SINDA Annual Report 2024

To build a strong and vibrant Singaporean Indian community together

Mission

To build a well-educated, resilient and confident community of Indians that stands together with the other communities in contributing to the progress of multi-racial Singapore

Values

Respect, our culture Integrity, our foundation Service, our promise Excellence, our pursuit

Thrusts

EDUCATION

Maximising educational opportunities for all students

YOUTH

Inspiring youths towards greater achievements

FAMILY

Engaging parents to play an active role in their children's lives

COMMUNITY

Forging a stronger relationship with community partners

Board of Trustees

PATRON

Prime Minister

Lee Hsien Loong

CHAIRMAN

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam (until 30 September 2023)

Mr K Shanmugam (from 1 October 2023 onwards)

LIFE TRUSTEES

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam (until 30 September 2023)

Mr K Shanmugam

Prof S Jayakumar

Mr S Dhanabalan

Mr S Chandra Das

Mr J Y Pillay

Mr Sat Pal Kha ar

Dr N Varaprasad

TERM TRUSTEES

Ms Indranee Rajah

Mr Ravi Menon

Mr Girija Pande

Mr Gautam Banerjee

Justice Judith Prakash

Mr K Kesavapany

Mr Shabbir Hassanbhai

Mr Timothy Chia

Mr Piyush Gupta

Dr Sudha Nair

Mr Harjit Singh Bhatia

Mr K V Rao

Mr Ashok Kumar Mirpuri (appointed on 8 January 2024)

ADVISORS

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan

Mr Vikram Nair

Executive Committee Management Executives

PRESIDENT

Ms Indranee Rajah

VICE-PRESIDENTS

Mr Sarjit Singh

Mr Murali Pillai

SECRETARY

Mr Siraj Omar

TREASURER

Mr G Arull

MEMBERS

Mrs Rathi Parimalan

Ms Carmelia Nathen

Prof Vineeta Sinha

Mr R Raghunathan

Ms Praveen Randhawa

Mr Rajakanth Raman

Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash (appointed on 7 June 2023)

Dr Hamid Razak (appointed on 7 June 2023)

Mr G Segar (appointed on 7 June 2023)

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Mr Anbarasu Rajendran

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Mr Thambyrajah T (until 16 February 2024)

DIRECTOR

Ms Shereen Farzana (from 1 January 2024 onwards)

President’s Message

Dear Friends of SINDA,

Singapore is charting a new direction in a post-pandemic environment. We have had national conversations focused on how to refresh our social compact in the face of changing times. The Government released the Forward Singapore report in 2023, focused on building a shared future; a new way forward in which all Singaporeans can benefit from opportunities and achieve their aspirations.

SINDA has an important role to play in this shared vision. We want to ensure that those we serve – our students, youths, families and seniors – are able to access the opportunities available and reap the benefits. SINDA must work to ensure they have the right tools and skills to progress and succeed.

EXTENDING IMPACTFUL REACH

In the past year, SINDA has remained focused on its mission of upli ing the community.

In 2023, SINDA supported 28,429 beneficiaries, an increase of 8.4% from 26,216 beneficiaries in 2022.

This increase was across all beneficiary groups in our academic, development and assistance programmes. More students and

families received bursaries and financial aid, while greater engagement e orts led to more families coming into SINDA’s fold. A larger pool of youths joined our programmes as well, which allowed them to develop their leadership potential and expand their skillsets.

We also saw record numbers in academic achievement. The SINDA Excellence Awards honoured 851

recipients in 2023, the largest cohort to date in the award ceremony’s history, while 296 SINDA students were commended at the Self-Help Groups’ Joint Tuition Awards for sustained academic improvement.

SINDA played a significant role in supporting many of these recipients in their academic pursuits. The growing pool of achievers tells us that SINDA’s e orts are bearing fruit and are impac ul.

INCREASING DEPTH OF SUPPORT

We also expanded the depth of support within each area of work.

In 2023, career camps were introduced to upper primary students to encourage children’s career interests from an early age and allow them to gain deeper insights into industries of interest. These camps introduced children to a broad range of industries, especially in STEM.

As part of enhancing life skills, we introduced topics on ‘adulting’ to ITE students. These workshops focused on essential things they need to know as they transition to adulthood, such as financial and household management, career development, relationships and self-care.

Mentorship has also been a focus for SINDA in the last several years. The latest addition to our programmes is the ‘Mentorship to Let Her Shine!’, a mentorship programme for young women. Together, these help support di erent segments of youths and young adults to get access to advice, knowledge and resources to thrive and grow.

These programmes have seen good outcomes and have impacted our young beneficiaries positively.

EXPANDING SUPPORT TO MORE

At the heart of these e orts is SINDA’s sustained push to reach and benefit more people. We are working towards the longer-term goal of improving social mobility for more groups in our community. We want to empower them and give them a boost to achieve their aspirations. Even as the Government undertakes significant steps to enabling a more inclusive society, SINDA is working in tandem to ensure the best possible support for the Indian community.

In early 2024, SINDA revised its Per Capita Income (PCI) threshold upwards, from $1,000 to $1,600. This PCI determines the eligibility of individuals and families in receiving financial assistance and programme fee subsidies.

This new PCI benefits families from a broader range of income bands. More people in the middle-income groups will now have access to essential SINDA support and will enjoy full fee waivers when they enrol into programmes.

We estimate that a further 11,000 families, or about 12% more in the community, will stand to benefit from this PCI enhancement.

SINDA will invest an additional $5 million to support this wider group of people and will do more if necessary.

PARTNERING THE COMMUNITY

In carrying out our work, we are grateful to our extensive ecosystem of partners, all with a shared passion to serve our community. These partners help with identification and referral of potential beneficiaries to SINDA and support our outreach e orts.

316 partners worked with us in 2023 and such partnerships ensured that we could do more. The Indian Business-leaders’ Roundtable and its members continue to rally around our causes, with many bringing on board their respective companies to support SINDA’s initiatives. In 2023, we also brought our Project Give campaign to the heartlands to amplify celebrations, thanks to several supportive grassroots and community partners.

We are grateful for these partnerships and look forward to growing our partnerships, so that we can do be er in serving and upli ing the Indian community.

NAVIGATING THE JOURNEY AHEAD

As we move ahead in these changing times, SINDA will continue to do our utmost to help the community navigate the journey ahead and bridge gaps, so that we can all succeed together.

Indranee Rajah President SINDA Executive Commi ee

SINDA-Wide Reach

6,213 Students Nurtured

7,024

Children and Parents Enriched

1,181 Individuals Received Assistance

3,059 Youths Empowered

10,952 Individuals Received Assistance

28,429 Individuals Benefi ed by SINDA

Summary of Finances

Students’ Academic Performance

The Ministry of Education’s annual Education Statistics Digest (ESD) provides general indicators on academic performance in Singapore. The data presented below is extracted from the ESD 2023 and presents a 10-year trend of Indian students’ academic performance.

Scan the QR Code to view the Education Statistics 2023 or visit www.SINDA org.sg/edustats2023

Increase in percentage of P1 cohort that progressed to post-secondary education in 2022

The percentage of Indian Primary 1 cohort that progressed to Post-Secondary Education has steadily increased by a total of 3.5% over the past ten years from 92.3% in 2013 to 95.8% in 2022.1 2

FIGURE 1: PERCENTAGE OF P1 COHORT THAT PROGRESSED TO POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION

1 Figures include participation in Junior Colleges, Millennia Institute, Polytechnics, Institute of Technical Education, LASALLE College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and other private education institutions, and take into account students who have le the country. From 2015 onwards, figures also include participation in Privately-Funded Schools and Foreign System Schools.

2 Figures for 2018 – 2022 are preliminary estimates as these cohorts have not been fully tracked.

Increase in percentage of PSLE students who scored AL 1-6 in English, Mathematics and Science

Indian PSLE students who scored AL 1-6 in English Language, Mathematics and Science has increased from 2021 to 2022. The percentage of Indian PSLE students who scored AL 1-6 in Mother Tongue has decreased slightly by 0.7% from 95.1% in 2021 to 94.4% in 2022. Indian PSLE students also remain slightly ahead of the national overall percentage in English Language and Science.3

FIGURE 2: PERCENTAGE OF PSLE STUDENTS WHO SCORED AL 1-6

3 The first year that students sat for the PSLE under the new Achievement Level (AL) scoring system was in 2021. Under the new system, there are eight ALs, AL 1-8. The new AL scoring di ers from the T-score system and results from the two systems are not comparable. As such, the ESD has started a new series of statistics from 2021 PSLE. The T-score series before 2021 PSLE is available at h ps://data.gov.sg.

Increase in the percentage of Indian GCE O-Level students with at least 5 O-Level passes

The percentage of Indian O-Level students with at least 5 O-Level passes has increased by 10% from 2013 to 2022. However, the national overall percentage is still higher than that of Indian student population by 1.6% in 2022.4 5

FIGURE 3: PERCENTAGE OF GCE O-LEVEL STUDENTS WITH AT LEAST FIVE GCE O-LEVEL PASSES

4 Figures exclude Integrated Programme (IP) students.from 2021 PSLE. The T-score series before 2021 PSLE is available at h ps://data.gov.sg/group/education.

5 Figures include all school candidates except those who took O-Level subjects not in their graduating year.

Increase in percentage of Indian N(A)-Level students passes for English and Mathematics

The percentage of Indian N(A)-Level students who passed each subject has remained above 90% since 2013 to 2022. The percentage of passes has increased for all subjects from 2021 to 2022 except for Mother Tongue, which has decreased by 2%.6

FIGURE 4: PERCENTAGE OF GCE N(A)-LEVEL STUDENTS WHO PASSED ENGLISH LANGUAGE, MOTHER TONGUE & MATHEMATICS

SUBJECT/YEAR

6 Students who o er the subject at a more demanding level are also taken into consideration.

Percentage of Indian GCE N(T)-Level students who have passed English Language, Mother Tongue and Mathematics has increased

The percentage of Indian N(T)-Level students who have passed each subject has increased from 2013 to 2022. Moreover, the percentage of passes has increased from 2021 to 2022, by 2.9% for English Language, 0.1% for Mother Tongue, and 0.9% Mathematics.7

FIGURE 5: PERCENTAGE OF GCE N(T)-LEVEL STUDENTS WHO PASSED ENGLISH LANGUAGE, MOTHER TONGUE AND MATHEMATICS

7 Students who o er the subject at a more demanding level are also taken into consideration.

National gap between Indian A-Level students and national overall has slightly widened

The percentage of Indian A-Level students with at least 3 H2 passes and a pass in General Paper or Knowledge and Inquiry has decreased slightly by 0.6% from 2021 to 2022. The gap between the Indian students and the national overall percentage has widened slightly by 0.4% from 2021 to 2022.

