• During the Second World War and up till the 1950s, there were few public recreational facilities in Singapore for children. The British Social Welfare Department thus established Children’s Social Centres, which later developed into Community Centres. These centres grew to cater to people of all ages.
• In the early days, Community Centres served mainly as centres for entertainment and leisure. In the 1960s, the Singapore Government began to transform the Community Centres.
• In 1964, Community Centre Management Committees (CCMCs) were formed to manage activities held at the Community Centres. The People’s Association (PA), founded in 1960, was involved in the coordination and supervision of these activities, which were aimed at fostering racial harmony and promoting interaction between the Government and the people.
• As social needs evolved over the years, Community Centres have evolved too. In recent years, many have been renamed Community Clubs, following upgrading of their facilities. However, some Community Centres still choose to retain their original names.

After two years of upgrading works, Teck Ghee Community Club was officially reopened this morning. PM Lee Hsien Loong cited the important role that Community Clubs play in Singapore. It is where residents of different ages and social backgrounds come together and interact. This is why the Government is committed to investing considerable resources in building and upgrading Community Clubs. (Shin Min Daily News, 13/1/2019)

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