WHO WE ARE
Metropolitan YMCA of Singapore (MYMCA) was founded in 1946 with a vision to lead positive community transformation. The Association nurtures children and works with youths as part of its mission to effect and catalyse this change – today and for the future.
The Association also leverages on social enterprises to benefit communities, channelling all net surpluses from its accommodation and conference facilities into various outreach programmes to serve the needy and vulnerable. MYMCA is a registered Society, gazetted as a Charity and recognised as an Institute of Public Character.
Metropolitan YMCA (MYMCA) was presented with the Charity Transparency Award (CTA) by the Charity Council in recognition of its good disclosure practices for the years 2022 and 2023.
Vision: We envision a young generation strong in body, mind and spirit, leading positive community transformation
Mission: To nurture children and develop youth for social responsibility by encouraging healthy living, inculcating christian values and engaging in meaningful causes supported by sustainable enterprises
Values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility
The first YMCA was set-up by a group of youths led by George Williams in 1844 London to counter social ills resulting from the Industrial Revolution.
Likewise, in post-war Singapore, Dr Chen Su Lan, a medical practitioner who fought the widespread use of opium, saw the need for youths to be engaged in wholesome activities. He formed the Chinese YMCA in 1946, catering to the Chinese-speaking community which made up more than 75% of the resident population in Singapore.
The Chinese YMCA offered skills, vocational and recreation courses and attracted wide support from the community.
In 1974, the Chinese YMCA changed its name to Metropolitan YMCA and set up a new building for headquarters at 60 Stevens Road largely through the generous support of the Lee Foundation and Shaw Foundation.
- In 1966, a fire broke out at 107 Selegie Road and destroyed the Chinese YMCA building. It was not until 1970 when the Chinese YMCA purchased another property to build a new headquarters, which is at present-day 60 Stevens Road.
- In 2000, the construction of a new conference room- cum- chapel at the rooftop was completed. The conference room is known as the Lim Kay Kok Upper Room.
- In 2001, the extension block to the headquarters building was completed. The new building extension included a new lift and lift lobby, a revamped Programmes Department access and also setting up of the new Youth Room.
- In 2006, the covered car park at 60 Stevens Road was erected with a multi-purpose court for tennis, basketball and street soccer use.
MORE DETAILS ABOUT OUR ORGANISATION
- We are registered as a Society [UEN No. S63SS0006B], gazetted as a Charity [Charities No. 0089], and recognized as an Institute of Public Character [IPC No. 000433].
- Our subsidiary, MY World Preschool Ltd, provides infant and childcare services.
- Locally in Singapore, we are a member of the National Council of Social Services, a corporate member of the People’s Association, an associate member of the National Youth Council, the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, and the National Council of Churches in Singapore.
- Internationally, we are part of the World Alliance of YMCAs, Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs, as well as an active member of the YMCA World Urban Network.