FIGURE 6: PERCENTAGE OF GCE A-LEVEL STUDENTS WITH AT LEAST 3 ‘H2’ PASSES & PASS IN GP/KI

Maximising Educational Opportunities for All Students

SINDA realises the potential in every child. Designed to meet the di erent learning abilities and capacities of each student, our academic programmes provide the curricula and resources they need to enhance their academic performance and enlarge their potential, despite family, social, or economic circumstances.

Today, through strong partnerships with industry experts and a keen understanding of the educational landscape and trends, SINDA supports students in developing their potential, achieving their utmost academically and a aining a brighter future for themselves and their families.

6,213 Students Engaged by SINDA

3,642

Students in the STEP Tutorial Programme

657

Students in the Teach Programme

520 Students Received Other Academic Support

446

Pre-schoolers in Academic Enrichment Programmes

851

High-Performing Students Awarded for Achieving Excellence in their Respective Fields

23 Recipients of Study Awards and Grants

74 Students in the Collaborative Tuition Programme

350 Tutors Trained

“SINDA’s Teach programme provided academic help and resources that aided my learning experience. Thanks to SINDA’s and Mrs Prasad’s support, I am now confident in pursuing a brighter future and realising my dreams.”

Kamalini Karen d/o C. Kalai

Selvan, 16, and teacher, Mrs Sreelathaa Prasad, 57

INITIATIVES:

Teach, Back To School Vouchers

Towards a Be er, Brighter Future

When Kamalini received her PSLE results in 2020, her heart sank. Her score meant she had to repeat Primary 6 with a new cohort of students – a prospect that was very disheartening. Coupled with the fear of facing PSLE again, she began the new school year on a low note.

Her Tamil teacher and SINDA Liaison O icer (SLO), Mrs Sreelathaa Prasad, understood her concerns and reached out to her. She helped Kamalini work through her fears and encouraged her to continue a ending SINDA’s educational programmes. She had been enrolled in the Teach programme since 2017, and at Mrs Prasad’s urging, she decided not to give up. “That decision had a big impact on my education journey,” shares Kamalini.

The Teach programme provided essential academic support and relieved the financial burden of private tutoring services, thus allowing her to start the school year on a level playing field, despite her family’s financial situation. “I also received SINDA’s Back to School vouchers vouchers which helped with my school-related expenses. This allowed me to focus on my studies.”

Armed with SINDA’s support and Mrs Prasad’s guidance, the teenager redoubled her e orts. This time, her hard work and dedication paid o and she successfully passed her PSLE. Her outstanding achievement did not go unnoticed and she was awarded the Joint Tuition Award (JTA), for academic improvement.

While marking a significant milestone in her education journey and demonstrating her academic potential, her achievement has produced opportunities for personal and academic growth – something that Kamalini is determined to leverage.

Educational Programmes That Nurture Holistic Growth

PRE-SCHOOL ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES

446 pre-schoolers benefi ed from SINDA’s pre-school programmes

Aimed at nurturing an interest in learning from a young age, pre-school academic enrichment is a key pillar in SINDA’s e orts to enhance educational outcomes.

The Literacy and Numeracy (LYNN) programme arms pre-schoolers with a strong foundation in reading, writing and basic numeracy. Over six months, facilitators cultivate students’ interest and confidence in these areas to prepare them for primary school education.

Targeting pre-schoolers aged 5 to 6 years, the Pre-school Tamil Enrichment programme strengthens language competency and foundation through interactive learning, with the aim of developing a positive a itude towards the Tamil language. In 2023, SINDA collaborated with 3 enrichment centres to increase the accessibility of pre-school Tamil enrichment programmes.

STEP SINDA Tutorials for Enhanced Performance (STEP) is a comprehensive a er-school tutorial programme for primary, secondary and A-Level students. By improving their understanding of concepts, the programme raises the students’ confidence and academic performance in core subjects.

3,642 students a ended STEP classes

With the help of centre principals, administrators and tutors, STEP is also a key avenue through which we identify students and families in need of social, developmental or financial help, and provide them with further support.

In 2023, three STEP centres were piloted as dual-modality centres, where sessions alternated between online and in-person classes.

TEACH

657 primary and secondary school students a ended Teach 350 students a ended Guide

The Guide programme is a community-based supplementary programme that provides academic support to primary and secondary students who require assistance in strengthening their conceptual understanding of core subjects and closing learning gaps.

Designed for students who scored 69 marks and below in their core subjects, Teach is a school-based tutorial programme that emphasises intensive small-group coaching and strong collaborative partnerships between schools, parents and teachers to enhance students’ competency and academic performance.

In 2023, the admission criteria for Primary 6 students was revised from the ‘69 marks and below’ band to the ‘74 marks and below’ band, aligning with the revision of the T Score system to the Achievement Level (AL) score system.

All SINDA tutorial programmes — STEP, Teach, and Guide, harness the Collaborative Tuition Programme (CTP) model, where students from di erent races may enrol in any of the three Self-Help Group’s (SHG) tutorial programmes. Through this, 74 SINDA students were enrolled in tutorial programmes from other SHGs.

“

I love LYNN! My teacher is very nice and she makes the lessons fun. I have been going to LYNN for two years. I learn how to read and write. I also do Maths. I’m good at all these now! SINDA also has many fun things to do. I go with my family and we also talk and laugh with each other. We are now closer. I like spending time with my mum, dad and family!

Dhanishka Vickneshvaran, 5

INITIATIVES: LYNN, Back To School Vouchers

LANDMARK PROGRAMME

Targeting students preparing for the national examinations, including PSLE, GCE N(T)-Level, GCE N(A)-Level and GCE O-Level examinations, the Landmark Programme immerses students in intensive preparation lessons and equips them with practical tips and strategies to study and ace their Mathematics examinations. 170

students a ended the Landmark Programme

STUDY AWARDS/ SCHOLARSHIPS

23 individuals received partial or full scholarships for their diploma or degree courses

I became a caregiver at a young age, which made me prioritise my family over my studies and I missed lessons at school. Under SINDA’s Guide programme, I received strong academic support and a conducive environment to learn even as I managed my family’s situation. The home-based tutoring sessions were very helpful in addressing the topics I had di iculty with and my confidence grew. My grades improved and I am now beginning the next stage of academic life at Temasek Junior College.

INITIATIVES: Guide, Equal Opportunity Fund, Back To School vouchers, STEP Tuition Sameera Begum, 16

Through several scholarship schemes, SINDA supports students and young adults in a aining higher education and upgrading their skill sets. These scholarships are o ered in collaboration with established educational institutions, organisations and donors. In 2023, 23 individuals were awarded partial or full scholarships, worth $164,000, to pursue diploma or degree courses.

The following scholarships were available in 2023:

• APU – SINDA Scholarship

• Dr Balaji Sadasivan Study Award

• Kaplan – SINDA Scholarship

• Lighthouse – SINDA Scholarship

• Optimum Solutions – SINDA Scholarship

• PSB Academy – SINDA Scholarship

• SCCCF – SINDA Scholarship

• SIA – SINDA Undergraduate Scholarship

• SICCI – SINDA Scholarship

• SIMM – SINDA Scholarship

• SINDA Tertiary Study Award

• TMC - SINDA Scholarship

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

5,404

parents and students benefi ed from SINDA’s academic support initiatives throughout the year*

Parents who benefi ed from parenting workshops are accounted for in the family chapter.

SINDA’s tutorial programmes emphasise holistic and tailored academic support that enhances learning and encourages parents to be active participants in their children’s academic journeys. These initiatives complement our tutorial programmes and include the following:

ENRICHMENT PROGRAMMES

Education Plus

Drives holistic growth in the classroom and at home by engaging students and parents. While students gain physical, social and mental growth, their parents glean tips from positive parenting workshops.

Equal Opportunity Fund

Surrounds students with opportunities to pursue and explore their interests by funding their involvement in enrichment programmes in the arts, music and sports. This broadens the development of students from low-income families.

Holistic Care

Provides a multi-level support system, which includes counselling, to enhance the lives of high-risk students and their families.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Student Experience Programme

Drives the confidence and aspirations of secondary school STEP students through experiential learning activities.

SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING

Online Learning

Provides access to e-learning pla orms to encourage self-directed learning and enhances student engagement outside the classroom.

TUTOR DEVELOPMENT

350

tutors underwent training

“Ge ing assistance from SINDA helped to relieve my emotional struggles and financial situation. With the support I received, I could fully concentrate on my studies and achieve good results.”

Hemaraaj s/o Amuthan, 25

INITIATIVES:

SINDA-SIET Bursary, SINDA Excellence Awards

In ensuring SINDA’s education programmes continue to be relevant and beneficial, we actively shape the training and teaching abilities of our tutors. Beyond enabling them to e ectively deliver customised and di erentiated curriculum, the courses help them stay updated on Singapore’s educational landscape and related trends.

Realising Academic Potential

In 2023, Hemaraaj stepped on stage to receive the SINDA Excellence Award for his exceptional academic results – a perfect GPA of 4.0 for his NITEC education in Mechanical Technology. It was a crowning achievement for the young man who had overcome multiple odds to build a be er life for himself and his family.

From a young age, Hemaraaj assumed the role of breadwinner a er his single-parent mother su ered a stroke. Between caring for his mother, managing the household, working part-time and studying, he was stretched. This led to him temporarily withdrawing from school during his N-Level year to work and save up for his academic pursuits.

When he resumed his studies as a private candidate, he approached SINDA for help and was quickly provided with the SINDA-SIET Bursary. Previously, his part-time job a ected his ability to complete homework, projects and join Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs). The bursary relieved his financial burden, allowing him to limit his work commitments to the weekends and focus on his studies and personal development. In addition, it provided him with vital resources for school, including a high-end laptop for his Diploma course.

Education Events at a Glance

SINDA Excellence Awards 2023

851 students – the highest number of recipients in the Awards’ history –received their SINDA Excellence Awards for achievements in academics, sports, and the arts. In the first-ever dual session award ceremony, recipients received their accolades from Guests of Honour Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman and Ms Indranee Rajah.

Joint Tuition Awards 2023

282 recipients from SINDA received awards from Guest of Honour Mr Eric Chua at the Joint Tuition Awards (JTA), jointly organised by the four Self-Help Groups to recognise students’ academic improvement.

Joint Learning Fiesta

Jointly organised by the four Self-Help Groups (SHGs), the inaugural Joint Learning Fiesta served as a pla orm for SINDA to share best practices among SHGs and tutors, as well as to celebrate our shared commitment in building supportive learning environments.

STEP Centre Visits

Former Chairman of SINDA, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and President of SINDA, Ms Indranee Rajah, headed down to STEP centres where they observed STEP’s impac ul work with Indian students in furthering their academic success.

