A little from all,
together it’s more
A FRESH Start, from the
HEART CDAC
2021 ANNUAL REPORT
VISION
Committed and Trusted Organisation Empowered and Caring Community
CORE VALUES Harmony Empathy Aspiration Resilience Trust
MISSION
To nurture and develop the potential of the Chinese community in contributing to the continued success of multi-racial Singapore
ABOUT CDAC
Jointly set up by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) and the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) in 1992, the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) is a non-profit selfhelp group for the Chinese community. We offer programmes and assistance schemes to help the less-privileged in the community maximise their potential and strive for social mobility through self-help and mutual support.
2
CDAC
A
NEW Over the past 30 years, the CDAC has lived by our creed of fostering the spirit of mutual support, so that everyone can do their part and contribute to building a better society. Our headquarters at Tanjong Katong has now been refreshed, just in time for our next chapter.
3 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
journey begins
4
CDAC Chairman’s Statement
DEEPENING SUPPORT for Social Mobility Colleagues and friends, This year, we mark the CDAC’s 30th anniversary, and 30 years of assisting low-income families in the Chinese community, with support from many stakeholders — volunteers, clan associations, schools, community and business leaders, and members of the public. Compared to the billions of dollars spent on Government national schemes to uplift and assist low-income Singaporeans, the CDAC’s budget is small — about $30 million a year, raised largely through our stakeholders. But it reflects the valuable and cherished spirit of community self-help. 2021, being a year when the world was still grappling with the Covid-19 crisis, reflected that spirit amply. By working with our community partners, the CDAC ensured that help continued to reach our beneficiaries during the pandemic. For example, students continued learning because we adapted our tuition programme and delivered them online. In fact, students received more individualised attention from their tutors because we reduced the class size for online tuition. We offered 12.8% more tuition places, disbursed 17% more bursaries, and increased the bursary quantum. We provided casework support for 15% more households to tide them over a very challenging period. We also launched two new initiatives — Project FRESH, where we support families by providing vouchers for the purchase of fresh groceries; and Project BASIC which helps lower-income families defray the cost of Internet subscriptions. In total, 17,700 households benefitted from our various schemes. Of these, 1,220 households received deepened support. We spent $32.6 million on all our programmes in 2021. At the start of this year, we took stock of what the CDAC had done so far. Since the government has expanded support for low-income Singaporeans, the CDAC has to consider how to better utilise our financial and community resources. The Board reaffirmed our continued focus on promoting social mobility through education and strengthening the family unit.
This focus is effected through our strategy of “Growing Grass, Planting Trees”. Under this strategy, the CDAC will implement the following initiatives to better support children from low-income families:
5 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
First, to give children from low-income families a stronger educational foundation, we will further enhance our enrichment programmes for pre-schoolers. For a start, our target is K1 and K2 children. Research shows the
importance of engaging children from young age, so as to develop their confidence, creativity, and communication skills through play-based learning. Parental involvement is also important in education. Our programmes will thus also provide parents with knowledge about nutrition and health to support the development of their children.
Second, we want to provide longer-term support for some children from low-income families. We will identify these children and journey with them from
K2 onwards, for several years. This is to give them a sense of confidence and stability as they transit from pre-school to their primary, secondary and post-secondary years. Based on their learning needs, the CDAC will match them to our programmes and provide mentors who can become trusted role models for these children.
Third, we will continue to enhance and broaden the learning experiences of students in our programmes. For example, we have started to use edtech tools to provide more personalised learning experience for some students.
Besides new initiatives, we are marking our 30th anniversary with some key events and a refreshed headquarters. We organised the “A Little from All” Virtual Run so that all our stakeholders could celebrate our 30th anniversary together, and also held a special “A Wish Come True” Project. Renovations for the CDAC Building have also been completed, 28 years after we first moved in. It is a more pleasant and functional environment now, and I hope it will help sustain the morale and energy of our staff. I want to end my remarks with a few important thank yous. I thank our board members, donors, volunteers, and partners for their trust and support over the past 30 years. In particular, I thank Dr Chua Thian Poh, who will be retiring from his position as Chairman of our Board of Trustees. Dr Chua has served the CDAC for 26 years — a true CDAC veteran! He has been a pillar of strength, not just for the CDAC, but for the entire Chinese community in Singapore. I have known him for many years and have benefitted from his wise counsel, kindness, and generosity in helping the less fortunate. I am sure he will continue to contribute to the community and the CDAC, albeit in different capacities. I also wish to extend my deep appreciation to Mr Pok Cheng Chong, who will be relinquishing his Executive Director’s position, after 10 years of distinguished service. Cheng Chong served through three CDAC Chairmen — Mr Lim Swee Say, Mr Gan Kim Yong, and now me. He has seen the CDAC through many ups and downs, and many important projects and transformations. Cheng Chong feels that it is time for him to move on, try other things, and bring in a successor with new ideas. As reluctant as I am to see him go, I respect his desire, and wish him all the best in his future endeavours. Knowing him, he will continue to do something that benefits the community and the disadvantaged. Mr Tan Yap Kin, who has been an educator throughout his career, will be taking over as Executive Director. I am confident that he will build on the strong foundation of the CDAC to improve the organisation and our programmes, and better fulfil our mission to enhance the social mobility of low-income Chinese Singaporeans.
Ong Ye Kung
Chairman Board of Directors
6
CDAC
FINANCIAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Income Highlights Contributions to CDAC Fund
Donations / Sponsorships
Grants & Subsidies from Government Agencies
2017
$23.64m
2017
$0.47m
2017
$4.43m
2018
$24.51m
2018
$0.53m
2018
$4.36m
2019
$25.69m
2019
$0.56m
2019
$2.83m
2020
$26.13m
2020
$0.28m
2020
$6.84m
2021
$27.46m
Other Income (Fees & Others)
$1.18m
2021
Total Operating Income
2017
$1.92m
2017
$30.46m
2018
$2.12m
2018
$31.52m
2019
$1.54m
2019
$30.62m
2020
$0.82m
2020
$34.07m
$0.80m
2021
2021
$36.45m
Total Households Benefitted
2017
15,340
2018
15,790
2019
17,000
2020
18,600
2021
17,700
2021
$7.01m
59 7 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
FINANCIAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Expenses Highlights Student & Parent Education
Family & Worker Support
Fulfilling Ageing
2017
$10.43m
2017
$4.27m
2017
$0.88m
2018
$11.08m
2018
$4.83m
2018
$0.97m
2019
$11.97m
2019
$4.93m
2019
$0.99m
2020
$11.09m
2020
$6.99m
2020
$0.69m
2021
$14.88m
Community Outreach & Engagement
$6.69m
2021
Volunteers Engagement & Development
$0.77m
2021
CDAC-SFCCA Hardship Assistance & Bursary Schemes
2017
$3.43m
2017
$0.61m
2017
$1.76m
2018
$3.47m
2018
$0.81m
2018
$2.32m
2019
$3.48m
2019
$0.73m
2019
$2.02m
2020
$2.94m
2020
$0.66m
2020
$3.29m
2021
$3.68m
CDAC Education Grant
2021
$0.83m
Administration & Governance Cost
$2.73m
2021
Total Operating Expenses
2017
-
2017
$2.86m
2017
$24.24m
2018
-
2018
$2.80m
2018
$26.28m
2019
-
2019
$2.67m
2019
$26.79m
2020
$5.20m
2020
$2.67m
2020
$33.53m
2021
$3.02m
2021
$32.60m
8
CDAC
NEW
Initiatives
W
9 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
Project BASIC (Broadband Access Subsidy for In-school Children) Launched: January 2021 Beneficiaries: 680 families In January 2021, we launched this initiative to provide low-income families with subsidies for Internet services so that their school-going children could take part in home-based learning. The beneficiaries of this project are families with school-going children under CDAC support programmes, and who do not qualify for government subsidies under the Home Access or NEU PC Plus programmes. Every beneficiary family will receive subsidies up to $240 per year.
Project FRESH (Food foR Everyone to Stay Healthy) Launched: June 2021 Beneficiaries: 240 families We launched this initiative to encourage low-income families with school-going children, to develop healthy dietary habits. The project’s beneficiaries are families under CDAC case management. From June to December 2021, each member of these families received $30 worth of food vouchers every month, capped at $120 per family. These vouchers are used to purchase fresh groceries such as meat, seafood, milk, vegetables, and fruits. The beneficiaries were also able to take part in workshops, where they learned healthy eating habits and how to prepare healthy and delicious meals.
