About 15 seniors from the Sree Narayana Mission (Singapore) Nursing Home are set to join a painting workshop on January 21, using their SG Culture Pass.
This arts initiative, jointly introduced by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), aims to engage nursing home residents in creative activities.
The programme enables seniors with mobility challenges to use their “SG Culture Special Amount” to take part in local arts events.
A ministry spokesperson told The Straits Times that both MCCY and AIC plan to roll out more such programmes for nursing homes.
The English-language workshop runs for 90 minutes, and facilitators are advised to offer extra support and exercise patience when working with the participants.
“The key goal is to empower residents to become event organisers. Those who complete the training will be equipped to lead similar activities for their peers within the home,” said Ms. Reshma Tazim, Project Administrator at Sree Narayana Mission.
During the pilot phase, assistants working alongside the instructor will provide more personalised guidance.
The team will also use various tools adapted to the physical and functional needs of seniors.
MCCY noted that over 800 seniors have taken part in outdoor group activities organised by active ageing centres, community clubs, and nursing homes.
Additionally, the Ministry will continue ensuring that there are adequate programmes for people with disabilities, with more than 70 cultural activities already made accessible to them.
As of January 1 this year, more than 1.1 million Singaporeans—out of 3 million eligible—have registered for the “SG Cultural Special Allowance.”
Over 136,000 individuals have spent close to $10 million of the allocated amount, and more than 46,000 have fully utilised their $100 credits, according to interim Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Nio in a written parliamentary reply.
Budget 2025 committed $300 million to the “SG Cultural Special Amount” initiative, aimed at encouraging Singaporeans to attend local arts events and exhibitions.
All Singapore citizens aged 18 and above receive a $100 digital SG Culture Pass, redeemable from September 1, 2025 until the end of 2028. More information is available at sgculturepass.gov.sg.
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In celebration of Deepavali, Mediacorp organised a special event at the Sree Narayana Mission Nursing Home.
Mediacorp staff, together with 20 residents of the nursing home, created festive Deepavali decorations, which will be used to brighten up the premises.
The event aimed to bring the spirit of Deepavali to the elderly residents and provide them with meaningful companionship during the festive season.
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Minister for Home Affairs, Mr. K. Shanmugam, has said that racial and religious harmony in Singapore should not be taken for granted. He was speaking at the 85th anniversary celebration of the Parish of Christ Church in Little India.
“The law will maintain peace; social and religious leaders should unite people,” said Mr. Shanmugam. He added that the church’s good works help maintain unity among Singaporeans.
The event was held at Coastal Gardens last night. Minister Shanmugam and Mr. Alvin Tan, Minister of State for National Development and Minister of State for Trade and Industry, were in attendance. The CEOs of SINDA and Sree Narayana Mission were also present.
The programme featured various elements, including prayer, dancing, and singing.
Christ Church, located on Dorset Road, has a long history, as described by Pastor Steven Ashirvathama. It was founded on October 18, 1940, and was the first Anglican church established for Tamils in Singapore.
During World War II, the church was the target of a three-day artillery bombardment. It was severely damaged and later restored in the early 1960s.
Today, the church stands as one of Singapore’s national monuments.
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