SINDA Annual Report 2011

Contents

President’s Message

Board of Trustees & Executive Commitee

Snapshots of 2011

SINDA 2020

Maximising Educational Opportunities For All

Nurturing More Enlightened Families

Community Strength in Unity and Partnership

Educational Indicators

Financial Statements

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05

06

12

16

26

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52

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VisionTo build a strong

and vibrant Singaporean Indian community together

MissionTo build well-educated, resilient

and confident community of Indians that stands together with other communities in

contributing to the progress of multi-racial Singapore

ValuesRespect, our culture

Integrity, our foundationService, our promise

Excellence, our pursuit

2011 marked the 20th Anniversary of SINDA. In the last two decades, SINDA has emerged as the pre-eminent organisation charged with the upliftment of the Singaporean Indian Community. In that time, we have positively impacted and made real differences in the lives of thousands of individuals and families. Still, there remains work to be done.

A review of our initiatives and what ails the community has resulted in the publication of a strategic review report called SINDA 2020: A New Momentum; a blueprint to effective positive change in the coming years. This isn’t just a plan of action for SINDA but one for the entire Singaporean Indian community to embrace.

As SINDA re-energises and restructures itself to meet these new challenges, we are confident that the community will support us and send ripples of inspiration and hope out into the nation. By joining together in groups and as individuals to support each other in this new chapter, those ripples become waves which will be instrumental in helping to build a brighter future for all of us.

MaxiMising educational opportunities for allStudents enrolled in STEP

2,870 930 410 1,130

Students enrolled in Project Teach

Students in SINDA’s other tuition programmes1

Students at educational workshops and seminars

1,350

Total Number of Volunteers

60

Motivational Talks

1Includes Collaborative Tuition Programme, STU-STAR, NUSTLS ‘A’ Level Tuition Programme – Saadhana.

nurturing More enlightened faMiliesStraits Times School Pocket

Money Fund, SINDA and preschool bursaries disbursed

1,920 400

Direct cases managed by SINDA Family Service Centre

660

Enquiries received at SINDA’s Career Development

and Resource Centre

strengthening partnerships, coMMunitY engageMent and outreach

$1.43 million

Total amount raised through Project Give

70,000

Number of households SINDA connections

is distributed to

1,200

Celebrate! festival gift packs distributed

during festive seasons

SINDA in 2011

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SINDA 2020 is about Hope. It is about Aspiration. It is about Promise. And it is about Potential that can be realised…At the end of SINDA 2020 in ten years time, we will look back to this day and this stage where we hoped and said that the journey started here. And hopefully when we look at the end of that journey we will see that we have made tremendous progress and we would be what we want to be – that is an Indian Community that is a shining star in the Singapore constellation.

Ms Indranee RajahAt the SINDA Community Forum(2nd July 2011)

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A Brighter Future, Together

Dear Friends, 2011 was a milestone year for SINDA for several reasons:n We took a hard look at the progress made by the Indian community since SINDA’s inception in 1991.

n Based on this wide-reaching review, we charted the future direction for SINDA in terms of its role and relevance in the Indian community given the rapidly changing social landscape and needs of the community.

n As SINDA turned 20, we honoured the contributions of several key members of the community, and the critical role they each played in SINDA’s development over the last two decades.

Most importantly, it was also time for us to pause and reflect on the crucial questions – “Where are we going and how do we get there?”

twentY Years of achieveMent

Over the last twenty years, SINDA has come a long way in terms of its contribution towards those who need support. Through its outreach efforts, it has established its presence in the community, and has played a part in our progress in both the academic and socio-economic arenas.

Still, much has changed in the educational and social landscape in the last 20 years. We have embarked on a comprehensive review of our programmes and services as we sought to address the issues that will impact the Singaporean Indian community in the coming years. We took stock of what has worked and what has not and based on what we found, we are introducing new initiatives to take the educational progress of the Indian students to the next stage.

We want to implement new strategies that are more suited to the new education landscape, where a connected world makes for learning in many modes.

Unquestionably, 2011 was a time for meaningful discussions and consultation. Different groups from the whole spectrum of the Singapore Indian community were part of the consultative process. From focus group sessions to dialogues and the SINDA Community Forum, it was heartening to see diverse groups and individuals coming together to deliberate on key issues and brainstorm strategies to address concerns facing the community – all bound by a common goal and of purpose, which was to see the advancement of the Indian community.

the JourneY ahead

The upshot was the report, SINDA 2020: the New Momentum, put together by the SINDA 2020 Review Committee, led by Dr N. Varaprasad. It sets out several hard truths. We have come a long way and what we have achieved so far together is highly commendable. However, we have reached a point where the climb gets steeper and tougher. To make further progress will require that much more effort and commitment from the entire community.

The Review Committee made several pertinent recommendations. As a result, in December 2011, SINDA reorganised itself to better meet these challenges and address the needs of the community. For example, the newly formed Children and Parents Divisions are in direct response to the Review Committee’s recommendations to have a bigger presence in these sectors. SINDA will address these issues by:

n encouraging parents to send their children to preschool centres;

n focusing more on Mathematics through innovative teaching methods;

n expanding our STEP tuition and Project Teach programmes to more pupils and schools;

n strengthening youth development by guiding them to stay focused and aim higher in their aspirations;

n building family resilience amongst Indian families by engaging with parents, and

n strengthening community partnerships by collaborating with various organisations.

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When we look at pass rates, admission rates to institutes of higher learning, delinquency rates, and employment statistics, one thing stands out: there are Singaporean Indians who are not fully sharing in the promise of a better future for themselves and their children.

confronting future challenges

If we do not bridge this gap, we risk having a whole cohort of young Singaporean Indians left on the sidelines of our economy. To avoid this happening we must extend the reach of our quality education initiatives and how they address the learning challenges of our children.

We are confronting these facts head-on so as to change them, and to ensure that each child from our community is given the opportunity to maximise his or her potential.

SINDA will implement targeted and innovative strategies to bridge the achievement gap. But SINDA cannot do this alone. This must be done as a community, with everyone pulling together to ensure that the less-privileged among us get that much-needed help.

This is a shared journey between all members of the extended Singaporean Indian community. It is about creating genuine partnerships across society with shared aspiration, mutual respect, joint responsibility and values. I am confident that the community will heed this call and move together as one, to achieve upliftment of the community and fulfill the potential of our young students.

I would like to conclude by thanking all those who have helped SINDA in the past years, especially the Board of Trustees, the EXCO and the executive and management team, as well as our volunteers, partners and donors. Your unwavering support, service and dedication have created a difference in the lives of many Indians. I look forward to your continued support as we roll out the new initiatives and programmes arising from the SINDA 2020 Review.

conclusion

We have much to do this year, but one thing is clear – 2012 will see the introduction of many positive changes in our community. The directions have been charted, the groundwork has been laid and the new initiatives are being implemented. Together, we will achieve our vision of a strong and vibrant Singaporean Indian community.

Indranee T. RajahPresident

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam

Professor S. Jayakumar

Mr S. Dhanabalan

Mr S. Chandra Das

Mr J. Y. Pillay

Mr Sat Pal Khattar

Mr K. Shanmugam

Dr N. Varaprasad

chairMan & life trustee

Ms Indranee Rajah

president

life trustees

Mr Viswa Sadasivan

Mr Shabbir Hassanbhai, PBM

vice presidents

Mr Sarjit Singh, BBM

secretarY

Mr K. V. Rao

Ms M. Nirmala

Mr P. B. Desai

Dr Sivasankaran Subramaniam

Mr Mohamed Abdul Jaleel, PBM

Ms Sabanitha Shanmugasundram

Mr Sajen G. Aswani

resource panel MeMbers

KPMG LLP

auditors

Mr Inderjit Singh

Ms Indranee Rajah

Mr Haider M. Sithawalla

Mr Bobby Chin Yoke Choong

Mr M. Rajaram

Mr V. Shankar

Mr Ravi Menon

Mr R. Jayachandran

Mr Hsieh Fu Hua

Mr Girija Pande

Mr Gautam Banerjee

MG Ravinder Singh

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan

Mr S. Iswaran

Mr Hri Kumar Nair

Chairman Mr Haider M. Sithawalla

Mr Shabbir Hassanbhai, PBM

Mr K. V. Rao

Mr Sarjit Singh, BBM

Mr Vinodh Sabesan Coomaraswamy

terM trustees advisors

audit review coMMittee MeMbers

Patron

Board of Trustees

Executive Committee

Mr R. Subramaniam Iyer

treasurer

Mr T. Raja Segar

chief executive officer

Mr V. P. Jothi

Mr R. Rajaram

Mr Aaron Maniam

Mr Naseer Ghani

Mr Puvan Ariaratnam

Mr P. Thirunal Karasu, BBM

Dr Joshua V. M. Kuma

MeMbers of executive coMMittee

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iave delegates visit sindaSINDA hosted 15 delegates from the 21st International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) World Youth Volunteer Conference.

22 JAN

Snapshots of 2011

p1 starters

50 parents attended the P1 Starters seminar at SINDA. Key speakers were Mrs Sarojini Padmanathan, Senior Director of SINDA, Mdm V. Balakrishna, Principal of Fernvale Primary School and Principal Consultant of Nascans Pte Ltd, Dr Chris Koh.

26 MAr

planet Jc

74 Junior College (JC) students attended

this seminar. The key speakers were three

exemplary Indian youths: LTC Gaurav Keerthi,

Air Force Pilot; Mr Joel Arun, NUS medical

student and Ms Lingehswari Eisvran, Teacher

at Bukit Panjang Government High School.

26 FEB

launch of sinda service centre

26 MAr

Launched by Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Tharman

Shanmugaratnam, Minister for Finance and Minister

for Manpower and Chairman of SINDA, at Jurong Point.

From February to December 2011, SINDA Service

Centre (SSC) reached out to 652 beneficiaries.

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launch of e-learning @ step centres

STEP e-learning was officially launched at the Woodlands Ring

STEP Centre and the new e-learning portal has been subsequently

rolled out to all 21 STEP Centres.

27 APrite foruM 2011Some 260 ITE students attended the ITE Forum at ITE College East. Mr Moonshi Mohsenruddin, founder of multi-million dollar company CommGate Solutions, shared his experiences and inspiring success story.

15 APr

narpani-sinda faMilY daY 2011

More than 7,000 came to the Narpani-SINDA Family

Day that took place at Downtown East. As part of

SINDA’s 20th anniversary initiatives, SINDA partnered

PA’s Narpani Pearavai to organise the event.

24 APr

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Snapshots of 2011

EaglE’s EyE ProgrammE

SINDA has partnered Raffles Institution (RI) since 2010

to run the Eagle’s Eye Programme. The programme

identifies and grooms potential students in Primary 5

to gain entry into the Institution through mentorship by

current RI students.

30 MAy

sinda coMMunitY foruM 2011Around 250 community leaders took part in the SINDA Community Forum (SCF). The objectives of the SCF were to share SINDA’s 20th anniversary review process, present the key issues affecting the Indian community-at-large and consult the community on the recommendations to address them.

2 July

sinda Youth leaders seMinar

53 student leaders from various post-secondary educational institutions

participated in this 3-day/2-night seminar. They were engaged in panel

discussions, fun team-building activities and leadership workshops.

16 -18 JuNE

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launch of hub@sinda

The Hub@SINDA was officially launched by

Mr Dhanabalan, Life Trustee, SINDA and Chairman,

Temasek Holdings. A Kids Club, a Youth Hub and a

Computer Lab are the three new facilities at the new

Hub@SINDA. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and

Space Matrix partially sponsored the rooms.

5 Aug

celebrate! festive gift packCelebrate! Bringing festive cheer to you was kicked off by DPM Tharman. 1,200 families received Celebrate! festive gift packs

with vouchers and goodies over Hari Raya, Deepavali and Christmas.

6 Aug

Joint tuition awards

Some 84 SINDA STEP students were feted at

the annual Self-Help Groups Joint Tuition Awards

Ceremony for making significant progress at the

landmark examinations in 2010.

30 July

ibr dialogue series: inaugural

address bY dpM tharMan

Senior Indian business professionals and members

of the Indian Business-leaders Roundtable (IBR) of

SINDA, came together at the Pan Pacific Hotel on

6 July for the inaugural session of the IBR Dialogue

Series with DPM Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

6 July

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Mad about Maths

74 students attended this ‘O’ Level Mathematics workshop, designed

to motivate and prepare students for their landmark and school based

examinations.

13 Aug

sinda excellence awards 2011

458 students attended the 20th SINDA Excellence Awards (SEA)

ceremony. Students are recognised for their academic achievement

in landmark exams such as PSLE, ‘O’ levels and ‘A’ levels as well as

non-academic achievement in sports and the arts. In 2011, the following

new awards were introduced: ITE Diploma Award, Singapore School

Sports Council Special Colours Award and Returning Graduates Award.

3 SEPdialogue with Minister k. shanMugaM

50 members attended the second IBR

dialogue, held at the M Hotel with

Mr K. Shanmugam, Minister for Foreign

Affairs and Minister for Law.

Members participated in a panel

discussion with Mr Shanmugam and

Mr Girija Pande, Chairman of IBR.

11 OCT

Snapshots of 2011

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sINDa’s 20th

anniversarY dinner

President Tony Tan Keng Yam and other dignitaries such as

former President, Mr S. R. Nathan and SINDA Board Members,

graced SINDA’s 20th anniversary fund-raising dinner held at

the Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore. A Place in the Community,

a commemorative book chronicling SINDA’s history, was

launched at the dinner.

23 NOv

riders aid

800 bikers turned up at the former Umar

Pulavar Tamil Language Centre for their

annual Project Give charity ride to support

the education needs of Indian students from

low-income families.

13 NOv

indian coMMunitY bursarY awards cereMonY and back-to-school festivalAround 660 parents and children attended the Indian Community Bursary Awards (ICBA) and SINDA’s Back-to-School Festival. The ICBA ceremony was held in collaboration with the Singapore Indian Education Trust (SIET) and Tamils Representative Council (TRC). In all, 800 back-to-school kits were given out to beneficiaries during and after the festival.

3 DEC

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SINDA 2020

sinda 2020 review process

The SINDA 2020 Review was led by a Review Committee chaired by Dr N. Varaprasad, Life Trustee, SINDA. The committee, in consultation with an Education Study Team and a Family Study Team, discussed issues pertaining to educational and socio-economic underperformance in the Indian community. The Data Analysis Team was responsible for collating and analysing relevant data and statistics obtained from ministries.

In addition, 16 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted, involving 175 people from various groups within the community. The general public was also engaged through the SINDA Community Forum which 250 community leaders and significant individuals attended. The input gathered from these platforms were consolidated as a Review Report – SINDA 2020: A New Momentum, which was launched on 23 November at a Press Conference involving the Chairman and key members of the Review Committee.

The key findings of the report highlighted some of the issues and challenges facing the Indian community.

These include:

• Low enrolment in preschool

• Gaps in academic performance, especially Mathematics

• Low motivation and drive among youth

• Lack of family stability and support

• SINDA’s limited reach

SINDA will address these challenges by implementing strategies and recommendations in the following ways:

• Significantly increase preschool education

• Enhance focus on Mathematics

• Expand SINDA’s tuition reach

• Strengthen youth development

• Build family resilience

• Strengthen community partnerships

• Enhance organisational capabilities

sinda 2020 coMMeMorative book

A special commemorative book was commissioned to chronicle two decades of SINDA’s history, its progress from birth and its programmes and initiatives. Titled A Place in the Community, it is a testament to the integral role that SINDA plays in the Indian community.