Youths Towards Greater

SINDA’s youth programmes champion the development of Indian youths, nurturing them to fulfil their potential and achieve success. Through customised motivational and mentorship programmes, we instil positive values, shape good character and build confidence to develop youths who flourish in positive peer circles and emerge as capable, well-adjusted adults.

These initiatives are further enhanced by the SINDA Youth Club’s programmes. Designed to grow the youths’ leadership abilities, these activities guide them towards greater self-discovery through sustained leadership training and feature discussions on national and community-centric topics as well as creative solutions to thematic issues.

in Motivational & Character Development Programmes

415 Participants in Youth Engagement Programme

Youths Visited the Youth Hub and Total Hits on the Youth Hub Microsite

Engaged through Skills-Based Programmes

“SINDA's support during challenging times, whether financial, academic or personal, was my safety net and encouraged me to press on. By giving me access to much-needed resources, SINDA has helped me overcome obstacles and emerge stronger and more resilient.”

Suthesh Naidu, 25

INITIATIVE:

Mentor Me

Mentoring for Success

During a period of financial hardship for his family, coupled with academic and personal challenges, Suthesh and his sisters turned to SINDA for help.

STEP tuition imbued in them a deep understanding of the subjects as well as essential study skills, which formed the cornerstone of his academic journey.

Inspired by the impact the tuition programme had on his life, Suthesh signed up for various SINDA youth initiatives. In 2023, he joined the SINDA Youth Run and came in second place in the 5km run. The accomplishment boosted his confidence and propelled his desire to achieve more.

With this in mind, he joined the Mentor Me programme, where he was paired with SINDA mentor Meena Saravanan. Taking a holistic approach, she worked closely with him to explore his career choices and make decisions, while imparting essential skills and knowledge to navigate his career path. Under her wing, he gleaned insights into industry trends and learned how to network e ectively.

“My mentor, Meena, guided me in choosing from my di erent career options.

As she journeyed with me, I became more self-assured and gained a sense of direction,” he explains.

In addition, Suthesh also a ended SINDA’s career guidance sessions which helped him set ambitious goals for his future.

Having experienced the transformative impact of mentorship first-hand, Suthesh has become a staunch advocate for education and mentorship. Today, he readily mentors fellow students who are facing challenges academically and is active in various school initiatives.

Positive Youth Programmes that Inculcate Values

YOUTH ENABLE

921

youths were engaged through talks and workshops

YOUTH MENTORSHIP

141 youths were mentored by 168 mentors

With a focus on character development, Youth Enable is a structured motivational programme that guides students to a ain positive outcomes. While improving their social and emotional intelligence as well as nurturing their confidence and resilience, it also equips secondary students with vital study techniques and exam preparation skills to enhance their academic performance.

SINDA places high emphasis on youth mentorship, to deepen their perspectives from an early age and to expand their horizons before they embark on their careers. Such mentorship programmes also take on a holistic approach in helping students go beyond their current circumstances, towards a be er future. In 2023, SINDA conducted a range of sustained mentorship initiatives for youths, including:

• ITEnable Career Monitoring: As part of SINDA’s ITEnable programme, ITE students work with mentors to gain in-depth knowledge to explore and make informed decisions about their future careers.

• Mentor Me: A long-term youth mentorship programme, Mentor Me supports tertiary-level students in achieving their goals with specialised workshops and internship opportunities.

• SINDA-IBR Corporate Mentoring: Members of the Indian Business-leaders’ Roundtable (SINDA-IBR), including industry professionals from established organisations, partner tertiary-level Indian youths to guide and provide insights to them in their chosen fields.

• Mentorship to Let Her Shine!: Designed for young Indian women, the Mentorship to Let Her Shine! (LHS) mentees are guided by women leaders across key industries who o er them valuable insights into professional aspirations and equip them with tools to e ectively navigate their careers. 28 mentees were mentored by 28 established women leaders.

GUIDANCE AND MENTORSHIP

215 youth participants engaged in various interest-based GAME programmes

SINDA FOOTBALL CLUB

189 youth participants took part in SFC programmes

SINDA gave me all-round support in di erent areas of my life. SINDA’s Back To School Festival and STEP programme provided much-needed financial and educational assistance for me to do be er in my studies. A er finding out about SINDA’s diverse range of youth programmes, I joined the SINDA Football Club, where I not only improved my football abilities but also developed essential life and leadership skills.

My journey with SINDA has inspired me to positively impact others. Today, I am paying it forward as a Peer Leader with the SINDA Youth Club.

Sri Aakash Anbarasan, 22

INITIATIVES:

STEP, Back To School Vouchers, SINDA Football Club, SINDA Youth Club

Aimed at nurturing Indian youth aged 13 to 21, the Guidance and Mentorship Programme (GAME) immerses them in interactive skills-learning activities and mentorship through a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) framework.

Amidst a peer-supported environment, participants joined various iterations of interest-based GAME programmes, led by trained youth facilitators.

In 2023, 79% participants could e ectively apply the skills learnt and 73% demonstrated improvement in SEL elements.

The SINDA Football Club (SFC) allows youth to be meaningfully engaged, while enhancing their life and so skills, based on the 21st Century Competencies outlined by the Ministry of Education (MOE). Through participation in various competitive leagues and tournaments, youths are inspired to achieve new heights while gaining values such as discipline, commitment and resilience to help realise their life goals.

Beyond football, the participants also had opportunities to develop their skills across various sports such as cricket, through a collaboration with the Singapore Cricket Association.

PEER LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME

youth leaders trained

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME

415

youths found the programme beneficial to their growth

SINDA YOUTH HUB

619

youths visited the Youth Hub in-person as well as virtually via the Youth Hub microsite

Youth programme participants who display exceptional leadership skills can unleash their potential through SINDA’s Peer Leadership Programme (PLP). Through experiential workshops, they gain the necessary skills, values and knowledge to grow as active peer leaders, with PLP graduates taking on leadership responsibilities in other SINDA youth programmes.

In 2023, PLP collaborated with the SINDA Youth Club, where youths gained opportunities to participate and lead a wide variety of developmental programmes, further enhancing their leadership potential.

The Youth Engagement Programme (YEP) engages Indian youths aged 13 to 21 in various interest-based activities to create awareness of socio-emotional learning and upgrade their skill sets under MOE’s 21st Century Competencies. The programme also allows SINDA to identify youths in need of support and provide relevant intervention for their holistic development.

In 2023, YEP partnered with Narpani Pearavai to host the Dr Balaji Sadasivan Football Fives, a football competition for the Indian youth community in Singapore.

The SINDA Youth Hub @ Jurong Point o ers youths a physical and virtual space to learn, participate and benefit from SINDA’s youth programmes while enjoying positive interactions with fellow youth. It is also a channel through which students can access other services by SINDA and join our volunteer pool to give back to the community.

The Hub operated on a hybrid system in 2023, in which 70 youths visited the centre in-person and 549 did so virtually.

ITEnable ITEnable’s range of enriching workshops and mentoring sessions aim to build confidence and resilience in Indian ITE students. With activities running throughout the year, the college-based motivational and mentoring programme imparts new and interesting skills in a fun environment.

ITE students were engaged

“SINDA

has been my steadfast companion for almost a decade. Their programmes have been pivotal in shaping my academic journey and personal growth. Now, I want to empower others in the ITE community and build an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.”

Aathithyan Thiagarajan, 19

INITIATIVES:

STEP, ITEnable, ITE Leadership Programme (ITELP), ITE Allowance

In 2023, ITEnable partnered with the National Youth Council (NYC) to bring the Race and Religion toolkit to ITE students. Through the partnership, participants had the opportunity to learn the right skills to approach inter-racial and inter-religious discussions.

A Beacon of Hope

Unsure about his future, Aathithyan was plagued with anxiety since young. Thus, it was with an overwhelming sense of fear that he joined SINDA’s programmes, beginning with the STEP programme when he was 10 years old.

A few years later, when he entered ITE, he lacked motivation and guidance. Once again, he placed his trust in SINDA. He signed up for the ITE Allowance which alleviated his financial burdens, and joined other programmes including ITEnable, followed by ITELP. Here, immersed in a supportive environment, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery, where he gained valuable skills and grew in confidence. Beyond supporting his academic life, the programmes imbued in him positive values and shaped him into a self-assured and competent individual, ready to take on adulthood.

Importantly, the programmes helped him overcome his fears and he realised a remarkable improvement in his communication skills. Able to interact with others more easily, he has since been able to forge many friendships.

With his newfound skills, he readily reaches out to his fellow students who share his passion to ignite positive change.

“SYC has given me numerous opportunities to sharpen my leadership abilities, uplift others in the community and help guide and mould the youths under our care. I have found many like-minded peers among the committee members at SYC and am constantly encouraged by the transformative change we can achieve together through the different initiatives we hold. Through this, I hope to groom the leadership potential among youths and inspire the next generation of leaders.”

Thakshayeni Skanthakumar, 31

INITIATIVES:

SINDA Youth Club (SYC) programmes

Mentoring for Success

When Thakshayeni first joined SINDA Youth Club (SYC) in 2023, she meant to just be an observer, but that quickly changed. Inspired by the impact SYC had on beneficiaries and participants, it wasn’t long before the 31-year-old rolled up her sleeves and got actively involved in and even lead various initiatives.

Strongly dedicated to youth empowerment and community engagement, she spearheaded the Empathy Walk for the Young Adults Engagement. She was also pivotal in facilitating the inaugural Inter-SHG Youth Dialogue. These proved to be key pla orms for her to demonstrate her leadership capabilities and strong sense of initiative.

She further honed her leadership skills as the co-lead for YouthGiving24. During the 24-hour community volunteering event, her passion for giving back to the community was on full display, as was her ability to rally others and bring about positive change.

Now a SYC commi ee member, she oversees the ITE Leadership Programme. Commi ed to nurturing future leaders and shaping a culture of growth and development among youths, she works to empower young people. She leverages her lead role in SYC’s networking initiatives to surround the young participants with the right support and guidance to e ectively shape their career paths, thus arming them with a head start to achieve success in their future endeavours.

LEADERSHIP PROGRAMMES

youth leaders benefi ed from SINDA Youth Club’s leadership programmes

SINDA o ers youths who exhibit leadership potential with added opportunities to hone their abilities. One such avenue is the SINDA Youth Club (SYC) and its series of leadership programmes:

In 2023, SYEC took the form of a 3-day camp with 40 participants. 144

• The ITE Leadership Programme (ITELP) grooms Indian ITE students into e ective leaders. The three-month course shapes their development and presents opportunities for them to develop and execute projects that benefit society. 15 ITE students participated in ITELP in 2023.

• The SINDA Youth Leaders Seminar (SYLS) moulds youth with di erent academic backgrounds into youth leaders. A ended by 100 youths, the three-day camp saw them being empowered to be agents of change as they networked with their peers, honed self-leadership skills and engaged with fellow members in our community.

