Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivered a speech at Youth Corps Singapore’s 10th Anniversary Carnival, highlighting the organization’s growth, achievements, and future directions.
Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong marked Youth Corps Singapore’s 10th anniversary with a speech at the Youth Corps’ Carnival and Partners’ Appreciation event on 6 July 2024. The event celebrated the achievements of Youth Corps over the past decade and recognized the contributions of volunteers and partners. Wong emphasized the significance of Youth Corps reaching its 10th anniversary and reflected on his role in establishing the organization 10 years ago while he was at the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY). He highlighted the growth of Youth Corps from its initial group of 90 volunteers to over 30,000 volunteers today, praising their diverse activities, including mental health support, elderly care, environmental efforts, and assistance during the pandemic.
Wong acknowledged the dedication of volunteers like Sheila Manokaran, who has significantly contributed to various causes and continues to support the community beyond her Youth Corps involvement. He assured that the government will continue to provide more opportunities for youth to contribute, including setting up youth panels to deliberate on issues such as financial security, careers, digital well-being, and sustainability.
Looking ahead, Wong suggested three areas for Youth Corps to focus on: making volunteering more accessible with lower time commitments, expanding volunteering areas especially in mental health and elderly care, and increasing overseas expedition opportunities for youth. As Singapore approaches its 60th year of independence, Wong encouraged the youth to continue contributing to the nation’s future, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and trust among Singaporeans. He concluded by highlighting the role of Youth Corps in strengthening bonds among Singaporeans and inspiring hope for a brighter future.
Source – PMO