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sINDa’s actIoN PlaN: sINDa - commuNIty stratEgy HousE

Respect Integrity Service Excellence

Values

• Increase Enrolment in Nursery

• Increase Parental Awareness

• Intensify Outreach Mechanisms

• Rebrand STEP• Expand Project

TEACH• Promote

Programme Centres

• Partner Private

•Targeted

through Customised Programmes

• Increase Parent

• Prepare couples for Parenthood

• Empower Less-Educated Mothers

• Facilitate and Leverage on Community Resources

• Forge Sustainable Partnerships

• Increase awareness on SINDA’s role

• Re-Organise Internal

SINDA

• Improve Math Pedagogy

• Increase Math Awareness

• Align Influencers of Behaviour

• Engagement through Peer Networks

• Leverage on Sports and Team

• Promote SINDA as a Youth Hub

Social Media

StrategicInitiatives

Significantly Increase Preschool Enhance Focus on Expand SINDA’s Strengthen Youth

DevelopmentBuild Family Resilience

Strengthen Community Partnerships

Enhance StrategicPillars

Inspiring Youths towards greater

achievement

Engaging Parents

role in their children’s lives

with community partnersKey StrategicThrusts

To build a well-educated, resilient and confident community of Indians that stands together with Mission

To Build a Strong and Vibrant Singaporean Indian Community Together

Vision

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It is comforting to know that you can rely on the support of your own community, particularly in difficult circumstances. And for Miss Ruthra, a student at the National Junior College, life has never been too comfortable.

The 18-year-old JC2 Science student has suffered from health issues since she was young. But that has not stopped her from attaining high academic standards, especially in Tamil and Biology, overcoming every obstacle along the way.

“I get dizzy easily because I’m anaemic, and the side effects from all the medications are severe,” she reveals. “But due to my family’s financial situation, I have to do well academically to ease the strain, and eventually help support the family.”

Ruthra Thiyagarajan Student, National Junior College

“ “Too many Indian youth allow life to pass them by. That’s just not ‘cool’.

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Her father works in pest control and is the sole bread winner. Her mother suffers from osteoarthritis and is unable to work. Fortunately, Ruthra has always been strong academically, and hadn’t previously required tuition to excel in her studies. After her ‘O’ levels, she found life at junior college a challenge. She is grateful for being able to receive tuition under the Saadhana Project, a SINDA collaborative programme with the National University of Singapore Tamil Language Society (NUSTLS).

“My family is proud that I could do well in my subjects without needing too much motivation,” she says. “I’ve always been personally motivated and thankfully, given my financial situation, my parents do not have to spend much needed funds on tuition.”

She is currently a SIET-SINDA bursary recipient and Ruthra plans on a career in either medicine or bio-chemistry. But either way, she plans to achieve the highest paper qualifications possible, an outcome she wishes on all young Singaporean Indians.

SINDA helps further the education of a deserving student on her journey towards academic success.

Some may remember Ruthra as the eloquent speaker who addressed the audience at the Back-to-School Festival 2011 where her message to other youth was to prepare seriously for the future. “It’s our loss if we don’t have the necessary qualifications to build a better life. Too many Indian youth allow life to pass them by. That’s just not ‘cool’,” she says.

Ruthra adds: “We must not be too badly affected by the negatives in life. Just be happy with the positives (in life), and try to put others before self whenever possible. The whole community would be better off if we could reach out and help each other.”

“

“

We must not be too badly affected by the negative. Just be happy with the positive, and try to put others before self whenever possible. The whole community would be better off if we could reach out and help each other.

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A MAJOR aspect of SINDA’s work is to provide Singaporean Indian children with the educational opportunities to reach their full potential. This perennial objective is continually developing, the past year seeing new, as well as continued partnerships, with a host of schools, educational institutions, and community organisations.

Educational programmes such as STEP and Project Teach are meant to help raise Indian students to, and in time surpass, the level of the national average for landmark examinations.

step

Launched in 1992, SINDA Tutorials For Enhanced Performance (STEP) provides affordable tuition to help Indian students perform better in the key subjects of English, Mathematics and Science.

In 2011, STEP was conducted at 21 school premises from January to October on weekday evenings. STEP benefited 2,872 Primary and Secondary students, with a total of 984 receiving full or partial fee waivers.

STEP features a number of benefits for participating students, including

• Small class size (10 to 12 per class)

• Qualified and experienced tutors

• Flexible choice of subjects

• Double Maths

• Curriculum materials

• Regular tests and assessments

• E-Learning

• Holiday classes and programmes

• Target setting book

• Children’s Day gift packs containing dictionaries, calculators, stationery etc

• Refreshments

STEP E-Learning

This initiative provides an e-Learning platform for STEP students, and enables them to take responsibility for their own education. The initiative was officially launched on 27 April 2011 at Woodlands Ring Primary School STEP Centre and then rolled out to all centres.

STEP Heritage Trail

This activity was organised for STEP students in Primary 4 to 6. In all, 74 students set out on a heritage expedition along the Singapore River using mobile technology. The combination of learning and the fun elements of the trail had a significant impact on the participants.

SINDA STEP Futsal

The programme was organised for Secondary level STEP students. In all, 65 students participated in this tournament which focused on developing sportsmanship and a healthy attitude towards living a balanced life among the youth.

Household Income 2011 - STEP Students

2872

Number of Households

$1000 & Below

$1001 - $1500

$1501 - $2000

$2001 - $2500

Above $2500

13.5%

387

20.2%

580

20.6%

593

16.1%

463

29.6%

849

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impact of step (2010)*After STEPEnglish

- 62.0% scored a B grade or better - 3.9% failed

Maths

- 27.1% scored a B grade or better- 48.1% failed

Science

- 74.7% scored a C grade or better- 24.8% failed

Maths


Before STEPEnglish


Maths


Science


Maths


Se

con

da

ry 3

Ex

am

s

‘O’l

ev

el

Pri

ma

ry 5

Ex

am

s

PS

LEstep centres 2011Bowen Secondary School

Chua Chu Kang Secondary School

Clementi Primary School

East View Secondary School

Fajar Secondary School

Farrer Park Primary School

First Toa Payoh Primary School

Henderson Secondary School

Jurong West Secondary School

Marsiling Primary School

Mayflower Secondary School

North View Secondary School

Pasir Ris Primary School

Ping Yi Secondary School

Pioneer Secondary School

Sembawang Secondary School

Seng Kang Secondary School

Shuqun Primary School

Shuqun Secondary School

Woodlands Ring Primary School

Yishun Primary School

* The official 2011 school and national examination results will be available at a later date.

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proJect teach

Project Teach is a school-based tutorial programme launched in 2001 specifically for Primary school students. It aims to improve the academic performance of Singaporean Indian students in Primary 1 to Primary 6 through intensive small-group tuition for English, Maths and/or Science. These include students in the Foundation stream.

Sessions are customised to the needs of the school and students, and are conducted at school premises before or after curriculum time. Key features of the programme include:

• Close partnership with school

• Small class size of 1:5 tutor-to-pupil ratio

• Qualified and experienced tutors

• Flexible choice of subjects

• Curriculum materials

• Regular tests and assessments

• Holiday classes

In 2011, Project Teach was conducted in 44 Primary schools for 925 Indian students. Some 342 of these students received full or partial fee waivers.

Household Income - Project Teach Students

925


$1000 & Below

$1001 - $1500

$1501 - $2000

$2001 - $2500

Above $2500

12.6%

116

19.2%

178

19.7%

182

14.8%

137

33.7%

312

Project Teach is a school-based tutorial programme launched in 2001 specifically for Primary school students.

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project teach schools 2011Ahmad Ibrahim Primary School

Anderson Primary School

Balestier Hill Primary School

Beacon Primary School

Boon Lay Garden Primary School

Bukit Panjang Primary School

Bukit Timah Primary School

Bukit View Primary School

Canossa Convent Primary School

CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel

CHIJ Our Lady of the Nativity

Chua Chu Kang Primary School

Concord Primary School

Edgefield Primary School

Farrer Park Primary School


Gan Eng Seng Primary School

Greenridge Primary School

Greenwood Primary School

Haig Girls’ School

Huamin Primary School

Lakeside Primary School

Lianhua Primary School

Marsiling Primary School

Meridian Primary School

Montfort Junior School

New Town Primary School

Ngee Ann Primary School

North View Primary School

Pei Tong Primary School

Peiying Primary School

Qifa Primary School

Qihua Primary School

Sembawang Primary School

Shuqun Primary School

Si Ling Primary School

St. Anthony’s Primary School

Tanjong Katong Primary School

Teck Ghee Primary School

Xingnan Primary School

Yew Tee Primary School

Yishun Primary School

Yuhua Primary School

Zhangde Primary School

impact of project teach (2010)*After Project TeachEnglish


Maths


Science


Before Project TeachEnglish


Maths


Science


PS

LE

Pri

ma

ry 5

Ex

am

s

* The official 2011 school and national examination results will be available at a later date.

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new initiatives to enhance step and proJect teach

Curriculum Materials

All students attending both STEP and Project Teach received curriculum materials. SINDA tutors are provided with a list of recommended titles for both the Primary and Secondary levels. This gives tutors the flexibility to decide on the materials that best fit each student. However, in the case of upper Secondary tutors (for students from the normal academic and express streams), SINDA provides a customised curriculum designed to meet their needs. The Ten Year Series are also provided as a supplement to this curriculum.

Guidelines for Classroom Teaching

400 STEP and Project Teach tutors were provided with guidelines for classroom teaching to ensure consistency across all STEP and Project Teach centres. The guidelines recommended teaching approaches and ways to engage students effectively.

More Focus on Maths

Creative MathsCreative Maths was another pilot initiative to supplement the normal school curriculum. It offered fun-filled, activity based Math programmes for STEP and Project Teach students in Primary 1 and Primary 2. It is designed to create an interest in the subject, dispel the fear of numbers and cultivate numeracy skills. 171 students have benefited from this 10-week programme conducted at selected STEP and Project Teach centres.

Double MathsDouble Maths sessions were piloted for Project Teach students. This provides weaker Mathematics students with an additional two hours of tutorials to help them perform better at school and at landmark examinations. Students were identified by the school for extra coaching in Mathematics based on their school mid-year examinations result. This scheme was also extended to STEP centres where Centre Principals and tutors identified weaker Mathematics students to take up the option. In all, 155 Primary and Secondary students benefited from this option in 2011.

Motivation/Enrichment

As part of their centre-based activities, Farrer Park and North View STEP Centres engaged Vasantham celebrities PVSS Vadivalagan and Elamaran to conduct motivational talks for both Primary and Secondary students. The talks covered topics on academic, self motivation and social, behavioural, emotional aspects. 90 students attended and benefited from the talks.

In addition, enrichment programmes such as Creative Maths classes for upper Primary students, Duck Tours, Learning Journey to Marina Barrage and visits to the Science Centre were organised. Selected STEP students also attended the NUS Camp Kathiroli. The objectives of these programmes were to engage students effectively during June holidays through fun Math and Science.

A total of 824 students attended and benefited from the enrichment programmes/activities.

Engaging STEP and Project Teach Tutors

Tutor Orientation ProgrammeThis annual programme attracted some 200 STEP and Project Teach tutors. The tutors were briefed on SINDA’s vision and mission, its educational directions, new STEP and Project Teach initiatives as well as issues surrounding corporate governance.

Mrs Saraspathy Menon, Principal of Yuan Ching Secondary School and her subject specialist teachers were the guest speakers. STEP centre principals were also engaged in an interactive session on ways to improve the performance of Indian students.

STEP and Project Teach Tutor TrainingA series of 11 Training Sessions were organised to equip tutors with newer pedagogies for classroom teaching. A total of 285 tutors attended these training sessions.

Appreciation DinnerAn Appreciation Dinner has been hosted annually by SINDA since 2008 to recognise tutors and support staff in STEP and Project Teach programmes. 23 personnel received awards for their dedicated service for 5, 10 or 15 years in 2011.


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other educational prograMMes

Collaborative Tuition Programme (CTP)

To make tuition centres more accessible to students, Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC), Yayasan Mendaki and SINDA run 56 CTP centres island-wide for students of all ethnic groups. In 2011, around 162 students benefited from this programme.

Kip McGrath

OnePeople.sg, the national body championing Racial Harmony, has set up a Multi-Racial Education Centre (MREC) in collaboration with the four Self-Help Groups, Central Singapore Community Development Council (CSCDC) and Kip McGrath Worldwide Education Centre (KMWEC). The programme identifies underachieving students from low-income families, and supports them in their education. SINDA has supported in marketing the programme and identified 6 students for the programme.

NUSTLS ‘A’ Level Tuition Programme – Saadhana

Saadhana ‘A’ Level Tuition Programme is a non-profit project run by the National University of Singapore Tamil Language Society (NUSTLS). It aims to provide quality tutoring in all core GCE ‘A’ Level subjects at affordable rates.

SINDA and SIET support this project every year. In 2011, a total of 90 students enrolled in the programme. Students who were not able to afford the fees were accorded waivers based on their household income.

C-2-A Seminar

This initiative helps students study for ‘A’ Level Mathematics and General Paper. Presented in an exciting seminar format, students were provided with a survival kit to prepare them for the examinations. A total of 65 students attended this programme.

Maths & Me

Maths & Me was launched to help Primary 6 students attain better grades in PSLE Mathematics. The 12-week intensive preparatory programme aimed to reach out to more Singaporean Indian students, especially those who were not enrolled in STEP and Project Teach.

Classes were conducted island-wide including STEP centres, Community Clubs, SINDA HQ, SINDA Service Centre and The Verge. Qualified and experienced tutors were assigned to conduct intensive lessons, with an emphasis on building on the fundamental aspects of Mathematics. Some 229 students attended the programme in 2011.

Project GuidE (Guiding for Excellence)

Project GuidE targets students who underperform in Mathematics, English and Science, yet do not have any tuition assistance. Through close collaboration with Tamil language teachers, students from Primary 5 and 6 are identified and placed in this programme. 2 events and 1 workshop were conducted specifically for the benefit of students studying at the upper Primary levels. These included:

Amazing RaceThe programme was organised in collaboration with Raffles Institution Junior College (RIJC) Indian Cultural Society to motivate students through a series of fun-filled activities held at Singapore Zoo. In all, 95 Primary 5 and 6 students benefited.

Pathways to Mid-year SeminarsThis encompassed two series of workshops benefiting 104 Primary 5 and Primary 6 students. The programme focused on study skills and on preparing students for the mid-year examinations.

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Great HuntThe programme had a treasure hunt format, tasking students to unravel various secrets to success. A total of 100 Primary 5 and Primary 6 students took part in this event.

Project LeapSome 157 Primary 4 and 5 students attended this experiential workshop at Republic Polytechnic. Students learnt skills on self-understanding, time management, public speaking and were also tasked to set goals for the upcoming year.

STU-STAR Programme

The Singapore Teachers Union (STU) conducts the Special Tutorial and Revision (STAR) programme for students from Primary 4 to Primary 6. 11 centres located island-wide offer English, Maths and Science classes. SINDA provides subsidies for up to 50% of the total tuition fees for students enrolled in this programme. In 2011, 41 students benefited from this programme.

Math School

This was a 10-week Math Tutorial Programme for students in Primary 3 to Primary 6. The trainers were students from RIJC ICS. A total of 82 students benefited from this programme.

Winning Strategies

SINDA organised ‘Winning Strategies in PSLE Maths 2011’ for Primary 6 students and engaged Mr Vijayan Nambiar, a well-known motivator and MOE-trained educator. The students were taught skills to master challenging Mathematical concepts hence preparing them for the PSLE examinations. A total of 3 seminars were held for the 212 students who signed up.

‘O’ Level Maths Seminar

A two-hour Maths revision seminar by education trainers, Nascans Pte Ltd, which focused on critical topics such as Algebra and Trigonometry, was organised for students from the Hindi Society and Punjabi Language Centre. A total of 50 students attended this programme which motivated them to score higher marks in school and landmark examinations.

Mirror Me & Mirror You

This half-day workshop aimed to build students’ communication skills and encourage creative thinking to boost their confidence and enable them to converse better in English. A total of 21 students benefited from this programme.

Math-O-Mania

Math-O-Mania was a 10-week comprehensive Math revision programme for students sitting for ‘O’ Level Elementary Mathematics. Presented by Phoenix EduHub in collaboration with SINDA, it equipped students with the necessary skills to ace their ‘O’ Levels Elementary Mathematics examination. A total of 25 students enrolled in the programme.