Increase In Bursary Quantum For primary school students: $300 For secondary school students: $480 Since 1996, the CDAC-SFCCA Bursary has been helping low-income families with school-going children (in primary and secondary schools) defray their education expenses. In 2022, the bursary quantum for primary school students increased from $280 to $300, while the bursary quantum for secondary school students increased from $450 to $480.
10
CDAC Journey with Students and Parents
GROWING in the right direction When the CDAC was set up in 1992, the tuition programme was our first initiative. We offer many ways to support students who are academically weak, so as to help them learn and maximise their full potential. We also equip parents with positive parenting skills so that they can better support their children.
11 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
12
Journey with Students and Parents Programmes & Activities
Tuition and Enrichment Programmes We conduct these programmes in schools, CDAC centres and community centres, for children who range from kindergarten age to those sitting for their A-Levels. Subjects covered include English, Chinese, Mathematics and Science. We cater to academically weak students from low-income families. The fees are affordable, but waivers can be extended to those who have difficulties paying. We also organise many activities during school holidays, so that children from low-income families can enjoy enriching holiday activities.
CDAC-SFCCA Bursary This helps low-income families defray the expenses of their children’s education. The bursary is usually disbursed at the beginning of the new school year.
Youth Empowerment & Aspiration Programme (YEAP) YEAP comprises the YEAP Grant and YEAP Inspire, and supports students from post-secondary educational institutions, including Integrated Programme Schools, junior colleges, the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) Colleges, polytechnics and art schools. The YEAP Grant defrays their education expenses through financial support, while YEAP Inspire encourages them to pursue their dreams and cultivate life skills through activities and workshops.
“Walk with Me” Parent Education Series Through talks and workshops, we equip parents with skills to understand the needs and mindset of their children, to better support their learning and growth.
Big Heart Student Care Big Heart Student Care is a joint effort by the Self-Help Groups. We offer programmes and fee subsidies to eligible students from vulnerable families and conduct parenting talks for their parents.
13 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
Commending Outstanding Tutors and Students Whose Grades Have Improved
2021 Tuition Programme Awards Presentation Ceremony
Since we launched our tuition programme in 1993, we have never wavered from our goal of helping academically weak students from low-income families to improve in their studies and encourage them to strive for a better future. The continued success of this initiative is all due to the dedication and commitment of the tutors, as well as the supervisors and caretakers of the tuition centres. On 25 September 2021, we commended six outstanding tutors at the Tuition Awards Ceremony. They received the Tutor Commendation Willow and Bamboo Awards. We also presented long service awards to 40 tutors, tuition centre supervisors and caretakers, to thank them for their contributions. Another 210 students who made significant improvements in the subjects they were being tutored, received the Best Progress and Good Progress Awards.
1
1
Damien Lim Jian Jie Good Progress Award (Primary School)
2
Elina Poh Yit San Best Progress Award (Secondary School)
3
Tan Kim Lay Noreen Tutor Commendation Award (Willow)
4
Lee Seck Kuang Tutor Commendation Award (Bamboo)
2
3
4
14
Journey with Students and Parents Activities
Supporting Parents
Expert Shares Parenting Tips with Parents “May Lee’s Chit Chat Corner” In May 2021, we launched this initiative hosted by CDAC Family Life Consultant, Mdm Ngiow May Lee. Parents were invited to share their experiences and views on parenting topics, so they could learn together and support one another. The first topic was about how parents should handle children’s excessive use of the internet. These sessions took place on 29 May and 19 June.
Training Tutors
Learning New Skills for Better Teaching Workshop on Online Teaching For the past two years, we moved our tuition classes online due to safe management measures. Tutors use digital platform Zoom to conduct their classes, and online learning has become a part of students’ learning journey. To help tutors adjust to this new normal, we held four workshops on 9, 10, 11 and 13 November. Tutors learned how to use online platform tools effectively so as to encourage students’ participation, and make their classes more engaging.
Tutors’ Virtual Learning Fiesta On 27 November, 220 tutors, cluster supervisors and curriculum specialists attended this event, themed “Teaching For Learning”. There were eight speakers who expanded on this theme, and they included Mdm Lee Lai Yong, Academic Advisor from At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy; Dr Tan Kok Siang, retired Senior Lecturer from the National Institute of Education; and Mr Ang Swee Choon, retired Chinese Language Master Teacher from the Ministry of Education. The session helped tutors better understand students’ learning styles and how to transform students into active learners and also helped to improve the quality of their teaching.
Temporary Tuition Centre
Learning Continues In 2021, the renovations at the CDAC Headquarters affected the tuition classes held at the premise. Fortunately, with the support of Kong Hwa School, we were able to move some of these classes to its campus. To ensure students who needed academic help continued to receive tuition, we also set up a temporary tuition centre at the adjacent KINEX mall (#03-05). This arrangement lasted for a year.
15 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
Student and Parent Education
A snapshot of our impact from 2017-2021
Tuition Programme Participants
Holiday Programme Participants
Bursary Recipients
2017
13,850
2017
5,730
2017
4,700
2018
13,130
2018
5,530
2018
4,760
2019
12,620
2019
4,840
2019
5,010
2020
11,280
2020
3,070
2020
7,260
2021
12,720
YEAP Grant Recipients
2021
1,520
Youth Programme Participants
2021
8,520
NEU PC Plus Recipients
2017
1,600
2017
230
2017
1,750
2018
2,400
2018
830
2018
1,940
2019
2,600
2019
1,030
2019
1,810
2020
4,640
2020
580
2020
1,970
2021
5,100
Parenting Programme Participants 2017
1,130
2018
1,180
2019
940
2020
1,100
2021
2,890
2021
330
2021
400
16
Journey with Students and Parents My Story
Ho Jian Liang Murphy grew up in an unconventional family. His parents separated when he was young, and he was raised by his grandmother and aunt. In primary school, he was often teased and bullied by classmates, and he vented his frustrations by playing video games.
Pursuing
DREAMS Thanks to the encouragement of a tutor in the CDAC tuition programme, Murphy started to keep a journal. This helped him hone his language abilities, and also enabled him to express his emotions through words. The pandemic impacted his family’s finances. But thanks to the CDAC’s financial assistance, they were able to get through this difficult time. Murphy also received a bursary from his polytechnic and CDAC YEAP Grant which enabled him to focus on his studies in digital film and television and pursue his dreams.
Murphy wants to become a YouTuber. “I want to start my own channel, and create content that expresses my views on social issues. This channel can also help more people to know about vulnerable communities, and reach out to them with a helping hand.”
17 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
Murphy Ho 19 years old, studying Digital Film and Television in polytechnic
“
I want to start my own channel, and create content that expresses my views on social issues. This channel can also help more people to know about vulnerable communities, and reach out to them with a helping hand.
“
Scan to watch
18
CDAC Supporting Families and Workers
HOME is where the heart is
There are many factors that can cause low-income families to experience difficulties. These include longterm unemployment, family members with critical illnesses, and upheavals in marital relationships. Besides providing financial assistance, we have devised various multi-faceted support initiatives, to help families overcome their challenges.
19 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
20
Supporting Families and Workers Programmes
Case Management The CDAC uses the case management approach to support families in need. Caseworkers evaluate the resources available to the families under their care, and propose the following solutions according to the family members’ financial, health, employment, and education needs.
Financial Support This is extended to families who face financial difficulties, and need help with family expenses. We also provide grocery vouchers to these families to help them purchase daily necessities.
Employment Assistance Family members seeking employment can access consultations to better understand their training needs, and their opportunities in the job market. When necessary, we also refer them to relevant organisations.
Supervised Homework Group (SHG) This is open to families under CDAC case management, with school-going children in upper primary levels. The SHG is led by CDAC volunteers, serving as big brothers and sisters who support children in their schoolwork. They also help to inculcate positive values and guide character development through indoor and outdoor educational activities. The SHG lasts for 10 months every year, and each three-hour session takes place every Saturday at eight CDAC Centres.
Project YOUth Can Shine An extension of the SHG for children who have progressed to secondary school, this programme helps them transit from primary school to secondary school. Besides providing guidance and tuition in their schoolwork, volunteers also provide support as the children adjust to new school environment.
21 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
Family Resource Programme Through talks, workshops, health screenings, learning days, and support groups, we help families build resilience and enhance family bonding.
Support Groups We run support groups for single parents, transnational couples and debt-ridden families. Through sharing sessions, talks and workshops, they learn how to manage household expenses effectively, handle family relationships, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This helps to strengthen family cohesion and resilience.
Family Bonding Day This annual event gives our beneficiary families a chance to enjoy one another’s company during a fun and enriching outing. It also helps to strengthen family cohesion.
Financial Literacy Learning Day Open to family members of all ages, this event helps participants understand their individual financial responsibilities and learn effective financial management skills.
