Community Development Councils Expand Role with Job-Matching Initiative

SINGAPORE: Community Development Councils (CDCs) are set to enhance their roles significantly to better serve residents, following an announcement by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong regarding a new job-matching initiative. This initiative, revealed during the National Day Rally on August 17, aims to connect job seekers with local employment opportunities, thereby promoting economic inclusivity.

In a media release on October 11, 2023, the People’s Association outlined that the CDCs will act as vital connectors within communities. Their expanded responsibilities will not only focus on job placements but also on fostering volunteerism throughout the districts.

Job-Matching Initiative Launches Soon

At the National Day Rally, Prime Minister Wong emphasized the importance of local connections in employment strategies. The newly established program, titled Jobs Nearby @ CDC, will facilitate the matching of job seekers to vacancies situated closer to their residences. The initiative leverages the CDCs’ strong local networks, which include merchants, small and medium-sized enterprises, and community partners.

The first pilot scheme was launched by the South West CDC on August 31, with plans for all five CDCs to implement the program by the end of October. This initiative aims to alleviate manpower shortages faced by local businesses while simultaneously assisting residents in securing employment opportunities closer to home.

Encouraging Volunteerism and Community Cohesion

In addition to job placement, the CDCs will serve as facilitators for volunteerism, aligning with Wong’s vision of fostering a “we first” society. The People’s Association noted that the CDCs will mobilize local stakeholders to aggregate volunteer opportunities, encouraging individuals and organizations within the districts to contribute their time and skills. This effort is intended to cultivate a culture of mutual support among community members.

“CDCs will also work with local grassroots organizations to encourage the development of micro communities of help, where neighbours care for and help fellow neighbours,” stated the People’s Association.

These initiatives highlight the CDCs’ roles as intermediaries between the government and the public. There are currently five CDCs, each led by a mayor, that aim to bridge the gap between governmental policies and community needs.

In an additional announcement, the People’s Association detailed changes in CDC boundaries to better balance population sizes across districts. The South East CDC will now serve residents of Aljunied GRC and Hougang SMC, previously under the North East CDC. This transition will ensure that local residents continue receiving support and services without interruption.

The upcoming changes will be officially gazetted on October 13, 2023. Dinesh Vasu Dash, Mayor of South East CDC, expressed a commitment to building and strengthening community initiatives that resonate with the needs of new residents. Meanwhile, Baey Yam Keng, Mayor of North East CDC, assured that his district would collaborate closely with the South East CDC to facilitate a smooth transition.

As these initiatives roll out, the Community Development Councils are poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing community engagement and supporting local employment, marking a significant step towards fostering inclusive and cohesive neighborhoods across Singapore.