Bridging Programme 2011

The four SHGs, supported by the Ministry of Education (MOE) targeted academically weak K2 students who were about to enter Primary 1 for a nine-week intensive programme. The aim was to develop their basic social, emotional, literacy and numeracy skills so that they could be more ready for school. A total of 79 children across all the ethnic groups were identified, of which 2 were Indians.


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P1 Starters

Some 60 parents attended this parenting seminar organised by Ramakrishna Mission Sarada Kindergarten in collaboration with SINDA on 16 July 2011.

The interactive seminar, ‘Building Blocks and Happy Learners’ was conducted by Dr Chris Koh from Nascans.

The seminar imparted essential skills and parenting techniques to help parents prepare their children for academic, social and emotional learning in Primary 1.

Scholarships

SINDA offers a range of scholarships in collaboration with well-known organisations and institutions to encourage individuals to pursue higher studies and acquire more skills. In 2011, SINDA partnered three organisations to jointly award seven scholarships for diploma and certificate courses.

The institutions are the Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS), Singapore Airlines (SIA) and the Singapore Institute of Materials Management (SIMM).

Also in 2011, SINDA and the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI) partnered Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to award scholarships to Engineering and Business students for their Global Immersion Programme (GIP). The scholarship was awarded to two Singaporean Indian students for a 25-week internship and study programme in Pune, India.

Ng Lao Chik-SINDA Secondary Study (NLC SSS) Awards SINDA, with a $6,000 donation from Mr Ng Siak Heng, introduced this new study awards scheme for deserving Indian students in mainstream Secondary schools who are outstanding in education, sports or art. In all, 12 students received the award in 2011.

Dr Balaji Sadasivan ScholarshipTo honor the memory and work of SINDA’s former President, the late Dr Balaji Sadasivan, SINDA launched this scholarship that will be awarded to deserving Singaporean Indian undergraduates or post-graduates in Social Work. The scholarship will support up to 5 students with the study award of $5,000 to $10,000.

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When Madam Krishnavani’s son, Sainiran, won a school reading competition in 1999, it launched a series of events that led to other young Singaporean Indians appreciating the gift of letters and words, not least of all her own daughter, Santhiya.

The organisers of the competition commented on how well Sainiran, then 10-years old, read and pronounced. They recognised that Krishnavani, a housewife, had that rare gift of being able to ignite the love of reading in children, and urged her to use the ability for the benefit of other Singaporean Indian children.

Mdm Krishnavani & Santhiya

Passing on the Baton

This led to Krishnavani volunteering for the fledgling Project Read in 2000, a six-month series of weekly home visits where volunteers help children overcome reading difficulties while cultivating the reading habit. The programme pioneer has not looked back since.

“When Sainiran and Santhiya were babies, I always placed books amongst their toys. Of course, at first they chose to play with toys. But they gradually learnt to like books more. And I often brought them to libraries and book fairs to reinforce the interest,” says the 48-year old mother.

The highpoint in her career as a Project Read volunteer came when she helped a child who stammered.

“The child was in Primary 3 then. After 8 months, with much perseverance, she overcame her stutter when reading. She even gained sufficient confidence to perform a small part in a school play and eventually acted in a Vasantham show telecast on national television,” explains Krishnavani with obvious satisfaction and pride.

“Her mother said that this marked improvement would not have been possible without Project Read,” adds Krishnavani, who obviously has what it takes to make a difference in others’ lives.

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And this quality has been inherited by Santhiya, her 15-year old daughter. The Secondary 3 student from Boon Lay Secondary School has been further inspired to love the written word by her brother, Sainiran, now a psychology undergraduate.

“He, too, loved reading and together we had a whole room full of books. We always encouraged each other to read as much as possible. For me, this has greatly improved my vocabulary and my ability to write compositions,” says Santhiya.

She currently helps a K2 child on Saturdays, the only day she is free due to her school CCAs and her own packed schedule. “At first, she only knew the alphabet. But she gradually learned to read words, and after six to eight months, she has begun to read full sentences. This motivated me to strive harder to further improve her reading ability,” she adds.

Krishnavani feels that sparking a child’s interest in reading is vital. Parents play an important role in this. Together with the Project Read volunteer, she feels they can ascertain how best to achieve this.

“It’s the interest that is important,” she explains. “I used to have children calling me to find out if I’m coming for a session. While a volunteer is a powerful resource, a balance must be struck between the parents’ and the volunteer’s involvement in the child’s development.”

like mother, like daughter. The spirit of volunteerism runs deep in this family.

Sparking a child’s interest in reading is vital. Parents play an important role in this.

““

Perhaps more Secondary school students can be involved in this programme to make a difference in the community. Some of them have quite a bit of spare time after school hours and a scheme like Project Read would be a good way to spend that time usefully.

“

“

She understands that many who want to be of service are extremely busy. But she advises potential volunteers to give it a try for six months. “When you see the children showing improvement, it is very, very rewarding,” says Krishnavani.

Santhiya feels there is a role to be played by Secondary school children. The older ones can make a difference by getting involved in Project Read.

“Perhaps more Secondary school students can be involved in this programme to make a difference in the community. Some of them have quite a bit of spare time after school hours and a scheme like Project Read would be a good way to spend that time usefully,” she says.

Constructive ideas from a mother and daughter, filled with the desire to help the Indian community fulfill its huge potential.

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Nuturing More Enlightened Families

sinda faMilY service centre

SINDA Family Service Centre (FSC) uses qualified social workers and counsellors to provide services to those experiencing difficulties in their personal, professional, marital and family lives. Experienced and trained officers carry out case assessments, conduct home visits and provide help where needed. The SINDA FSC provides financial assistance through bursaries, as well as more holistic support for families through its programmes such as Legal Clinic and Neu PC.

Families and individuals can contact SINDA FSC if they require information or assistance regarding national schemes available to them. Referrals to such appropriate agencies are made when necessary.

SINDA FSC handled a total of 403 cases in 2011.

Household Income - FSC

403


$1000 & Below

$1001 - $1500

$1501 - $2000

$2001 - $2500

Above $2500

55.08%

222

24.81%

100

12.66%

51

2.98%

12

4.47%

18

education level

no. of cases %

No Formal Education

Primary

Secondary

Post Secondary / Tertiary

Total

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136

176

65

403

6.45

33.75

43.67

16.13

100

Families and individuals can contact the SINDA FSC if they require information or assistance regarding national schemes available to them.

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Household Income - SINDA Bursary

1638


$1000 & Below

$1001 - $1500

$1501 - $2000

$2001 - $2500

Above $2500

28.57%25.58%20.57%14.96%

10.32%

468419337245169

Household Income - SPMF

$1000 & Below

$1001 - $1500

$1501 - $2000

$2001 - $2500

Above $2500146


59.59%24.66%10.96%

2.05%2.74%

87361634

sinda bursarY and straits tiMes school pocket MoneY fund

SINDA provides bursaries for full-time Singaporean Indian students from low-income families, who are enrolled in government and independent schools, and educational institutions. These students range from Primary to pre-university levels.

The bursaries complement other financial support schemes already available, such as the school bursaries, and community organisation bursaries.

Recipients of SINDA bursaries and the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (SPMF) are also provided tuition at our STEP centres. Case officers assess if the families of bursary recipients require other assistance, such as Neu PC, financial assistance and job placement or job upgrading.

In 2011, SINDA disbursed $58,530 to 146 students from the SPMF and 1,638 SINDA bursaries worth $1,056,130.

siet-sinda bursarY

In 2011, a total of $170,530 was disbursed to 149 students under this scheme.

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sinda preschool bursarY

SINDA gives out preschool bursaries to Singaporean Indian children from low-income families, to help them build a strong foundation before entering Primary 1. This bursary is given in addition to the subsidies provided by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), through the Centre-Based Financial Assistance Scheme for Childcare (CFAC) and Kindergarten Financial Assistance Scheme (KIFAS).

Low-income families eligible for the Preschool Bursary must have children aged 18 months to 6 years enrolled in a non-profit childcare centre. To qualify, the mothers must be willing to seek employment to supplement the family income.

In 2011, 140 children benefited from the Preschool Bursary amounting to $62,975.

before and after school care subsidY

Parents from the lower-income bracket who enrol their children in Before and After School Care (BASC) centres qualify for financial assistance. The BASC subsidy, provided to families with children aged 7 to 14, is offered in addition to the subsidies provided by MCYS, Community Development Councils (CDCs) and student care centres. Children must be enrolled in a non-profit student care centre to be eligible.

In 2011, 91 children benefited from the BASC subsidy amounting to $52,548.

Household Income - BASC

91


$1000 & Below

$1001 - $1500

$1501 - $2000

$2001 - $2500

46.74%32.61%13.04%

7.61%

4330126

Household Income - Preschool Bursary

140


$1000 & Below

$1001 - $1500

$1501 - $2000

$2001 - $2500

Above $2500

30.71%35.71%18.57%13.57%

1.44%

435026192

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neu pc prograMMe

Access to a computer with Internet connectivity is a basic necessity, given the prevalence of educational technologies that help empower and enrich our lives today. Since 1998, SINDA has collaborated with the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) of Singapore in an effort to get Singaporean Indian students and their families to own PCs, along with affordable Internet connectivity. SINDA provides basic IT training to encourage low-income Indian families to be more computer savvy. Thus far, more than 4,554 new PCs have been placed in homes. In 2011 alone, 134 families benefited from the programme.

legal clinic

Free Legal Clinic sessions are held once a month in SINDA, where volunteer lawyers offer legal advice to low-income Singaporean Indian families. The lawyers help to explain to clients the legal procedures and terms and also highlight legal costs that may be incurred in resolving issues. In 2011, 24 families benefited from the services of the Legal Clinic.

proJect spark

Project SPARK (Successful Parents and Resilient Kids) is a collaborative effort between SINDA and Temasek Cares (a charity arm of Temasek Holdings), Yayasan Mendaki, Chinese Development Assistance Council and the Eurasian Association.

It aims to provide a more holistic and integrated intervention programme to help single parents rebuild their lives and overcome challenges. Funding support of $180,000 over a period of 2 years will address the provision of an assistance package consisting of employment assistance programmes and a starter kit. In 2011, 65 single parent families participated in the programme.

proJect athena

Introduced in 2009, Project Athena focuses on single mothers and their children. Project Athena aims to empower these mothers to become more confident individuals. Besides helping them to acquire skills that increase their employability, the project also serves as a peer support network for these mothers. In 2011, 31 mothers and 34 children benefited from the programme.

Free Legal Clinic sessions are held once a month in SINDA, where volunteer lawyers offer legal advice to low-income Singaporean Indian families.

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sinda service centre @ Jurong point

SINDA Service Centre (SSC) was officially opened at Jurong Point on 26 March 2011. The ceremony was graced by DPM Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Chairman of SINDA. The SSC provides similar services as the SINDA headquarters, to the Indian community living in the West of Singapore.

From February to December 2011, the SSC served some 652 beneficiaries.


The following services are available at SSC:

• Information and referral services

• Counselling

• Reading Circle

• Bursary application

• Programmes registration

• Payment collection

• NEU PC application

• Training/Job referral services

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career developMent and resource centre

SINDA’s Career Development and Resource Centre (CDRC) serves as a one-stop information and referral service centre for skills upgrading and career advancement for low-skilled adult Indian workers. From January to December 2011, 658 enquiries were made at the CDRC. In all 291 job seekers received referrals for employment placement, of which 33 were successfully placed in jobs.

PARTNERS

CDRC’s partners include;

1. Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA)

2. Community Development Councils (CDC)

3. The People’s Association Indian Activity Executive Committees (PAIAEC) Co-ordinating Council

4. National Trades Union Congress (NTUC)

5. Self-Help Groups (SHG)

6. National Environment Agency (NEA)

7. Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association (LISHA)

8. NTUC Union for Casual & Contract Workers (NTUC-UCCW)

9. Ministry of Manpower (MOM)

10. Singapore Manufacturers’ Federation (SMa)National Schemes Available at CDRC

• Employability Skills System (ESS)

• Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ)

• Certified Service Professional (CSP)

• Surrogate Employer Scheme (SEP)

• Place & Train Scheme (P&T)

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If there’s one quality that sets successful youth counsellors apart, it’s the ability to initiate positive change. Not just the capacity to adapt well, but to aspire through sheer hard work and foresight to achieve their desired goals, and then to share those experiences for the benefit of their charges.

This is the trait that best describes Sumithra Nair and Haresh Kumar, SINDA youth volunteers who at an early age recognised the need for change, and have affected positive results through vision and industry.

They are both able to relate to the problems of today’s youth, and take an active approach to sharing their own experiences with young Singaporean Indians in various SINDA programmes.

young SINDA beneficiaries stand to gain much from the vision and experience of these two youth volunteers.

Haresh Kumar & Sumithra Nair

Sumithra grew up in a family with financial constraints. “I know what they’re going through; I faced the same problems,” says the 27-year old teacher.

For four years, she worked with teens on probation under various Ministry of Community Development, Sports and Youth (MCYS) programmes. “You have to earn their trust and respect first before you can help them. I find counselling rewarding; you can see greatness in small successes,” she adds.

“Then I learnt about SINDA’s Guidance and Mentorship programme (GAME). I volunteered to use my own experiences to help them. I was also inspired by the book Restorative Practices which gave me insights into education and social work, among other things,” says Sumithra.

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She now mentors three young beneficiaries, displaying a deep commitment to the programme by texting them regularly to keep tabs on their progress. Her fun-loving personality enables her to connect with her charges, and give them the right kind of attention they seek.

“It’s important that they stay in school. Family support is vital. Also, teachers and counsellors can provide the encouragement that can bring about positive change and break the cycle of dysfunction,” she feels. “Peer influence is crucial, as friends can support each other to make a difference.”

Sumithra points to the three ingredients required for positive change – leadership skills, empowerment and confidence building, components that fellow volunteer Haresh Kumar fully agrees with. He, too, took the academic route to beneficial transformation.

Haresh did not achieve good results when he first took the ‘O’ levels. The 26-year old communications and media executive, now a conference organiser with SPRING Singapore, had to repeat the examinations, back in 2003.

“I didn’t retake my ‘O’ levels in a mainstream school but at a private school, even though people had a less favourable impression of private education back then,” he says. This just made him more determined to do well, and he successfully gained entry to Nanyang Polytechnic, studying business management.

“This was a turning point for me. I realised firsthand how easy it is for young people to get discouraged. But perception has changed. Now private schools and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) are accepted alternative education routes, so there’s no excuse,” he adds. “But I can still relate to the average youth with problems.”

He personally hopes to instill the confidence in Indian youth to be more business-minded. “Previous generations were very entrepreneurial, but now fewer youth are taking this route to success,” he says. “The social and employment infrastructure is such that young Indians with no aspiration just get stuck in the system.”

Haresh feels Indian youth lack awareness of business opportunities. This is why he volunteered for the SINDA Young Leaders Programme (SYLP) last year, to work with youth and help them be more self-reliant and business minded.

“At SPRING, we have more than 200 grants. It’s a matter of directing promising young Indians to the right website to find out for themselves the opportunities available,” he says. “It’s also about using one’s abilities to achieve desired outcomes.”

He himself put his words into action by participating in ‘Be the Change’, a contest organised by MCYS and the National Youth Council. He won an iPad2 for his ideas on expanding social entrepreneurship, an area with much potential for young Singaporeans.

Having previously been involved in SINDA focus groups, Haresh is currently helping organise the first ‘Ace the Race’ workshop for Normal stream and ITE students. The 1-day programme, to be held on 19 May 2012 will offer motivational talks by industry professionals, who make for good role models.

Both Sumithra and Haresh have encountered situations that give them the ability to see things from their charges’ perspectives. “It’s about putting yourself in their shoes,” says Sumithra. That, and the ability to bring about change for the better.

“Peer influence is crucial, as friends can support each other to make a difference.

“

“I find counselling rewarding; you can see greatness in small successes.

“

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sinda Youth club

The SINDA Youth Club (SYC) engages Indian youths between the ages of 13 and 35. It focuses primarily on providing them with enrichment activities that have a strong educational agenda. The SYC aims to inspire more Indian youths to aspire and achieve more. Since its official launch in 2010 by Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, SYC has been networking with other Indian youth groups to organise youth development programmes.

