PM Lawrence Wong at the People's Association CCMC 60th Anniversary

Summary

The speech celebrates the 60th anniversary of Singapore's Community Centres and Clubs (CCMC), highlighting their evolving role in fostering community engagement and offering essential services. From humble beginnings in vocational training and literacy support to adapting with modern programs like robotics and stargazing, CCs have been central to Singapore's social fabric. Emphasizing the importance of grassroots leadership, the speech calls for further community involvement, especially in the upcoming SG60 celebrations, with initiatives like Community Innovation Spaces and Hackathons. It concludes with a call for unity and commitment to a shared future as Singapore approaches its 60th anniversary of independence.

Takeaways

• 😀 CCs (Community Centres) have evolved from humble buildings to modern community hubs, offering diverse services to meet the changing needs of Singaporeans.
• 😀 The role of CCs has been critical in Singapore's early days, from vocational training in the 1960s to serving as community gathering spaces for different ethnic groups.
• 😀 Over the years, CCs have adapted to offer modern amenities like robotics, coding, and stargazing, reflecting the changing interests of residents.
• 😀 In times of crisis, such as the haze and COVID-19, CCs became essential service points, distributing masks and vaccines to residents.
• 😀 A recent survey shows that 90% of Singaporeans consider CCs essential for community activities and services.
• 😀 The people behind the CCs, particularly grassroots leaders, are key to the success and continued relevance of these centres.
• 😀 Grassroots leaders were originally enlisted to run CCs due to a lack of trained staff, but their deep community knowledge has made them invaluable.
• 😀 There is a focus on empowering residents to take ownership of their community spaces and contribute to local initiatives, moving beyond just organizing events.
• 😀 New initiatives like Community Innovation spaces and hackathons aim to encourage resident-led problem-solving and innovation in local issues.
• 😀 SG60, the 60th anniversary of Singapore’s independence, presents an opportunity to reflect on shared values and renew the national commitment to building a stronger future together.

Q & A

What is the significance of the 60th anniversary of the CCMC (Citizens' Consultative Committees)?

The 60th anniversary of the CCMC marks six decades of service in strengthening community bonds, fostering social integration, and providing crucial services to Singaporeans. It celebrates the evolution of CCs from simple community centers to modern hubs that meet a variety of resident needs.

How did the early Citizens' Consultative Committees (CCs) contribute to the Singaporean community?

In the early days, CCs played a vital role in addressing high unemployment, offering vocational skills courses, and providing essential services like reading and writing letters for those who were less educated. They also helped integrate people from different backgrounds and became focal points for social gatherings and cultural celebrations.

How have the role and functions of the CCs evolved over the years?

Over time, CCs have adapted to the changing needs of Singaporeans, offering more diverse services such as coding, robotics, and 3D animation workshops. They have also integrated modern amenities and become one-stop service centers, often collocated with public amenities like polyclinics and libraries.

What were some of the specific contributions of CCs during times of crisis?

During times of crisis, such as the 2013 haze and the COVID-19 pandemic, CCs stepped up as distribution points for masks, TraceTogether tokens, and vaccination centers. They demonstrated their critical role in supporting communities during emergencies.

What is the community innovation initiative that the PA (People's Association) is launching?

The PA is launching two major initiatives to foster community-led innovation: the development of Community Innovation Spaces in 10 CCs and a community innovation hackathon. These initiatives aim to encourage residents, volunteers, and partners to collaborate and create practical solutions to local issues.

What is the purpose of the upcoming community innovation hackathon?

The community innovation hackathon is designed to bring together residents, volunteers, and tech experts to identify local issues and develop innovative solutions. The goal is not only to generate ideas but also to put these ideas into action, driving community involvement and strengthening the sense of belonging.

What does the speaker suggest about the importance of grassroots leaders in running the CCs?

The speaker highlights that grassroots leaders are integral to the success of CCs because they are deeply connected to the community and understand the needs of residents. Initially, they stepped in to run the CCs due to a lack of trained staff, but their leadership and local knowledge have made them invaluable in shaping the services and programs offered by the CCs.

How has the physical infrastructure of CCs changed over time?

CCs have undergone significant upgrades in terms of infrastructure. They have modernized their facilities to include spaces for a broader range of activities and services, including commercial partnerships like childcare providers, and become integrated hubs with libraries, polyclinics, and other public services.

What is the relationship between the CCMC and the upcoming SG60 celebrations?

The CCMC will play a key role in the SG60 celebrations, which mark Singapore's 60th year of independence. The focus of SG60 is to bring people together, renew their commitment to Singapore, and encourage active participation in community building. The work of CCs and grassroots leaders is central to the success of this initiative.

What is the broader goal of SG60 beyond celebration?

SG60 is intended not only to celebrate Singapore's achievements but also to reflect on shared values, reinforce national unity, and encourage contributions from all sectors of society to shape the future. It is an opportunity for all Singaporeans to engage with one another, support one another, and build a stronger community.