Non-Singaporeans Appointed in People's Association's Grassroots Organisations

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth in each year of the last five years, how many non-Singapore citizens have (i) volunteered and (ii) been appointed grassroots leaders in the People's Association grassroots organisations, such as Residents' Committees and Residents' Networks.

An important part of the People's Association (PA)'s mission is to foster social cohesion and integration so that we build a strong and resilient community. This is achieved through our series of programmes and events, which bring people from all walks of life together to interact and bond with one another. Such connections nurture a sense of belonging that encourages all, Singapore Citizens (SCs) as well as non-SCs, who live amongst us, to care for and give back to the community.

During COVID-19 for instance, we saw the importance of building such an inclusive community spirit. SCs and non-SCs came forward to volunteer, take part in ground-up groups – with community and corporate partners – to help the most vulnerable in our community and those affected by COVID-19. The SGUnited COVID-19 Social Cohesion Campaign had over 2,600 PA volunteers, including non-SCs, working together to run meaningful community projects. They put together and distributed care packs to vulnerable residents, cleaners and frontline workers within the community where they lived. They also helped provide relief to essential workers by wiping down public spaces, such as playgrounds.

Such ground-up projects, initiated to support local needs, were made possible by our volunteers and enabled by opportunities from PA for greater community participation. We have different programmes with formal and informal volunteering, to encourage all – regardless of background – to volunteer and play a part in building cohesion in the community. For individuals who may be looking for ad-hoc volunteering opportunities, we have the Community Volunteers Scheme for informal volunteering based on causes, skills or projects. Informal volunteers who are ready for higher commitment and a more structured programme and are a SC or Permanent Resident (PR), may apply to be grassroot leaders (GRLs). Many informal volunteers who initially joined PA in the COVID-19 efforts, such as distributing masks, have come forward and joined us as GRLs.

Currently, about 8% of the appointed GRLs are PRs. We want to enable both SCs and non-SCs, who make up our community, to contribute to ground activities and give back to our society. A proportion of these non-SCs also become SCs after a period of time.