In 2011, the SYC conducted the following:

SINDA Young Leaders Programme

The SINDA Young Leaders Programme (SYLP) provides leadership training to empower Indian youths and channel them towards community service. Selected applicants from various institutions undergo an intensive six-month programme to hone their strengths and develop their passion for community service.

In 2011, as part of the overseas component of the programme, 27 youths visited Kerala on a study trip. The experience allowed them to immerse themselves in the local culture and learn more about Kerala’s education system. Leveraging on the existing partnership between Singapore’s Ministry of Education and Kerala’s educational institutions, participants aimed to generate ideas and identify processes that could be modified to benefit STEP students.

At the end of the programme, participants graduated as ambassadors of the SYLP. They continued contributing to the local community by sharing their knowledge at workshops conducted at STEP centres.

The SINDA Youth Leaders Seminar

Some 53 youths attended the SINDA Youth Leaders Seminar (SYLS), a 3-day/2-night residential camp for tertiary students. The objective of the seminar is to build on knowledge and skills needed for young Indians to become effective leaders within a culturally diverse community. It also provided opportunities for participants to interact with key policy makers, leaders and academics.


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In Conversation Series Sessions

These sessions are led by industry experts who share their experiences and discuss career opportunities in their respective fields. These experts share aspects such as the career prospects, criteria involved and challenges they faced.

Some of the speakers engaged in 2011 were Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman (Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of National Development and Mayor, South East District), Mr Moonshi Mohsenruddin, CEO and Founder of CommGates Solutions, and Dr Kumaran Rassapan, medical practitioner, adventurer and author of A Doctor by Profession & A Mountaineer by Choice. In all, 125 participants benefited from the ICS in 2011.

Distinguished Speaker Series with Former President S. R. Nathan The Distinguished Speaker Series (DSS) is an annual event targeted at tertiary students and young professionals. It enables them to engage and network with distinguished individuals within the community.

Former President S. R. Nathan was the speaker for DSS 2011. He candidly shared his views on the community and nation with the 120 participants at this session.

Project Aspire

Project Aspire, a workshop on goal-setting, portfolio and Curriculum Vitae (CV) development as well as interview preparatory skills, attracted 80 tertiary students last year. A team of facilitators led this workshop designed to adequately prepare participants for further studies and future employment.

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Rivervale Primary

Jurong Primary

Xingnan Primary

schools participating in project victory

Yishun Secondary

Regent Secondary

St Margaret’s Secondary

CHIJ St Theresa’s Convent

Chestnut Drive Secondary

Yuhua Secondary

schools offering senior victory

kewalraM chanrai initiatives

The Primary focus of the four-year partnership between SINDA and the Kewalram Chanrai Group beginning in 2011 is to effectively reach out to Indian youths who need guidance, additional assistance and financial support. The initiatives are targeted at youths between 10 and 18 years of age from low-income families. The programme aims to provide guidance and build their self-esteem.

The funded programmes for 2011 included:

• Project Victory and Senior Victory, school-based motivation programmes

• Guidance and Mentorship (GAME)

• Holiday Enrichment Programmes (HEP)

• ‘I am Motivated’, motivational programme at STEP Centres

In addition, new initiatives were implemented in the middle of the year to further support youth within a non-academic framework. These initiatives were:

• F1 Experience Workshop

• ‘Take the Lead’ Dance Enrichment Workshop

Project Victory and Senior Victory

Project Victory (PV) targeted at students in Primary 4 to 6 and Senior Victory targeted at Secondary students, are school-based motivation programmes.

Both these values-based programmes provide students with support and guidance to bring out their leadership qualities and boost their self-esteem. Through planned and structured activities, experienced and trained facilitators help students redirect their focus towards education.

PV and SV encourage participants to practice positive life skills by addressing areas such as anger management and conflict resolution.

The programmes are conducted as two hour sessions every week for a maximum of six months. During this period the facilitators update parents on their children’s progress, and address their concerns. In 2011, 221 students benefited from PV and SV programme.


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Guidance and Mentorship Programme

The Guidance and Mentorship Programme (GAME) is a group-based mentoring programme supporting the development of Primary and Secondary level Indian youth. Piloted in 2011, it targets students who are disengaged from school, appear to have self-esteem issues and display behavioural concerns.

These youths are referred to SINDA by school counsellors, caseworkers and Family Service Centres. They are paired with volunteer mentors for six months and engaged in structured activities that are supported by Positive Youth Development and Social Emotional Learning frameworks. Through these activities, mentors impart valuable life skills to help the youths make meaningful life choices and ultimately improve their performance in school. In 2011, 10 volunteers mentored 15 youths.

The Guidance and Mentorship Programme (GAME) is a group-based mentoring programme supporting the development of Primary and Secondary level Indian youth.

Leaders from SINDA Young Leaders Programme (SYLP)

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Camp United – An Overnight Camp

Freestyle Soccer Workshop

Winter Wonderland at Snow City

Time Machine – A Universal Adventure at Universal Studios Singapore

Floorball Experience Workshop

Night at the Singapore Philatelic Museum – Overnight Camp

Chronicles of Narnia – An Interactive Exhibition (Learning Excursion)

United We Play – Soccer Workshop

Sleeping with the Beasts – An Overnight Camp at the Singapore Zoo

Total Number of Participants

3 & 4 June 2011

4 June 2011

9 June 2011

21, 23 & 24 June 2011

6 & 7 September 2011

24 & 25 November 2011

3 December 2011

10 December 2011

15 & 16 December 2011

11

50

173

196

11

28

20

26

94

609

title of programme date participants

‘I am Motivated’

‘I am Motivated’ is a non-academic motivational programme for Secondary students in STEP. This 16-week programme is based on the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) framework and modelled after SINDA’s Senior Victory programme.

The programme engages Secondary students in a structured programme to nurture responsible and self-motivated individuals. 90 students from the STEP centres (table on the right) participated in the programme.

Mayflower Secondary School

East View Secondary School

Pioneer Secondary School

North View Secondary School


stEP centres in the ‘I am motivated’ Programme

Holiday Enrichment Programme

SINDA organises Holiday Enrichment Programmes (HEP) annually for beneficiaries in June, November and December. The programmes engage Primary and Secondary school students through fun enrichment activities that gainfully occupy them during the holidays, aid in personal development and ultimately, their academic performance in school.

609 students aged between 7 and 17 participated in the activities organised in 2011.


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F1 Experience Workshop

The workshop created a stimulating environment for youths to learn about Science, Engineering and Technology. This helped them to develop an informed view about careers in Engineering, Science, Marketing and Technology. The programme also aimed to boost the academic performance of Indian youths who underperform in Math and Science at school and landmark examinations.

Four half-day workshops were conducted at St Andrew’s Secondary school on 19, 21, 22 and 23 November 2011 for 86 students from Primary 5 to 6 and Secondary 1 to 4. The entire programme derives directly from Formula 1 and is endorsed by Mr Bernie Ecclestone, CEO of Formula One Management and Formula One Administration.

‘Take the Lead’ Dance Enrichment Workshop

The programme instilled a sense of achievement and drive among students. It also enabled Indian youth to maximise their potential and build confidence through team-building, and leadership development activities. 10 dance sessions were conducted by Dance Arts for the students attending the Senior Victory programme. The students also had the opportunity to perform a hip hop dance item at SINDA’s annual Back-to-School Festival on 3 December 2011. Some 10 students from St Margaret’s Secondary School and Pioneer STEP Centre participated in this workshop. Following its success, a Hip-Hop Dance Enrichment Workshop was organised on 19 December 2011. In all, 35 upper Primary and Secondary students participated in this workshop.

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This was not DHL’s only collaboration with SINDA for the benefit of the needy. The express delivery and forwarding company also organised trips to the Singapore Flyer and Science Centre, and held a soccer clinic, as well.

“It’s great to work for a company that has the same spirit of volunteerism that I have,” says Mohamad Ridzal bin Mazlan, who manages the Hybrid Mail Centre. He is often involved in projects benefiting the needy, while his colleague Chua Kian Huat, who works in the Southeast Asia Operations division, feels CSR projects are “good for personal bonding”.

“We’ve started categorising our projects under the titles ‘Go Teach’, for children; ‘Go Green’, for environmental projects and ‘Go Help’, for disaster relief. And at the global level, we now have a corporate global effort called Volunteer Day,” says Alexander.

Another DHL employee, Shawn Seah, who is with the Commercial Network department, feels not enough is known about volunteerism in Singapore. “People do want to help, but they should realise it’s not only just about donating money. There are other ways that one can also contribute,” he says.

From delivering packages to making a difference in lives - DHl’s partnership with SINDA.

The DHL Global Mail Team

“We’re always looking for opportunities to further our corporate social responsibilities (CSR). It’s part of our corporate culture. We take ownership of the projects we get involved in.” says Sham Alexander, DHL Global Mail’s Managing Director for Southeast Asia.

And this team’s dynamism was evident when 68 employees volunteered to deliver SINDA’s Celebrate! festive gift packs to needy Indian families over the Deepavali season in 2011.

“SINDA approached our regional office requesting assistance in distributing gift packs during the Hari Raya Puasa and Deepavali periods last year,” reveals Mr Alexander. “We didn’t know the volumes involved, but in the end we made 37 deliveries for Hari Raya and 47 for Deepavali.”

People do want to help, but they should realise it’s not only just about donating money. There are other ways that one can also contribute.

“

“

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“SINDA approached our regional office requesting assistance in distributing gift packs during the Hari Raya Puasa and Deepavali periods last year. We made 37 deliveries for Hari Raya and 47 for Deepavali.

“

Another new initiative, called Global Mail Give Back, is a direct result of DHL’s collaborations with SINDA, says Jeanna Goh, from DHL’s Human Resource and Administration department.

“We’re aggressively initiating programmes due to our work with SINDA,” she adds.

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Strengthening Partnerships, Community Engagement and Outreach

volunteer relations

The Volunteer Relations Department (VRD) looks into innovative resources and meaningful opportunities that create a positive change within the Indian community. SINDA maintains a comprehensive Volunteer Management System that administers the recruitment, orientation, training, supervision and recognition of volunteers.

Volunteers make a positive difference in lives – by nurturing a love for reading among young children, mentoring youth, befriending families, imparting IT skills and providing free legal advice. By being there for anyone who needs the support, concern and guidance of someone who cares, these volunteers truly make all the difference.

Key Information on SINDA Volunteers

• In 2011, a total of 1,351 volunteers contributed their time to SINDA.

• 350 new volunteers registered in 2011 to help in our assistance schemes.

• 719 volunteers dedicated their time to our ad-hoc projects, activities and events, each averaging about nine hours of service for the year.

• 632 volunteers were engaged in long term programmes, contributing an average of 24 hours for the whole year.

Volunteer Participation

Long-term Volunteers

Episodic Volunteers

54% 46%

632719

1351

Number of Volunteers

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volunteer prograMMes

Project Read

Project Read brings the gift of reading to young children. Volunteers visit the children once a week at their homes and read to them to help them overcome reading difficulties and cultivate the reading habit in them. The volunteers monitor the child’s progress over a period of 6 months to ensure that the child benefits from the sessions.

Project Read also gives Indian children a headstart in school by equipping them with basic literacy skills earlier, so that they perform better when they start school.

Reading Circle/Group-Based Reading Programme

The Reading Circle/Group-Based reading programme is a centre-based programme for children between the ages of four and nine. These reading and enrichment sessions help them overcome their reading difficulties. Volunteers engage the children in creative and fun ways, and monitor their progress. The objective is to equip Singaporean Indian children with literacy skills and adequately prepare them for preschool and Primary school. It also aims to cultivate the love for reading in children from an early age.

Key features include:• Small group reading session, with a

volunteer to child ratio of 1: 5.

• Conducted weekly, mostly on weekends for one-and-a-half to two hours per session.

• Spearheaded by the People’s Association Indian Activity Executive Committees (PAIAECs), other grassroots, religious and Indian organisations.

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Information Technology Workshop

Information Technology (IT) workshops are conducted island wide for adults and senior citizens with the aim of equipping them with basic computer skills.

The workshops are conducted mainly on weekends or weekday evenings to raise participants’ computer literacy levels by imparting basic PC skills such as Internet usage and Microsoft Office skills. The workshops also aim to cultivate an interest in IT among participants and encourage them to make IT their way of life.

Information Technology Lifestyle Information Technology (IT) Lifestyle is a home-based volunteer-driven programme meant to impart basic computer skills to school children from low income families with a PC at home. The programme aims to cultivate interest in IT among school children, imparting PC skills like basic computer and Internet usage, E-communications and basic Microsoft Office skills.

IT Lifestyle targets school children between the ages of 6 and 12. Volunteers visit the homes of families for one hour once a week over a period of three months to instruct the child and monitor the progress.

Home-Based TuitionThis is a tuition programme targeted at Primary and Secondary students who need tuition assistance, but are unable to travel to STEP classes or their schools do not offer Project Teach. The objective of this programme is to provide one-to-one remedial tuition for students who are weak in core subjects.

Volunteers visit the homes of families once a week for an hour over a period of six to eight months. They tutor the child in English, Maths and Science, and monitor the child’s progress over the period.

Befrienders Programme

Befrienders is a mentorship programme to provide holistic support and assistance to families requiring long term assistance. The programme aims to provide them with moral support and ultimately build their self-esteem. It is targeted at low-income Indian families, with at least one school-going child.

Volunteers are matched with a family living within close proximity to them and contact the family at least once a fortnight. These Befrienders make at least one home visit a month.

Home-Based Tuition caters for students who need tuition assistance but are unable to travel to STEP or whose schools do not offer Project Teach.

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volunteer and beneficiarY outreach in long terM volunteer prograMMes

151

250

108

16

25

22

17

40

3

632

Project Read

Reading Circle

Group Based Reading programme

GAME (Youth Mentorship Programme)

IT Workshop

IT Lifestyle

Befrienders

Home Based Tuition

Legal Clinic

Total

programme

200

752

156

16

205

22

17

50

21

1439

Beneficiaries volunteers

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Media and publicitY

The media played a significant role in SINDA’s outreach efforts in 2011. Through our continued collaboration with the broadcast and print media, SINDA received more than 200 media mentions during the year. Many of SINDA’s programmes and services were brought to the attention of the public through astute engagement of the various Indian media. Besides the vernacular Tamil and English media, some of SINDA’s programmes were reported in non-Indian media such as Lianhe Zaobao, Channel NewsAsia, Masti 96.3 FM and Suria among others.

Print Media

SINDA connections The SINDA connections newsletter is circulated three times a year to some 69,000 households contributing to the SINDA CPF Fund. This is an increase of around 4,000 more households in 2011, compared to 2010. Each issue was also distributed to various educational institutions, Indian organisations, community and grassroots leaders, the Community Development Councils (CDCs), National Library Board (NLB) branches and religious organisations.

Advertising support derived from various advertisers for the February, June and October 2011 editions helped defray designing and printing costs.

AdvertorialsFrom January to October 2011, SINDA placed a total of 13 advertorials in Tamil Murasu and tabla! on SINDA’s events, programmes and initiatives.

These advertorials supplemented the community-oriented messages that were communicated across other media such as TV and radio.

Broadcast Media

Radio ProgrammeKudumbam + Kannakku, designed mainly for parents and especially housewives with school-going children, was broadcast on Oli 96.8FM for a total of 16 weeks before the mid-year and final-year examinations. The topics and scenarios chosen for this series provided real-life examples on how Mathematics could serve as a conduit for parents to encourage positive behaviour in their children.

During each of the 16 one-hour episodes, subject matter experts shared their experiences, provided tips and answered queries from callers. The programme also aimed to guide parents on ways to incorporate the teaching of Math and critical thinking skills into their day-to-day activities.

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Television ProgrammesNeenga Sollunga was a SINDA – sponsored infotainment programme that was aired over 13 episodes on Sundays from October 2011. The series ran on Vannathirai – a popular Singapore cable channel reaching 40,000 households. The programme featured different segments of the Indian community including parents, children and youth who spoke about a wide range of interesting and current topics related to education, family and youth.

