A correction direction has been issued to TikTok user Jay Ish’haq Rajoo under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA), in relation to a video posted on 26 August 2025 concerning a new community leadership course.
The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) said the video contained false statements about the government’s involvement in the Chinese Community Leadership Course.
The correction direction was issued on 7 September 2025, on the instruction of Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo.
It was said that Jay had alleged in his video that National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat had announced government plans to provide money and resources to attract mainland Chinese to Singapore and groom them for leadership roles.
He also allegedly claimed that government resources were being used solely to nurture leaders from the Chinese race.
In response, MCCY stated that these claims were false and could “cause serious misunderstandings and erode public confidence in the government’s commitment to serve the interests of Singapore and Singaporeans, regardless of race, language or religion”.
The ministry added that a correction direction was necessary to ensure accurate information was conveyed to the public.
By the time the correction direction was issued on 7 September, the original TikTok video was no longer accessible on Jay’s account.
TOC understands that the post was removed by Jay within a day of its upload.
Although the video had already been taken down, Jay has complied with the correction direction by publishing a new post containing a correction notice and a link to the government’s clarification.
MCCY outlines government position
According to MCCY, the Chinese Community Leadership Course is being developed by the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) and the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI).
The ministry stated that only Singapore citizens who are active in the Chinese community and have demonstrated a commitment to serve are eligible to participate.
Foreign nationals, including those from mainland China, are not eligible.
Participants will be nominated by local Chinese clan associations and business groups, with SFCCA and SCCCI managing the selection process.
MCCY said the course aims to strengthen leadership in the Chinese community and promote understanding of Singapore’s multiracial and multicultural context.
Broader national leadership development
The ministry also said the initiative forms part of a broader national approach to leadership development across communities.
The Our Singapore Leadership Programme, run by the National Youth Council, is open to youths of all backgrounds.
Youth Corps Singapore also supports youth development through community-based programmes.
Self-help groups receive government funding to build leadership capacity in their respective communities.
Yayasan MENDAKI, for example, launched the Tunas Bersama M3 programme in 2022 to equip Malay/Muslim leaders with organisational and community leadership skills.
Among the Indian community, the SINDA Youth Club runs the SINDA Young Leaders Programme to support youth leadership development.
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