SINGAPORE: Singapore’s four ethnic-based Self-Help Groups (SHGs) continue to be relevant as the country continues to raise socio-economic levels and provide possibilities for everyone, said Leading Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Weekend (Sep 18).
Speaking at an event in order to mark the 30th anniversary of the Chinese language Development Assistance Authorities (CDAC), Mr Lee said that as Singapore’s economy develops and the external environment gets to be more challenging, “economic development will be harder in the future by, and social mobility will be harder to sustain”.
That’s exactly where SHGs can assist within giving extra assistance to those who are not doing as well as others, this individual said.
While the ethnic-based groups — the CDAC, Mendaki, SINDA and the Eurasian Association – get some government financing, they mostly operate on donations from their particular communities, as users contribute anywhere between $0. 50 to S$3 per month to the SHG they are associated with.
In this way, SHGs “are a vehicle to get more successful Singaporeans to assist and support fellow members from their very own communities”, said Mr Lee.
“It is a very natural human impulse, and it also strengthens the provides between members of the community, ” he or she added.
Mr Lee furthermore made a case regarding supporting ethnic-based SHGs in Singapore’s multiracial society, instead of developing one outfit to serve everyone.
The 4 SHGs “better understand the unique characteristics and needs of their different communities” and can also address issues “forthrightly, without raising ethnic or religious sensitivities”, he pointed out.
“We will forfeit something precious whenever we do not have the SHGs”, Mr Lee mentioned.
Yet he also urged the SHGs to collaborate with one another “to reinforce Singapore’s interpersonal compact and strengthen our multiracial identity”.
The groups currently run joint programmes — like the Collaborative Expenses Programme and Huge Heart Student Treatment Centres – which cater to students through all races.
Another project – special centre Vibrance @ Yishun – is also in the works, and will focus on all students too, Mr Lee said.