SINDA infomercials and a “Did you know?” segment kept the audience informed of SINDA’s programmes and services. The series ended in December 2011 and a further 13 episodes were commissioned for January to March 2012 based on the success of its formula and reach.

Radio and TV PublicityBesides commissioning programmes on television and radio, SINDA had also purchased airtime spots, ranging from 15 – 30 seconds, on various broadcast media to publicise its programmes and initiatives. Besides free-to-air channels like Vasantham and Oli, SINDA advertisements on the STEP programme and the In Conversation Series (ICS) were also broadcast on Vijay TV, Zee TV and Vannathirai. Through these publicity measures, SINDA received much support and positive feedback on its initiatives.

Online Media

Facebook, Twitter and Corporate WebsiteSINDA was also active on new media. Our Facebook page and Twitter stream became an alternative platform for youths to air their views and provide feedback.

The corporate website underwent a revamp in June 2011 to include new features and links. Between August 2011 and February 2012, the SINDA website has served 15,381 unique visitors, of whom 33.2% revisit the site regularly. The average time spent on the site is 3 minutes and 16 seconds.

e-newsletter The SINDA e-newsletter went through a revamp in February 2011. Since 2010, the e-newsletter has engaged more than 2,600 of our beneficiaries, stakeholders and partner organisations and thus kept the public aware of SINDA’s programmes and services.

A new feature of the e-newsletter is the monitoring of the readership. The articles which are popular among readers are now identified and tracked to ensure that the e-newsletter caters to the interests and preferences of the readers.

Many of SINDA’s programmes and services were brought to the attention of the public through astute engagement of the various broadcast media.

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coMMunitY engageMent

Motivational Talks

60 talks and workshops were conducted in 2011. These workshops and talks were organised by schools, grassroots, community and religious organisations. A review of the talks was done in July with new speakers adding to the panel of resource speakers.

Let’s Reach Out

Volunteers assisted the SINDA Family Service Centre (FSC) by conducting home visits to families who did not attend the bursary review. These volunteers visited 35 families in all, as a result of which 21 students received bursaries. SINDA also liaised with 5 Secondary schools in the western part of Singapore to promote this new initiative.

Celebrate! Festive Gift Pack Distribution The Singapore Kadayanallur Muslim League (SKML), 6 churches and 2 IAECs came forward and assisted in Celebrate! festive gift pack distribution. These volunteers distributed gift packs to homes of needy families during the Hari Raya, Deepavali and Christmas festive seasons. Coporate volunteers such as DHL Global Mail, Credit Suisse and HSBC also assisted in Celebrate!.

Engaging Indian and Religious OrganisationsAs part of the SINDA 2020 Review initiatives, several engagements with Indian and Religious organisations took place. Some 40 community leaders attended a dialogue session with Ms Indranee on 7 April 2011. Indian and religious organisations were also engaged through Focus Group Discussions and a SINDA Community Forum held in July 2011.

Project Give Booth Visits

Project Give is SINDA’s annual fundraising campaign to support the educational needs of students from low income families.

A record of 31 Indian organisations (grassroots, Indian, religious organisations) and schools made formal visits and donated at the Project Give Booth in Campbell Lane.

As part of Project Give, a telethon for donations was also aired on Vasantham. Telephone lines were open until 31 December 2011 to raise funds for the project.

Narpani SINDA Forum

SINDA participated in this forum on 15 July where a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the two organisations. The objective was to embark on closer collaboration to implement education initiatives.

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Indian Business-leaders’ Roundtable (IBR)

The IBR was formed in February 2011 and comprises business professionals of Indian origin. The objectives of IBR are as follows:

• To engage with senior Indian business leaders based in Singapore who are in the higher echelons of businesses in Singapore, especially newly arrived ones.

• To create a regular platform suitable for the sharing of ideas amongst Indian business leaders and government and business leaders from Singapore.

• To enable SINDA to benefit from their energy, experience, advice and networks.

Key SINDA and IBR Office-holdersDPM Tharman, Chairman of SINDA’s Board of Trustees, is the Patron of IBR. Mr Girija Pande, Chairman of Tata Consultancy Services Asia Pacific (TCS) and SINDA Term Trustee, chairs the IBR Managing Council. A total of 85 members joined the IBR in 2011.

IBR ActivitiesIBR organises key activities each year which facilitates networking amongst its members. It also provides a platform for members to meet and interact with business leaders from government and private sectors. In addition, IBR members are briefed on SINDA and its programmes and services. Several members have also sponsored activities at SINDA.

IBR Dialogues The IBR Dialogue Series is a closed-door dialogue on key issues with senior Singaporean government and business leaders. These dialogues provide IBR members with an opportunity to interact with key Singaporean leaders on issues of interest.

Around 50 members, as well as SINDA Executive Committee members, attended the inaugural event held on 6 July 2011. DPM Tharman was the key speaker. He elaborated on strategic issues relating to Singapore and its economic policies.

The second dialogue was held on 11 October 2011 with Mr K. Shanmugam, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law. Around 50 members attended the session and engaged the minister on various international issues.

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corporate services

bizSAFE Level 3 Certification

SINDA received bizSAFE Level 3 certification in December 2011. With this, SINDA now has in place Workplace Safety and Health Risk assessments for all its internal and external activities, including daily office work.

HR Updates

Employer’s Pledge of Fair Employment PracticesSINDA signed the employer’s pledge of Fair Employment Practices to signify our intention and commitment to be fair to our employees. Fair Employment Practices will help to foster an inclusive workplace, one that is based on merit and built on progressive HR practices. This is an initiative by the Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices.

Total Defence Awards 2011 – Meritorious Defence Partner Award (MDPA) – 3rd TierSINDA received this award in recognition of our commitment and support towards the Total Defence of Singapore.

Workplace Health Promotion ProgrammeSINDA received the Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) Grant of $4,441 to support the Workplace Health Programmes. These include activities to ensure better physical and mental health well-being and were spearheaded by the People’s Matters Club (PMC) of SINDA.

Training and Development ProgrammesTo assist staff to achieve their professional goals, the Human Resource Department facilitated a wide range of training programmes (in-house and vendor driven) covering the general competency areas. The majority of courses were selected from the Social Service Training Institute (SSTI) as the course fees are subsidised by the Voluntary Welfare Organisations funding scheme.

Staff also attended Professional Development courses such as the Certificate in Counselling, the Graduate Diploma in Social Work and Master of Social Work programmes.

Community Attachment ProgrammeAs part of SINDA’s Community Engagement initiative, SINDA partnered the Institute of Policy Development (IPD) of the Civil Service College to host the new Community Attachment Programme (CAP).

Accordingly, SINDA hosted five young Management Associates, who are in the first two years of their career in various government agencies, for two-and-a-half days. They undertook an education-related project for a period of six months, and presented their findings which have assisted the education team to enhance their programmes accordingly.

Internship ProgrammeIn 2011, SINDA collaborated with Nanyang Polytechnic to support the Social Work Internship Programme. 2 interns from the School of Humanities & Social Science were attached to SINDA’s Family Service Centre for three months and exposed to the various programmes run by the SINDA Family Service Centre.


Two interns from the School of Humanities & Social Science were attached to SINDA’s Family Service Centre for three months and exposed to the various programmes run by the SINDA Family Service Centre.

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MIS Initiatives

Client Relationship Management SINDA commenced the implementation of the Client Relationship Management (CRM) software application in May 2011 with funding support from the National Council of Social Services VWO-Charities Capability Fund (VCF).

The CRM capability will allow SINDA to achieve better situational awareness of clients and beneficiaries and therefore enhance our programme and services delivery. It will be an integrated database management system to facilitate processes and link currently isolated pockets of information together.

CRM will be implemented in three phases and will be completed by September 2012. A cost saving of $78,000 was achieved through VCF Funding.

Tuition Management System Both STEP and Project Teach, use software applications such as STEP21 and Teach to manage student, tutor and payroll information. The systems encountered capability constraints due to additional requirements, and have been recently enhanced to optimise capability.

A revamped Tuition Management System (TMS) capable of tracking attendance and grades of students and providing analytical and value-added reports is in the implementation stage. The new application was launched in January 2012.

Event Registration Software SINDA commissioned a web-based Event Registration Software application that can electronically capture participants’ particulars with bar code scanners and mark their attendance at events. The software application was successfully rolled out during the SINDA Community Forum and the SINDA Excellence Awards ceremony 2011

WiFi CapabilityThe SINDA premises at Beatty Road and the Jurong Service Centre have been WiFi-enabled since April 2011. Staff, clients and all parties who visit SINDA will be able to access the Internet from anywhere in the buildings using their laptops or WiFi-enabled smart phones.

VPN ConnectivityVirtual Private Network (VPN) capability was acquired in January 2011 for staff at SINDA Service Centre to access files stored in servers located at SINDA headquarters. The facility will be available to SINDA staff by April 2012. This ‘work-life’ balance initiative will enable staff to access their files from home, allowing for more flexible working arrangements.

The CRM capability will allow SINDA to achieve better situational awareness of clients and beneficiaries and therefore enhance our programme and services delivery.

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Educational Indicators 2010Source: Ministry of Education

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percentage of students who passed psle

percentage of psle students who scored a* - c in standard english language

1 The first batch of students under Subject-based Banding sat for PSLE in 2009.2 Percentages are based on all students.

1 The first batch of students under Subject-based Banding sat for PSLE in 2009.2 Percentages exclude EM3 students (before 2009) and students taking Foundation English Language (2009 and 2010).

Indian Overall

200160

80

70

90

100

2003 20072005 20092002 2004 20082006 2010

93.7 93.295.0 95.5 96.1 95.9 96.2 95.5 95.0 95.3

96.7 96.3 97.2 97.4 97.8 97.7 97.7 97.1 97.1 97.3

200160

80

70

90

100 98.2 98.7 97.5 98.0 98.5 98.3 98.6 98.2 98.0 97.297.6 97.9 97.5 97.5 97.5 97.5 97.9 97.5 97.5 97.6

2003 20072005 20092002 2004 20082006 2010

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percentage of psle students who scored a* - c in standard Mother tongue language

percentage of psle students who scored a* - c in standard MatheMatics

1 The first batch of students under Subject-based Banding sat for PSLE in 2009.2 Percentages exclude EM3 students (before 2009) and students taking Foundation Mother Tongue Language (2009 and 2010).

1 The first batch of students under Subject-based Banding sat for PSLE in 2009.2 Percentages exclude EM3 students (before 2009) and students taking Foundation Mathematics (2009 and 2010).

Indian Overall

200160

80

70

90

100

95.597.0 97.0 96.6 96.4 96.8 97.1 96.7 97.1 96.4

97.8 98.3 98.1 97.9 98.0 98.0 98.0 98.1 97.6 97.5

2003 20072005 20092002 2004 20082006 2010

200160

80

70

90

100

2003 20072005 20092002 2004 20082006 2010

69.0 69.672.4

73.7 73.274.7 74.0 72.9

76.3 76.2

82.8 83.0 83.3 83.2 83.9 84.1 83.2 83.1 83.8 84.1

Educational Indicators 2010

55


percentage of psle students who scored a* - c in standard science

PErcENtagE of gcE ‘o’ lEvEl stuDENts wItH at lEast 3 ‘o’ lEvEl PassEs

1 The first batch of students under Subject-based Banding sat for PSLE in 2009.2 Percentages exclude EM3 students (before 2009) and students taking Foundation Science (2010).

1 Figures from 2005 onwards exclude IP students.2 Figures are based only on graduating S4E and S5N O-level school candidates.

Indian Overall

200160

80

70

90

100

2003 20072005 20092002 2004 20082006 2010

84.185.4 86.2 85.5 85.5 84.8 84.4

85.8 86.6 86.5

90.5 91.4 91.3 90.9 90.7 90.5 90.3 90.9 90.8 91.5

200160

80

70

90

100

2003 20072005 20092002 2004 20082006 2010

89.1 90.191.8 91.3

92.6 92.991.3 91.3 91.8 91.7

93.5 94.2 94.7 95.0 95.4 95.2 94.7 94.8 95.1 95.2

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PErcENtagE of gcE ‘o’ lEvEl stuDENts wItH at lEast 5 ‘o’ lEvEl PassEs

PErcENtagE of gcE ‘o’ lEvEl stuDENts wHo PassED Mother tongue language



Indian Overall

200160

80

70

90

100

81.1

2003 20072005 20092002 2004 20082006 2010

70.3 71.373.5 73.7 72.9

75.072.6 73.0 73.0 72.3

80.0 80.081.6 82.7 82.0 80.8 81.3 81.9 82.1

200160

80

70

90

100

2003 20072005 20092002 2004 20082006 2010

93.5

96.7 97.1 96.0 96.1 96.5 96.8 96.3 96.7 95.796.2 96.5 97.495.5 96.0

98.1 97.6 97.5 97.1 96.5


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PErcENtagE of gcE ‘o’ lEvEl stuDENts wHo PassED english language

PErcENtagE of gcE ‘o’ lEvEl stuDENts wHo PassED matHEmatIcs



Indian Overall

200160

80

70

90

100

2003 20072005 20092002 2004 20082006 2010

87.1 86.188.5

89.992.2 92.4

90.3 90.2 91.189.5

79.8 81.4

84.1 85.0 86.0 86.5 86.1 86.8 86.9 86.6

200160

80

70

90

100

2003 20072005 20092002 2004 20082006 2010

73.575.6 76.1 77.3 76.8

79.075.9

77.6 77.7 78.2

86.6 87.5 87.7 89.0 88.3 88.487.0 87.8 88.9 89.0

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PErcENtagE of gcE ‘a’ lEvEl stuDENts wItH at lEast 3 ‘a’/’H2’ passes and pass in general paper or knowledge and inquirY

PErcENtagE of gcE ‘a’ lEvEl stuDENts wHo PassED gENEral paper or knowledge and inquirY

1 Figures for 2007 and 2008 include students taking the new syllabus and those taking the old syllabus.


Indian Overall

200160

80

70

90

100

2003 20072005 20092002 2004 20082006 2010

85.8

81.1

87.3 86.684.2

81.6 82.2 82.785.4

88.3

84.8 85.287.2

88.687.2 87.0 87.1 87.6 87.8

90.8

200160

80

70

90

100

2003 20072005 20092002 2004 20082006 2010

93.0 94.095.5 96.5

94.0 94.391.4

92.794.3 94.4

89.390.8 91.9

94.2 93.2 92.2 91.4 91.9 92.394.0


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PErcENtagE of gcE ‘a’ lEvEl stuDENts wHo PassED motHEr toNguE laNguagE at ‘ao’/‘H1’ lEvEl

percentage of p1 cohort adMitted to post-secondarY institutions


1 Figures for 2006 – 2010 are preliminary.2 Figures include participation in Junior Colleges, Millennia Institute, Polytechnics, ITE, LaSalle College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and other private education institutions, and also take into account students who left the country.

