MCYS TURNS 60!

            The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports is 60 years old this year!  Since 1946, MCYS’ predecessor -- the Department of Social Welfare, its successor ministries and statutory boards have introduced numerous significant social development initiatives and brought about social changes that have benefited and touched the lives of Singaporeans. 

 

MCYS Heritage Gallery unveiled

 

2          To kick off the celebrations, Phase 1 of a permanent MCYS Heritage Gallery that charts the key milestones of the Ministry, its predecessors and statutory boards was launched earlier today by Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan at MCYS Building.  

 

3          The first phase of the Heritage Gallery chronologically charts the beginnings of MCYS when it started out as the Department of Social Welfare in 1946. Historical photos are used to illustrate and highlight the key milestones over the years. The Heritage Gallery also serves as testimony to the commitment and dedication shown by all who have served in MCYS and its previous ministries and departments. New MCYS staff will be able to get a good sense of the history and legacy left by their predecessors. Visitors will also be able to get a sense of the changing social needs and challenges that Singapore has faced in the last 60 years. The gallery is situated on the ground floor lobby of MCYS building and is open for public viewing during normal office hours.

 

Year-long celebrations

 

4          In addition to the launch of the MCYS Heritage Gallery, a series of events to celebrate Singapore’s 60 years of social development work has been lined up over the next 12 months.  These include a commemorative book and a special 60th anniversary dinner attended by key figures in Singapore’s social development landscape and former Ministers who have helmed the Ministry (see Annex for more details on the year long celebrations).

 

5          MCYS is making a special appeal to the general public to come forward and share their stories and even personal items such as photos and other mementoes with us. These will be captured for posterity though the various projects and events such as the Heritage Gallery and the commemorative book. Please call 6354 8531, email Angeline_TAN@mcys.gov.sg or post to "Heritage Gallery" 512 Thomson Road, MCYS Building, #13-00 CIRD, S(298136).

 

Wondering why 29 June 1946?

 

MCYS has traced the Ministry’s first key milestone date as 29 June, 1946, which was the opening of the first People’s Restaurant under the Communal Feeding Programme. (The first Social Welfare Officer Mr T P F McNeice was appointed on 30 May, 1946.)

 

 

 

Issued by:

 

MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, YOUTH AND SPORTS

 

29 June 2006

 

 


Annex

 

 

Schedule of KEY Events for MCYS 60th Anniversary Celebrations

 

 

 (A) MCYS Heritage Gallery – Launch of Phase 1 (29 Jun 2006)

 

A Heritage Gallery covering 60 years of MCYS has recently been developed. Located on the ground floor of MCYS Building, the permanent display will unfold in 2 phases.

 

Phase 1 will cover the key milestones of the ministry’s history and evolution from the post-war period to the present day and will be launched on 29 June 2006.

 

(B) MCYS Heritage Gallery – Launch of Phase 2 (End 2006)

 

Phase 2 of the Heritage Display will comprise photo-montage themed displays according to the 5 pillars of MCYS (i.e. socially responsible individuals; strong and stable families; caring and active community; sporting people; and inspired and committed youth).  There will also be a Gallery of Ministers, past and present. It is targeted for completion in end 2006.

 

(C) Commemorative Book – Launch (June 2007)

 

A Commemorative Book detailing 60 years of MCYS’ journey from our roots to present times will be launched in June 2007. The Commemorative Book will reflect the voices of staff and key figures who were involved in the Ministry's journey.  We also hope to feature individuals and families whose lives have been touched by the work of the Ministry.

 

(D) 60th Anniversary Dinner – (June 2007)

 

The highlight of the celebrations is a 60th Anniversary Dinner to be held in June 2007. Guests will include key figures in Singapore’s social development scene from the past, retired staff, our social service sector partners and previous Ministers.  Retired staff as well as our social service sector partners will also be invited. The Commemorative Book will be launched at the dinner.