New initiatives to develop community leaders among youth, grassroots and civic society

SINGAPORE – Two new initiatives will give community leaders more opportunities to develop their leadership skills and broaden their perspectives.

The National Community Leadership Institute (Nacli) will roll out a 10-week youth leadership programme with overseas immersion in 2025.

Also, a six-month Leadership in Community Programme will be launched in November for community and civic society leaders.

These schemes were announced by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong at a conference to mark the 60th anniversary of the institute on Sept 28, held at its campus in Buona Vista.

“Community and youth leadership plays a vital role. It is essential as it forms the backbone of our social fabric, fostering social cohesion, facilitating ground-up initiatives, and addressing local, micro-specific needs of our community,” he said.

The schemes aim to create a strong talent pipeline to take Singapore through the next decades, not just in community leadership but also in civic society and at national platforms, said Mr Tong at the conference attended by some 290 participants.

The first iteration of the Youth Leader Collective programme will kick off in March, with 50 participants aged 17 to 19. They will have an immersive exchange experience in an Asean country to learn more about youth leadership and civic participation.

Top performers may also get a chance to visit Oxford University or Harvard University for a leadership course, broadening their global perspectives and cross-cultural awareness, said Mr Tong.

The Leadership in Community Programme will have about 40 participants in the inaugural cohort. It will bring in distinguished speakers to share their experiences. The list includes former ambassador Kishore Mahbubani, Ambassador Ong Keng Yong, and athletes like Yip Pin Xiu and Joseph Schooling.

“What athletes like Pin Xiu bring to the table is very different from what someone like Kishore might bring to the table,” said Mr Tong.

“But collectively, this gives a very strong perspective to both our youth, as well as our civic society leaders,” he said, adding that they will be able to learn from people of different generations, perspectives and cultures.

Those in the Leadership in Community Programme will also take part in an overseas study trip to understand how Singapore should be viewed from an external lens, said Mr Tong.

The first batch of participants, who include nominated grassroots leaders, civic society leaders and People’s Association staff, will head to Sydney for six days.

Mr Tong also announced that a new community gallery will be hosted at the Nacli campus in Buona Vista to commemorate Singapore’s 60th birthday and the People’s Association’s 65th birthday in 2025.

It will be an interactive and immersive experience that helps visitors understand Singapore’s nation-building journey, and will be a reminder of the values and principles that have brought the country to where it is today, he said.

“By showcasing our journey from humble beginnings to our current achievements, this gallery aims to inspire, to invoke a call to action for future generations of leaders.”