NDR 2026: New committee set up to help Malay-Muslim community seize economic opportunities, develop skills
One key area under consideration by the committee includes mental health support for workers navigating career transitions.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced the establishment of a new Committee of Economic Resilience on August 23, with the aim to engage the Malay-Muslim community in developing skills and seizing economic opportunities. Chaired by Members of Parliament Wan Rizal and Saktiandi Supaat, the committee has received numerous suggestions from the community to support Malay-Muslim youths in skill development and exposure to new and growing sectors.
The new committee will collaborate with the Malay-Muslim community across various sectors to convert recommendations from the government's 10-year economic blueprint into actionable initiatives. Additional aspects under consideration by the committee include mental health support for workers going through career transitions and employability initiatives to connect young people with relevant industries and the broader community.
Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad and his team will reveal more initiatives in the future. Wong expressed satisfaction in seeing young political officeholders, particularly Rahayu Mahzam, Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, and Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, step up to serve, as they bring valuable private sector experience.
Wong emphasized the importance of the Malay language in Singapore's identity, noting that learning Malay and appreciating Malay culture can help strengthen ties with regional neighbors and create more opportunities for Singaporeans and businesses. The committee will also support the expansion of the Santunan Emas program, aimed at providing assistance to Muslim seniors and their caregivers, which was initiated in 2024.
The initiative will be expanded to Yishun, Sembawang, and Woodlands by the end of 2026, with the goal of reaching nearly 3,000 seniors weekly across five mosques in four towns.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
