Central CDC & UOB partner to boost residents' financial fitness, offering free workshops from Jan. 2026

Central Singapore Community Development Council (CS CDC) and UOB launched their first-ever partnership that aimed to strengthen the financial well-being of residents.

Combining the CS CDC's extensive community networks and the bank's financial expertise, the collaboration aims to make financial literacy "more practical, accessible and relevant to everyday life".

According to the press release, this joint initiative consists of three components: the UOB Financial Health Check, financial literacy content via CS CDC's outreach channels such as the quarterly VOICES magazines, and Financial Fitness Workshops starting from January 2026.

Financial Fitness Festival at United Square

The partnership was launched at the inaugural Financial Fitness Festival held at United Square shopping mall, where residents were engaged at four interactive zones covering essentials of saving, insurance protection, investing and legacy planning.

Those who completed all four stations were rewarded with a towel, water bottle, fitness bag and a personalised "health booklet" that outlines their financial plan.

Mayor of CS CDC Denise Phua, who's also the Member of Parliament for Jalan Besar GRC, recognises the financial anxiety faced by families and so, she hopes to empower residents with financial knowledge to better navigate changes in life.

"Some are concerned about how technological disruption, especially from AI, may reshape the job market and even transform the entire industry. Others think about what it means to live longer lives — how to provide for themselves, how do we ensure we have some retirement adequacy...how do we know the different ways to look after the welfare of ourselves and our families."

Interested members of the public can also take the online quiz via the UOB Financial Literacy site to assess their financial well-being.

Financial Fitness Workshops

The Financial Fitness Workshops starting from January 2026 will be tailored to people of different life stages.

For example, budgeting and insurance for young families or legacy and retirement planning for pre-retirees.

The workshops will be offered for free and to be open for sign up from January 2026 onwards.

They will be conducted in English as well as other languages, depending on the demand.

Details will be shared in due course.

CS CDC and UOB hopes to reach out to more than 1,000 residents in 2026 through this initiative.

UOB's Group Head for Channels and Digitalisation, Strategic Communications and Brand, Janet Young said in the joint press release that the bank hopes to reach out to a broad base of residents in the most "efficient and impactful" way and this partnership is "a way of giving back to the community".

"Financial fitness, like physical fitness, is not a sprint but is a journey. And it is a journey best taken together," Phua urged everyone to check their financial health, just like how they would a medical one.

Top photo from CS CDC.