Singapore will see the opening of a new Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) campus on Coney Island in the second half of 2026, a full decade after it was initially announced during the 2016 Budget.
Expanding Opportunities for Youth Development
The completion of the campus was announced on March 5 during debate on the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) budget. The new facility is intended to expand access to outdoor adventure education for Singaporean youth.
By 2030, the Ministry of Education (MOE) aims to offer the OBS Challenge to all Secondary 3 students in Singapore. In 2025, approximately 65 per cent of the cohort – 18,000 students – participated in the five-day residential program, which focuses on building life skills, confidence, and resilience.
The OBS Challenge provides opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate and develop both physical and mental fortitude. Participants are expected to gain confidence, learn valuable life skills, and forge lasting friendships through shared experiences.
Currently, OBS operates two campuses, one on mainland Singapore and another on Pulau Ubin. The Coney Island campus will feature advanced rope challenge courses, integrated climbing systems, and other team-based activities.
New Initiatives for Community Engagement
Alongside the OBS expansion, new initiatives were also announced. A new Somerset Belt Youth CoLab will be established to empower young people to lead the development and implementation of programs in the Somerset Belt and *SCAPE. Fifteen young people have been selected for this task, and *SCAPE will provide training, mentorship, and a $300,000 annual budget.
a new Indian Engagement and Development Committee (INEI) will be formed to strengthen the Singapore Indian identity, coordinate community efforts, and foster youth leadership over the next five years. The committee will be chaired by Senior Minister of State for Transport Murali Pillai and Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth Dinesh Vasu Dash.
Funding Opportunities for Community Projects
The $50 million SG Partnerships Fund will begin accepting applications on April 1 to support ground-up initiatives that benefit the community. The fund offers three tiers of support, with funding levels ranging from up to $5,000 for pilot projects to up to $1 million for larger-scale initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Coney Island OBS campus open?
The new Outward Bound Singapore campus on Coney Island is scheduled to open in the second half of 2026.
What is the goal of the OBS Challenge?
The OBS Challenge aims to build life skills, confidence, and resilience among youth by providing opportunities for outdoor adventure and teamwork.
What is the purpose of the new Indian Engagement and Development Committee?
The committee will work to strengthen the Singapore Indian identity, coordinate community efforts, and develop youth leadership.
As Singapore invests in these new initiatives, how might these programs shape the development of future generations and strengthen community bonds?
