Ministry of Community Development and Sports: Transforming Communities Through Sports and Social Initiatives

The Ministry of Community Development and Sports (MCDS) plays a pivotal role in shaping the lives of Singaporeans by fostering a vibrant and inclusive society that embraces sports and community well-being. With a mandate to unlock the potential of individuals and communities, MCDS has implemented a wide range of programs and initiatives that cater to the diverse needs of Singapore's population.

20 years of Community Development: Empowering Residents, Enriching Lives

For over two decades, MCDS has been at the forefront of community development, empowering residents to actively shape their neighborhoods and foster a sense of belonging. Through grassroots initiatives, the ministry has established close partnerships with Community Development Councils (CDCs), Resident Committees (RCs), and grassroots organizations, mobilizing community leaders and volunteers to address local issues and implement tailored programs.

10 Community Development Councils: Anchors of Neighborhood Transformation

The 10 CDCs serve as the focal points for community development in Singapore, providing a platform for active engagement between residents, grassroots organizations, and public agencies. Each CDC is helmed by a volunteer Mayor and Council, who play a vital role in identifying and prioritizing community needs, delivering localized programs, and advocating for their constituents.

5 Key Pillars of Community Development: Addressing Diverse Needs

Community development efforts in Singapore are guided by five key pillars:

• Community Ownership and Engagement: Empowering residents to take ownership of their neighborhoods and actively participate in shaping their community.
• Strong Families and Caring Communities: Fostering strong family bonds, supporting intergenerational harmony, and promoting a caring and inclusive community environment.
• Ageing-in-Place: Enabling seniors to live independently and age with dignity within their communities, with access to accessible housing, healthcare, and social support.
• Youth Development: Providing opportunities for youth to develop their potential through character building, leadership training, and experiential learning.
• Social Integration: Promoting social harmony and inclusiveness among all segments of society, regardless of age, race, language, religion, or socio-economic background.

6 Core Values: Guiding Community Development Practices

The six core values that guide MCDS's approach to community development are:

• Community-centric: Prioritizing the needs and aspirations of residents and tailoring programs to meet their unique circumstances.
• Collaborative: Fostering partnerships with grassroots organizations, government agencies, and the private sector to deliver effective solutions.
• Inclusive: Ensuring that all residents have access to opportunities and resources to participate fully in community life.
• Empowering: Providing residents with the means and knowledge to make a meaningful contribution to their community.
• Innovative: Embracing new ideas and technologies to enhance community development practices and improve outcomes.
• Outcome-oriented: Measuring the impact of programs and initiatives to ensure they are making a tangible difference in the lives of residents.

Sports: A Catalyst for Social Cohesion, Health, and Achievement

Sports occupies a central role in MCDS's mandate, serving as a powerful catalyst for social cohesion, health promotion, and personal achievement. The ministry believes that sports has the ability to transcend boundaries, build bridges between individuals and communities, and foster a sense of unity and pride.

5 Key Pillars of Sports Development: Nurturing Talent, Promoting Active Living

The ministry's sports development efforts are built upon five key pillars:

• High-Performance Sport: Supporting elite athletes in their pursuit of excellence at regional and international competitions.
• Mass Sport and Active Living: Encouraging Singaporeans of all ages and abilities to participate in sports and physical activity.
• Sports Infrastructure: Developing and maintaining world-class sports facilities and infrastructure to support high-level competitions and community-based sports activities.
• Sports for All: Ensuring that sports is accessible and inclusive for all Singaporeans, regardless of their background or abilities.
• Sports Education and Research: Promoting sports science and innovation, and providing education and training opportunities for coaches, athletes, and sports enthusiasts.

6 Community Sport Hubs: Hubs for Sports and Community Engagement

As part of its commitment to promoting active living and fostering community participation in sports, MCDS has established six Community Sport Hubs (CSHs) across Singapore. These CSHs serve as vibrant hubs for sports, recreation, and community activities, offering a wide range of facilities and programs for all ages and abilities.

5 Core Values: Guiding Sports Development Practices

The core values that guide MCDS's approach to sports development are:

• Excellence: Striving for excellence in sports performance and setting high standards for athletes, coaches, and sports organizations.
• Inclusiveness: Ensuring that sports is accessible and welcoming to all Singaporeans, regardless of their background or abilities.
• Collaboration: Fostering partnerships with national sports associations, sports clubs, schools, and community organizations to deliver a comprehensive sports ecosystem.
• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and approaches to enhance sports training, performance, and community engagement.
• Sustainability: Promoting environmental sustainability in sports practices and ensuring that sports facilities and programs are accessible to future generations.
• Community Engagement: Using sports as a platform for community engagement, social cohesion, and healthy living.

Ministry Initiatives: Addressing Community Needs, Empowering Residents

MCDS has implemented a diverse range of initiatives to address the evolving needs of Singapore's communities and empower residents to live fulfilling lives.

Kampung SPIRIT: Revitalizing Public Rental Housing Estates

Kampung SPIRIT (Social and Personal Initiative to Reinvigorate and Innovate Tampines) is a groundbreaking initiative launched in 2019 to revitalize Tampines North, one of Singapore's largest public rental housing estates. The initiative aims to transform the estate into a vibrant and inclusive community, empowering residents to co-create and lead initiatives that address their needs.

ActiveSG: Promoting Active Living

ActiveSG is a national program launched in 2014 to promote active living and healthy lifestyles among Singaporeans. It offers a wide range of affordable sports and fitness programs at over 200 ActiveSG facilities across Singapore