Marriage Vow Renewal Event This event gives couples from low-income families the chance to renew their marriage vows in the presence of their children.
“Ready for School!” This large-scale event which takes place every December, was first started in 2004. For the past 18 years, it has helped many lowincome families and their school-going children prepare for a new school year.
22
Supporting Families and Workers Activities
“Ready For School!” Turns 18!
New Term, New Start! In accordance with safe management measures, the “Ready for School!” event in December 2021 was held over four days at two locations — Nanyang Junior College, and the Singapore Sports Hub Library. Minister for Health and CDAC Board Chairman Ong Ye Kung, together with Senior Minister of State for Transport and CDAC Board Director Chee Hong Tat graced the event, and distributed gift packs to beneficiary families. Due to Covid-19, we were unable to resume in-person activities. However, beneficiary families were still able to take part in games and activites online, and enjoy family bonding moments from their homes. In total, 100 volunteers and nine sponsors and partners (including schools, government organisations, and enterprises) supported this annual event, helping us reach out to 8,600 low-income families.
23 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
Workshop Series
REPORT
Upskilling For Employment Adjusting to the New Normal in the Job Market On 17 April 2021, 14 job-seekers took part in this four-hour workshop. Trainers from North West Community Development Council and Lifeskills Institute shared suggestions on securing employment and skills upgrading.
Building Resilience and Writing Effective CVs On 5 and 19 June 2021, we held two online workshops to help jobseekers, part-time workers, and freelance workers adopt a growth mindset to build resilience, and learn writing CVs that will enable them to stand out. Each workshop was attended by 24 and 19 participants respectively. Participants shared the challenges they faced in the job market, and got a better understanding of common issues. They were also able to benefit from mutual encouragement, and realise the importance of skills upgrading.
Career Planning for Success Jobseekers Support Group On 11 September and 5 October 2021, we resumed in-person workshop for this support group that covered career planning, job-seeking strategies, and how to prepare for the future. After the four workshops, trainers continued to follow up with participants online, to understand the challenges they were facing in their job search, provide suggestions, and help them find suitable employment.
24
Supporting Families and Workers Activities
Family Day
Keeping Spirits Up While Staying At Home “Love You Then, Love You Still” Online Marriage Vow Renewal Event 38 families took part in this event on 7 August 2021, where getai host Anna Lim Ru Ping and CDAC Family Life Consultant Ngiow May Lee shared their views on marriage and family life, and DJ Jing Yun played games with participants. Through this event, we hope to provide learning opportunities for married couples, where they can reflect on their relationship, and reaffirm their love for each other. It also gives their children the meaningful experience of witnessing their parents renew their marriage vows.
CDAC Family Wellness Day We organise a Family Day for our beneficiary families every year, to build resilience and encourage bonding. Due to the pandemic, we moved this event online. During the pandemic, low-income families faced more stress related to job and income instability, health issues, and their children’s education. Strong family ties are even more important during challenging times, as such family bonding helps to improve communication and build resilience. On 5 September 2021, 750 families took part, through digital platform Zoom, in activities such as yoga, art jamming and ocarina sessions. The evening’s programmes were livestreamed on our Facebook page and Minister of State Sun Xueling attended the livestream.
Tree Planting Family Day For this event, we worked with National Parks Board (NParks) for the first time, and participating families were able to contribute to NParks’ OneMillionTrees Movement. The event took place on 19 September, and 2 and 3 October 2021, in Toa Payoh, Marsiling, and Ulu Pandan parks, and 45 families comprising 140 family members took part. Through this activity, they were able to do their part for the City in Nature plan, spend time in nature, and give a boost to their mental and physical health. Treeplanting is also the metaphor we use to describe CDAC’s strategic direction.
25 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
Supporting Families and Workers A snapshot of our impact from 2017-2021
Households Supported by Family and Worker Support Programme
Households Supported by Case Management
Households Supported by Family Resource Programme
2017
7,100
2017
1,590
2017
660
2018
7,410
2018
1,610
2018
840
2019
7,350
2019
1,510
2019
890
2020
9,460
2020
1,490
2020
590
2021
9,590
Students Mentored by Volunteers in Supervised Homework Group & Project YOUth Can Shine
2021
1,710
Households Supported by “Ready for School!”
2017
120
2017
5,800
2018
140
2018
6,500
2019
160
2019
6,500
2020
180
2020
8,700
2021
160
2021
8,600
2021
270
26
Supporting Families and Workers My Story
When he was 12 years old, Dickson Ang had a lot to worry about. He was stressed about whether his poor results in Mathematics would hinder his admittance to secondary school. On top of that, his mother fell ill and was hospitalised, while his father’s income was affected by the pandemic. These stresses were far too heavy for a child of his age to deal with.
CDAC Caseworker and volunteers stepped up to give the Ang family strength and support to meet their challenges head on and face life with a smile.
Reaching for
HOPE during troubled times
Ms Goh Ruoyi, a volunteer tutor at CDAC’s Supervised Homework Group, gives Dickson personal tutoring, and his mother Mdm Xie Yutao feels overwhelming gratitude for the care Ruoyi has shown to Dickson. Her son is easily distracted during class, says Mdm Xie, and she had tried putting him in different tuition centres, but each time, he would complain of being scared of the tutors. The turning point came when he met Ruoyi. Under Ruoyi’s kind and patient guidance, Dickson’s attitude changed completely, which resulted in an improvement in his academic performance. A primary school teacher by profession, Ruoyi has a lot of affection for Dickson, whom she finds pleasant and kind. “Compared to many other children whose families are better off financially, he has a better appreciation of kindness and gratitude, and he often shows his appreciation through caring gestures.” When Dickson’s mother had to be hospitalised last year, the worry was too great for him and Ruoyi felt deeply sorry for the boy. When his mother’s condition improved and she was discharged, Dickson became his old cheerful self again. During the pandemic, CDAC offered the family $200 worth of grocery vouchers monthly to help with their living expenses. Mdm Xie is also grateful to the CDAC for arranging various family activities, giving them a chance to take the children out on outings. Today, Dickson has progressed to secondary school. He has graduated from Supervised Homework Group, and is now in Project YOUth Can Shine.
27 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
The turning point came when 12-year-old Dickson met Ms Goh. Under her kind and patient guidance, his attitude changed completely, which resulted in an improvement in his academic performance.
Scan to watch back row from left
Xie Yutao Ang Eng Hock front row from left
Joycelyn Ang Yi Xin Dickson Ang Chee Hau Volunteer Goh Ruoyi
28
CDAC Fulfilling Ageing
EMBRACING a new chapter
We help seniors aged 50 and above to stay healthy, both mentally and physically, through an active and meaningful lifestyle. Through these initiatives, we also encourage society to show respect and care for the elderly.
29 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
30
Fulfilling Ageing Programmes & Activities
Learning and Sharing Lifelong learning helps seniors stay active and positive. Topics for these programmes vary across current affairs, health, technology, history, and culture. The News Sharing and Learning Kiosk programmes help seniors understand social issues and interesting news, and pick up new knowledge. Information Sharing sessions help them understand topics that are relevant to them, such as Advance Care Planning, Will Writing, and Lasting Power of Attorney.
Health and Wellness The CDAC organises talks on wellness, as well as craft and music classes, like Cajon drumming, ukulele, portraiture, paper-cutting, and seal-carving. These activities keep seniors active and help widen their social circles. We also celebrate traditional festivals such as Dumpling Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival and Chongyang Festival so that seniors can share the joy of these occasions and get to know more people.
Volunteerism We encourage seniors to volunteer and participate actively in our programmes. Such involvements also helps to keep them mentally and physically active.
Granny Quilt Project Every week, volunteers meet at our Redhill and Punggol centres and use fabric pieces to create quilts. These quilts, each made up of 100 fabric pieces, are distributed at community events to families with newborn babies. This is a part of cultural tradition and also a way to express well wishes for the babies.
Haircut for Seniors Project Since 2017, we have worked with partners such as eldercare centres and nursing homes, to provide free haircut services to seniors who are less mobile. Our current partners are St Luke’s ElderCare (Tampines and Ang Mo Kio Centre), Ling Kwang Home, NTUC Health Senior Day Care (Serangoon Central), Pacific Healthcare Nursing Home, and Sengkang General Hospital.
Project C.A.R.E. Jointly organised by the CDAC and the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA), this annual activity encourages young people to volunteer and care for seniors. Volunteers from both organisations work together to accompany seniors on excursions or for meals.
31 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
Activities
Live, Learn, Laugh
Information Sharing Session
In 2021, we held eight Mandarin talks in both online and hybrid formats, drawing 620 participants. Seniors were able to better understand policies and topics that were relevant to them, such as Lasting Power of Attorney, Advance Care Planning, and Will Writing.
