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In a significant move to equip young individuals with current digital and technological skills, the Central Singapore Community Development Council (CDC) and a major real estate company have announced the launch of the SG$ 500,000 DOTS Academy@Central. This two-year pilot programme aims to provide up to 1,000 youths with diverse learning opportunities and coaching to nurture confident, curious, and future-ready individuals.
The DOTS Academy@Central programme encompasses a variety of initiatives designed to empower youths through exposure to advanced technologies and digital skills:
Educational Workshops and Field Trips: Participants will engage in learning experiences that cover a wide range of digital, creative, and practical skills such as augmented reality, robotics, photography, and entrepreneurship.
Career Exploration Workshops: These workshops help develop insights and actionable plans for meaningful careers in the digital and tech sectors.
Mentoring Sessions and Workshops: Facilitated by Mentoring SG, these sessions support development and school-to-work transitions.
‘I Am Talented’: This initiative offers opportunities for self-discovery, promoting excellence in both academic and non-academic pursuits.
Priority is given to youths from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring they have access to opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable. Participants can choose from a curated list of Core and Elective modules. Core modules are compulsory, while Elective modules can be selected based on individual preferences. To graduate, participants must complete at least three Core and two Elective modules or four Core modules within two years.
Youths interested in furthering their development can sign up for mentorship. Successful applicants will be matched with one or more mentors, who will guide them through regular engagement sessions. Selected mentees will also have the opportunity to develop their leadership capacities and may mentor future participants, ensuring a sustainable mentorship cycle.
The programme was officially launched on 25 May at St Andrew’s Junior College, with nearly 200 youths in attendance. The event was graced by Ms. Denise Phua, Mayor of Central Singapore District, and the Chief Executive of the realty company, who presented a cheque to Central Singapore CDC. The launch event also saw the participation of over 200 youths in the ‘I Am Talented’ workshops.
Central Singapore CDC and its partners are committed to expanding the range of learning experiences offered through this initiative. The DOTS Academy @ Central is funded by a generous donation of SG$ 250,000 from the company, matched by SG$250,000 from Central Singapore CDC.
Ms Denise Phua, Mayor of Central Singapore District, stated, “Much of life is about the connection of dots; each dot an embodiment of one’s experiences and opportunities. The more dots one has, the more enriching one’s life may be. Central CDC’s ‘DOTS Academy @ Central’ aims to level the playing field for youths with fewer opportunities. We are grateful [to the company] for their generosity and belief in this cause and encourage other businesses to join us in providing more quality ‘dots’ for our young residents.”
The Chief Executive of the company added, “We are proud to partner with Central Singapore CDC to offer youths enriching experiences that build confidence, nurture curiosity, and develop future-ready skills. Through meaningful partnerships, we magnify the impact of our social initiatives. We hope that youths from this pilot will not only gain valuable skills but also pay it forward, fostering a culture of giving back and building a more caring society where no one gets left behind.”
The launch of DOTS Academy @ Central marks a significant step towards equipping Singapore’s youth with the digital and technological skills necessary for the future. By fostering an environment of learning, mentorship, and leadership development, the programme aims to create a generation of confident, curious, and future-ready individuals.
