Singapore is a nation of multi-racial communities, living and working closely together. Soon after the year of her self government in 1959, a co-ordinated nation-wide community development programme was started with its emphasis on Singapore's vital assets - her people. The first spark started in the People's Association on 1 July 1960. Today, the programme flourishes throughout the island republic, housed in 138 community centres, and actively promotes social, cultural, educational, sports and recreational activities for an ever increasing range of interests.

A set of four stamps valued at 10¢, 35¢, 50¢ and 75¢ issued on the occasion of the 25th year of community development programme in Singapore, traces the important phases of People's Association's response to the changing pulse and needs of Singapore social integration process:

75¢ In the first five years or so of Singapore's nationhood, many small community centres were quickly built to serve as focal points for community activities. In rural areas, these community centres were prefabricated wooden structures with zinc rools, and served the needs of the community well.

50¢ The late 60's saw the development of public housing satellite towns, bringing together a high concentration of a young and vibrant population. In response to the government's call for a "rugged and robust younger generation", community centres began to introduce wider range of sports, cultural, educational and other activities to cater to the special needs of youth. The young tae-kwon-do enthusiasts, Indian dances and dragon dance depict the vigour of youth.

35¢ In the 70's more and more people were resettled in the growing number of new Housing and Development Board (HDB) housing estates. In response to this shift in population pattern, bigger and more modern community centres were required to meet the needs of housing estate residents and a better educated population. A typical modern community centre is the Alexandra Community Centre.

Efforts were also made to promote traditional culture to preserve the nation's rich multi-racial heritage, depicted on the stamp by the lion dance and Malay martial arts (Silat) enthusiasts. The 70's also saw the start of the Youth Movement for the nurturing of youth leadership in Singapore.

10¢ The challenge of the 80's required an even broader range of activities. Senior Citizens' Clubs were formed and drew many participants through its taiji exercises. Youth activities such as tennis or canoeing continue to be popular For the very young, there are day-care service centres and kindergarten.