SINGAPORE - A new programme is being drawn up to train the next generation of leaders for Chinese community groups, including clan associations.

As a first step, leaders from the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) will meet with their counterparts from the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry to set up a task force on the issue.

“We want to see how we can better attract more young people to join the Chinese community organisations and to strengthen our leadership pipeline, to be future-ready,” said Mr Chee Hong Tat, the newly appointed chairman of the Chinese Community Liaison Group (CCLG).

Mr Chee, who is also Minister for National Development, said on June 13 that leadership development and succession will be one of his key focus areas for CCLG and Chinese community organisations.

“We do need to bring in our young leaders and give them time to gain experience, to learn, to get to know the Chinese community before they have to take over,” he said.

“The best time to do it is when the seniors are around and they can share their experiences and guide our young leaders to take on different roles and responsibilities.”

Mr Chee was speaking to reporters after an introductory visit to the SFCCA in Toa Payoh, where he met with community leaders over a Teochew porridge lunch. He succeeded Law Minister Edwin Tong as CCLG’s chairman on May 23. Mr Tong, who had held the post since November 2020, will continue to serve as CCLG’s adviser.

SFCCA president Thomas Chua said the issue of leadership succession is not a new one for clan associations. His organisation is the apex body of Chinese clan associations in Singapore, with about 250 members.

“Some of our clan members have successfully attracted more youth,” Mr Chua said. “We should also get them to share their learning points in this process.”