• The SINDA Young Leaders Programme (SYLP) nurtures youths to be the next generation of leaders, through discussing complex social issues, and arming them with skills to design and execute sustainable projects that benefit causes they are passionate about.

In 2023, SYLP transitioned to a modular format with three key modules: self, career, and community. The programme supported 29 participants on their paths to designing and executing ground-up initiatives that target diverse issues in the community.

• The SINDA Youth Empowerment Camp (SYEC) guides upper secondary students to achieve greater self-leadership by exposing them to community leadership and empowering participants to take ownership of their personal and professional development.

YOUNG ADULT ENGAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

102

youths were empowered through SYC’s Young Adult Engagement and Development initiative

Through the Young Adult Engagement and Development initiative, participants aged between 26 to 35 are able to build a community that supports their personal and professional journeys. Here, young adults join workshops, webinars and dialogue sessions that promote a greater awareness of growth industries and opportunities, while developing a professional network among peers.

In 2023, the SYC Young Adults Community strengthened its focus, anchoring e orts on three fundamental pillars; personal leadership, career leadership, and family leadership.

SINDA SPORTS INITIATIVE (SPIN)

Targeting youths, SPIN is SINDA’s sports-based initiative that imparts a holistic perspective of health to achieve physical, nutritional and mental well-being. Its training sessions, workshops and events raise awareness and assist participants in achieving a well-balanced healthy lifestyle.

In 2023, SINDA co-organised the Harmony Games for the Self-Help Groups in Singapore.

youths benefi ed from SPIN

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES

388

SYC’s core mission remains to foster growth and development opportunities for Indian youth in Singapore. In 2023, SYC organised the following initiatives for 490 participants to become be er leaders and more involved members of the community:

• Capacity Building – A series of programmes structured to equip young individuals with the necessary competencies to e ectively lead various programmes, events, and projects within SYC.

• Networking and Partnerships – To maintain robust relationships with partners, and to explore and foster areas of collaboration for greater communal impact.

youths engaged in development initiatives “

• Journey Cra ing – Partnering social service organisations, Journey Cra ing exposes volunteers to various community issues, providing a pla orm for them to engage in ad-hoc volunteering activities. As part of this programme, YouthGiving24, Singapore's first youth-led 24-hour volunteering initiative, was launched.

Since 2019, I have participated in ITELP as a volunteer and eventually became the co-lead for its 2023 edition. Given my passion for impac ul projects, I also decided to co-lead YouthGiving24 in the same year. SINDA has given me multiple opportunities to grow as a leader. Now, I want to make a di erence in society and inspire others to create a be er future for all.

Nandhini R Chandran, 24

INITIATIVES:

ITE Leadership Programme (ITELP)

“SINDA’s

programmes had a profound impact on my life, not only academically but also in my personal and leadership development. As a mentor, I hope to pay it forward and become a guiding light for others.”

INITIATIVES:

SINDA Football Club, SINDA Hal ime Camp, Peer Leadership Programme (PLP), Guidance and Mentorship (GAME) Sarvinderraj S/O Tamizhselvam , 24

From Beneficiary to Inspiring Mentor

An avid mentor and volunteer with SINDA’s programmes, such as PLP and GAME, Sarvinderraj is an inspiration to his peers and the youth under his wing. His own leadership journey began with his participation in the SINDA Hal ime Camp when he was just 10 years old. The mentorship and guidance he received there awakened his passion for leadership and community engagement, and he resolved to realise his potential to make a di erence.

A er the camp, he joined the SINDA Football Club, where he found himself immersed in a community of like-minded individuals who shared his commitment to service and empowerment. The Club provided diverse experiences which he readily leveraged to hone his leadership skills and grow in confidence.

Armed with a sense of belonging and purpose, he signed up for PLP to further refine his leadership abilities and facilitation skills, and gain new insights on mentorship and community-building. The decision proved to be a defining chapter for him as the confidence and knowledge gleaned from the programme aided him in di erent aspects of his life − from personal to professional − allowing him to upli and empower others and ignite positive change in society.

Youth Events at a Glance

SINDA Youth Leaders Seminar (SYLS)

SYLS’ annual 3 days, 2 nights camp engaged 100 youths in fun-filled activities surrounding youth empowerment and community service.

YouthGiving24

In November, the SINDA Youth Club hosted YouthGiving24, Singapore’s first-ever 24-hour volunteering initiative. The initiative saw over a hundred youths moving around the island to volunteer their time and skills towards various social and community causes.

ITE Leadership Programme (ITELP)

Bringing together like-minded Indian ITE youth, ITELP took participants through roles of leadership and service to others. In 2023, ITELP saw 15 youth leading Building Bridges, an elderly engagement e ort as part of the programme.

SINDA Youth Awards 2023

150 recipients were recognised for their achievements and commitment in and towards SINDA’s various youth programmes at the annual SINDA Youth Awards.

Youth Events at a Glance

SINDA-IBR Corporate Mentoring

Through the SINDA-IBR ITE Corporate Mentoring initiative, Indian ITE youths were mentored by Corporate professionals and members of the Indian Business-leaders’ Roundtable (IBR) to gain insights into career fields, as well as to build personal and professional competencies.

The Facilitators’ Nexus (TFN)

Aimed at engaging and training youth leaders, TFN is a unique collaboration between SYC and SINDA’s Peer Leadership Programme (PLP). Over the course of two weekends, leaders from SYC shared insights on facilitation with SINDA’s Peer Leaders.

Youth Events at a Glance

Youth Engagement Programme (YEP)

SINDA’s YEP is designed to reach out to Indian youths, engaging them in fun, interest-based activities that raise awareness on social-emotional learning. In 2023, 14 activities were organised, including a futsal tournament and a trip to X-scap8, Singapore’s largest integrated indoor funground.

Young Adults Community

In response to the unique challenges and potential of the 25 to 35 age group, SYC introduced the Young Adults Engagement initiative. Built on three foundational pillars – Family Leadership, Personal Leadership, and Career Leadership – this initiative inculcates personal growth and family values in young adults, whilst equipping them with career progression tools.

Building Stronger Families

SINDA’s quest to shape cohesive and resilient families is anchored in a series of enrichment programmes and family bonding sessions. From activities that develop the social and cognitive skills of pre-schoolers to learning programmes for older children aimed at complementing and enhancing their academic journey, each initiative

is specially designed to strengthen familial bonds and positively impact children’s development. Through various initiatives and programmes, SINDA seeks to foster meaningful connections within families to create a nurturing environment where both parents and children can thrive.

7,024 Children and Parents Enriched

561

Children A ended Enrichment Workshops

837

Parents Benefi ed from Parenting Workshops

484 Individuals Engaged through Family Bonding Activities

488

Children A ended Holiday Enrichment Camps

167

Mothers and Children Empowered through Project Athena

740

Early Learners Series Hampers Distributed

354

Pre-schoolers Engaged

438

Young Women Empowered through Let Her Shine!

“The parenting and family enrichment programmes have given us valuable guidance and strengthened our family resilience. We now are a lot closer and have a stronger relationship with each other. For this, I am truly grateful.”

Gyana Harshini, 11, Rengasamy Santhi, and family

INITIATIVES:

Let Her Shine! (LHS!) programmes, digital literacy and STEM education, parenting programmes and family bonding initiatives

Empowering Young Lives

Gyana Harshini was just eight when her family started to actively participate in SINDA’s activities and initiatives. Among the many programmes she has a ended, Let Her Shine!, in particular, has made a significant impact on the impressionable youngster.

By surrounding her with like-minded friends who share her passion and aspirations while empowering her with the essential skills and resources to become a strong, confident woman, the programme immersed Gyana Harshini in the perfect environment to thrive over the last four years. “I’ve seen her step beyond her comfort zone, push her personal limits and embrace new experiences. Throughout, the programme’s rich, social environment allowed her to make many meaningful friendships,” says Rengasamy Santhi.

Importantly, thanks to Let Her Shine!, the now-11-year-old was able to explore diverse subjects that are o en not readily accessible to girls – which led to her keen interest in STEM. Since then, she has not looked back, eagerly taking part in SINDA’s various digital literacy and STEM Education programmes to hone her abilities. Her newfound talents have earned her several opportunities to shine, including a presentation during SINDA’s Back To School Festival 2023 to SINDA President, Minister Ms Indranee Rajah.

Gyana Harshini was not the only one to benefit from SINDA’s programme. Her parents a ended parenting workshops to be er support their children and hone their parenting skills. Her family of four has also joined numerous family bonding events. “Parenting and family enrichment programmes have given us valuable guidance and strengthened our family resilience. We now are a lot closer and have a stronger relationship with each other. For this, I am truly grateful.”

Family Programmes that Strengthen Bonds

EARLY LEARNERS SERIES

740 recipients received gi bundles

Filled with educational toys and tools to promote positive interaction, the Hello Baby, Hello Toddler and Hello Pre-schooler bundles support parents in becoming actively involved as they build bonds and develop their children’s cognitive skills.

Collectively termed the Early Learners Series, this early intervention initiative is also an avenue for parents to explore SINDA’s diverse range of family-related programmes and assistance schemes, with 22 bundle recipients also signing up for SINDA’s other initiatives.

CHILDREN ENRICHMENT

922 children benefi ed from enrichment programmes

SINDA’s children enrichment programmes surround pre-school and primary level students with holistic learning opportunities that drive academic learning and shape character, while instilling positive values and key skill sets. Through these, we seek to spark curiosity, encourage exploration and prepare them for the future.

These programmes include:

• Stem Education

• Performing and Visual Arts

• Life Skills

A separate component of these enrichment programmes are holiday adventure camps, providing children the opportunity to be exposed to outdoor environments, engage in interactive activities to develop their decision-making skills and socio-emotional concepts, and strengthen teamwork. Throughout the year, 488 children a ended SINDA’s holiday enrichment camps.

In 2023, SINDA also introduced career exploration camps, a new initiative for upper-primary students to learn about future career options and discover their personal interests and goals in their fields of interest.

Through SINDA’s children enrichment programmes, I received many opportunities to explore new skills and develop new interests outside of my usual schoolwork.

As a result, I discovered a strong passion for robotics and coding and have been able to improve my digital skills thanks to SINDA’s STEM education initiatives. I am now more confident and determined to realise my dream of a future career in robotics.

Krisha d/o Thirukkumara, 12

INITIATIVES:

Children Enrichment programmes, Holiday Enrichment Camps, Digital Literacy and STEM Education, Let Her Shine!

DIGITAL LITERACY AND STEM EDUCATION

481

children benefi ed from digital literacy and STEM education programmes

LET HER SHINE!

438 young women were empowered through Let Her Shine!