Mid-Autumn Held on 17 September 2021, this event saw CDAC Board Director Baey Yam Keng playing the flute online, while getai host Anna Festival Celebration Lim Ru Ping, performers Acid Pang and Fran Ho, and Lao Sai Tao
Yuan troupe leader Nick Shen Weijun brought song, dance, and opera to the stage. We also arranged for online activities that featured body percussion, Bai Yin Contemporary Qigong, breathwork and sound baths. In all, 246 seniors took part in this event.
Teatime Melody
We piloted this online health and wellness activity in 2021, and it featured 50 minutes of song, dance and sharing activities, and a 15-minute sports segment (chair yoga). The main goal was to encourage seniors staying at home during the pandemic to stay optimistic and healthy. We invited a few local music groups, such as The ETC and Music Dreamer, as well as Acid and Fran.
Health and Wellness Workshops
In 2021, we organised nine Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) health and wellness online workshops. Topics included rheumatoid arthritis, cervical spondylosis, common TCM ingredients and prescriptions, mindfulness, and acupressure. In all, 580 seniors attended these sessions.
Seniors Supported by Fulfilling Ageing Programme 2017
2,760
2018
2,970
2019
4,480
2020
1,250
2021
1,910
32
Fulfilling Ageing My Story
“Old folks are looking for company, for someone to chat with,” says Mr James Ouyang. It’s this very realisation that has motivated him to spend time every week for the past five years reading news to the elderly.
Connecting with
SINCERITY Brought up by his grandparents, he feels a special affection for the elderly. So, when his friend invited him to join the CDAC’s weekly News Sharing programme for seniors, he agreed immediately.
Mr Ouyang, who is originally from Guangdong province in China, used to feel nervous about reading the newspapers with the elderly. This was due to his lack of familiarity with local dialects, as well as a fear of saying the wrong things. However, with time, he came to understand the likes and dislikes of the elderly, and how to talk to them. Realising that the elderly are more interested in health news, he spends time discussing trending topics on health and wellness on top of reading the news with them. Sometimes, he chats with them in his native Cantonese, which brings him closer to them. His efforts have not gone unnoticed. More and more seniors have been attending his Saturday News Sharing sessions. From the seven or eight attendees when he first started, the group has now grown to over 20 people, and there are often no empty seats. Aside from feeling grateful to the elderly folks for their support and appreciation, he also feels a sense of satisfaction when he sees them picking up digital skills, “It’s so fulfilling to see them master the skills we teach them and read the news using the digital devices provided.”
33 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
James Ouyang Volunteer
“
It’s so fulfilling to see the elderly folks master the skills we teach them and read the news using the digital devices provided.
“
Scan to watch
34
CDAC Engaging and Developing Volunteers
HAPPY to help
Our volunteers are an essential pillar of the CDAC. Their time, knowledge, and experience enrich our resources. When helping communities in need, our volunteers are able to empathise with beneficiaries’ difficulties and needs. This fosters better mutual understanding and creates a more caring society.
35 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
36
Engaging and Developing Volunteers Programmes
Volunteer Management Recruitment
Every year, about 900 new volunteers join CDAC. They come from different backgrounds, but share the same passion for helping vulnerable communities.
Orientation This helps new volunteers better understand our programmes and the scope for their contributions. CDAC staff and experienced volunteers engage new volunteers to help them assimilate and ensure they have an enriching volunteering experience. The orientation imbues a shared identity among volunteers.
Deployment Volunteers can indicate their preferred way to contribute, in line with their interests and expertise. We deploy volunteers based on the needs of our programmes, and try to match volunteers with programmes that can tap on their skill sets to better support our beneficiaries.
Training and Development We developed a Volunteer Learning and Development Framework (VLDF), to provide a systematic guide for upgrading volunteers’ capabilities. The VLDF comprises three segments: Core, Functional, and Leadership Training. Our volunteers receive on-going training. Equipping them with relevant knowledge and skills enables them to carry out their responsibilities more effectively.
Engagement and Feedback To give volunteers the chance to interact, establish friendships and feel a sense of belonging, we organise engagement activities for them and maintain regular communication with one another. This helps us understand their needs, gather feedback for programme improvement and effective volunteer management.
Recognition To thank and commend our dedicated volunteers, we organise a CDAC Volunteers’ Day every two years, during which we present Long Service Awards, Volunteer Commendation Awards and Volunteer (Team) Awards.
Volunteer-Led Programmes We have four programmes led by volunteers — Supervised Homework Group, Project YOUth Can Shine, kidsREAD, and I am a S.T.A.R.! (IMAS). This last project was launched in 2020, and enables children from primary 1 to 3 from low-income families to get guidance in English and Mathematics, and learn positive values through various activities.
31 37 CDAC 华助 会
2021 2021 ANNUAL
年度报告 REPORT
Volunteer Engagement and Development Figures from 2017-2021
New Volunteers Recruited
Volunteers Deployed
Hours Contributed by Volunteers
2017
750
2017
1,300
2017
32,220
2018
820
2018
1,350
2018
37,340
2019
830
2019
1,420
2019
39,470
2020
1,100
2020
860
2020
14,880
2021
1,260
Volunteer Training Programme Participants 2017
1,160
2018
1,200
2019
1,150
2020
1,120
2021
1,330
2021
920
2021
19,670
38
Engaging and Developing Volunteers Activities
Keeping Up With Care During The Pandemic The pandemic has transformed the way we live over the past two years, and also the way volunteers work. During this time, our volunteers continued to give back, adapting to the needs of various projects. They adjusted quickly to online activities, and elderly volunteers were enthusiastic about receiving training in digital literacy, such as learning how to use digital platforms like Zoom. Volunteers who were well-versed in such skills also helped to guide others in their learning. During the pandemic, we organised our first online event, and our volunteers stepped up to help make this possible. Their dedication tided us through this difficult time, and enabled us to continue supporting those in need. For Project FRESH, we recruited 44 volunteers, who were in charge of communicating with beneficiary families, listening to them, and assisting them. As our tuition classes moved online, we also recruited 70 volunteers to provide students and parents with technical support.
Volunteers’ Day 2021 Held every two years, this event thanks and commends the dedication, time, and efforts our volunteers devote to helping vulnerable communities. Due to the pandemic, the 2021 Volunteers’ Day activities were conducted over two weekends. The first weekend featured a small-scale hybrid awards ceremony, while the next weekend featured an online event attended by 217 volunteers. A total of 238 volunteers received Long Service Awards. Seven outstanding volunteers received Volunteer Commendation Awards and three teams received Commendation (Team) Awards. To abide by safe distancing measures, we invited some of the award recipients to attend the in-person award ceremony. 1
2
3
1
Goh Chek Meng Volunteer Commendation Award (Supervised Homework Group)
2
Lee Kheng Hong Linus Volunteer Commendation Award (Special Projects)
3
Leong Huiqun Regina Volunteer Commendation Award (Family Befriending)
4
Yeo Meng Heng Dennis 25-Year Long Service Award (CDAC@ Punggol Management Committee)
4
39 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
Enhancing Volunteers’ Competencies Training In 2021, we held 78 training classes for volunteers, with 1,330 participants. Our goal was to upgrade their competencies, so that they could better carry out their duties and responsibilities in serving our beneficiaries. Topics included storytelling techniques, rapport building with youths, principles of pedagogy for English and Mathematics, empathy mapping, effective service, communications skills, and child behavioural management.
Engaging Volunteers During the pandemic, volunteers were unable to meet in person. Our staff worked with our CDAC Centres and various project teams to engage our volunteers online. We thank our volunteers for persevering through the pandemic, and continuing to help students and families in need. In 2021, we organised 42 engagement activities.
5
6
7
5
Tan Xin Wen Volunteer Commendation Award (Supervised Homework Group)
6
Granny Quilt (CDAC@ Redhill) Volunteer (Team) Award
7
Supervised Homework Group (CDAC@ Tampines) Volunteer (Team) Award
8
kidsREAD (CDAC@ Punggol) Volunteer (Team) Award
8
40
Engaging and Developing Volunteers Our Story
Giving back with
LOVE
One is a researcher, one a medical student, and two are educators. Despite coming from different cultures and backgrounds, these volunteers have the common desire to share the joy of reading with children from underprivileged families. Reading changes lives and knowledge changes one’s destiny. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, volunteers of the kidsREAD programme would convene at the Vibrance @ Yishun every Saturday, each leading a group of children aged between five to eight years old, exploring the worlds between the pages of books. The children might find themselves being introduced to the tree in The Giving Tree by primary school teacher Ms Soh Hui Leng, and learning about how, like the tree, their parents are giving unconditionally so their children can grow up happily. Or, they might have second-year medical student Mr Huang Yuxuan showing them his infographic illustrations on the contribution of foreign labourers in building Singapore’s infrastructure, or to explain the importance of environmental protection. Mdm Hasanah Mohamed Sohdi is a pre-school educator and has been working with children in kidsREAD for a good 15 years. “I hope to plant the seed of reading in the hearts of the children so that they can grow to appreciate the joy of reading,” she says. Researcher, Mrs Jayanthi Padmanabhan, whose two daughters are both studying abroad, jokes about suffering from empty nest syndrome, and says she chose to become a volunteer because she loves spending time with young children. “Being able to bring 45 minutes of happiness to children every week makes me happy too!”
