Scheme to train next-gen leaders of Chinese community groups in the works

A new programme is being drawn up to train the next generation of leaders for Chinese community groups, including clan associations.

- Chin Soo Fang

As a first step, leaders from the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) will meet their counterparts from the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry to set up a task force on the issue.

"We want to see how we can better attract more young people to join the Chinese community organisations and to strengthen our leadership pipeline, to be future-ready," said Mr Chee Hong Tat, the newly appointed chairman of the Chinese Community Liaison Group (CCLG).

Mr Chee, who is Minister for National Development, said on June 13 that leadership development and succession will be one of his key focus areas for CCLG and Chinese community organisations.

"We do need to bring in our young leaders and give them time to gain experience, to learn, to get to know the Chinese community before they have to take over," he said.

"The best time to do it is when the seniors are around, and they can share their experiences and guide our young leaders to take on different roles and responsibilities."