Indian Overall

200160

80

70

90

100

2003 20072005 20092002 2004 20082006 2010

77.7

80.182.0

85.1 84.786.1 86.5

89.0 88.9 89.8

86.287.6 88.0

89.590.9 90.6 91.4 92.5 92.7 93.2

200160

80

70

90

100

2003 20072005 20092002 2004 20082006 2010

93.696.2 96.7

93.1

89.091.7 92.2 92.8

90.6 90.3

96.2 96.7 97.6 96.694.7 94.6 95.9 95.4 94.9

92.9

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61


Financial StatementsyEar ENDED 31 DEcEmBEr 2011

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Income At a glance

50%

18%

12%

3%

17%

52%

11%

13%

2%2%

21%

total incoMe 2011

total incoMe 2010

total incoMe

total incoMe

Donations - CPF Scheme

Donations - CPF Scheme

$7,348,573

$6,911,805

Donations/Sponsorships

Donations/Sponsorships $1,471,512

Government Subvention

Government Subvention

$1,700,000

$1,700,000

MCYS Funding, NCSS & STB FSC Grant/SPMF

MCYS Funding, NCSS & STB FSC Grant/SPMF

$2,739,070

Programme & tuition fees received

Programme & tuition fees received

$448,588

$308,981

Interest/Investment Income

Interest/Investment Income

- $8,319

$215,318

$14,717,432

$13,346,686

$2,693,463

$2,535,127

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Expenditure At a glance

54%

24%

13%

9%

52%

21%

18%

9%total expenditure 2011

total expenditure 2010

total expenditure

total expenditure

Education

Education

$8,237,699

$7,030,607

Family & Youth Development/ Volunteer Relations

Family & Youth Development/ Volunteer Relations

$3,332,434

$3,201,142

Communications/Community Engagement

Communications/Community Engagement

$2,816,413

$1,678,592

Other Operating Costs

Other Operating Costs

$1,463,604

$1,218,142

$15,850,150

$13,128,483

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Statement by President, Treasurer and Chief Executive OfficerWe, Indranee T. Rajah, R. Subramaniam Iyer and T. Raja Segar, do hereby state that in our opinion:

(a) the financial statements of Singapore Indian Development Association (the “Association”) set out on pages 67 to 101 are properly drawn up to present fairly in all material respects, the state of affairs of the Association as at 31 December 2011 and the income and expenditure, changes in funds and cash flows of the Association for the year ended on that date in accordance with the Singapore Financial Reporting Standards; and

(b) at the date of this statement, the Association will be able to pay its debts as and when they fall due.

The Executive Committee has, on the date of this statement, authorised these financial statements for issue.

On behalf of the Executive Committee

Indranee T. RajahPresident

T. Raja SegarChief Executive Officer

8 March 2012

R. Subramaniam IyerTreasurer

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Independent Auditors’ report

Members of Singapore Indian Development Association(Registered under the Singapore Charities Act, Chapter 37 and the Singapore Societies Act, Chapter 311)

report on the financial stateMents

We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Singapore Indian Development Association (the “Association”), which comprise the balance sheet as at 31 December 2011, statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in funds and cash flow statement for the year then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information, as set out on pages 67 to 101.

Executive Committee’s responsibility for the financial statements

The Executive Committee is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with the provisions of the Singapore Charities Act, Chapter 37 (the “Charities Act”), the Singapore Societies Act, Chapter 311 (the “Societies Act”) and Singapore Financial Reporting Standards, and for such internal control as the Executive Committee determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditors’ responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Singapore Standards on Auditing. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion

In our opinion, the financial statements of the Association present fairly, in all material respects, the state of affairs of the Association as at 31 December 2011, the income and expenditure, changes in funds and the cash flows of the Association for the year then ended in accordance with the Provisions of the Charities Act and Singapore Financial Reporting Standards.

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Independent Auditors’ report

report on other legal and regulatorY requireMents

In our opinion:

(a) the accounting and other records required by the regulations enacted under the Societies Act to be kept by the Association have been properly kept in accordance with those regulations; and

(b) the fund-raising appeal held during the year ended 31 December 2011 has been carried out in accordance with Regulation 6 of the Societies Regulations issued under the Societies Act and proper accounts and other records have been kept of the fund-raising appeal.

During the course of our audit, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that during the year:

(a) The use of the donation monies was not in accordance with the objectives of the Association as required under Regulation 16 of the Charities (Institutions of a Public Character) Regulations; and

(b) The Association has not complied with the requirements of Regulation 15 (fund-raising expenses) of the Charities (Institutions of a Public Character) Regulations.

KPMG LLPPublic Accountants andCertified Public Accountants

Singapore8 March 2012

(continued)

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Note 2011 $

2010 $

Non-current assetProperty, plant and equipment 4 880,409 598,856

Current assetsGovernment Subvention receivable 12 1,700,000 1,700,000Donations receivable - Central Provident Fund Board Scheme 623,356 593,993Donations receivable – Singapore Totalisator Board 1,000,000 1,025,000Deposits, prepayments and other receivables 5 909,932 826,157Financial assets – Investments 6 23,793,689 24,930,684Cash and cash equivalents 7 5,096,289 5,225,408

33,123,266 34,301,242

Total assets 34,003,675 34,900,098

Representing:FundsUnrestricted fundsAccumulated fund 9 7,835,510 7,658,427Sinking fund 10 995,850 1,000,308

8,831,360 8,658,735

Endowment funds 8 18,464,260 20,891,108

Total funds 27,295,620 29,549,843

Current liabilitiesOther payables and accrued expenses 1,263,426 871,907Unutilised specific grants/donations 11 5,444,629 4,478,348Total liabilities 6,708,055 5,350,255

Total liabilities and funds 34,003,675 34,900,098

Balance Sheetas at 31 DEcEmBEr 2011

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

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Statement of Comprehensive IncomeyEar ENDED 31 DEcEmBEr 2011

2011Unrestricted Funds

Financial activities/Income and expenditure NoteAccumulated

FundSinking

FundEndowment

Fund (Note 8) TotalAccumulated

FundSinking

FundEndowment

Fund (Note 8) TotalIncoming resources $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $Incoming resources from generated funds(i) Voluntary income:

Donation- Central Provident Fund (CPF) Contribution 7,348,573 - - 7,348,573 6,911,805 - - 6,911,805Donation from Singapore Totalisator Board (STB) 500,000 - - 500,000 525,000 - - 525,000Donation sponsorships 1,689,860 - - 1,689,860 810,924 - - 810,924Other donations 503,603 - - 503,603 135,588 - - 135,588Income from School Pocket Money Fund (SPMF) 58,530 - - 58,530 381,435 - - 381,435

(ii) Investment income:Dividend income 110,152 33,046 388,743 531,941 51,981 15,595 292,765 360,341Interest income- debt securities 762 224 43,732 44,718 3,062 916 11,138 15,116

- fixed deposits and bank balances 6,886 108 161 7,155 4,233 734 571 5,538

Incoming resources from charitable activities(i) Income from approved projects:

Tuition programme fees 448,588 - - 448,588 308,981 - - 308,981(ii) Government Grants:

Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) Fee Grant 13 433,581 - - 433,581 431,270 - - 431,270Government Subvention 12 1,700,000 - - 1,700,000 1,700,000 - - 1,700,000GST Offset Package Grant 162,000 - - 162,000 162,000 - - 162,000STB - Family Services Centre Funding 127,739 - - 127,739 467,981 - - 467,981MCYS – Family Services Centre Funding 380,965 - - 380,965 470,357 - - 470,357National Council of Social Services (NCSS) Funding 256,106 - - 256,106 333,528 - - 333,528Other Funding 79,868 - - 79,868 78,580 - - 78,580MCYS – Additional Funding 900,000 - - 900,000 360,000 - - 360,000Jobs Credit Scheme - - - - 46,792 - - 46,792Temasek Care Funding 8,979 - - 8,979 7,127 - - 7,127Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWO), Charities Capability Fund (VCF) Funding by MCYS/NCSS 23,899 - - 23,899 - - - -

(iii) Other Grants:Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) Newspaper Project Funding 103,460 - - 103,460 - - - -

Other incoming resourcesInvestments gains/(losses):Net gain on disposal of trading securities 39,437 11,831 377,514 428,782 93,137 27,942 613,007 734,086Exchange loss - - (367,898) (367,898) - - (360,827) (360,827)Unrealised (loss)/gain on trading securities (165,556) (49,667) (1,559,299) (1,774,522) 62,905 18,873 1,025,067 1,106,845

Total incoming resources 14,717,432 (4,458) (1,117,047) 13,595,927 13,346,686 64,060 1,581,721 14,992,467

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Financial activities/Income and expenditure NoteAccumulated

FundSinking

FundEndowment

Fund (Note 8) TotalAccumulated

FundSinking

FundEndowment

Fund (Note 8) TotalIncoming resources $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $Incoming resources from generated funds(i) Voluntary income:

Donation- Central Provident Fund (CPF) Contribution 7,348,573 - - 7,348,573 6,911,805 - - 6,911,805Donation from Singapore Totalisator Board (STB) 500,000 - - 500,000 525,000 - - 525,000Donation sponsorships 1,689,860 - - 1,689,860 810,924 - - 810,924Other donations 503,603 - - 503,603 135,588 - - 135,588Income from School Pocket Money Fund (SPMF) 58,530 - - 58,530 381,435 - - 381,435

(ii) Investment income:Dividend income 110,152 33,046 388,743 531,941 51,981 15,595 292,765 360,341Interest income- debt securities 762 224 43,732 44,718 3,062 916 11,138 15,116

- fixed deposits and bank balances 6,886 108 161 7,155 4,233 734 571 5,538

Incoming resources from charitable activities(i) Income from approved projects:

Tuition programme fees 448,588 - - 448,588 308,981 - - 308,981(ii) Government Grants:

Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) Fee Grant 13 433,581 - - 433,581 431,270 - - 431,270Government Subvention 12 1,700,000 - - 1,700,000 1,700,000 - - 1,700,000GST Offset Package Grant 162,000 - - 162,000 162,000 - - 162,000STB - Family Services Centre Funding 127,739 - - 127,739 467,981 - - 467,981MCYS – Family Services Centre Funding 380,965 - - 380,965 470,357 - - 470,357National Council of Social Services (NCSS) Funding 256,106 - - 256,106 333,528 - - 333,528Other Funding 79,868 - - 79,868 78,580 - - 78,580MCYS – Additional Funding 900,000 - - 900,000 360,000 - - 360,000Jobs Credit Scheme - - - - 46,792 - - 46,792Temasek Care Funding 8,979 - - 8,979 7,127 - - 7,127Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWO), Charities Capability Fund (VCF) Funding by MCYS/NCSS 23,899 - - 23,899 - - - -

(iii) Other Grants:Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) Newspaper Project Funding 103,460 - - 103,460 - - - -

Other incoming resourcesInvestments gains/(losses):Net gain on disposal of trading securities 39,437 11,831 377,514 428,782 93,137 27,942 613,007 734,086Exchange loss - - (367,898) (367,898) - - (360,827) (360,827)Unrealised (loss)/gain on trading securities (165,556) (49,667) (1,559,299) (1,774,522) 62,905 18,873 1,025,067 1,106,845

Total incoming resources 14,717,432 (4,458) (1,117,047) 13,595,927 13,346,686 64,060 1,581,721 14,992,467

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Statement of Comprehensive Income (continued)

Resources ExpendedNote

Accumulated Fund

$

Sinking Fund

$

EndowmentFund (Note 8)

$Total

$

Accumulated Fund

$

Sinking Fund

$


$Total

$Cost of generating funds

Cost of generating voluntary income:CPF Agency Charges 112,332 - - 112,332 108,826 - - 108,826

Charitable activities:Education programmes 13 8,179,169 - - 8,179,169 6,649,172 - - 6,649,172Family and Youth Development/Volunteer Relations 13 3,332,434 - - 3,332,434 3,201,142 - - 3,201,142Corporate Communications & Community Engagement 13 2,816,413 - - 2,816,413 1,678,592 - - 1,678,592School Pocket Money Fund (SPMF) programme 58,530 - - 58,530 381,435 - - 381,435

Governance costs

Administrative expenses 13 1,351,272 - - 1,351,272 1,109,316 - - 1,109,316

Total resources expended 15,850,150 - - 15,850,150 13,128,483 - - 13,128,483

Net (deficit)/surplus for the year (1,132,718) (4,458) (1,117,047) (2,254,223) 218,203 64,060 1,581,721 1,863,984Other comprehensive income for the year, net of income tax - - - - - - - -Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year (1,132,718) (4,458) (1,117,047) (2,254,223) 218,203 64,060 1,581,721 1,863,984


yEar ENDED 31 DEcEmBEr 2011

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(continued)

Resources ExpendedNote

Accumulated Fund

$

Sinking Fund

$


$Total

$

Accumulated Fund

$

Sinking Fund

$


$Total

$Cost of generating funds

Cost of generating voluntary income:CPF Agency Charges 112,332 - - 112,332 108,826 - - 108,826

Charitable activities:Education programmes 13 8,179,169 - - 8,179,169 6,649,172 - - 6,649,172Family and Youth Development/Volunteer Relations 13 3,332,434 - - 3,332,434 3,201,142 - - 3,201,142Corporate Communications & Community Engagement 13 2,816,413 - - 2,816,413 1,678,592 - - 1,678,592School Pocket Money Fund (SPMF) programme 58,530 - - 58,530 381,435 - - 381,435

Governance costs

Administrative expenses 13 1,351,272 - - 1,351,272 1,109,316 - - 1,109,316

Total resources expended 15,850,150 - - 15,850,150 13,128,483 - - 13,128,483

Net (deficit)/surplus for the year (1,132,718) (4,458) (1,117,047) (2,254,223) 218,203 64,060 1,581,721 1,863,984Other comprehensive income for the year, net of income tax - - - - - - - -Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year (1,132,718) (4,458) (1,117,047) (2,254,223) 218,203 64,060 1,581,721 1,863,984


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#Transfer of $138,371 from the Sinking Fund to the Accumulated Fund was approved by the Executive Committee.

Statement of Changes in Funds

Unrestricted Funds

Accumulated Fund

$

Sinking Fund

$

Endowment Fund (Note 8)

$Total

$

At 1 January 2010 7,301,853 1,074,619 19,309,387 27,685,859Total comprehensive income for the yearNet surplus for the year 218,203 64,060 1,581,721 1,863,984Other comprehensive income for the year, net of income tax – – – –Total comprehensive income for the year 218,203 64,060 1,581,721 1,863,984

Transfer from Sinking Fund to Accumulated Fund# 138,371 (138,371) – –At 31 December 2010 7,658,427 1,000,308 20,891,108 29,549,843

At 1 January 2011 7,658,427 1,000,308 20,891,108 29,549,843Total comprehensive loss for the yearNet deficit for the year (1,132,718) (4,458) (1,117,047) (2,254,223)Other comprehensive income for the year, net of income tax – – – –Total comprehensive (loss) for the year (1,132,718) (4,458) (1,117,047) (2,254,223)

Transfers from Endowment Funds to Accumulated Fund (Note 8) 1,309,801 – (1,309,801) –At 31 December 2011 7,835,510 995,850 18,464,260 27,295,620


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Note 2011$

2010$

Cash flows from operating activitiesNet (deficit)/surplus for the year (2,254,223) 1,863,984Adjustments for:Dividend income (531,941) (360,341)Gain on disposal of trading securities (428,782) (734,086)Unrealised loss/(gain) on trading investment securities 1,774,522 (1,106,845)Exchange loss 367,898 360,827Depreciation 4 315,042 285,420Interest income - debt securities (44,718) (15,116)- fixed deposits and bank balances (7,155) (5,538)

(809,357) 288,305

Changes in working capital:Donations, grants and subventions receivables (4,363) (574,809)Deposits, prepayments and other receivables (83,775) 18,088Other payables, accrued expenses and unutilised grants 1,357,800 2,468,548Net cash from operating activities 460,305 2,200,132

Cash flows from investing activitiesPurchase of property, plant and equipment (596,595) (296,526)Purchase of investments (9,363,023) (12,846,468)Proceeds from sale of investments 8,776,712 8,694,771Interest received- debt securities 44,718 15,116- fixed deposits and bank balances 7,155 5,538Dividend received 531,941 360,341Net cash used in investing activities (599,092) (4,067,228)

Cash flows from financing activitiesFixed deposits pledged 7 (101,000) -Net cash used in financing activities (101,000) -

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (239,787) (1,867,096)Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 7,602,850 9,469,946Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 7 7,363,063 7,602,850

Cash Flow StatementyEar ENDED 31 DEcEmBEr 2011


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Notes to the Financial Statements

These notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

The financial statements were authorised for issue by the Executive Committee (“Management”) on 8 March 2012.

1 doMicile and activities

Singapore Indian Development Association (the “Association”) is a society registered with the Registrar of Societies under the Societies Act, Chapter 311. Its registered office is located at No. 1 Beatty Road, Singapore 209943.

The Association’s Vision and Mission includes the following:

Vision To build a strong and vibrant Singaporean Indian community together.