Through SINDA’s STEM education programmes, tech-savvy children aged 7 to 12 with an interest in technology-based learning are armed with digital skills to prepare them for the STEM-focused future.

In 2023, SINDA collaborated with partners and schools, such as the Singapore University of Technology and Design, Weston Robot and WEFAA Robotics, to organise workshops that covered topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality and Game Development. These workshops ensured that children could adopt and be comfortable with digital literacy, to remain relevant in a broadening digital age.

The Let Her Shine! (LHS!) initiative is a series of workshops and sustained programmes that equip women with lifelong skills and provide them with the resources to grow into strong and confident women. While highlighting the progress and empowerment of women in the Indian community, it also addresses the obstacles faced by Indian women in Singapore, with the aim of helping them bridge gaps in their journeys to success.

Through its strong focus on career growth, health and women empowerment, the programme arms young women with the right knowledge and tools to shape mindsets and nurture aspirations in fields such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

In 2023, LHS! signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SG Her Empowerment, to raise awareness on ma ers related to the empowerment of girls and women through community engagements and partnerships.

PARENTING WORKSHOPS

837

parents were engaged through SINDA’s parenting workshops

FAMILY BONDING

484

parents and children a ended family bonding activities

“

I went for many of SINDA’s father-child events with my father and brother, like Dad's Journey. We do a lot of fun things together that have helped us become closer. While doing the activities with my father, I was able to talk to him about my life.

As a result, we now have a be er relationship, and I’m comfortable to talk about important things with him and share my thoughts. I’m glad we have grown together as a family.

Surendiran s/o Manogara, 38 and Vishwa Jeremiah, 12

INITIATIVE: Dad’s Journey

Stronger parent-child bonds and stable, self-su icient families are the aims of SINDA’s parenting workshops. Centred on key themes, the sessions emphasise the importance of each child’s development and equip parents with the right knowledge and techniques to imbue essential skills in their children and support their growth stages.

In 2023, these programmes included:

• Positive Parenting;

• Understanding Early Childhood;

• Pre-school, Primary 1, Secondary 1 and Post-Secondary Starter Series;

• Father-Child Bonding sessions; and

• Parent Engagement Workshops.

Designed to encourage continued learning and support children in realising their potential, SINDA’s motivational and enrichment programmes also provide opportunities for families to spend quality time together and influence one another for the be er.

In 2023, these programmes ranged from family fiestas to nature walks, providing families with the opportunity to cultivate healthier habits while bonding as a family.

PROJECT ATHENA

167

Indian single mothers and children were empowered through Project Athena

“Thanks to SINDA, my children and I are doing much be er. I hope to further my personal development by becoming a mentee under the Let Her Shine! programme. Eventually, I want to support other women and extend a helping hand to those facing the same challenges as I did.”

Siti Hamima, 32

INITIATIVES:

Project Athena, SINDA financial assistance schemes

Through Project Athena, single mothers gain essential skills to become self-su icient, resilient and confident parents. Helmed by trained social workers, the initiative holds individual counselling and group therapy sessions to support mothers and children in tackling life challenges and building strong bonds as a family.

Project Athena also organises programmes that range across parental development, children enrichment, and family bonding, to empower Indian mothers to be resilient and

confident individuals.

Empowering Single Mothers

A single mother of two without a steady source of income, Hamima grappled with severe financial di iculties. Having exited a marriage marred by psychological and physical abuse and faced with having to provide for her children alone, she was stretched mentally, emotionally and financially when she approached SINDA in August 2023.

Recognising that she was struggling on multiple fronts, SINDA delivered holistic support for her and her family. While she benefi ed from several financial assistance schemes that eased her concerns and allowed her to focus on her children’s needs, she also received crucial resources to aid in their growth and development through initiatives like Hello Toddler.

She also found a supportive network in Project Athena. Aimed at empowering single Indian mothers and fostering confidence, independence and resilience, the programme enriched her as a person and equipped her with the right tools to strengthen her relationship with her children. It also provided vital resources, including a laptop for her online business, to ease her transition to becoming a single parent.

Family Events at a Glance

Let Her Shine!

The first-year anniversary of ‘Let Her Shine!’ saw the launch of the Mentorship to Let Her Shine! initiative, which nurtures the career aspirations of young Indian women, providing them with career mentoring and access to female role models. The programme also held workshops all year round, including a traditional martial arts workshop.

Dad’s Journey

With a series of fun and exciting activities, such as dragon boating, SINDA’s Dad’s Journey provided 220 fathers with the opportunity to spend essential quality time with their children.

SINDA Digital Day

Participants of SINDA’s digital programmes put their coding and robotics skills to the test at the SINDA Digital Day held in October, encouraging our young ones to be digital-savvy.

SINDA Career Exploration Camps

During the June holidays, children had the opportunity to discover and learn more about career prospects based on their interests and values. From industries such as biomedical science to Internet of Things, participants got to visit various workplaces for an engaging experience on their prospective career pathways.

Family Events at a Glance

EA Football Camp

In June, children from SINDA participated in the inaugural Eurasian Association (EA) football camp. Catered to 7 to 12-year-olds, the camp served as a meaningful way to promote racial harmony and inclusivity through sport.

Parenting Workshops

SINDA’s parenting workshops aim to impart knowledge to strengthen parent-child bonds within our community. Over 205 parents a ended workshops in 2023, which shed light on several essential parenting themes.

Throughout the year, SINDA organised a series of exciting family bonding activities to strengthen familial bonds within our community. This year, activities included a Hike and Hunt at the Marina Barrage.

Family Bonding

Assistance to Support Our Community

Anchoring our family-focused social assistance e orts is the SINDA Family Service Centre (SFSC). Today, its range of social work and family assistance schemes continue to surround less privileged families and individuals with the motivation and resources to achieve self-su iciency.

SFSC’s holistic support e ectively complements the intervention programmes of other divisions within SINDA. Together, these empower families as they overcome obstacles and chart a brighter future ahead.

10,952

Individuals Received Assistance

1,699

Families Received Information and Referral Services

1,850

Families Received Celebrate! Festive Vouchers

7,231 Back To School Vouchers Distributed to Students

215

Individuals Received Help through Singapore Press Holdings Foundation (SPH)

1,069

Clients and Family Members Supported through Casework

61

Inmates and Their Families Assisted through Prison TrueCare

47

Children Benefi ed from RIGHTSave

2,362

Students Received Education-Related Financial Assistance

“SINDA’s assistance gave us a much-needed boost both financially and emotionally. Thanks to the help we received, we are now continuing to look for employment opportunities and will support each other. In the future, I want to give back to the community and help other families in return.”

George, 38 and Ma hew, 28

INITIATIVES:

Beacon Fund, Transport Voucher Scheme

Empowered to Overcome and Achieve

Wheelchair-bound and faced with several health issues, 38-year-old George depends on his younger brother Ma hew for his daily needs. Eager to become self-su icient, the brothers decided not to renew their assistance schemes. However, George’s poor health prevented him from finding suitable employment. He once received $1,800 under SINDA’s Beacon Fund for a Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) course, but his health declined and he was forced to stop.

As the breadwinner, Ma hew balances his job as a part-time worker at a food delivery company with his caregiving responsibilities. The 28-year-old is also taking part-time courses to become a real estate agent. However, his brother’s declining mobility and health has taken a toll on his mental health and he struggles with caregiver stress and anxiety.

Compounding their issues, the brothers lost their mother in late 2022 and have since been dealing with grief.

Understanding their struggles on multiple fronts, SINDA stepped in to support them. George was given transport vouchers under the Transport Voucher Scheme to help with his commute to and from his medical appointments and ease their financial burdens. Social workers from SINDA’s Family Service Centre (FSC) also connected with the duo to work through their grief and be er manage their emotions amidst their challenging circumstances. Once Ma hew is ready, plans are underway to involve him in SINDA’s youth development programmes.

Assistance to Support Our Community

INFORMATION & REFERRAL; CASEWORK & COUNSELLING

2,768 individuals were assisted through social work

Through a holistic assessment of each family’s needs, the SINDA Family Service Centre seeks to enhance the early identification of at-risk families and refer them to relevant services. Over 2023, 1,699 clients and individuals benefi ed from this information and referral service. Meanwhile, casework and counselling programmes supported 1,069 families and individuals facing financial, interpersonal and family-related issues, providing them with the knowledge, skills, resources and support to become resilient and self-su icient.

CELEBRATE! FESTIVE GIFT PACKS

1,850 gi packs were distributed to underprivileged families

During festive celebrations such as Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali and Christmas, SINDA reaches out to low-income families through Festive Gi Packs with vouchers worth $120 and goodies. In 2023, a diverse group of volunteers, including individuals and members from corporate and religious organisations, delivered 1,850 gi packs to families in need across the island.

SINDA has been a huge help in improving my quality of life. As an amputee with several health issues, the transport vouchers relieve the travel costs to my frequent medical appointments. I’m also very grateful to receive groceries and essential items from the Hari Raya Festive Gi Pack distributions as well as Ramadan I ar meals. With SINDA’s support, I have been able to fully focus on my health and well-being, and do my part to be a resilient and encouraging member of the community.

Khadijah Bibi Binte Abdullah, 63

INITIATIVES:

SINDA Transport Vouchers, Celebrate! Festive Gi Packs

ELDERLY BEFRIENDERS

51

seniors were supported via the Elderly Befrienders programme

ELDER CARE SERVICES

81

seniors benefi ed from SINDA’s Elder Care Services

By connecting seniors with befrienders, the Elderly Befrienders programme improves their social and emotional well-being while involving them in meaningful outdoor activities. Here, befrienders guide the elderly in tackling issues like loneliness, enhancing their mental well-being and growing their friendships in the community.

In 2023, SINDA’s befrienders embarked on several elderly engagement sessions, enhancing the well-being and social ties of our elderly beneficiaries. These sessions ranged from the celebration of festive seasons such as Deepavali and Pongal, to leisure activities such as movie screenings.

In light of the increasing need of Singapore’s ageing population, SINDA’s Elder Care Services (ECS) addresses the basic needs of the elderly. ECS focuses on upholding their overall care, health, nutrition and hygiene through the following schemes:

• The Senior Daycare Subsidy provides additional fee subsidies to eligible seniors at daycare centres and links Indian elderly with relevant community social resources to encourage social interaction with their fellow seniors.

• The Milk & Diaper Assistance (Seniors) meets the basic nutrition and hygiene needs of seniors by supplying cash vouchers for milk and diapers to seniors in the community, lessening the financial strain on families facing challenges in these areas.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

542 individuals supported by SINDA

Individuals and families in need receive financial help from SINDA though diverse initiatives, including the following schemes:

• Through the Education Assistance Fund, the Indian Business-leader’s Roundtable (SINDA-IBR) assists low-income Indian families facing di iculty paying their children’s school fees. The initiative helped 3 students in 2023.