41 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
The volunteers of the kidsREAD programme would convene at the Vibrance @ Yishun every Saturday, leading children in exploring the worlds between the pages of books.
Scan to watch back row from left
Huang Yuxuan Hasanah Mohamed Sohdi Soh Hui Leng front row
Jayanthi Padmanabhan
42
CDAC Community Outreach and Engagement
Working
HAND
IN HAND With 12 CDAC Centres located in different parts of Singapore, as well as the Vibrance @ Yishun (SelfHelp Groups Centre), we are able to bring our support programmes into the community, and connect families in need with the necessary assistance and services. We are also able to work closely with community partners to organise various activities, enabling our beneficiary families to learn different skills and gain enriching experiences.
39 43 CDAC 华助 会
2021 2021 ANNUAL
年度报告 REPORT
44
Community Outreach and Engagement Programmes
Community Partners and Projects To raise awareness of our support programmes, we work with various community partners, including educational institutions, grassroots organisations, social service agencies, private enterprises, and government organisations. Through collaborations, we build relationships and assemble resources that enable us to co-organise activities and provide multi-faceted support projects. These are rolled out at the 12 CDAC Centres and at Vibrance @ Yishun. We have around 250 collaborative projects for families in need every year; of which nearly 100 are long-term projects. The following are some of these long-term and more large-scale projects:
Collaboration with Government Organisations ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
kidsREAD Community Chinese Reading Project NEU PC Plus WeCare Arts Programme SkillsFuture workshops Job fairs Talks on employment and employability Sports activities Tree-planting activities
Collaboration with Social Service Groups ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Dizigui parent-child programme Project C.A.R.E TCM health talks Mental wellness talks Parenting talks Coding programmes
Collaboration with Grassroots Organisations ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Homework guidance Arts & crafts for children Parent-child activities Learning journeys Adopt a Christmas Wish Distribution of necessities
45 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
Collaboration with Educational Institutions ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Tuition Programme Homework Clinic and Consultation Operation Einstein Kidleidoscope IT workshop Reading programmes Financial literacy programmes
Collaboration with Private Enterprises ■ ■ ■ ■
“Reading with You” Programme Computer classes for seniors Digital courses Sharing sessions on legal knowledge
Collaboration with Self-Help Groups (The Eurasian Association Singapore, Yayasan MENDAKI, and the Singapore Indian Development Association) We have been working closely with the three other Self-Help Groups for many years. The Collaborative Tuition Programme started in 2002. From the 11 tuition centres at the beginning of this initiative, we had expanded to 123 tuition centres, as of 2021. In 2015, the four Self-Help Groups jointly set up the Self-Help Groups Student Care Limited to operate school-based student care centres. Over the years, student care centres have been set up in 30 primary schools, providing after-school care and services to nearly 3,600 students. Vibrance @ Yishun, a Self-Help Groups Centre, was opened in 2018. Every year, it organises around 130 courses and activities. The collaboration between the Self-Help Groups creates platforms for students of different races to mingle and integrate. They are able to learn together and understand one another’s cultures.
46
Community Outreach and Engagement Activities
Community Activities
Programmes For Everyone Learning Fiesta Held online over two Sundays (14 and 21 November 2021) with the support of 17 partners, this event comprised 53 free learning workshops and talks. It drew 1,400 participants of all ages, who learned new knowledge and skills that are useful in daily life.
Sharing Sessions In 2021, with the support of schools, grassroots organisations, social service agencies and government organisations, we held 130 sharing sessions. By working with these partners, we were able to reach out to more communities, and share more about our various support programmes.
kidsREAD Together with the National Library Board, we have been running this initiative for over 18 years. Every weekend, about 130 volunteers come to 12 CDAC Centres and Vibrance @ Yishun, where they read English storybooks to children aged 5 to 8 who are from low-income families. This programme helps the children to develop a love for reading and build a good foundation in English.
WeCare Arts Exhibition In March 2021, the National Museum of Singapore exhibited artworks created by students at Vibrance @ Yishun. These were made using wires, which symbolised the resilience of people during the pandemic. Students from CDAC@ Punggol, CDAC@ Sengkang, CDAC@ Toa Payoh, CDAC@ Tampines, and CDAC@ Woodlands also had their artworks exhibited online. With the support from the Community Development Councils, and through the National Arts Council’s WeCare Arts Fund, we were able to give students the chance to experience various forms of art.
47 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
Community Outreach and Engagement A snapshot of our impact from 2017-2021
kidsREAD Participants
Number of Partners
Number of Collaborative Projects
2017
300
2017
250
2017
250
2018
300
2018
250
2018
320
2019
310
2019
260
2019
310
2020
310
2020
140
2020
120
2021
340
2021
170
2021
220
Then primary 6 student Ng Xin Yi, from Huamin Primary School, had her artwork displayed at the National Museum of Singapore’s WeCare Arts Exhibition
48
Community Outreach and Engagement Our Story
Youths
stepping up to
GIVE BACK We work with Lianhe Zaobao and Lianhe Wanbao on the News Sharing programme, to help seniors be more aware of current affairs and social issues. In 2015, this programme was introduced at CDAC@ Ang Mo Kio, and CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School began taking part that same year. We also worked with a student volunteer team to launch the Love(E) Books Reading Scheme, which encourages primary school students to develop an interest in reading. Working with various community partners, we are able to help our beneficiaries learn through enjoyable activities.
CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School - News Sharing
Beginning in April 2015, St Nicholas teachers came to CDAC@ Ang Mo Kio every Thursday to read the news with seniors. In February 2016, St Nicholas students joined the programme. As of May 2019, we have held 54 sessions of news sharing. Due to the pandemic, this programme moved online in February 2021, with students reading the news with seniors through Zoom. This remains the current format.
Compass Youth Volunteers Team Love(E) Books Reading Scheme
This team was formed by a group of secondary school students. Using English reading platform Raz Plus, they launched this initiative to read English story books to primary 3 and 4 students, to spark their interest in reading and to develop good reading habits. At the beginning, the student volunteers raised the subscription fee for the platform themselves. From 2021, the CDAC began funding this activity. The weekly one-hour sessions take place from January to November every year, and has also moved online due to the pandemic.
49 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
“
Since 2015, the St Nicholas library association and the CDAC have worked closely together, and arranged for students to read the news to seniors in Ang Mo Kio every week. Even during the pandemic, we continued to do this online. While spending time with the seniors, students also understand the importance of honouring their elders, and giving back to society.
“
Niu Sheng Kai
Teacher, CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School
From left
Students Tan Si Yin Isabel, and Lim Jia Ying
“
The Compass Youth Volunteers Team started working with the CDAC in 2019. We not only want to help children master English, we also want to build up their confidence in their language skills. Looking at their progress, we feel so encouraged and fulfilled. Every year, we recruit new volunteers, and we hope this activity can carry on, and that we can continue to contribute to the CDAC. We are grateful to this platform for giving us a chance to serve the community.
“
Anuhya Bharadwaja Student Leader
From left
Compass’ Athalia Jemima Tan Hui Xian, Anuhya, and Toh Kei Soong
50
Community Outreach and Engagement Our Story
Partners who
CARE and share The Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution works closely with us. The North West Community Development Council (CDC), through the National Arts Council, set up the WeCare Arts Fund to organise various art activities for our beneficiaries. Our common mission is to help build a more caring community.
North West CDC – Financial Literacy Skills and Nurturing the Arts
In 2017, together with POSB Bank, the North West CDC launched a Dollar For Dollar Savings Plan for children from low-income families. The goal was to inculcate proper concepts of financial literacy and help build the good habit of saving from young age. This initiative ran for three consecutive years. In 2020 and 2021, this CDC worked with Maybank to launch the Maybank Star Savers Plan. This scheme helped children from low-income families learn financial literacy skills, and also provided them with bookshop vouchers which help them with their education expenses. The CDC also helped to nurture students with artistic talents, by helping CDAC student beneficiaries to apply for the WeCare Arts Fund. Since 2018, over 100 children from low-income families have experienced arts activities held at CDAC@ Woodlands and Vibrance @ Yishun.
Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution – Health Talks and Workshops
Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution (SCHMI) has been working with us since 2015, first by holding talks and workshops at CDAC@ Toa Payoh. At the start of our partnership, physicians from SCHMI’s Toa Payoh headquarters took part in these events. After several years, its physicians from other branches also joined in, helming talks and workshops at five CDAC Centres and Vibrance @ Yishun and thus expanding its outreach to the community. Despite the safe distancing measures during the pandemic, SCHMI continued to work closely with us by holding talks through Zoom. These online events were more convenient for low-income families and attracted more participants.
51 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
“
North West CDC worked with the CDAC on the Maybank Star Savers Plan, which benefited over 100 students. It teaches primary school students the concept of financial literacy, and helps them develop the good habit of saving. We look forward to more sustainable collaborations with the CDAC, to continue supporting the vulnerable residents in our community.
”
Steve Luo
General Manager, North West CDC
From left
Bobby Teh (Social Support Standing Committee Chairman, North West CDC) Vincent Tan (Social Support Standing Committee Chairman, North West CDC) Steve Luo (General Manager, North West CDC)
“
Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution has worked with the CDAC for seven years. We thank the CDAC for providing us with so many valuable opportunities, and for affirming our work. We look forward to maintaining this great working relationship, and developing more activities and initiatives. William Peh Wei Liang Deputy Chief Operating Officer, SCHMI
”
From left
William Peh Wei Liang (Deputy Chief Operating Officer, SCHMI) Koh Boon Khai (Chief Executive Officer, SCHMI)
52
CDAC Playing Our Parts, with Humility and Heart
Playing our parts, with
HUMILITY thank you
AND HEART
The support from community organisations and members of the public is the key resource for the CDAC to bring our services to low-income families. Without everyone’s generosity, we would not be able to provide as many multifaceted programmes, and would not be able to effectively carry out our initiatives. We sincerely thank the members of the public and organisations for their kind and generous contributions to building a better society. All donations make a difference to families in need. Regardless of the contribution amount, each goes towards improving their lives, and helping them to develop their skills. Given with love and care, each contribution reflects the ethos of “A little from all, together it’s more”.
53 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
54
Playing Our Parts, with Humility and Heart My Story
Many years ago, Mr Koh Wee Teng heard a call for donations of rice to help low-income families over the radio, and responded immediately with a contribution of 300kg of rice. This charitable act became an annual affair in the years that followed, with more rice donated with each passing year.
Although Mr Koh passed on many years ago, his son, hawker stall owner Mr Koh Seng Tiang, and his family have upheld this charitable tradition started by his late father and they are committed to keeping this spirit of charity alive.
Continuing a Legacy of
KINDNESS Mr Koh Seng Tiang remembers his father as a big-hearted man — whenever neighbours came to the stall to ask for help, the elder Mr Koh would never fail to offer loans of fifty or a hundred dollars. On his annual visits to relatives in China, he also gave generously, either through cash gifts or donations to rebuild temples. “He didn’t put too much importance on money, and he was also soft-hearted,” says his son. “As long as he could help, he would never refuse.” It was perhaps his generosity towards others that brought him good luck with his business. Mdm Tan Cheng Zhu, Mr Koh Seng Tiang’s mother, revealed that the family originally ran a stall selling chwee kuey in Upper Serangoon. It was back-breaking work for very little profit, with five rice cakes being sold for just 20 cents. A regular customer, who often ate for free at the stall thanks to the elder Mr Koh’s generosity, took note of this situation. He offered to teach Mr Koh a secret recipe for mutton soup, thus enabling Mr Koh to set up the Jing Jia Mutton Soup stall. This turned out to be a successful business that enabled the senior Mr Koh to raise his family of four children. Mr Koh Seng Tiang, his second son, subsequently set up a second stall selling his father’s signature mutton soup at Haig Road Food Centre. Although food stalls have seen their business hit heavily by restrictions on dining in due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Koh family has stuck to their tradition of charitable giving, spending nearly $2,000 on a donation of 1,500 kg of rice last year. “A hawker’s life is hard, but as long as our stall is running, we will have income, and as long as it’s within our means, we’ll do what we can to help,” says Mr Koh Seng Tiang.
55 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
Koh Seng Tiang
“
A hawker’s life is hard, but as long as our stall is running, we will have income, and as long as it’s within our means,
“
we’ll do what we can to help.
Scan to watch
Koh Seng Tiang & His Mother Tan Cheng Zhu
56
CDAC Annual Financial Report Highlights
Annual Financial Report Highlights Income Highlights 2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
($m)
($m)
($m)
($m)
($m)
23.64
24.51
25.69
26.13
27.46
Donations / Sponsorships
0.47
0.53
0.56
0.28
1.18
Grants & Subsidies from Government Agencies
4.43
4.36
2.83
6.84
7.01
1.92
2.12
1.54
0.82
0.80
30.46
31.52
30.62
34.07
36.45
2017 ($m)
2018 ($m)
2019 ($m)
2020 ($m)
2021 ($m)
10.43
11.08
11.97
11.09
14.88
Family & Worker Support
4.27
4.83
4.93
6.99
6.69
Fulfilling Ageing
0.88
0.97
0.99
0.69
0.77
Community Outreach & Engagement
3.43
3.47
3.48
2.94
3.68
Volunteers Engagement & Development
0.61
0.81
0.73
0.66
0.83
CDAC-SFCCA Hardship Assistance & Bursary Schemes
1.76
2.32
2.02
3.29
2.73
-
-
-
5.20
-
2.86
2.80
2.67
2.67
3.02
24.24
26.28
26.79
33.53
32.60
Contributions to CDAC Fund
Other Income (Fees & Others)
Total Operating Income
Expenses Highlights
Student & Parent Education
CDAC Education Grant Administration & Governance Cost
Total Operating Expenses
57 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
Corporate Governance Roles and Composition of Board of Directors and Board of Trustees 1
The founding members of the Chinese Development Assistance Council (“CDAC”) are the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (“SCCCI”) and the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (“SFCCA”). The Patron is the Prime Minister of Singapore.
2
The CDAC has formed two separate Boards, the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees, to manage the Operation Fund and the Endowment Fund respectively. The Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees of the CDAC are formed through a tripartite nomination in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the CDAC. The Patron, the SCCCI and the SFCCA each nominate their representatives to serve on the two Boards.
3
The Board of Directors comprises four representatives each from the SCCCI and SFCCA, and nine other persons nominated by the Patron. The Board of Trustees comprises the Chairman of the Board of Directors, seven representatives each from the SCCCI and SFCCA, and nine other persons nominated by the Patron of the Council. There are 17 members in the Board of Directors, including Board Chairman Mr Ong Ye Kung. The Board of Trustees has 24 members, including Board Chairman Dr Chua Thian Poh.
4
The roles of the Board of Directors are to: (a) formulate key objectives, strategies, and directions for the operation of the CDAC; (b) monitor and review the progress of the various programmes and activities of the CDAC; (c) review and approve annual budgets for the various programmes and activities of the CDAC; and (d) abide by the duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of a Director, as specified in the Companies Act as well as under common law.
5
The Board of Trustees is entrusted with the duty of managing and building up the Endowment Fund. Any usage of the Endowment Fund to finance the Council’s operation requires the approval of the Board of Trustees. The roles of the Board of Trustees are to: (a) mobilise community support to achieve the objectives of the CDAC; (b) hold in trust any assets for the CDAC at the request of the Board of Directors; and (c) offer observations, comments, and advice regarding the general programmes adopted by the CDAC.
6
Board members comprise individuals with diverse skills, qualifications, and backgrounds. These include accounting, auditing, banking, business, general management, investment, law, and public service. The Board members accept their roles without any remuneration.
Board Term Limit, Meetings and Attendance 7
The Board term is two years. The current term is from 18 June 2020 to the Annual General Meeting in June 2022. During its current Board term, the Board of Directors conducts its selfevaluation to assess its performance and effectiveness. Board members are nominated for appointment and/or re-appointment to the respective Boards at the end of the two-year term through their nominators.
