Community Development Councils to Launch Job-Matching Initiative by October

Community Development Councils (CDCs) in Singapore are set to expand their roles significantly, following an announcement from Prime Minister Lawrence Wong regarding a new job-matching initiative. This initiative, unveiled during the National Day Rally on August 17, 2023, aims to connect jobseekers with employment opportunities closer to their homes. The initiative is part of a broader effort to foster inclusive and cohesive communities across the nation.

In a media release on October 11, 2023, the People’s Association detailed that the CDCs will act as “aggregators and connectors” to facilitate better access to job opportunities. This includes promoting volunteerism within local districts, thereby enhancing community engagement and support.

Job-Matching Initiative Launches Soon

The program, dubbed Jobs Nearby @ CDC, is designed to leverage the CDCs’ established connections with local businesses, including merchants and small- to medium-sized enterprises. This initiative aims to help residents find jobs that are geographically convenient, addressing both employment needs and the workforce challenges faced by businesses in heartland areas. The pilot program was first launched by the South West CDC on August 31, 2023, and all five CDCs are expected to roll out the initiative by the end of October.

In his announcement, Prime Minister Wong emphasized the importance of these local networks, which are essential for effectively linking jobseekers with available vacancies. The initiative not only aims to assist residents in their job search but also seeks to create a more dynamic local economy by supporting businesses that require additional manpower.

Encouraging Volunteerism and Community Support

Beyond job placement, the CDCs are also tasked with fostering a culture of volunteerism, aligned with the theme of a “we first” society—a concept Mr. Wong highlighted during the National Day Rally. The CDCs will serve as a “matchmaker” for volunteer opportunities, utilizing their extensive ground networks to mobilize community members and organizations.

The People’s Association stated, “By aggregating volunteer opportunities, the CDCs will encourage individuals and organizations within their districts to contribute their time and talents.” This initiative is designed to facilitate the development of micro-communities where residents actively support one another.

In addition to these roles, the CDCs will collaborate with local grassroots organizations to enhance volunteer management capabilities and promote community engagement. This approach aims to ensure that community support is not only available but also effectively utilized.

In a related development, the People’s Association announced changes to the boundaries of the CDCs to better balance population sizes. The South East district, which has a population of 474,359, will now encompass residents from Aljunied GRC and Hougang SMC, who were previously under the North East district, which has a larger population of 1,044,826. This change will be officially gazetted on October 13, 2023.

Dinesh Vasu Dash, Mayor of South East CDC, expressed his commitment to welcoming new residents and strengthening community initiatives. Meanwhile, Baey Yam Keng, Mayor of North East CDC, assured that his district would cooperate closely with South East CDC to facilitate a smooth transition for affected residents.

Overall, these initiatives reflect the Singapore government’s commitment to enhancing community support and engagement through the CDCs, ensuring that residents have access to both job opportunities and volunteer activities that strengthen their neighborhoods.