• Since 2019, the Women Empowerment Fund has been providing financial assistance to women and girls from low-income families. During the past year, it assisted 73 clients.

• The Beacon Fund was started in 2018 to o er urgent temporary financial help to individuals and families. It supported 92 people in the last year.

• SINDA’s Transport Support Scheme eases the burden of transport costs and makes medical appointments more accessible for the elderly, persons with disabilities, pregnant women and eligible clients with chronic health issues. In 2023, 295 individuals benefi ed from these vouchers.

• The Emergency Financial Assistance Scheme provides families and individuals with interim immediate financial assistance to meet their basic needs. In 2023, 78 individuals received financial support under this scheme.

EDUCATION-RELATED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES

2,362 students received monetary assistance

Pre-school to tertiary level students and their families benefit from SINDA’s many education-related assistance schemes and the additional support designed to upli them academically and guide their overall development.

• SINDA’s bursaries o er education-related financial assistance to low-income and deserving families, supporting them from pre-school till their post-secondary education:

- Pre-School Bursary: 163 children

- SINDA Bursary: 1,558 primary and secondary students

- SINDA-SIET Tertiary Bursary: 469 students

• Before and A er School Care (BASC) Subsidy targets low-income families with children a ending non-profit BASC centres. It reached 15 students in 2023.

• Easing the financial burdens of families, Back To School Kits provide students with book and shoe vouchers worth up to $200, allowing them to start the new school year with the resources they need. In 2023, 7,231 students received the kits, of whom 5,227 students were new to SINDA.

• Aimed at easing their financial burdens and supplementing their families’ incomes, ITE students from low-income families receive a monthly allowance through the SINDA ITE Allowance. Throughout 2023, 157 ITE students received an allowance from SINDA.

ASSISTANCE JOINTLY OFFERED WITH PARTNER ORGANISATIONS

“SINDA has made a lasting impact on my family. Following experiences of domestic abuse, my son and I su ered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). SINDA’s social workers provided us with counselling and therapy services, which helped us regain confidence. With their help, I went through with my divorce and I now feel empowered to ensure my family’s well-being in the future.

In addition, SINDA assisted us financially through di erent schemes which paid o my children’s outstanding school fees and gave us peace of mind. I will always be grateful for the support and guidance my case worker provided during a challenging period in my life.

Balakrishnan Kavitha, 42

INITIATIVES:

Financial assistance schemes, casework and counselling support

Through a collaboration with the Ministry of Social and Family Development, beneficiaries in need of urgent assistance can receive financial aid from the Comcare Assistance Scheme on a case-by-case basis, with the scheme helping 17 clients in 2023.

Through the Singapore Press Holdings Foundation, 215 students from low-income households stayed up-to-date on current a airs with free copies of mainstream newspapers.

PRISON TRUECARE

inmates and their family members were assisted throughout the year

“SINDA stepped in at a crucial time for my family. More than financial help, their support and guidance allowed me to fulfil my role as a father and provider and be actively involved in my children’s lives, especially during their growing years. Having overcome my past circumstances, I want to now work with youth-at-risk to give back and contribute positively to society.”

INITIATIVES:

Prison TrueCare, Financial assistance schemes, casework and counselling support Bala Ganesh (not real name), 37

Prison TrueCare was launched in 2023 and consolidates previous prison-related e orts. Serving both incarcerated members and their families, the programme includes:

• In care parenting programmes: Workshops on education pathways and landscapes, as well as positive parenting, are conducted for incarcerated mothers and fathers to provide them with appropriate knowledge and skills to continue their role as parents.

• Referrals on the onset of incarceration: Support through casework and counselling is provided to the families of the incarcerated, in addition to SINDA’s financial, social and academic support for their children.

SINDA also conducts positive parenting workshops for incarcerated members of other races, in collaboration with the other Self-Help Groups.

Determined to Change for the Better

By the time Bala approached SINDA’s Family Service Centre (FSC), he was determined to turn over a new leaf. Having been incarcerated several times for drug consumption, he wanted to do be er for his family, which was under tremendous financial strain as he had been unable to contribute to the household income in prison. His time away had also a ected his relationship with his family and he had trouble finding a job as he struggled with addiction and intrapersonal challenges.

The TrueCare programme proved to be a lifeline, providing Bala’s family with social and financial assistance. This included various bursaries and subsidies such as SINDA-SIET Bursary and SINDA’s Back To School Vouchers, which eased their financial burdens and o ered some stability post-incarceration. Bala also received targeted casework and counselling support to help him tackle his di erent challenges.

The all-round assistance from SINDA helped to stabilise the family’s financial situation and went a long way in reducing their stressors and improving their familial well-being.

Assistance Events at a Glance

Project Shine

In 2023, SINDA expanded the Project Shine initiative to cover the festive seasons of Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali and Christmas. Volunteers came together to scrub down and spruce up the homes of in-need seniors who were living alone.

Launch of SINDA Wallet at the Back To School Festival

Held at the Singapore Zoo, the annual Back To School Festival (BTSF) saw the distribution of over 7,000 vouchers as well as the launch of the SINDA Wallet – which would serve as the primary method for the disbursement of financial assistance to beneficiaries from 2024 onwards.

Champion Award

In recognition of our e orts in nurturing resilient families, SINDA received the Family Champion Award by Focus on the Family Singapore. SINDA has worked with Focus in over 70 programmes to benefit Indian families.

Engaging Seniors in the Community

As part of continued e orts to benefit seniors, SINDA’s volunteers engaged 51 seniors in a variety of exciting and inclusive activities to keep them meaningfully occupied.

Celebrate! Festive Gi Pack

Low-income families received snacks, groceries, and NTUC gi cards worth $120 to commemorate festive seasons such as Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali and Christmas. This early e ort by SINDA ensures that families are able to celebrate the festive seasons with peace of mind.

Family

Forging Stronger Relationships with Community Partners

From community and grassroots organisations to religious and ethnic groups, we forge meaningful collaborations with all, tapping our collective resources and expertise to engage individuals in the community and fuel our outreach e orts. The success of many SINDA programmes and services rests in the hands of our volunteers. Hailing from all walks of life and age groups, they shoulder a wide range of services on behalf of the organisation and advance SINDA’s e orts on the ground as our ambassadors.

1,181 Individuals and Partners

Worked With

506 Volunteers

218 SINDA Liaison O icers in Schools

148 Organisations and Educational Institutions Supported or Funded

310 Households Connected through Door-Knocking Exercises

160 Indian Business-leaders’ Roundtable (SINDA-IBR) Members

365 Partners Worked With and Townhall Meeting A endees

3,172 Volunteer Hours Contributed towards SINDA Programmes and Services

“When we work together, we can maximise our outreach efforts. SINDA’s work in bridging gaps in the community is an admirable one and I am determined to foster more fruitful collaborations. I hope to inspire others to work in tandem and create lasting change in our society.”

Kumudha d/o Panneerchelvam, 40

INITIATIVES:

STEP, Door-Knocking Exercises, Let Her Shine! (LHS!), Project Give

Collaborating for the Good of the Community

Kumudha is someone who knows SINDA from the ground up. A former STEP student, she is well-versed in SINDA’s collection of programmes and services. Driven by a deep passion for SINDA’s mission and recognising the importance of collaboration, she is always eager to advance our e orts to support the Singaporean Indian community.

Today, as a SINDA volunteer and Vice Chairperson of the Nee Soon Central Community Club’s Indian Activity Executive Commi ee (IAEC), she has amassed over 15 years of community service work. During this time, she identified e ective ways to collaborate and forged multiple partnerships between SINDA and grassroots organisations. Aimed at doing more together, these collaborations have amplified our outreach e orts and enhanced ties with the community.

In 2019, she began connecting SINDA with various Nee Soon GRC IAECs. Through this, SINDA was able to provide families that were identified during our Door-Knocking Exercises with the holistic support they require. Her e orts also helped empower women under the LHS! programme.

Then, when SINDA decided to expand Project Give into the heartlands for the first time in 2023, Kumudha was once again at the forefront, playing a pivotal role in coordinating the Nee Soon event and facilitating a successful outreach to over 200 residents.

Partnerships for the Betterment of the Community

PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE COMMUNITY

partnering organisations supported SINDA’s activities and e orts

VOLUNTEERS

volunteers contributed a total of 3,172 volunteer hours to SINDA’s various e orts

SINDA joined hands with 316 partner organisations over 2023 to bring about various initiatives, from fundraising and community events, to programmes, booths and dialogues. These partners included Indian, religious, community and grassroots organisations that enhanced SINDA’s outreach e orts, as well as national agencies and companies which contributed to a series of help schemes and dialogues while widening our reach. The involvement of schools and education institutions, in particular, was critical in impacting our young.

A further 49 partners and organisations a ended SINDA Townhall Meetings.

Volunteers are the backbone of SINDA’s programmes and services. Recognising the critical roles they play in the organisation, we provide training and learning opportunities for them to grow the skills needed to organise and lead self-directed programmes.

In 2023, SINDA launched the Volunteer Leaders Framework, encouraging senior volunteers to take up leadership positions to guide, inspire, and organise groups of volunteers – 20 Volunteer Leaders were identified and trained in 2023.

This Framework was launched at SINDA’s inaugural Volunteer Conference. Championing inclusivity, the event served to strengthen community ties, providing meaningful engagement and networking opportunities among volunteers and stakeholders. The conference also saw the launch of the SINDA Volunteer App, which provides volunteers with an accessible pla orm to find volunteering opportunities, access training tools, and make volunteering enjoyable and rewarding.

PROJECT GIVE

partners collaborated with SINDA throughout Project Give and Project Give Heartlands

Supporting the educational and financial needs of Indian students since 2001, Project Give (PG) is one of the organisation’s many pla orms that promote community-for-community initiatives. Conducted throughout each year, SINDA’s flagship fundraising campaign peaks during the festive season, uniting the community in enriching the lives of the underprivileged.

PG 2023 featured a myriad of activities and events that embodied charity and the strengthening of community bonds, while adding to the vibrancy of the festive season:

• PG 2023 kicked o with a charity ride with representatives from SINDA and Ride to Serve to the PG booth at the Indian Heritage Centre.

• Representatives from SINDA and Omkar Arts took part in a Kuthu Fitness Dance, to commemorate the launch of PG 2023.

• Over the month-long festive period, SINDA’s partners organised various cultural and social activities for the community in the booth’s activity space.

• PG 2023 also saw the launch of Project Give Heartlands, a series of four heartland sessions organised to reach residents closer to their homes. The sessions consisted of festive meals, booth activities, performances, and the distribution of Festive Gi Packs to usher in the festive season.

