Our Purpose
Here at Agape Community and Training Centre, you can find the support and resources you need to grow and thrive. If you need help for family matters, tuition, bursaries, or training, we are here to assist. If there is something we cannot provide directly, we can point you to the right place to get the help you need.
We are guided by a desire to see the lives of those around us enriched in every possible way. To achieve this,we build bridges—connecting people and communities through the events we host and the opportunities we offer or direct them to. Heart work may be hard work, but the relationships formed along the way make every effort worthwhile.
Our goal is to build a stronger community by uniting people from all walks of life.
FAMILY SUPPORT
Guidance and help for families in need.
TUITION & BURSARIES
Financial aid and academic support for students.
TRAINING & GROWTH
Personal development through workshops and training programs.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Linking individuals with the right resources and relationships.
Vision
Building Relationships, Bridging Communities.
We long to see a better community around us through the love of God. As such, we strive for our committee and members to bring people together, and by extension, a whole network of relationships and community that everyone is a part of.
Mission
Here at ACTC, we aim to serve all who come to us, just like how Jesus called those who were weary and thirsty to Him. Through our various services, we aim to:
- Care
- Serve
- Empower
Our SINCERE Values
- Service – We approach each member of the community with a sincere desire to help and grow.
- Integrity – We uphold our integrity in all that we do so that we can be accountable to you.
- Nurture – We strive to move towards nurturing everyone that we come into contact with through all of our services and activities.
- Compassion – We treat everyone with love and compassion, just like how Jesus came to us.
- Empowerment – We seek to empower all members of the community so that we can build relationships and bridge the community.
- Respect – We treat anyone that comes to us with respect, and pledge to help you in any way we can.
- Excellence – We conduct our services and interactions with excellence and give you our best.
Our History
Agape Community and Training Centre (previously known as Agape Counselling and Training Centre) has had a long history that spans more than 35 years. Originally focused on counseling and rehabilitation, ACTC has evolved over the decades, all while staying true to its original purpose: to build relationships and bridge communities.
1990 - 2025
TIMELINE
1990 - 1991
Breaking Chains, Building Futures
– Rev William Soh, former Senior Pastor of Agape Christian Centre, took over Agape Drug Rehabilitation Centre on June 1, 1990, initiating drug rehabilitation and counselling work at the Presbyterian Centre on Joo Chiat Road. The ministry primarily targeted Mandarin-speaking, lower-to-middle-class individuals. At the time, Rev. Soh worked alongside only one former drug addict. The following year, veteran counsellor Esther Goh joined as Director of the Counselling Centre, followed by four additional full-time counsellors and staff.
– The established initiatives included not only aiding male drug addicts but also:
- Operating a halfway house to provide counselling and vocational training for former addicts, helping them reintegrate into their families and society;
- Launching an at-risk youth outreach program, using diverse activities to steer young people away from drug abuse;
- Setting up a Family Counselling Department with a dedicated hotline, addressing cases such as marital crises, sexual struggles, LGBTQ+ individuals, and family conflicts.
1992 - 1993
From Addiction to Advocacy: A New Chapter Begins
- Mr. Ng Eng Teng, a renowned sculptor artist in Singapore, conducted pottery classes regularly at the Agape Centre. Through art therapy, he inspired a young man who had been trapped in drug addiction for ten years. This young man later enrolled in courses at LASALLE College of the Arts and even started a pottery class in the rehabilitation department for former gambling addicts. He not only successfully overcame his drug addiction but also became hopeful about the future. Since then, he has been actively involved in social work, helping special needs individuals and marginalized communities.
- The centre’s director and counsellors were invited to speak on the radio to share about the centre’s work and interact with listeners.
- Seeing the need, the centre began training former addicts who had completed rehabilitation to help their peers.
- The centre was also invited to assist in training staff from other drug rehabilitation centres and halfway houses.
1994 - 1995
Growth, Relocation, and Deeper Community Impact
- Due to the government’s acquisition of the premises at Joo Chiat Road, the centre relocated to Old Tampines Road, and all services continued as usual.
- Camps were organized for children and at-risk youth.
