About Us

KidSTART Singapore Limited is a non-profit organization and an Institution of a
Public Character that specialises in supporting families in early childhood development.

Our specialist team partners the government and the community to
empower families with less resources in building strong foundations for their
children under 6 years old, to give them a good start in life.

KidSTART Timeline

2016

Government commits resources to provide upstream support to children from low income families

“There is extensive research, which shows that experiences in the early years of a child’s life significantly influence his or her physical, cognitive, and social development… KidSTART will draw together government and community resources, to help these children receive appropriate learning, developmental, and health support. We will develop approaches that work best in the Singapore context.”

– An excerpt from the FY2016 Budget Statement

Read More history2016

2016

Launch of KidSTART programme by ECDA to support 1,000 children in pilot regions

KidSTART was launched in 2016 to provide low-income families with the necessary support for their children to develop well in the important stages of early childhood.

history2016

2019

KidSTART expands support to 5,000 more children

“KidSTART has a good programme. I am confident we are on the right track. We still need to follow up for a few more years, to assess more exactly its benefits. But for each new cohort of babies, there is no time to lose. So we will expand KidSTART to reach another 5,000 children over the next three years. Then we will take stock again how to expand KidSTART further.”

- An excerpt from the National Day Rally 2019

Read More history2016

2019

Launch of Growing Together with KidSTART initiative to galvanise community support

“Even as the Government funds the expansion of KidSTART, we want to partner foundations, corporates and volunteers who want to provide greater support for the children from low income families. … This is why we are launching the “GROWING TOGETHER with KidSTART” initiative. We invite corporates and individuals to partner us to help children in KidSTART communities, over a sustained period of time – to watch the children grow up and partner the families.

– An excerpt from a speech by Mr Desmond Lee, Minister of Social and Family Development, at the Early Childhood Conference

Read More history2016

2020

Incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee

history2016

2020

Set up of KidSTART Singapore Ltd

2021

Expanded to new regions

Launched in 2016, KidSTART is on track to support 5,000 children by 2023.

The programme was first piloted in Kreta Ayer, Bukit Merah, Taman Jurong, Boon Lay and Geylang. New regions to include Choa Chu Kang, Bukit Panjang and Bukit Batok.

Read More history2016

2021

Accredited as a member of the National Council of Social Service

history2016

2022

Received charity status

history2016

2022

Going nationwide from 2023 onwards

2022 Committee of Supply: KidSTART is happy to announce greater support for eligible families as we progressively expand nationwide from 2023 onwards! We are on track to benefit 5,000 children by 2023.

history2016

2023

Target to support 80% of eligible children

2023 Committee of Supply: KidSTART targets to onboard 80% of children from eligible families (up from the current 20%). KidSTART will be extended to Jalan Besar, Toa Payoh, Sengkang, Hougang and Serangoon in the coming year.

history2016

2023

Received Institution of a Public Character (IPC) status

history2016

Board of Directors

NameDesignation
Mr Aubeck KamPermanent Secretary, Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)
Permanent Secretary (Home Affairs Development), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
Ms Amanda ChooDeputy Director, National Council of Social Service (NCSS)
Ms Chan Yen SanPartner, KPMG Singapore
Dr Derrick HengDeputy Director-General of Health (Public Health Group), Ministry of Health (MOH)
Dr Evelyn LawAssistant Professor and Senior Consultant, Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS)
Dr Ho Yin FongCampus Director, NIEC (City) Campus
National Institute of Early Childhood Development (NIEC)
Mr Mohd Saat Bin Abdul RahmanPresident, Islamic Religious Council of Singapore
Mr Neo Sing HweeSenior Partner, Consulting, Ernst & Young Advisory Pte. Ltd.
Ms Ng Mie LingAssistant Chief Executive, Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA)
Ms Rae LeeExecutive Director (Singapore and Southeast Asia), International Justice Mission
Ms Simran ToorConsultant, Singapore Academy of Law
Mr Suhaimi Zainul-AbidinChief Executive Officer, QuantEdge Capital
Ms Theresa SimAssurance Partner & COO, Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP

KidSTART Senior Management

NameDesignation
Mdm Rahayu BuangChief Executive Officer
Ms Yee Siaw LingDirector, Corporate Development Division
Mdm Norshima AzizDirector, Communications & Engagement Division
Ms Jane Lee (Covering)Director, Programme Planning Division
Ms Jane LeeDirector, Service Management Division
Ms Puspavalli NamasivayamEarly Childhood Consultant