Celebrating Journeys of Progress, Potential and Possibility: 23rd Joint Tuition Awards
The four Self-Help Groups celebrated 1,417 students for academic excellence and their shared commitment to empowering young people through education.
- 29 August 2026 – Jointly organised by the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC), the Eurasian Association (EA), the Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) and Yayasan MENDAKI (MENDAKI), the 23rd Self-Help Groups’ Joint Tuition Awards (JTA) celebrated the achievements of students from the Collaborative Tuition Programme (CTP). Dr. Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, graced the ceremony as Guest of Honour.
- This year’s ceremony recognised a total of 1,417 award recipients for their improved performance at the 2025 PSLE, GCE N(A)-Level, GCE N(T)-Level and GCE O-Level examinations, including 16 Best Overall Award recipients who demonstrated exceptional progress, improving by several grades. Since 2024, students who passed and improved by at least one grade have been eligible for the awards under standardised criteria across the four Self-Help Groups. Primary and secondary school recipients received cash awards of $150 and $200, respectively.
- Launched in 2002, the CTP was established by the four Self-Help Groups to provide students from lower-income families with access to quality, affordable tuition across Singapore. From 11 tuition centres at its inception, the programme has expanded to 232 centres in 2026 and currently supports approximately 18,692 Through the CTP, students receive support to strengthen their academic foundations, build confidence, and develop the skills needed to progress in their educational journeys.
- Beyond strengthening academic foundations, the CTP is also harnessing AI and digital tools to enhance learning and to prepare students for the future. Since 2022, AI-enabled learning tools have been incorporated into tuition to provide personalised learning and immediate feedback, complementing the role of tutors. The Self-Help Groups also support future readiness through partnerships with Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), providing students with opportunities to engage with technology and develop relevant
- The continued success of the CTP reflects the enduring partnership between CDAC, EA, SINDA, and MENDAKI. For more than two decades, the four Self-Help Groups have pooled their expertise and resources to ensure that students across communities have the opportunity to foster connections while also providing equitable access to support.
- As the Joint Tuition Awards marks its 23rd edition, the Self-Help Groups remain committed to supporting students holistically, from academic progress to future readiness. Working alongside families, educators and the wider community, they continue to empower young people to develop their strengths and contribute meaningfully to Singapore’s future and growth.
Annex A – Quotes from the Self-Help Groups’ Heads
- Tan Yap Kin, Executive Director, CDAC said, “Today, we celebrate the achievements of our students and the determination that brought them here. Education is about helping young people grow in confidence, develop their strengths and discover what they can achieve. We are encouraged by the progress our students have made and grateful to the families, tutors and communities who have supported them along the way. Together with our fellow Self-Help Groups, we will continue supporting students in their educational journey, helping them to learn, grow and take confident steps towards their future.”
- Angelina Fernandez, President, EA said, “One of Singapore’s greatest strengths is that our communities succeed together. The Joint Tuition Awards reflect that spirit, recognising the progress of our students and the collective commitment of our Self-Help Groups to help young people realise their potential. For the Eurasian community, education has long been a pathway to possibility, purpose and contribution. We’re proud to stand alongside our fellow Self-Help Groups in building a more inclusive and resilient Singapore, where every community is empowered to thrive, and every young person has the confidence, capability and opportunity to shape our shared future.”
- Anbarasu Rajendran, Chief Executive Officer, SINDA said, “Every student who succeeds affirms our belief that talent exists in every child, and that with the right opportunities and support, aspirations can become achievements. Education remains one of the strongest levers for social mobility and long-term community progress. Through more than two decades of partnership with the Self-Help Groups, the Collaborative Tuition Programme (CTP) has enabled thousands of students to access quality educational support. As Singapore evolves, SINDA remains committed to equipping our young with the confidence, capabilities, and values needed to thrive and contribute to our nation’s future”
- Feroz Akber, Chief Executive Officer, MENDAKI, said, “Today, we celebrate not only our students’ academic achievements, but also the perseverance and determination they have shown throughout their learning journey. Their success reflects the unwavering support of parents, coaches, and the wider community, whose collective efforts have helped them reach this milestone. Together with our fellow Self-Help Groups, MENDAKI remains committed to being a launchpad for our youth by creating opportunities, nurturing aspirations and empowering every young person to realise their potential.”
