About Us

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History of MESRA

MESRA Functions

Strategic Directions

Council Members

MAECs

Advisers

Chairman

The Malay Cultural Group (MCG) was formed in 1977 under the auspices of the People's Association (PA). Their main task was to organise and promote Malay cultural activities. The cultural events proved popular and encouraged the formation of more such groups at other CCs subsequently.

In 1980s, with the emergence of more MCGs at other CCs, a new body was established to co-ordinate their activities respectively under the jurisdiction of the People's Association. The new bodies were designated as the People’s Association Malay Cultural Groups Co-ordinating Council (PAMCGCC).

Over time, the MCGs got themselves gradually involved in social, educational, recreational and sports activities. The MCG was renamed as the Malay Activity Group (MAG) in 1985. Thereafter, there was a steady growth in the number of MAGs island-wide.

The MAGs were again renamed as the Malay Activity Executive Committees (MAECs) in 1995. Correspondingly, the co-ordinating council, PAMAGCC were redesignated as the People's Association Malay Activity Executive Committee Co-ordinating Council (PAMAECCC).

By the end of 1999, there were 76 MAECs throughout Singapore. Their active involvement in almost all grassroots' activities and their networking with other GROs have made their existence and purpose familiar, not only to the Malay community, but also to other communities.PAMAECCC was then replaced by 'MESRA' as abbreviation of Malay Activity Executive Committee Co-ordinating Council.

Currently, the MESRA’s Adviser is Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for the Enviroment and Water Resources and MP for Jalan Besar GRC. There are 97 MAECs in 84 GRC Divisions and constituencies.