GROUND ENGAGEMENTS

Ground engagements are critical in our e orts to reach the Indian community. In 2023, we continued to work closely with partners and community organisations to identify and aid more vulnerable Indian families.

One such initiative is the Door-Knocking Exercise (DKE). Representatives fan out throughout the heartlands to meet with residents, understand their needs and introduce them to appropriate support services. In 2023, SINDA partnered with organisations such as ComLink, to extend its reach and e iciently match residents with the services they needed.

Indian families were engaged by SINDA through DoorKnocking Exercises

INDIAN BUSINESS-LEADERS’ ROUNDTABLE

members form SINDA’s Indian Business-leaders’ Roundtable

SINDA plays an integral role in supporting students’ enrichment and the holistic development of Indian families. We firmly believe in maximising educational opportunities for all children, and our experience with SINDA has been a very fulfilling one.

It has given us many opportunities to reach out and serve the Indian community, as we help advance its e orts to connect with various groups, empower aspirations and shape families that will raise children into pillars of society.

Dr

Pradeep Raut Prakash, 51, & Dr Snehal Raut, 51

SINDA Donors

Bringing together Indian leaders from across the Singapore business community, the Indian Business-leaders’ Roundtable (SINDA-IBR) draws on its members’ vast experience, expertise and networks to upli the Singaporean Indian community.

Today, IBR and its 160 members surround SINDA’s beneficiaries with multidimensional support that covers financial help, student mentorship and career opportunities.

Key IBR Engagements in 2023 include:

• The SINDA-IBR Corporate Mentoring initiative, which provided a unique opportunity for youths to visualise first-hand and understand how corporations operate, while being mentored by these corporations' employees.

77 students benefi ed from the initiative, and were paired with 12 mentors from four corporations.

• The 15th SINDA-IBR Dialogue with Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Education, which saw 100 Indian business leaders discuss how they can further tap into their experience and expertise to contribute to the growth of the Indian community.

“Guiding young ones and seeing their reading skills improve tremendously over the weeks is indeed a heartwarming sight. I have seen many who could not read or write start enjoying reading as a relaxing hobby now. They no longer find it daunting or a struggle, but one that brings them much joy. I am truly grateful to have found a pla orm in SINDA to give back to the community in ways I know best.”

Preethi Kalimuthu, 42

INITIATIVES:

Book Wizards and Back To School Festival (BTSF) volunteer

Taking Time to Serve Others

Armed with the firm belief that books are a vital gateway to broadening horizons and imparting worldly knowledge, Preethi is on a quest to cultivate a reading habit in young children. Every week for the last five years, she has been se ing aside time from her busy schedule to conduct reading sessions in English under SINDA’s Book Wizards programme.

Through weekly sessions at the library as well as house visits, she gently nurtures a love for reading in children and helps them enhance their reading abilities. Her dedication and care have not gone unnoticed, and she is now a Volunteer Leader for Book Wizards.

Preethi also volunteers at other SINDA events including BTSF to help secure the financial well-being of students. For her e orts, she was awarded a Five-Year Appreciation Certificate at the SINDA Appreciation Ceremony 2023.

Community Events at a Glance

Project Give

The month-long Project Give campaign returned in 2023 with the brand new Project Give Heartlands edition. Kicking o with a charity ride, the Project Give booth as well as the various Project Give Heartlands roadshows hosted fun activities, cultural performances, and o ered the community greater awareness of SINDA’s programmes and services.

In August 2023, SINDA held its first-ever Volunteer Conference, bringing together volunteers, social service agencies, government agencies, and community organisations to exchange ideas and brainstorm solutions for the community. The conference also saw the launch of the SINDA Volunteer App, to strengthen SINDA’s volunteer-centric e orts.

Door-Knocking Exercise

SINDA volunteers visited the heartlands earnestly to link up appropriate support services with residents in need. These in-person engagements were followed up with volunteers from call centres, benefi ing 310 families.

SINDA Volunteer Conference

Community Events at a Glance

Memoranda of Understanding (MOU)

SINDA linked MOUs with several organisations to support and leverage one another’s strengths and resources in serving the Indian community. In 2023, these included organisations such as SG Her Empowerment, Singapore Indian Association and the Parish of Christ Church.

SINDA Appreciation Ceremony

The biennial SINDA Appreciation Ceremony was held in July 2023, honouring a record 236 individuals and organisations for their contributions and partnerships with SINDA.

Volunteer Management Conference

In August, SINDA showcased its volunteer management practices at the first-ever National Council of Social Service’s Volunteer Management Conference, aimed at elevating volunteer management capabilities.

Corporate & Marketing Communications

SINDA’s Corporate and Marketing Communications Division (CMC) functions as the communicator of the SINDA brand to stakeholders and disseminates key messages to audiences. Together with marketing SINDA’s programmes, services and events, the division also undertakes corporate communications, media management and content production for a spectrum of pla orms.

SINDA’s digital pla orms are integrated to serve as an awareness hub on SINDA programmes, services and events to promote enrolment. In addition, content marketing campaigns on these pla orms deliver key messages to audiences and build brand a inity. These digital pla orms also serve as avenues for beneficiaries to communicate with SINDA, while allowing the organisation to reach out to a larger and more diverse audience through increased digital e orts.

SINDA’s corporate website and several other microsites are vital for brand awareness and information dissemination to the Indian community in Singapore. Collectively, these digital pla orms o er details on a range of programmes, services and resources, to aid SINDA in achieving its mission of empowering the Indian community.

1,278,932

SOCIAL MEDIA

SINDA’s social media pages serve as direct communication channels to the Indian community. Through a strong presence on these social media pages, SINDA is able to tailor and curate content aligned to the interests of target audiences and be er engage them.

Also recognising the importance of evolving digital trends, SINDA launched its TikTok pla orm in 2023 to e ectively reach younger audiences. By leveraging new and emerging social pla orms, SINDA aims to continuously harness innovative engagement strategies and foster stronger connections with the Indian community.

Age Group of Online Audiences

TELEGRAM

SINDA’s Telegram channel is primarily used to market upcoming programmes and provide timely updates on community e orts. The channel aims to foster greater programme participation, as well as keep followers well-informed on key initiatives.

BROADCAST MEDIA

audience reach. In 2022, SINDA had a presence on Mediacorp Vasantham and ZEE TV APAC broadcast media channels

Mediacorp Vasantham

• Advertisement campaigns on SINDA’s high-enrolment programmes, such as the STEP and LYNN Programmes, to maximise audience reach

• Interstitials to increase awareness on SINDA’s signature community events, including the SINDA Excellence Awards, the Back To School Festival and Project Give.

ZEE TV APAC and ZEE Tamil

• Together with advertisements for high-enrolment programmes, a new series to highlight SINDA’s positive impact — Our Community, Our Stories — continued on ZEE TV APAC and ZEE Tamil with more episodes, to highlight stories of SINDA’s beneficiaries. These stories showcased beneficiaries from a spectrum of SINDA’s programmes, as well as their academic, developmental and social upli ment stories.

• In 2023, SINDA sponsored 2 episodes of the highly-rated television series, Tamizha Tamizha. The episodes, which were held on-ground and on-air, focused on topics relating to family development and youths. Participants heard from experts in the field who were able to narrate their professional opinions about local challenges and opportunities surrounding relevant themes.

BROADCAST MEDIA

EMAIL MARKETING

audience reach In 2022, SINDA had a presence on Mediacorp Vasantham and ZEE TV APAC broadcast media channels

Weekly email newsle ers aim to provide updates about ongoing SINDA programmes, events and initiatives to our subscriber database. The pla orm for dissemination has been upgraded to allow for marketing automation dedicated to enhancing user experience through tailored content.

PRINT PUBLICATIONS

Together with promoting brand recall, print publications remain an important tool for SINDA to keep the community updated on SINDA’s initiatives and positive impact.

SINDA CONNECTIONS NEWSLETTER

households and community organisations

SINDA PROGRAMME BROCHURE

SINDA PROGRAMME BROCHURE

The SINDA Programme Brochure shares information on SINDA’s programmes and services, serving as an important tool in creating awareness. It was refreshed in 2023 to include the latest programmes available to the community.

The SINDA Programme Brochure shares information on SINDA’s programmes and services, serving as an important tool in creating awareness. It was refreshed in 2023 to include the latest programmes available to the community.

SINDA MEDIA MENTIONS

357 mentions of SINDA were recorded in 2023, worth $4,221,330 in Advertising Space Rate (ASR)1, across news media pla orms.

1The

CODE OF GOVERNANCE DISCLOSURES

SINDA adheres to the principles and guidelines of the Code of Governance for Charities and Institutions of a Public Character (Revised 2017) (”Code of Governance”), the Charities Act and the Societies Act. The SINDA Constitution governs the Association’s composition, powers and functions, including establishing the purpose, mandate, roles and responsibilities, composition, meetings and tenure.

SINDA is currently managed by an Executive Commi ee (EXCO) comprising up to fi een (15) members. Five (5) members are appointed by the Board of Trustees while a further five (5) members are elected once in two (2) years at an Annual General Meeting and the remaining five (5) members are co-opted by the Executive Commi ee.

The key responsibilities of the EXCO are to:

• Manage all ma ers of the Association except those reserved to the Board of Trustees

• Manage and administer the funds of the Association in line with the Annual Budget and Investment Policy approved by the Board of Trustees

• Raise, by donation or otherwise, funds to finance the activities of the Association

• Make, repeal and amend bylaws not inconsistent with the Constitution for the internal management of the Association and for the conduct of business at General Meetings and Executive Commi ee meetings in all ma ers not provided for in the constitution.

Such by laws including any amendments made shall be e ective a er approval by the Board of Trustees

Board Meetings and A endance (Executive Commi ee)

A total of four Executive Commi ee (EXCO) meetings were held in 2023. Members’ a endance was as follows:

(07 June 2023)

(07 June 2023)

(07 June 2023)

CODE OF GOVERNANCE DISCLOSURES

Members who have served for more than 10 consecutive years:

Ms Indranee Rajah has served as a Term Trustee, Board of Trustees, and as President of the Executive Commi ee for over 13 consecutive years. Ms Indranee has been re-nominated by the Board of Trustees in consideration of her leadership, guidance and active contribution to the Association.

Mr Sarjit Singh has served as a Member of the Executive Commi ee as Secretary for more than 11 consecutive years. Mr Sarjit was re-nominated by the Board of Trustees as Vice President since 2021, in consideration of his valuable insights and relevant expertise.

Board appointments are based on their personal a ributes, core skills/competencies, commitment to serving the Indian community, and SINDA’s strategic needs. Members bring skills and abilities in diverse legal, finance, audit and technology areas. There is a formal and transparent process for members’ election/appointment and re-election/re-appointment based on the Constitution.