Annex B – About the Collaborative Tuition Programme
The Self-Help Groups launched the Collaborative Tuition Programme (CTP) in 2002 to give students from low-income families access to affordable tuition island-wide. The number of centres increased from 11 in 2002 to 232 in 2026, supporting over 19,000 students.
Annex C – About the Self-Help Groups
Chinese Development Assistance Council
Established in 1992, the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) is a non-profit self-help group dedicated to supporting the Chinese community in Singapore. Its mission is to nurture and develop the potential of the Chinese community, contributing to the success of multi-racial Singapore. CDAC focuses on enhancing education and strengthening family ties to improve social mobility within the Chinese community. It offers a range of programmes and assistance schemes, including tuition and enrichment programmes, financial assistance, mentoring support, and more, aimed at helping the less privileged maximise their potential.
Visit www.cdac.org.sg for more information.
The Eurasian Association
The Eurasian Association, Singapore (EA) was established in 1919 as a voice for the Eurasian community, and became a Self-Help Group in 1994. It is dedicated to serving the community through Education initiatives to help students achieve their educational potential, Family Support Services’ programmes to assist the less fortunate, and Community Development efforts, including youth and sports, to bring the community together and foster unity and collaboration.
Central to its mission is also the preservation of Eurasian heritage and culture. The Eurasian Community House is the EA’s platform for community collaboration, and houses the Eurasian Heritage Gallery (EHG), which offers insights into the origins, contributions, culture and lifestyle of the small but vibrant Eurasian community in Singapore. The EHG also helps raise awareness about Eurasians in the wider community through engaging activities such as tour programmes, Eurasian dance performances, and cultural booths.
Visit www.eurasians.sg for more information.
Singapore Indian Development Association
The Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) is the lead organisation and a cornerstone of support for the Singaporean Indian community. Established in 1991, the Self-Help Group uplifts individuals and families by helping them realise their full potential and advancing pathways towards social mobility.
Through programmes anchored on education, youth development, family stability and social assistance, SINDA supports individuals across different life stages and strengthens their access to opportunities, in response to complex and evolving social needs.
Working closely with partners across the public, private and people sectors, SINDA fosters a strong support ecosystem that enables the community to overcome challenges, seize opportunities and contribute meaningfully to Singapore’s continued progress.
For more information, visit www.sinda.org.sg
Yayasan MENDAKI
Yayasan MENDAKI (MENDAKI), also known as the Council for the Development of the Singapore Malay/Muslim Community, is a Self-Help Group established in 1982 to uplift the Malay/Muslim community through education and lifelong learning.
Over the years, MENDAKI has played a pivotal role in supporting individuals at every stage of life. Today, it continues to champion the community’s progress through the MENDAKI 2030 Workplan, which focuses on nurturing confident learners, building stronger families, supporting a future-ready workforce, and growing a thriving community.
MENDAKI remains committed to journeying alongside the community under the tagline “With You, Every Step Forward” (Sentiasa Bersamamu), ensuring resilience and readiness for Singapore’s evolving economy.
For more information, please visit www.mendaki.org.sg.
Vanessa Pan
Assistant Manager, Stakeholder Communications & Engagement
Email: vanessa.pan@cdac.org.sg
Tel: 6603 5481
Mobile: 9226 5687
–
Bevan Chen
Assistant Manager, Corporate Communications
Email: bevan@eurasians.org
Tel: 6447 1578
Mobile: 9111 0180
–
Lavanya Marianne
Executive Officer, Corporate and Marketing Communications
Email: lavanya@sinda.org.sg
Tel: 6393 6327
Mobile: 9636 0062
–
Hazmira Amin
Executive Officer, Communications and Liaison Department
Email: hazmira.amin@mendaki.org.sg
Mobile: 9642 6386