culture and Chinese community groups has declined in recent years.
Clan associations are facing challenges with leadership succession and continuity.
Mr Chee, who is also Minister for National Development, said the Government will work with SFCCA to help clan associations modernise their operations, especially smaller associations that may not have the financial ability to come up with digital solutions.
“So one way is for the Government to partner with SFCCA, and through SFCCA, we can develop a suite of shared services that the various clan associations can tap into,” he said.
He added that the areas covered can include human resources, finance, managing membership, volunteers and events, and publicity.
SFCCA and SCCCI will form a task force to work with CCLG to design the curriculum and identify young council members or board directors with leadership potential to participate in this course.
About 20 people will join the course every year for the next five years. The course will begin by mid-2026.
It will include modules on strategic and organisational leadership and insights on government policies, and provide networking opportunities and dialogues with political office-holders and senior community leaders.
The Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations noted that the younger generation’s interest in Chinese culture and Chinese community groups has declined in recent years.
ST PHOTO: ONG WEE JIN
SFCCA president Thomas Chua expressed the hope that young leaders would lead the Chinese community in fostering interracial exchanges and promoting mutual understanding, while assisting new immigrants to better integrate into Singapore society.
SCCCI president Kho Choon Keng said he is confident this partnership with SFCCA and the Government would integrate and consolidate resources, and multiply their impact in raising the next generation of leaders.
SCCCI will work with its trade association members to encourage young members to join this programme.
Mr Chee, who succeeded Law Minister Edwin Tong one of his key focus areas
Formed in 2000, CCLG is tasked to deepen the Government’s relationship with Chinese community organisations and strengthen cooperation among the groups.
Mr Jayren Teo, 30, managing director of non-profit Gen Singapore and a member of the Chang Clan General Association, told The Straits Times that the course will encourage youth participation and foster collaborations among clan associations.
“One problem I see in most clans today is that the average age is still relatively high, and various clans come together only at annual events,” he noted.
Ms Lynn Wong, 36, founder of heritage social enterprise Bridging Generations and a youth leader in Cantonese clan Kong Chow Wui Koon, told ST: “Beyond a classroom setting, true leadership is about being on the ground, understanding people and their needs, and cultivating good relationships with the people around them.”
Mr Chee said the success of the course depends on the support of the Chinese community.
If there is an overwhelming response and more than 100 places are needed, more resources may be mobilised so that more potential leaders can benefit.
“Ultimately, we are not chasing after a number,” he added.
“We are looking for a pipeline of suitable leaders for the future who have the passion and will to serve.”
