Self-help groups will have to address new /challenges to ensure progress, says DPM Teo

Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean has said that community self-help groups will need to invent new approaches to address future challenges. 

Speaking to the media at a learning festival organised by Malay-Muslim self-help group Mendaki, Mr Teo said doing so, will ensure that Singapore will continue to progress. 

The learning festival is organised as part of Mendaki's 30th anniversary celebrations. 

The aim is to inculcate a culture of life-long learning. 

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong noted on his Facebook page how this learning festival is one good example, of how self-help groups are working together with communities to uplift the less fortunate, strengthen community bonds and promote learning in a fun environment. 

He said such efforts- sustained over the years, have helped the Malay community to make steady progress. 

And to push ahead, Mr Teo added all self-help groups will have to evolve and keep up with changes. 

Mendaki is already studying ways on how to do this. 

The three-day event which ends tomorrow, aims to attract some thirty thousand people.