Sub-Commi ees and Resource Panels

To assist in executing its responsibilities, the Board is supported by various Sub-Commi ees, and Resource Panels which o er specialist knowledge and support to SINDA. The EXCO establishes Sub-Commi ees and Resource Panels as required to serve as advisory bodies to SINDA divisions. These Sub-Commi ees and Resource Panels are governed by individual terms of reference, which are reviewed every two (2) years.

The current Sub-Commi ees and Resources Panels are:

COMMITEES/RESOURCE PANELS

Sub-Commi ee

Community Engagement Sub-Commi ee

Volunteer Management Sub-Commi ee

Media and Communications Sub-Commi ee

Youth Sub-Commi ee

Information Technolog y Resource Panel

Building and Infrastructure Resource Panel

SINDA Youth Club

Indian Business-leaders’ Roundtable Management Council and Associated Sub-Commi ees

Compensation and Remuneration

All Board and Commi ee Members are independent and do not receive any remuneration for their services to SINDA. The compensation structure, including that of Key Management, is annually reviewed and approved by the Personnel Commi ee, which endorses Human Resources policies, compensation, promotions and succession. There are no close members of the family related to the Board/Commi ee and Executive Head (Chief Executive O icer), in employment with the Association.

Policy and Practices

Members of these Sub-Commi ees and Resource Panels are selected from diverse fields based on their expertise. All newly appointed members receive an orientation from the management. In addition, an appointment le er and the terms of reference, which set out the tenure, duties, and responsibilities, are issued to the members.

Risk Management and Internal Controls

SINDA has established an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework for managing risks to support alignment to strategic objectives, govern risk e ectively and ensure accountability. SINDA has established a risk appetite which provides an e ective assurance outcome, optimising both control and assurance activities while addressing the risk. The Board provides the overall direction and guidance on ERM, while the Audit and Risk Commi ee (ARC) oversees the ongoing management, monitoring, implementation, and review of ERM activities.

The ARC also manages SINDA’s financial reporting and governance, including internal and external audit functions. It reviews the e ectiveness and adequacy of these internal financial controls and processes for compliance with existing laws and regulations governing financial reporting standards. SINDA’s investments are overseen by the Investment Commi ee, which manages SINDA’s surplus fund by establishing investment guidelines and parameters, appointing external fund managers and monitoring investment performance on behalf of the Board of Trustees. SINDA does not have endowment funds as all funds are unrestricted funds, as disclosed in the Statement of Financial Position.

Disclosure and Transparency Practices

The Executive Commi ee adheres to regular evaluation every two years of its performance and e ectiveness and ensures compliance with the requirements of the Code of Governance. SINDA makes information on its corporate governance, programmes, activities, services, audited financial statements, the Board and Commi ee Members, and key management details available to its stakeholders via its website and Annual and Financial Reports.

Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism

SINDA operates solely in Singapore and does not transfer funds for overseas programmes and beneficiaries. SINDA ensures strong governance and financial controls are in place to strengthen anti-money laundering functions and combat terrorist financing activities.

Ethical Reporting / Whistleblowing Policy

SINDA is commi ed to high standards of compliance with accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, corporate governance, auditing requirements and any related legislation. An ethical reporting policy outlining various avenues for whistleblowing is in place to enable sta and other stakeholders to confidently raise concerns about possible wrongdoings, misconduct, or improprieties in financial and other ma ers. Ethical reporting is managed internally.

CODE OF GOVERNANCE DISCLOSURES

Conflict of Interest Policy

SINDA has a Conflict of Interest Policy and operating procedures to ensure good governance and accountability in all its operations. This Policy is acknowledged by the Board, Commi ee Members and employees upon appointment and annually therea er during their term of o ice or employment. In the event a conflict of interest situation arises, a member or employee with a potential conflict of interest in any particular transaction will recuse themselves and not be involved further in the said transaction.

Code of Conduct

SINDA has a documented Code of Conduct and Ethics for sta and volunteers approved by the Board and aligned with SINDA’s core values. The Constitution and terms of reference guide the Board and Sub-Commi ee members’ Code of Conduct.

Environment Sustainability and Governance (ESG)

SINDA is dedicated to incorporating Environment, Sustainability, and Governance (ESG) principles into its operational framework and ethos, recognising that these e orts contribute significantly to enhancing the value of our programmes and services. We acknowledge that ESG reporting is a progressive journey and have embraced a phased strategy for our ESG advancement.

Within our premises, we actively reduce electricity and water usage by adopting energy-e icient fixtures and appliances, such as motion-sensing lights and scheduled compound lighting. Our commitment to sustainability extends to ongoing sta education on eco-friendly practices like recycling, the use of biodegradable utensils, ensuring lights are turned o when not in use, and promoting minimal printing. We also contribute positively to the environment by planting trees and maintaining green surroundings. Moreover, we have embraced digital solutions for registration and payment processes, further reducing our environmental footprint.

SINDA maintains an inclusive hiring policy as an equal opportunity employer, fostering diversity across our workforce, programmes, and service delivery methods. We prioritise the continuous learning and development of our employees, providing them with essential skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality services. Substantial investments are made in our sta ’s professional growth, contributing to a skilled workforce dedicated to advancing SINDA’s vision and mission.

As a charitable organisation with an Institution of a Public Character (IPC) status and as a registered society, SINDA upholds the highest standards of disclosure, transparency, and accountability. We adhere fully to the Code of Governance for Charities and Institutions of a Public Character, along with all relevant legislation and regulations. SINDA embraces a holistic approach involving various stakeholders including association members, partners, organisations, volunteers, and donors, in our e orts to serve and upli beneficiaries.

Data Privacy Policy

SINDA recognises its obligations to the requirements of the Personal Data Protection Act 2012 and respects its stakeholders’ privacy choices. SINDA has a Data Privacy Policy that governs the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data submi ed to SINDA, and processes are regularly reviewed to ensure compliance. SINDA ensures that its employees comply with the standards of security and confidentiality in line with industry standards. The Data Privacy Policy is available on the SINDA website.

Governance Evaluation Checklist (GEC)

All charities and IPCs are required to submit their extent of compliance with the Code to COC within 6 months a er the end of each financial year. Below is the Governance Evaluation Checklist for the period Jan 2023-Dec 2023.

Induction and orientation are provided to incoming Board members on joining the Board Are there Board members holding sta * appointments?

Sta * does not chair the Board and does not comprise more than one-third of the Board appointments?

There are wri en job descriptions for their executive functions and operational duties which are distinct from their Board roles

There is a maximum limit of four consecutive years for the Treasurer position (or equivalent, e.g. Finance Commi ee Chairman or person on Board responsible for overseeing the finances of the charity.) Should the charity not have an appointedBoard member, it will be taken that the Chairman oversees the finances.

All Board members submit themselves for re- nomination and re-appointment, at least once every three years.

The Board conducts self-evaluation to assess its performance and e ectiveness once during its term or every 3 years, whichever is shorter. Are there Board member(s) who have served for more than 10 consecutive years?

The charity discloses in its annual report the reasons for retaining Board member(s) who has served for more than 10 consecutive years.

There are documented terms of reference for the Board and each of its Board commi ees.

There are documented procedures for Board members and sta to declare actual or potential conflicts of interest to the Board.

Board members do not vote or participate in decision-making on ma ers where they have a conflict of interest.

The Board periodically reviews and approves the strategic plan for the charity to ensure that the activities are in line with its objectives.

There is a documented plan to develop the capacity and capability of the charity and the Board monitors the progress of the plan.

The Board approves documented human resource policies for sta .

There is a documented Code of Conduct for Board members, sta * and volunteers* (where applicable) which is approved by the Board.

There are processes for regular supervision, appraisal and professional development of sta *.

Are there volunteers* serving in the charity?

There are volunteers* management policies in place for volunteers*.

There is a documented policy to seek Board’s approval for any loans, donations, grants or financial assistance provided by the charity which are not part of its core charitable programmes.

The Board ensures internal controls for financial ma ers in key areas are in place with documented procedures.

CODE OF GOVERNANCE DISCLOSURES

The Board ensures reviews on the charity’s internal controls, processes, key programmes and events are regularly conducted.

The Board ensures that there is a process to identify, regularly monitor andreview the charity’s key risks.

The Board approves an annual budget for the charity’s plans and regularly monitors its expenditure. Does the charity invest its reserves, including fixed deposits?

The charity has a documented investment policy approved by the Board. Did the charity receive cash donations (solicited or unsolicited) during the year?

All collections received (solicited or unsolicited) are properly accounted for and promptly deposited by the charity. Did the charity receive donations-in-kind during the year?

All donations-in-kind received are properly recorded and accounted for by the charity.

The charity discloses in its annual report: i. Number of Board meetings in the year; and ii, Individuals Board member’s a endance. Are Board members remunerated for their Board service?

The charity discloses the exact remuneration and benefits received by each Board member in its annual report. OR The charity discloses that no Board members are remunerated. Does the charity employ paid sta ?

The charity discloses in its annual report:

i) The total annual remuneration (including any remuneration received in its subsidiaries), for each its three highest paid sta *, who each receives remuneration exceeding $100,000, in bands of $100,000; and ii) If any of the 3 highest paid sta * also serves on the Board of the charity. The information relating to the remuneration of the sta must be presented in bands of $100,000.

OR

The charity discloses that none of its sta * receives more than $100,000 in annual remuneration each.

The charity discloses the number of paid sta * who are close members of the family* of the Executive Head or Board Members, who each receives remuneration exceeding $50,000 during the year, in bands of $100,000. OR The charity discloses that there is no paid sta * who are close members of the family* of the Executive Head or Board Member, who receives more than $50,000 during the year.

The charity has a documented communication policy on the release of information about the charity and its activities across all media pla orms.

Executive Commi ee Profile

Ms

Mr

Minister, Prime Minister’s O ice, Second Minister for Finance and National Development

Senior Advisor, Deloi e Southeast Asia

Partner, Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP MP, Bukit Batok SMC

Managing Director, Dispute Resolution Drew and

Head of Capital Markets – Audit and Assurance, Grant Thornton LLP

Superintendent, West Cluster, Ministry of Education

Director/ Chief Probation O icer, Probation and Community Rehabilitation Service, Rehabilitation and Protection Group, Ministry of Social and Family Development

Professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, National University of Singapore

Director, The Silent Foundation

Partner, Brunswick Group Pte Ltd

Principal Consultant, Manifeste LLP

Chief Executive O icer, Agency for Integrated Care Pte Ltd

Director & Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Total Orthopaedic Care & Surgery

Head of Account Management Singapore & South East Asia Operations, Jones Lang LaSalle Property Consultants Pte Ltd

Singapore Indian Development Association

1 Bea y Road

Singapore 209943

T: 1800 295 3333

E: queries@sinda.org.sg

www.sinda.org.sg