Nominations open for Singapore’s new leadership programme for young Chinese community leaders

A major leadership training initiative for the Chinese community in Singapore will begin accepting nominations on 15 December, 2025.

 The Chinese Community Leadership Programme, jointly developed by the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) and the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI), is backed by government funding.

The first cohort of around 20 participants will begin the four-month course in July 2026.

In total, about 100 individuals will be trained over five years.

The programme was first announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the National Day Rally in August 2025 and reaffirmed at SFCCA’s 40th anniversary gala dinner in October.

According to a 1 December statement by SFCCA and SCCCI, the initiative seeks to strengthen leadership renewal, deepen cultural identity, and ensure community organisations remain relevant to younger generations.

However, earlier statements by the Chinese Community Liaison Group (CCLG) and its chair, National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat, indicate that the programme also aims to improve the integration of new immigrants—a key component not explicitly mentioned in the latest announcement.

Integration and inclusivity at the core

On 20 August, 2025, Chee emphasised that the course would help emerging leaders understand Singapore’s diverse societal context and “the important role that the Chinese community can continue to play in developing a cohesive and united society”.

He specifically highlighted immigrant integration as a central aim.

“The programme will address how to improve the integration of new immigrants,” said Chee.

“Younger members come from different backgrounds—some born here, others new immigrants—but all share a passion to serve.”

Integration has been a priority for the CCLG since Chee assumed chairmanship in May 2025. The group, established in 2000, plays a key role in maintaining ties between the government and Chinese community organisations.

By equipping emerging leaders with cultural awareness and policy insight, the course is expected to bridge generational and background differences within the Chinese community itself.

Programme structure and nominations

The programme is open to Singapore citizens in their 30s and 40s who are proficient in both English and Chinese, and who have demonstrated a commitment to the Chinese community or broader society.

Participants will attend weekly three-hour masterclasses, alongside learning journeys, briefings by public agencies, and dialogues with leaders across sectors.

Course topics include strategic leadership, governance, inter-ethnic relations, identity and heritage, and public communication.

The curriculum is being developed with Nanyang Technological University (NTU), ensuring academic rigour and relevance to national challenges.

SFCCA and SCCCI will form a selection committee to oversee nominations and finalise participant lists. Shortlisted individuals will be notified in March 2026.

Modernising community organisations

Beyond leadership development, the programme supports broader efforts to transform clan associations and cultural groups, many of which are struggling with succession and digital adoption.

Chee has acknowledged that smaller associations may lack the capacity to implement digital systems independently.

To address this, the government will work with SFCCA to co-develop shared digital services for areas such as human resources, finance, membership, and volunteer management.

Funding support will also be provided to help these associations adopt digital tools and focus on community-building activities.

This dual approach—developing human capital through leadership training and boosting organisational capability through shared services—is intended to ensure that Chinese community organisations remain vital contributors to Singapore’s multicultural society.

A long-term investment in cultural cohesion

The leadership programme forms part of a long-term strategy to revitalise the Chinese community’s engagement with younger generations, strengthen cultural identity, and promote inclusive leadership that reflects the evolving demographic landscape.

While the 1 December briefing focused on leadership succession and cultural preservation, the earlier emphasis on immigrant integration by CCLG ensures that the programme’s full scope includes bridging divides within the Chinese community itself.

As Chee stated in August, “It is about fostering unity—not only within the Chinese community but also in building bridges with other ethnic groups.”