Gan Kim Yong appointed chairman of CDAC Board

SINGAPORE: Health Minister Gan Kim Yong is the new chairman of the Board of Directors for the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC).

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is patron of the council, made the appointment.

Mr Gan will succeed Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Lim Swee Say, who is stepping down as chairman after eight years.

Mr Gan’s two—year term starts on Monday.

The new council hopes to roll out more programmes to help the Chinese community achieve upward mobility.

Mr Gan also hopes to expand its volunteer pool. The council currently has about 2,500 volunteers and hopes to grow this by another 500 within the year.

He said: "We want to reach out to all Singaporeans and especially to those who are in need. I think in order for us to achieve our mission, we need all hands on deck. We need the whole community to be mobilised to play their part.

"In doing so, I think we’ll also take advantage of volunteerism and engagement to bring them together — bringing together Singaporeans from all walks of life, whether they’re locally born or foreign—born, whether they’re low—income, middle—income or higher income — each one has a role to play."

Mr Wee Cho Yaw, who has served as chairman of the council’s Board of Trustees for 20 years, will also be retiring. He has been chairman since the council’s inception in 1992.

Mr Chua Thian Poh will take up the appointment.

—CNA/ac