2 new funds to promote racial tolerance, support youth activities

SINGAPORE: The Culture, Community and Youth Ministry is setting up two new funds — one to promote racial tolerance and the other will support youth activities, as announced during the ministry’s debate on its Budget in Parliament on Friday.

The new National Youth Fund will be set up for youth to champion community and social causes. It will replace the existing National Youth Endowment Fund.

For a start, S$72 million will be injected into the fund, in addition to the existing S$28 million in the fund — bringing the total amount to S$100 million.

The endowment fund will be converted into the National Youth Fund, so it can be drawn down every year to support youth activities.

A new S$5 million Harmony Fund will also be set up — to encourage racial and religious tolerance, and to support ground up initiatives.

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth Sam Tan said: "Non—profit organisations will be able to apply for co—funding from the Harmony Fund to undertake worthy projects.

"These could be projects that raise awareness of the importance of racial and religious tolerance; promote knowledge and appreciation of different cultural practices; encourage interaction between different racial or religious groups; or reduce negative stereotypes or misconceptions about other communities."

— CNA/ck