More than 160,000 individuals benefited from the programmes of community self-help group Mendaki in 2025. This reach included more than 10,000 students who enrolled in the organisation’s tuition programme, as announced by Mendaki’s chairman and Senior Minister of State for Defence, and Sustainability and the Environment Zaqy Mohamad during the annual general meeting on May 2.
Expanding Educational and Social Support
The 2025 initiatives focused on workforce readiness, community engagement, and family development. More than 2,100 children participated in the Maths Explorer programme to prepare for Primary 1, while more than 1,500 individuals received bursaries, scholarships, sponsorships, and awards.
In early 2026, Mendaki introduced a pilot programme in several Tampines schools to enhance support for Malay/Muslim children. This effort includes providing study desks at home, better nutrition, or connecting students with trusted mentors to help with motivational challenges.
Integrating AI and Future-Ready Learning
In January 2026, the organisation launched a five-year work plan to advance the success of the Malay/Muslim community. A key component of this strategy involves incorporating AI to better support students’ learning needs.
The tuition programme has already begun utilizing virtual platforms to identify learning gaps and AI tools like Khan Academy’s Khanmigo to create personalised lesson plans. Mendaki stated that these tools enable more effective and personalised support for students.
Empowering Parents and Job Seekers
To assist with home-based learning, Mendaki began a series of six roadshows in late April to guide parents on play-based learning strategies. This will be followed in July by a new reading programme providing books every three months to improve literacy in Malay and English.
For those entering or returning to the workforce, Mendaki is launching the Ready At Work initiatives in May. This programme is designed for job seekers, including fresh graduates, and may include mentoring, networking, AI training, and digital literacy courses.
Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim, who also serves as Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs, stated that the Mendaki 2030 Workplan provides a clear direction to support community members at every stage of life.
Potential Next Steps
Given the current trajectory, Mendaki may expand its Tampines pilot to other regions if the after-school care model proves successful. The organisation is also likely to further integrate AI tools across its other educational pillars to maintain pace with rapid technological changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were reached by Mendaki’s programmes in 2025?
More than 160,000 individuals benefited from the programmes, which included over 10,000 tuition students.
What specific AI tools are being used in Mendaki’s tuition programme?
The organisation uses a virtual platform to identify learning gaps and Khan Academy’s Khanmigo to generate personalised lesson plans.
What does the Ready At Work initiative offer?
Starting in May, the programme supports Malay/Muslim job seekers, such as fresh graduates and those re-entering the workforce, through AI training, digital literacy courses, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
How can AI best be integrated into community support to ensure no one is left behind in a rapidly changing economy?
