National Youth Council to be autonomous agency under MCCY from Jan 1

SINGAPORE - The National Youth Council (NYC), currently a division of the People's Association (PA), will operate as an autonomous agency under the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) with effect from Jan 1.

Mr Ng Chun Pin, the current director of the NYC and director of the youth division at MCCY, will be deputy chief executive of the NYC. He will help to lead the agency until a chief executive is appointed, the MCCY said in a statement today.

Adventure group Outward Bound Singapore, which is currently under the PA's purview, and Youth Corps Singapore, which was just launched this year, will be housed under the NYC.

The restructuring was first announced by MCCY minister and NYC chairman Mr Lawrence Wong in June.

He said in today's statement: "We are investing in our youth, who will be shaping the future of Singapore. The revamped NYC along with its partners will support youth aspirations, mentor them, and empower them to give back to society. Each of our youth can help to build a better society and make tomorrow better than today."

The MCCY said that the restructuring will ensure greater coherence in its youth development efforts, with the NYC serving as a bridge between government agencies, community partners and youth sector organisations.

The agency will be guided by three key pillars of action: supporting youth aspirations, preparing youths for new challenges and amplifying youth action for the community.

huizhen@sph.com.sg