MissionTo build a well-educated, resilient and confident community of Indians that stands together with the other communities in contributing to the progress of multi-racial Singapore. In order to achieve its vision and mission the Association has articulated four Strategic Thrusts as follows:

i) Maximising educational opportunities for all studentsii) Engaging parents to play an active role in their children’s livesiii) Inspiring youths towards greater achievementiv) Forging a stronger relationship with community partners

The Association runs a range of programmes, services and initiatives aligned to its four Strategic Thrusts.

The Association has been approved as an Institution of Public Character under the provisions of Income Tax Act for a period of 5 years with effect from 16 December 2006. This has been extended for further 5 years to 15 December 2016. The Association is also registered as a charity under the Charities Act, Chapter 37.


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2 basis of preparation

2.1 Statement of compliance

The financial statements are prepared in accordance with Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (FRS). 2.2 Basis of measurement

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except as disclosed in accounting policies below.

2.3 Functional and presentation currency

The financial statements are presented in Singapore dollars which is the Association’s functional currency. All financial information is presented in Singapore dollars, unless otherwise stated.

2.4 Use of estimates and judgements

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with the FRSs requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affects the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. There are no significant assumptions or estimation uncertainties that have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment to the financial statements within next financial year.

In the application of the Association’s accounting policies, which are described in note 3, Management is of the opinion that there is no instance of application of judgement which is expected to have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

2.5 Changes in accounting policies

On 1 January 2011, the Association adopted the new or amended FRS and Interpretations to FRS that are mandatory for application from that date.

The adoption of these new or amended FRS and Interpretations to FRS did not result in substantial changes to the Association’s accounting policies and had no material effect to the amounts reported for the current or prior financial years.

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yEar ENDED 31 DEcEmBEr 2011(continued)

3 significant accounting policies The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these financial statements.

3.1 Foreign currency transactions

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into Singapore dollars at foreign exchange rates ruling at the dates of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are retranslated into Singapore dollars at foreign exchange rate ruling at that date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are measured at fair value are retranslated to Singapore dollars at the exchange rate at the date on which the fair value is determined.

Foreign currency differences arising from retranslation are recognised in income and expenditure.

3.2 Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset. Purchased software that is integral to the functionality of the related equipment is capitalised as part of that equipment.

When parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items (major components) of property, plant and equipment.

The cost of replacing part of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognised in the carrying amount of the item if it is probable that the future economic benefits embodied within the part will flow to the Association and its cost can be measured reliably. The costs of the day-to-day servicing of property, plant and equipment are recognised in income and expenditure as incurred.

Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis so as to write off items of property, plant and equipment, over their estimated useful lives as follows:

Computer equipment 3 yearsFurniture and fittings 5 yearsOffice equipment 5 yearsOffice renovation 3 years

Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed, and adjusted as appropriate, at each reporting date.


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3.3 Financial instruments

Non-derivative financial assets

The Association initially recognises loans and receivables on the date that they are originated. All other financial assets including investments are recognised initially on the trade date at which the Association becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

The Association derecognises a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or it transfers the rights to receive the contractual cash flows on the financial asset in a transaction in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are transferred. Any interest in transferred financial assets that is created or retained by the Association is recognised as a separate asset or liability.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount presented in the balance sheet when, and only when, the Association has a legal right to offset the amounts and intends either to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Loans and receivables are financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. Such assets are recognised initially at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses.

Loans and receivables comprise government subvention, donations, other receivables and cash and cash equivalents.

Financial assets - Investments at fair value through income and expenditure

Financial assets - investments are classified as at fair value through income and expenditure if they are held for trading or are designated as such upon initial recognition. Financial assets are designated as fair value through income and expenditure if the Association manages such investments and makes purchase and sale decisions based on their fair value. Upon initial recognition, attributable transaction costs are recognised in income and expenditure as incurred. The Association’s investments which are classified as financial assets at fair value through income and expenditure are measured at fair value, and changes therein are recognised in income and expenditure.

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Non-derivative financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are recognised initially on the trade date at which the Association becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

The Association derecognises a financial liability when its contractual obligations are discharged or cancelled or expire.Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount presented in the balance sheet when, and only when, the Association has a legal right to offset the amounts and intends either to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

The Association’s non-derivative financial liabilities comprised trade and other payables.

Such financial liabilities are recognised initially at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, these financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

3.4 Impairment

Financial assets (including receivables)

A financial asset is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any objective evidence that it is impaired. A financial asset is impaired if objective evidence indicates that a loss event has occurred after the initial recognition of the asset, and that the loss event had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of that asset that can be estimated reliably.

Objective evidence that financial assets are impaired can include default or delinquency by a debtor, restructuring of an amount due to the Association on terms that the Association would not consider otherwise, indications that a debtor will enter bankruptcy.

The Association considers evidence of impairment for receivables at both a specific asset and collective level. All individually significant receivables are assessed for specific impairment. All individually significant receivables found not to be specifically impaired are then collectively assessed for any impairment that has been incurred but not yet identified. Receivables that are not individually significant are collectively assessed for impairment by grouping together receivables with similar risk characteristics. In assessing collective impairment, the Association uses historical trends of the probability of default, timing of recoveries and the amount of loss incurred, adjusted for management’s judgement as to whether current economic and credit conditions are such that the actual losses are likely to be greater or lesser than suggested by historical trends.

An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortised cost is calculated as the difference between its carrying amount and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. Losses are recognised in income and expenditure and reflected in an allowance account against receivables. Interest on the impaired asset continues to be recognised through the unwinding of the discount. When a subsequent event causes the amount of impairment loss to decrease, the decrease in impairment loss is reversed through income and expenditure.

(continued)

Notes to the Financial StatementsyEar ENDED 31 DEcEmBEr 2011

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Non-financial assets

The carrying amounts of the Association’s non-financial assets are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. The impairment loss is charged to income and expenditure.

Impairment losses recognised in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.

3.5 Provisions

Provisions are recognised if, as a result of past events the Association has a present legal or constructive obligation that can be estimated reliably, and, it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability.

3.6 Employee benefits

Defined contribution plan

Obligations for contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in income and expenditure as incurred.

Short-term accumulating compensated absences

Short-term accumulating compensated absences are recognised when employees render services that increase their entitlement to future compensated absences.

Short-term benefits

Short-term employee benefit obligations are measured on an undiscounted basis and are expensed as the related service is provided. A provision is recognised for the amount expected to be paid under short-term cash bonus if the Association has a present legal or constructive obligation to pay this amount as a result of past service provided by the employee and the obligation can be estimated reliably.

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3.7 Income recognition

Donations from Central Provident Fund scheme and Singapore Totalisator Board are recognised on the accrual basis. All other donations are recognised on the receipt basis.

Tuition programme fees income is recognised on the accrual basis.

Grants for specific purposes are recognised to the extent the related expenditure has been incurred and the grant is receivable.

Government Subvention and grants are recognised on the accrual basis.

3.8 Resources expended on charitable activities

The costs of these activities comprise direct expenditure including, direct staff costs attributable to the activities. In addition, it also includes support costs (costs relating to central functions) and other costs that have been allocated on the basis consistent with the use of the resources.

Governance costs

Governance costs comprise all costs attributable to the general running of the Association, in providing the governance infrastructure and in ensuring public accountability.

3.9 Finance income and expenses

Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested, dividend income, gains on the disposal of investments, net foreign currency gains and changes in the fair value of investments at fair value through income and expenditure. Dividend income from equity investments is recognised when the dividends are received. Interest income is recognised on the accrual basis using the effective interest method.

Finance expenses comprise interest expense on borrowings, unwinding of the discount on provisions, net foreign currency losses, changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value through income and expenditure and impairment losses recognised on financial assets that are recognised in income and expenditure.

(continued)


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3.10 Leases

When the association is a lessee of an operating lease

Where the Association has the use of assets under operating leases, payments made under the leases are recognised in income and expenditure on the straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives received are recognised in the income and expenditure as an integral part of the total operating expenses.

3.11 New standards and interpretations not yet adopted

A number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations are effective for the annual periods beginning after 1 January 2011, and have not been applied in preparing these financial statements. None of these are expected to have a significant effect on the financial statements of the Association.

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5 deposits, prepaYMents and other receivables

4 propertY, plant and equipMent

2011$

2010$

Deposits 33,402 130,216GST Offset Package grant receivable from Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports 164,000 162,000Other receivables 696,932 494,431Loans and receivables 894,334 786,647Prepayments 15,598 39,510

909,932 826,157

Computer equipment

$

Furniture and fittings

$

Office equipment

$

Office renovation

$Total

$Cost

At 1 January 2010 436,921 620,252 304,184 291,066 1,652,423Additions 71,704 44,727 27,217 152,878 296,526At 31 December 2010 508,625 664,979 331,401 443,944 1,948,949Additions 395,355 58,457 6,886 135,897 596,595At 31 December 2011 903,980 723,436 338,287 579,841 2,545,544

Accumulated depreciation

At 1 January 2010 202,193 473,712 261,504 127,264 1,064,673Depreciation charge for the year 129,419 48,563 12,528 94,910 285,420At 31 December 2010 331,612 522,275 274,032 222,174 1,350,093Depreciation charge for the year 137,070 57,699 16,212 104,061 315,042At 31 December 2011 468,682 579,974 290,244 326,235 1,665,135

Carrying amount

At 1 January 2010 234,728 146,540 42,680 163,802 587,750At 31 December 2010 177,013 142,704 57,369 221,770 598,856At 31 December 2011 435,298 143,462 48,043 253,606 880,409

(continued)


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Note 2011$

2010$

Cash in hand and at bank 2,703,323 1,797,999Fixed deposits 2,392,966 3,427,409

5,096,289 5,225,408Cash at bank investment account 6 2,367,774 2,377,442

7,464,063 7,602,850Fixed deposits pledged (101,000) -Cash and cash equivalents for cash flow statement 7,363,063 7,602,850

6 financial assets – investMents

2011$

2010$

Held for trading:- Equity securities 5,925,980 7,426,600- Debt securities 9,178,774 7,842,961- Commodities/Precious Metals Trust Funds 1,313,928 1,905,323- REITS/Real Estate Funds 4,016,503 3,914,940- Absolute return funds 132,945 475,063- Private equity funds 857,785 988,355

21,425,915 22,553,242- Cash at bank investment account held with fund managers/custodians 2,367,774 2,377,442

23,793,689 24,930,684

At the balance sheet date, the Association had commitments contracted for amounting to S$953,809 (2010: S$1,153,967) in relation to its investments.

Fixed deposits have been pledged to obtain a letter of guarantee from a bank, in lieu of a refundable deposit, for the purpose of obtaining a Temporary Occupation Licence for the Association’s premises (Note 13).

7 cash and cash equivalents

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8 endowMent funds

Income and expenditure of endowment funds are as follows:

(continued)


2011

Incoming resources

General Endowment

Fund $

Vijay and Amar Trust Fund

$

Padma and Hari Harilela

Scholarship Fund $

Total $

General Endowment

Fund $


$


Scholarship Fund $

Total $

Incoming resources from generated fundsInvestment income:

Dividend income 345,204 33,527 10,012 388,743 273,705 14,676 4,384 292,765Interest income- debt securities 43,459 210 63 43,732 10,016 864 258 11,138- fixed deposits and bank balances 161 - - 161 571 - - 571

Other incoming resourcesInvestments gains/(losses):

Net gain on disposal of trading securities 363,054 11,134 3,326 377,514 578,857 26,296 7,854 613,007Exchange loss (367,898) - - (367,898) (360,827) - - (360,827)Unrealised (loss)/gain on trading securities (1,498,595) (46,742) (13,962) (1,559,299) 997,485 22,534 5,048 1,025,067Total (outgoing)/incoming resources (1,114,615) (1,871) (561) (1,117,047) 1,499,807 64,370 17,544 1,581,721

Net (deficit)/surplus for the year (1,114,615) (1,871) (561) (1,117,047) 1,499,807 64,370 17,544 1,581,721

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of income tax - - - - - - - -Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year (1,114,615) (1,871) (561) (1,117,047) 1,499,807 64,370 17,544 1,581,721


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2010

Incoming resources

General Endowment

Fund $


$


Scholarship Fund $

Total $

General Endowment

Fund $


$


Scholarship Fund $

Total $

Incoming resources from generated fundsInvestment income:

Dividend income 345,204 33,527 10,012 388,743 273,705 14,676 4,384 292,765Interest income- debt securities 43,459 210 63 43,732 10,016 864 258 11,138- fixed deposits and bank balances 161 - - 161 571 - - 571

Other incoming resourcesInvestments gains/(losses):

Net gain on disposal of trading securities 363,054 11,134 3,326 377,514 578,857 26,296 7,854 613,007Exchange loss (367,898) - - (367,898) (360,827) - - (360,827)Unrealised (loss)/gain on trading securities (1,498,595) (46,742) (13,962) (1,559,299) 997,485 22,534 5,048 1,025,067Total (outgoing)/incoming resources (1,114,615) (1,871) (561) (1,117,047) 1,499,807 64,370 17,544 1,581,721

Net (deficit)/surplus for the year (1,114,615) (1,871) (561) (1,117,047) 1,499,807 64,370 17,544 1,581,721

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of income tax - - - - - - - -Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year (1,114,615) (1,871) (561) (1,117,047) 1,499,807 64,370 17,544 1,581,721

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The changes in endowment funds are as follows:

General Endowment

Fund$

Vijay and Amar Trust

Fund$

Padma and Hari Harilela Scholarship

Fund$

Total$

At 1 January 2010 18,079,068 977,061 253,258 19,309,387Total comprehensive income for the yearNet surplus for the year 1,499,807 64,370 17,544 1,581,721Other comprehensive income for the year, net of income tax – – – –Total comprehensive income for the year 1,499,807 64,370 17,544 1,581,721

At 31 December 2010 19,578,875 1,041,431 270,802 20,891,108

At 1 January 2011 19,578,875 1,041,431 270,802 20,891,108Total comprehensive income for the year (loss)Net deficit for the year (1,114,615) (1,871) (561) (1,117,047)Other comprehensive income for the year, net of income tax – – – –Total comprehensive income for the year (loss) (1,114,615) (1,871) (561) (1,117,047)

Transfer from Endowment Funds to Accumulated Fund – (1,039,560) (270,241) (1,309,801)At 31 December 2011 18,464,260 – – 18,464,260

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Endowment funds are represented by the following assets:

2011$

2010$

General Endowment Fund- Financial assets – investments 16,287,255 17,397,245- Cash at bank investment account 2,177,005 2,181,630

Vijay and Amar Trust Fund- Financial assets – investments – 873,425- Cash at bank investment account – 33,171- Cash at bank – 34,797- Fixed deposits – 100,038

Padma and Hari Harilela Scholarship Fund- Financial assets – investments – 260,893- Cash at bank investment account – 9,909

18,464,260 20,891,108

The general endowment fund is a form of restricted fund, held in Association’s trust where the capital is required to be invested, or retained for approved purposes. From time to time the Association will transfer the income of the general endowment fund to the accumulated fund for the Association’s general activities. Transfers in and out of the fund are subject to the approval of the trustees.

The Vijay and Amar Trust Fund was set up to provide assistance and support to children from disadvantaged and dysfunctional families.

The Padma and Hari Harilela Scholarship Fund was set up to provide scholarships for needy students.

During the year, the Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees approved transfer of $1,039,560 (2010: Nil) from Vijay and Amar Trust Fund and $270,241 (2010: Nil) from Padma and Hari Harilela Scholarship Fund to the Accumulated Fund.

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9 accuMulated fund

The accumulated fund is represented by the following assets and liabilities:

Note 2011$

2010$

Property, plant and equipment 880,409 598,856Government subvention receivable 1,700,000 1,700,000Donations receivable – Central Provident Fund Board scheme 623,356 593,993Donation receivable – Singapore Totalisator Board 1,000,000 1,025,000Deposits and prepayments, other receivables 909,932 826,157Financial assets – investments 3,083,196 3,093,600Cash at bank investment account 112,667 117,486Cash at bank and in hand 2,668,516 1,763,202Fixed deposits 2,255,688 3,290,388Other payables and accrued expenses (1,263,426) (871,907)Unutilised specific grants 11 (5,444,629) (4,478,348)

Vijay and Amar Trust Fund- Financial assets - Investments 870,453 -- Cash at bank investment account 34,113 -- Fixed Deposit 100,187 -- Cash at bank 34,807 -

Padma and Hari Harilela Scholarship Fund- Financial assets - Investments 260,052 -- Cash at bank investment account 10,189 -

7,835,510 7,658,427

The accumulated fund is the Association’s general operating fund and can be used for any of the Association’s activities.

