CDAC Aims to Double Places for Its Programmes to 30,000 Plus by 2030

Self-help group spent more than $37m to help 15,700 households in 2024

- Chin Soo Fang

The Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) will significantly increase access to its academic, enrichment and learning support programmes over the next five years.

By 2030, the self-help group aims to more than double the number of places for such programmes, from over 15,000 today to over 30,000 spots, CDAC chairman Ong Ye Kung said.

Mr Ong, who is Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health, was speaking to the media after CDAC's 33rd annual general meeting at its Tanjong Katong headquarters on June 18.

The council said it spent more than $37 million to help 15,700 households in 2024, up from $34 million and 15,300 households in 2023.

In 2024, it offered 15,000 tuition and enrichment places, awarded 12,000 student bursaries and had 8,000 places for family support programmes.

With the income criteria raised in 2024 to help families, there was a 12 per cent increase in successful applicants compared with 2023.