Promoting community bonding in Singapore

Question

Mr Yee Jenn Jong: To ask the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth with regard to the estimated FY2015 expenditure of the People's Association (a) what are the major contributing factors to the 51.3% jump to over S$1 billion in its expenditure estimates; (b) what are the major projects that account for the 115.4% rise in its development expenditure; and (c) why its operating expenditure will rise by 22% from the previous year.

Response

1. Minister Lim Swee Say, Minister (Prime Minister’s Office) and Deputy Chairman of People’s Association: The People’s Association (PA) promotes community bonding in Singapore. The budget allocated to the PA reflects a higher level of commitment by the Government towards promoting social cohesion and racial harmony.
   

2. Of the $339.6 million or 51.3% increase in the estimated Financial Year (FY) 2015 expenditure of the PA, $239.3 million (70.5%) is for the development of facilities for our residents’ use. These include the building of the Tampines Town Hub, construction of nine new CCs and two Water-Venture outlets; as well as to upgrade 28 existing CCs under our 15-year upgrading cycle.

3. The increase of $100.3 million or 29.5% in operating expenditure will go into implementing the Pioneer Generation Ambassador programme where staff and volunteers reach out to seniors where they live, as well as supporting the work of the grassroots organisations (GROs) and Community Development Councils (CDCs) in assisting the needy and in building and bonding our multi-racial and multi-cultural communities.