58
CDAC Corporate Governance
Board Term Limit, Meetings and Attendance (continued) 8
The CDAC held two Board of Directors’ (BOD) meetings in 2021. Meeting Dates
Attendance
31 May 2021
14/17
8 October 2021
15/17
Directors
Current Occupation
Attendance at Board meetings during the year
Date of Appointment
Mr Ong Ye Kung1
Minister, Ministry of Health
2/2
23 June 2017 (Chairman, Board of Directors)
Mr Ang Kiam Meng
Group Chief Executive Officer and Executiver Director, JUMBO Group Limited
2/2
20 June 2016
Mr Baey Yam Keng1
Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Sustainability and Environment & Ministry of Transport
2/2
23 June 2006
Mr Chee Hong Tat
Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Finance & Ministry of Transport
2/2
21 June 2018
Mr Hong Poh Hin
Treasurer, Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations
2/2
25 June 2012
Dr Koh Poh Koon
Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Manpower & Ministry of Sustainability and Environment
1/2
18 June 2020
Ms Lim Sau Hoong1
Board Director, NTUC FairPrice
2/2
25 June 2010
Ms Low Yen Ling
Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry
0/2
25 June 2012
Chairperson of Mayors' Committee & Mayor, South West District
Past Board Appointments at CDAC (a) Member, Board of Directors (25 June 2010 to 25 October 2016) (b) Deputy Chairman, Board of Directors (25 October 2016 to 23 June 2017)
59 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
Directors
Current Occupation
Attendance at Board meetings during the year
Date of Appointment
Mr Patrick Ng Bee Soon
Deputy Chairman, Pan-United Corporation Ltd
2/2
21 June 2018
Mr Ng Poh Wah
Director, Fong Yi Marine Supplies Pte Ltd
2/2
21 June 2018
Mr Ng Siew Quan1
Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
2/2
25 June 2010
Mr Adrian Peh Nam Chuan1
Chairman, Adsan Law LLC
2/2
25 June 2010
Ms Sun Xueling
Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of Social and Family Development
1/2
4 November 2015
Mr Tan Bock Huat
Chairman, Min Ghee Auto Pte Ltd
2/2
20 June 2014
Mr Gilbert Tan Chye Hee
Assistant Director-General, National Trades Union Congress
2/2
20 June 2014
Mr Wan Shung Ming
Director, Tin Sing Goldsmiths Pte Ltd
2/2
25 June 2012
Mr Alex Yam Ziming1
Mayor, North West District
1/2
25 June 2010
Executive Director, People’s Action Party, PAP HQ
Past Board Appointments at CDAC
Member, Board of Trustees (25 June 2012 to 20 June 2014)
(a) Member, Board of Directors (23 June 2006 to 25 June 2010) (b) Member, Board of Trustees (25 June 2010 to 25 June 2012)
60
CDAC Corporate Governance
Board Term Limit, Meetings and Attendance (continued) 9
The CDAC held two Board of Trustees’ (BOT) meetings in 2021. Meeting Dates
Attendance
18 June 2021
20/24
19 October 2021
19/24
Trustees
Current Occupation
Attendance at Board meetings during the year
Date of Appointment
Past Board Appointments at CDAC
Dr Chua Thian Poh2
Executive Chairman, Ho Bee Land Limited
2/2
25 June 2012 (Chairman, Board of Trustees)
(a) Member, Board of Directors (22 May 1996 to 23 June 2006) (b) Member, Board of Trustees (23 June 2006 to 25 June 2012)
Mr Ong Ye Kung
Minister, Ministry for Health
2/2
23 June 2017 (Chairman, Board of Directors)
(a) Member, Board of Directors (25 June 2010 to 25 October 2016) (b) Deputy Chairman, Board of Directors (25 October 2016 to 23 June 2017)
Mr Cheng Wai Keung2
Chairman and Managing Director, Wing Tai Holdings Limited
2/2
12 June 2004
Member, Board of Directors (30 May 1992 to 12 June 2004)
Mr Tony Chew Leong-Chee2
Executive Chairman, Asia Resource Corporation Pte Ltd
2/2
2 June 2008
2/2
22 May 2000
Mr Ch'ng Jit Koon2 Mr Gan Kim Yong
Minister, Ministry for Trade and Industry
1/2
21 June 2018
(a) Member, Board of Directors (12 June 2004 to 25 June 2012) (b) Chairman, Board of Directors (25 June 2012 to 23 June 2017) (c) Member, Board of Directors (23 June 2017 to 21 June 2018)
Mr Charles Ho Nai Chuen
Managing Director, On Cheong Co. Pte Ltd
2/2
21 June 2018
Member, Board of Trustees (12 June 2004 to 25 June 2012)
Mr Kuah Boon Wee
Group Chief Executive Officer, MTQ Corporation Limited
2/2
21 June 2018
Mr Sherman Kwek Eik Tse
Group Chief Executive Officer, City Developments Limited
2/2
18 June 2020
61 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
Trustees
Mr Lee Sze Leong
Current Occupation
Attendance at Board meetings during the year
Managing Director, Sing Investments & Finance Limited
Date of Appointment
Past Board Appointments at CDAC
2/2
20 June 2014
Mr William Leong Sin Yuen Executive Director, Leong Yun Chee & Sons Realty Pte Ltd
1/2
18 June 2020
Mr Lew Chee Beng
Council Member, Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations
2/2
25 June 2012
Mr Lim Ming Yan
Chairman, Singapore Business Federation
1/2
20 June 2016
Mr Philip Ng Chee Tat
Chief Executive Officer, Far East Organization
0/2
25 June 2012
Mr Ng San Tiong
Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer, Tat Hong Holdings Ltd
1/2
25 June 2012
Mr Pang Lim
Chief Executive Officer, Koufu Group Limited
2/2
20 June 2016
Mr Pek Lian Guan3
Adviser, Tiong Seng Contractors Pte Ltd
2/2
21 June 2018
Mr Francis Phua Kiah Mai
Managing Director, Allweld Engineering Pte Ltd
2/2
21 June 2018
Member, Board of Directors (20 June 2016 to 21 June 2018)
Dr George Quek Meng Tong
Group Chairman, BreadTalk Group Pte Ltd
0/2
21 June 2018
Member, Board of Trustees (20 June 2014 to 20 June 2016)
Mr Seow Choke Meng
Business Consultant, Singapore Press Holdings Limited
2/2
25 June 2012
Mr Tan Aik Hock
Director, Yuantai Fuel Trading Pte Ltd
1/2
20 June 2014
Mr Tan Cheng Gay2
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer EnGro Corporation Limited
2/2
22 May 2000
Mr Anthony Tan Kang Uei
Managing Director MOH Holdings Pte Ltd
2/2
21 June 2018
Mr Wu Hsioh Kwang
Executive Chairman, Straco Corporation Limited
2/2
20 June 2014
Note: 1 Board Director who has served for more than 10 consecutive years. 2 Board Trustee who has served for more than 10 consecutive years. 3 Board Trustee who resigned with effect from 13 May 2022.
62
CDAC Corporate Governance
Board Term Limit, Meetings and Attendance (continued) 10 In total, six Board Directors and five Board Trustees have served in their present capacities for more than 10 consecutive years. They were nominated by their respective nominating bodies in consideration of their abilities to contribute to the CDAC Boards, as well as their leadership positions in the community. As the CDAC values continuity and stability, these Board members continue to serve in their present capacities. They have maintained independence in their oversight roles and have continued to add value to the CDAC. A term limit of four consecutive years is currently set for the Chairmanship of the Finance & Establishment Committee. 11
New incoming Board members attend an orientation briefing session and are given an information kit on the CDAC to familiarise themselves with CDAC’s work and governance practices.
Organisation structure 12
The Executive Committee (EXCO) was set up to achieve better synergy among the CDAC Programmes. The EXCO also implements the Board’s fiduciary, strategic and policy decisions. Six other Board Committees were also set up to improve the CDAC’s oversight of management and accountability to its stakeholders. They are the Audit & Risk Committee, Building Committee, Finance & Establishment Committee, Investment Committee, Stakeholders Communications Committee and Tender Committee. All committees have clear terms of reference approved by the Board. The Committee members, who include both Board members and external domain experts, are appointed by the Board Chairman. The Tender Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors.