(continued)


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10 sinking fund

The sinking fund is represented by the following assets:

2011$

2010$

Financial assets – investments 924,959 928,079Cash at bank investment account 33,800 35,246Fixed deposits 37,091 36,983

995,850 1,000,308

The sinking fund is designated to fund the upkeep and maintenance of the premises. There was a drawdown of $ nil (2010: $138,371) from the sinking fund during the financial year mainly to defray the costs of the renovation and other works undertaken.

2011$

2010$

(i) Tamil Language Learning and Promotion Committee (TLLPC) 885,872 389,645(ii) School Pocket Money Fund (SPMF) 111,944 –(iii) Project Give Donations 1,835,320 1,143,151(iv) Single Parent Programme/sponsorship 384,196 825,946(v) Singapore Indian Education Trust (SIET) 200,913 84,883(vi) Project Spark 82,242 34,723(vii) Youth Development Programmes 1,808,682 2,000,000(viii) Singapore Press Holding (SPH) Foundation Newspaper Project 135,460 –

5,444,629 4,478,348

11 uNutIlIsED sPEcIfIc graNts / DoNatIoNs

These comprise specific grants/donations for:

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(i) Tamil Language Learning and Promotion Committee (TLLPC)

Tamil Language Learning and Promotion Committee (TLLPC) is a committee set up by the Ministry of Education (MOE) to promote the learning and use of the Tamil language. The Association provides support to TLLPC in the administration of the TLLPC grant. Grants and donations are the main sources of income with MOE providing a matching grant for funds raised by the TLLPC.

(ii) School Pocket Money Fund (SPMF)

The Association receives yearly grant from the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) pertaining to SPMF. All bursary payments made under this service will be paid out from SPMF based on criteria set out by NCSS.

(iii) Project Give donations

Project Give is a community fund raising campaign to raise money for the educational assistance for students from needy families. It typically runs through the various festivities such as Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali and Christmas. Funds are raised via direct cheque donations, donation boxes placed with partner retailers, on-line, at the booth during Deepavali Fair at Campbell Lane and through tele-poll in conjunction with the “Live” Project Give Charity Show on Mediacorp’s Vasantham TV Channel.

Surplus from SINDA Anniversary Dinner 2011 amounting to $872,994 is also included under Project Give Donations.

(iv) Single Parent programme/sponsorship

Single Parent programme provides holistic assistance to the parent and the children. Children of single parent would receive assistance from all SINDA’s programmes including Tuition, NEU PC, Enrichment while parents receive assistance on skills upgrading, financial planning and family support to help build their self-esteem and become self-sufficient.

Sponsorships were received for specific programmes like Financial Assistance, Bursary, Educational programmes.

(v) Singapore Indian Education Trust (SIET)

Singapore Indian Education Trust (SIET) is a registered charity offering solutions to the needs and challenges impacting the educational performance of the Indian Community. SINDA’s programmes are designed to focus mainly on the education of students from pre-primary to Secondary while SIET’s focus is on tertiary level education. Both the organisations recognise the immense opportunity to leverage on the synergy between the two organisations. The collaborative arrangement has been set to manage SIET donations and its disbursements to students who qualify for financial assistance for their course of study at the tertiary institution and other schemes administered by SIET.

(continued)


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(vi) Project Spark

Project Spark (Successful Parents and Resilient kids) is a collaborative effort between Temasek Cares (a charity arm of Temasek Holdings), Yayasan Mendaki, Chinese Development Assistance Council, SINDA and Eurasian Association. It aims to provide a more holistic and integrated intervention programme to help single parents rebuild their lives and overcome their disadvantage. Funding support of $600,000 over a period of two years will address the provision of an assistance package consisting of employment assistance programmes and a starter kit.

(vii) Youth Development Programmes

Youth Development Programmes are specific programmes under the funding support of $2,000,000 from Kewalram Group of Companies which focuses mainly on the following 3 key programmes:

• Project Victory/Senior Victory; a school based motivational programme that aims to bring out leadership qualities and encourage the practice of positive life skills through structured activities and trained facilitators.

• Youth Empowerment Programme; a one-to-one mentorship programme to engage “at-risk” youth and who have low self-esteem or other behavioural problems.

• Mentorship programme for Institute of Technical Education (ITE) students; a programme to engage students of ITE through interest-based mentoring.

In addition there was a donation of $18,256 from Bharathnatyam Dance Performance to help youths for the following programme:

• Leadership Training programme for Indian Youths from low income families.

The funds will be channelled towards the content development, programme evaluation tools, motivational camps and workshops for the above mentioned programmes.

(viii) Singapore Press Holding Foundation (SPH) Newspaper Project

SPH Newspaper Project is a programme to sponsor subscriptions to the Straits Times and Tamil Murasu Newspapers. Under this project, SINDA will identify needy households who wish to read Straits Times newspaper and SPH will sponsor the subscription costs.

The balances shown above represent grants/donations that were unutilised as at the end of the financial year.

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12 governMent subvention receivable

This represents the annual “dollar for dollar” matching grant receivable, subject to a maximum of $1,700,000 (2010: $1,700,000), from the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports.

13 resources expended on charitable activities and governance costs

(i) Charitable activitiesNote 2011

$2010

$Education programmesTuition programmes:- STEP programme 2,230,749 2,416,904- Project Teach 822,145 937,162Other education programmes:- Enrichment Programmes 305,022 311,892- Bursary/Scholarships 1,353,954 729,554- Education staff costs 1,253,459 1,112,400- Support costs 14 2,213,840 1,141,260

8,179,169 6,649,172

Family and Youth Development/Volunteer Relations- Casework and Counselling 376,650 261,350- Career Development and Resource Centre 4,753 34,514- Single Parents Programme 109,711 75,192- Children and Youth programmes 434,724 267,301- Family and Youth services staff costs 1,376,076 1,295,640- Volunteer Programmes 111,960 151,503- Volunteer Relations staff costs 334,423 297,946- Support costs 14 584,137 817,696

3,332,434 3,201,142

(continued)


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Note 2011$

2010$

Corporate Communications & Community Engagement (CCCE)- Corporate Communications 781,421 576,491- Community Engagement 85,696 134,129- SINDA 2020 642,977 -- CCCE Staff costs 806,725 625,135- Support costs 14 499,594 342,837

2,816,413 1,678,592(ii) Administrative and Governance costs

- Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) Fee* 433,581 431,270- Support costs 14 917,691 678,046

1,351,272 1,109,316

Programmes

Direct costs

$

Support costs

(note 14)$

Total $

Direct costs

$

Support costs

(note 14)$

Total $

Education 5,965,329 2,213,840 8,179,169 5,507,912 1,141,260 6,649,172Family and Youth Development/Volunteer Relations 2,748,297 584,137 3,332,434 2,383,446 817,696 3,201,142Corporate Communications & Community Engagement 2,316,819 499,594 2,816,413 1,335,755 342,837 1,678,592Administrative and Governance Costs 433,581 917,691 1,351,272 431,270 678,046 1,109,316

* The Association occupies government land at 1, Beatty Road, Singapore 209943 and pays a monthly Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) fee. The Grant from the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) of $433,581 (2010: $431,270) is for the full reimbursement of the TOL fee paid by the Association.

The resources expended have been summarised as follows:

2011 2010

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14 support costs

15 total resources expended

Total expenditure includes the following:

Education$

Family and Youth

Development/Volunteer Relations

$

Corporate Communications

& Community Engagement

$

Administrative and

Governance Costs

$

Basis of allocation

Staff costs 1,286,445 304,069 280,679 509,946

Usage in terms of time spent

Maintenance and administrative expenses 754,122 239,112 181,110 344,737

Floor area in terms of floor area occupied and usage

Depreciation expenses 173,273 40,956 37,805 63,008

Usage in terms of assets acquired

Total for 2011 2,213,840 584,137 499,594 917,691

Total for 2010 1,141,260 817,696 342,837 678,046

2011$

2010$

Staff costs 6,151,822 5,003,622Central Provident Fund contributions (included in staff costs) 635,166 524,895Depreciation 315,042 285,420

(continued)


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Salary Range 2011 2010

Salary above $200,000 2 2Salary within range $100,000 to $200,000 2 2Total 4 4

2011$

2010$

Remuneration paid/payable to key management personnel- Short-term employment benefits 877,161 705,439

16 taxation

The Association is an approved charity organisation under the Charities Act, Chapter 37 and an Institution of Public Character under the Income Tax Act, Chapter 134. No provision for tax has been made in the financial statements as the Association is exempt from income tax.

17 keY ManageMent personnel

The key management personnel remuneration comprise remuneration paid to the top four (2010: four) key executives including the Chief Executive Officer. The Trustees and Executive Committee members do not receive any remuneration.

18 related partY transactions

For the purpose of financial statements, parties are considered to be related to the Association if the Association has the ability, directly, or indirectly, to control the party or exercise significant influence over the party in making financial and operating decisions, or vice versa, or where the Association and the party are subject to common control or common significant influence. Related parties may be individuals or other entities.

Other than the transactions disclosed elsewhere in the financial statements, there were no significant related party transactions between the Association and its related parties during the financial year.

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19 financial risk ManageMent

Overview

The Executive Committee has an overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Association’s risk management framework. The Association’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk (including currency risk, interest rate risk and price risk). The Association has policies and processes for measuring and managing these risks. The Executive Committee reviews and approves the policies for managing each of these risks.

This note presents information about the Association’s exposure to each of the above financial risks. Further quantitative disclosures are included throughout these financial statements.

There were no significant changes to the Association’s financial risks during the year.

Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Association if the counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations, and arises principally from the Association’s receivables from various sources and investments.

The Association’s exposure to credit risk in receivables arises principally from receivables, investments and cash and cash equivalents.

The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the carrying amount of each financial asset in the balance sheet.

The Association establishes an allowance for impairment that represents its estimate of incurred losses, only when required. The main components of this allowance are a specific loss component that relates specifically to individually significant exposures.

Receivables

The Association’s exposure to the credit risk is low as most of its receivables are from government agencies. Approximately 80% (2010: 78%) of the Association’s receivables are due from three (3) counterparties in 2011 and 2010.

At the balance sheet date, all receivables of the Association are not past due.

There is no allowance for receivables required as at 31 December 2011 (2010: Nil).

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Investments/Cash and cash equivalents

The Association strives to invest a portion of its funds in bonds of good credit quality, whenever possible.

For investment operations, the Investment Committee adopts very stringent quantitative and qualitative criteria, including financial statement analysis, type of securities, credit ratings and quality of management in selecting issuers of financial instruments that the Association invests in.

Investments in debt securities are assessed using stringent investment criterion and this includes, but is not limited to, a thorough analysis of each debt security’s terms and conditions, the availability and quality of the guarantor, as well as financial strength of the issuer.

The Association’s cash and cash equivalents are placed with banks and financial institutions which are regulated and rated A and above on Standard & Poor’s financial strength ratings.

The Association’s debt securities consist of debt securities rated B and above on Standard & Poor’s financial strength ratings or debt securities of Singapore government related entities. There is no significant concentration of credit risk in relation to these investments.

The Association’s cash and cash equivalents are placed with three (3) financial institutions in 2011 and 2010.

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Association will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Association’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when due, under both normal and stressed conditions.

Typically, the Association ensures that it has sufficient cash on demand to meet expected operational demands excluding the potential impact of extreme circumstances that cannot reasonably be predicted.

Based on the contractual maturities, the Association’s financial liabilities mature within one year from the balance sheet date, and the fair values approximate their carrying amounts.

Market risk

Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates and equity prices will affect the Association’s income or the value of its financial instruments. The objective of market risk management is to manage and control market risk exposures within acceptable parameters, while optimising the return on risk.

Market risk is managed by the Investment Committee by closely monitoring the market data and by setting up detailed investment policies.

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Currency risk

Currency risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates.

By virtue of its investment activities to optimise return, the Association is exposed to the effects of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, principally in currencies such as United States Dollar, Euro and Hong Kong Dollar. The Association does not use derivative financial instruments to hedge its foreign currency risks.The Association’s foreign currency exposures are as follows:

2011$

2010$

Financial assets – investments US Dollar 10,407,159 12,117,537Euro 110,858 1,350,448Hong Kong Dollar 590,004 1,016,196Other currencies 1,033,181 2,159,154

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A 10% weakening of the Singapore dollar against those currencies at 31 December would have had the equal but opposite effect on the above currencies to the amounts shown above, on the basis that all other variables remain constant.

Sensitivity analysis

A 10% strengthening of the Singapore dollar against the following currencies at the reporting date would decrease the net surplus by the amounts shown below. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant.

Surplus of income over expenditure

$

31 December 2011US Dollar (1,040,716)Euro (11,086)Hong Kong Dollar (59,000)

31 December 2010US Dollar (1,211,754)Euro (135,045)Hong Kong Dollar (101,620)

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(continued)


Interest rate risk

The Association’s exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates to cash and cash equivalents and debt securities.

At the balance sheet date, the interest rate profile of the financial instruments was:

2011$

2010$

Fixed rate instrumentsFixed deposits with banks 2,392,966 3,427,409Debt securities 4,785,120 3,958,892

7,178,086 7,386,301Variable rate instrumentsDebt securities 4,393,654 3,884,069

11,571,740 11,270,370

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At the balance sheet date, management assessed that an increase/(decrease) of 25 basis points in the interest rates would have no significant impact to the results of the Association.

Price risk

Price risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices (other than those arising from interest rate risk or currency risk), whether those changes are caused by factors specific to the individual financial instrument or its issuer, or factors affecting all similar financial instruments traded in the market.


The Association’s investments are designated as held for trading investments. A 10% increase or decrease in the underlying market prices at the reporting date, with all variables held constant would increase or decrease income by $2,142,592 (2010: $2,255,324).

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Capital/Funds Management

The Association is a society with no share capital. The Association builds up its Capital/Funds from donations received and also through prudent management of its financial resources. The capital of the Association includes reserve funds in its Accumulated Fund, Sinking Fund, General Endowment Fund and other funds.

The funds of the Association provide financial stability and the means for the development of the Association’s activities. The Association intends to maintain the funds at a level sufficient for its operating needs. The Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees of the Association review the level of funds regularly for the Association’s continuing obligations.

Ratio between the Association’s annual operating expenditure and its funds is as follows;

2011 2010

Total funds at 31 December $27,295,620 $29,549,843

Ratio of funds to annual operating expenditure 1.7:1 2.2:1

The Association’s Funds are closely monitored to ensure that there are sufficient funds to support its programmes and activities.

The Association is not subject to externally imposed capital/funds requirements.

(continued)

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Fair values

Estimation of fair values

Investments

The fair value of investments in trading securities is determined by reference to their quoted bid prices at the reporting date. The fair values of investments that are not traded in an active market are determined by reference to their dealer quotes/net asset valuation reports/fair values provided by the fund managers at the reporting date.

Other financial assets and liabilities

The carrying amounts of other financial assets and liabilities with a maturity of less than one year (including trade and other receivables, grant and donations receivables, cash and cash equivalents, trade payables, other payables and accrued expenses) are assumed to approximate their fair values because of the short period to maturity.

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(continued)


Level 1$

Level 2$

Level 3$

Total$

31 December 2011Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss 12,440,734 8,985,181 – 21,425,915

31 December 2010Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss 14,486,030 8,067,212 – 22,553,242

Fair value hierarchy

The table below analyses financial instruments carried at fair value, by valuation method. The different levels have been defined as follows:

• Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

• Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e., as prices) or indirectly (i.e., derived from prices)

• Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

SINDA Annual Report 2011

Documents

sinda community forum2nd

end of sinda

anniversary of sinda

sinda re

sinda annual report

community engagement

confident community

tuition programmes1students