MCCY to pull arts, sports, community & youth groups together for more cohesive society

The incoming Acting Minister of the new Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) Lawrence Wong says he wants to pull the arts, sports, community and youth groups together to achieve a more cohesive, cultured and gracious society. 

He said in an interview with the People's Action Party publication, Petir, that MCCY will have conversations with these groups, find out what their dreams and aspirations are and find ways to support and help them realise their goals. 

Mr Wong, who's Senior Minister of State for Education and Information, Communications and the Arts, said there are links among these four areas and stressed the need to link the groups up for better synergy.

Under MCCY, more arts groups might explore working with youth groups. 

"My job is to help others realise their aspirations. It's about listening, understanding what various groups like to do and see how I can support them in the best possible way," he said. 

Mr Wong, who'll assume his new post on 1 November, highlighted young people as one group he'll focus on. 

He said he's heartened that there are many young people in Singapore who're keen to do meaningful work. 

One example is the Stand up for Singapore movement, started by youths who're passionate about promoting graciousness on public transport. 

Mr Wong said a lot more can be done to get youths to contribute to society and be a part of the different groups out there. 

To do that, MCCY will have to understand how these young people operate. 

Mr Wong pointed out that young people, who're more idealistic, want authenticity and purpose. 

The operative word here is communication. 

"They would like to understand the realities. For us, it means going beyond just coming up with the standard lines. It's not that the standard reply is untrue, but they want a deeper understanding," said Mr Wong. 

At the same time, the activities which are organised to engage young people should not come across as contrived or forced but as genuine efforts to engage them. 

"We can't just present them with activities, and say please participate in all of the wonderful activities I have planned for you - but we want to ask them, what would you like to do and how would you like to get involved?" said Mr Wong.