Patron of CDAC
Board of Directors
Board of Trustees
Executive Committee (EXCO)
Board Committee
Board Committees
Investment
Audit & Risk Building Finance & Establishment Stakeholders Communications Tender
Executive Director Deputy Executive Director (with effect from 20 January 2022)
Student && Student Parent Parent Education Education
Family & Worker Support
Fulfilling Ageing
Community Outreach & Engagement One-Stop Service
Volunteers Engagement & Development
Corporate Services
Stakeholders Communications
63 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
Executive Committee (EXCO) The EXCO advises the CDAC Secretariat on the strategies for the various programmes, including outreach and stakeholders’ engagement. It monitors the implementation of the Board’s decision on strategic matters, policies, business plans, and annual budgets, and acts on behalf of the Board on any matters delegated by the Board from time to time. Three EXCO meetings were held in 2021. The composition of the EXCO is as follows: Chairman – Mr Ong Ye Kung Members – Mr Baey Yam Keng, Mr Chee Hong Tat, Dr Koh Poh Koon, Ms Lim Sau Hoong, Ms Low Yen Ling, Ms Sun Xueling, and Mr Alex Yam Ziming
Audit & Risk Committee (ARC) The ARC serves as an independent and objective party to assist the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees in fulfilling their fiduciary responsibilities relating to corporate accounting and reporting practices, risk management and internal controls. Two ARC meetings were held in 2021. The composition of the ARC is as follows: Chairman – Mr Adrian Peh Nam Chuan Members – Mr Chua Pin, Mr Charles Ho Nai Chuen and Mr Yeo Ek Khuan
Building Committee (BC) The BC was set up on 27 May 2020 to oversee the renovation of the CDAC Headquarters, which is slated for completion in 2022. The BC provides strategic direction and maintains oversight for this project, including the plans for future maintenance. Eleven BC meetings were held in 2021. The composition of the Committee is as follows: Chairman – Mr Seow Choke Meng Members – Ms Lim Sau Hoong and Mr Wan Shung Ming
Finance & Establishment (F&E) Committee The F&E Committee provides oversight for the CDAC’s financial records and cost management. The Committee monitors the expenditure against the approved budgets for the CDAC’s various programmes. The Committee also oversees human resource management and ensures an adequate, effective, and competency-based wage reward and remuneration system. Two F&E Committee meetings were held in 2021. The composition of the Committee is as follows: Chairman – Mr Tan Cheng Gay Members – Mr Ng San Tiong, Mr Ng Siew Quan, Mr Seow Choke Meng and Mr Wan Shung Ming
Investment Committee (IC) The IC provides recommendations on investment strategies to preserve and enhance the values of the CDAC Funds, and reviews and plans the investment portfolio allocations of the CDAC Funds. The IC also sets policies on the investment of the CDAC Funds based on the approved guidelines set by the Board of Trustees and in accordance with the Trustees Act. There were two IC meetings held in 2021. The composition of the Committee is as follows:
64
CDAC Corporate Governance
Organisation structure (continued) Investment Committee (IC) (continued) Chairman – Mr Tony Chew Leong-Chee Members – Ms Lynn Koh Beow Ko, Mr Sherman Kwek Eik Tse, Mr Lee Sze Leong, Ms Lim Li Ying and Mr Patrick Ng Bee Soon
Stakeholders Communications (SC) Committee The SC Committee reviews and recommends communication strategies to enhance stakeholders’ awareness of and support for CDAC’s cause and programmes. It also advises the CDAC on the implementation of strategies to enhance communication with stakeholders. Four SC meetings were held in 2021. The composition of the Committee is as follows: Chairman – Ms Lim Sau Hoong Members – Ms Goh Sin Hwee, Mr Lee Ee Wurn, Mr Ng Kim Hwee, Mr Peter Ong, Mr Woo Keng Choong and Mr Danny Yeo Jun Wei
Tender Committee The Tender Committee reviews and approves the award of a tender and/or quotation that exceeds $300,000. This helps to ensure a more robust and rigorous procedure for major procurement, which includes renovation works, IT development projects, and the procurement of enrichment programmes for a contractual period. The composition of the Committee is as follows: Chairman – Mr Ong Ye Kung Members – Mr Chee Hong Tat1 and Mr Tan Cheng Gay Alternate Members: Mr Baey Yam Keng and Mr Wan Shung Ming Note: 1 Alternate Chairman of Tender Committee
Roles and functions of CDAC management team and staff The roles and responsibilities of the Boards and the management team are kept separate to maintain effective oversight. The day-to-day management of the CDAC is delegated by the Boards to the management team. The management team is headed by Executive Director Mr Pok Cheng Chong (appointed on 12 November 2015). Deputy Executive Director Mr Tan Yap Kin joined the CDAC on 20 January 2022. The roles of the CDAC management team and staff include: (a) carrying out the day-to-day operation of various programmes and activities, and providing Secretariat support to the Board and Board Committees; and (b) monitoring the progress of various programmes and activities, and providing the Boards and the Board Committees with timely progress reports
Key Corporate Governance Practices 13
Board members and employees are required to, in their respective capacities, act in the best interest of the CDAC at all times. Policies and procedures are designed to prevent and address potential conflict of interest situations while promoting the ethical conduct of Board members and employees. The CDAC Boards have approved a Code of Conduct for its Board members, staff, and volunteers. The CDAC has also put in place its Conflict of Interest, Whistle-Blowing, Know Your Donors, and Communications policies.
65 CDAC
2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
Code of Conduct The Code of Conduct requires Board members, staff, and volunteers to protect all confidential information entrusted to him/her, except when the Board authorises disclosure. Board members are also to adhere to a high ethical standard in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. Board members are expected to exercise the duties and responsibilities of their positions, attend meetings, and participate in the discussion of issues, policies, and other Board matters.
Conflict of Interest All Board members and staff make declaration of actual or potential conflicts of interest on related party and/or interested party transactions which could conflict with their duties. The CDAC requires its Board members, Board Committee members and staff to make a yearly declaration, or a declaration at the earliest opportunity when there is a conflict of interest situation.
Whistle-Blowing CDAC has established a whistle-blowing policy to enable staff or any other persons to, in confidence, raise concerns about possible wrongdoing or improprieties in financial or other matters.
Know Your Donors The CDAC has put in place a policy that requires the CDAC to perform due diligence checks on donation or sponsorship sources (from individuals and corporations) as measures for antimoney laundering and for countering financing of terrorism. The CDAC will guard against the misuse of its name and/or reputation by external parties for terrorist or money-laundering purposes.
Public Image The CDAC has a documented communications policy on the release of information about the CDAC and its activities, so as to ensure that information about the CDAC is being released in a clear, timely, consistent, and accurate way across all media platforms 14 The CDAC has adopted the recommended best practices in key areas of governance that are closely aligned to the principles enunciated in the Code of Governance for Charities and Institutions of a Public Character. The CDAC’s Governance Evaluation Checklist can be found at the Charity Portal website www.charities.gov.sg.
66
Contact Us
CDAC Centres CDAC@ Ang Mo Kio 6456 4541 Blk 201 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 #01-1648 S560201
CDAC@ Tampines 6783 4649 Blk 158 Tampines St 12 #01-77 S521158
CDAC@ Bedok 6241 7994 Blk 138 Bedok North St 2 #01-185 S460138
CDAC@ Tanjong Katong 65 Tanjong Katong Road, S436957
CDAC@ Bukit Panjang 6465 4411 Blk 270 Bangkit Road #01-22 S670270
CDAC@ Toa Payoh 6258 8339 381 Lor 1 Toa Payoh L2 OnePeople.sg Building S319758
CDAC@ Jurong 6569 3573 Blk 421 Jurong West St 42 #01-1045 S640421 CDAC@ Punggol 6387 5455 Blk 512 Hougang Ave 10 #01-67 S530512 CDAC@ Redhill Blk 83 Redhill Lane #01-85 S150083
6475 6567
6841 4889
CDAC@ Woodlands 6891 0992 Blk 680 Woodlands Ave 6 #01-764 S730680 CDAC@ Yew Tee 6765 3302 Blk 627 Choa Chu Kang St 62 #01-160 S680627
CDAC@ Sengkang 6312 5329 Blk 321B Anchorvale Drive #01-196 S542321
Self-Help Groups Centre Vibrance @ Yishun Blk 145 Yishun St 11 #01-41 S760145
6752 7760
Enquiry Hotlines General Enquiry
6841 4889
www.cdac.org.sg
Student & Parent Programme
6603 5555
www.facebook.com/CDACsg
Family & Worker Programme
6603 5599
@cdac_sg
Fulfilling Ageing Programme
6603 5566
@cdac_sg
Volunteers Programme
6841 4889
enquiry@cdac.org.sg CDAC Building 65 Tanjong Katong Road S436957 Monday - Thursday: 8:30am - 6pm Friday: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Note: Photographs featuring unmasked individuals were either taken before Covid-19 or during Covid-19 in compliance with the prevailing regulations.
Scan the QR code to learn the CDAC Song
CDAC Song
A little from all Music by Lim Sau Hoong Lyrics by Edwin Chan & Lim Sau Hoong
Reach out a helping hand Let’s all do what we can When troubles fall we stand tall When storms come we heed the call Reach out a helping hand Let’s all do what we can With all our heart and soul We make this family whole Chorus
Bit by bit from all Together we have more Hand in hand we stand Together we all can We all can