- A reading program was launched for individuals undergoing drug rehabilitation.
- The number of lead counsellors increased to three, with several more staff members joining the team.
- Personality assessment workshops were conducted for the public, helping participants better understand themselves through personality tests, thereby enabling more effective collaboration with others. The events attracted many professionals, pastors, businesspeople, teachers, counsellors, lawyers and executives.
- The centre was featured on the radio program Hello Good Morning, where two former drug addicts shared their rehabilitation journey and how they received help.
1996 - 1998
New Beginnings Through Student and Family Support
- The government once again reclaimed the premises at Old Tampines used for the rehabilitation centre, leading to the official closure of the centre’s operations.
- A student centre was established in Bedok South to provide before- and after-school care, including academic support and care for children from nearby families—particularly those from single-parent or low-income households. The centre also offered character-building courses for students. Initially, 44 students and four teachers and staff were involved.
- A “Good Parenting” seminar was held to affirm parents’ efforts and help them better understand their children’s thoughts, strengthening healthy communication between parents and children.
1999 - 2005
Extending Impact Through Education and Media
- In addition to providing counselling services, the centre also organized seminars on topics such as “How to Overcome Academic Stress” and “Parent-Child Relationships.”
- Public education was conducted through media platforms, including interviews on various Singapore radio stations and articles published in Lianhe Zaobao, Lianhe Wanbao, and Shin Min Daily News.
- The centre handled 3,578 counselling cases during the years, the majority involving youths with violent tendencies or first-time offenders.
- Public education activities were conducted, including seminars and workshops—reached 2,518 participants. These included parent-child interaction programs and special projects for former female gambling addicts and at-risk youths who had committed legal offenses.
- The centre organized fundraising through Flag Day, supported by the dedicated efforts of numerous volunteers.
2006
Transition and Volunteer-Driven Continuity
- Due to the departure of the main leader for further studies and financial deficits, the Agape Centre underwent a restructuring.
- By the end of the year, the before- and after-school care centre was discontinued.
- The operations of the Agape Centre relied entirely on the support of church staff and volunteers.
2007 - 2008
Healing Hearts and Honouring Legacies
- The Agape Centre initiated the “Inner Healing Ministry” , primarily serving grassroots communities and marginalized groups. Participants included pastors, counsellors and former gambling addicts. During the inner healing process, the centre also reached out to LGBTQ individuals, loan sharks, gang members, and those who had experienced depression, accompanying them through their struggles.
- After the passing of our renowned sculptor artist Mr Ng Eng Teng, he left a donation to the centre to support students from low-income families. Each year, the centre uses this fund to sponsor 10 to 12 students in the form of bursary.
- In 2007, the centre began hosting weekly gatherings for Chinese migrant workers. After dinner at the centre, the workers participated in singing, talks, and cultural celebrations like Mid-Autumn Festival (including moon-gazing, lantern riddles, and mooncake sharing). The centre also provided counselling on issues related to work, family, decision-making, and workplace injuries, as well as referrals for additional support. The number of participants grew from around 60 to over 100.
- The government officially approved the centre’s application for tax-exempt status (IPC Approved).
2009 - 2010
Empowering Fathers and Reaching the Marginalized
- Papa School originated in Korea and is designed as a learning camp specifically for fathers. Through sharing by instructors from Korea, it helps fathers learn how to leverage their influence, fulfill their roles as fathers, understand their mission, and become the cornerstone of their families. Since its inception, the program has helped many men learn how to love themselves and their families, renew their responsibilities at home, and rejuvenate family relationships.
- The area surrounding the centre is known for a significant presence of street workers. The centre partnered with a church to bring Christmas carolling to the streets, sharing joy with them during the festive season. One lady felt a burden to care for them and used the centre’s facilities to offer English lessons and cake-making classes, hoping to help them acquire alternative livelihood skills.
- Follow us on our journey as we continue to better the community.
2011 - 2016
Serving Through Charity and Youth Volunteerism
- Volunteers from the Agape Centre, along with church members, participated in the “LoveSingapore Network” charity walk to raise funds for both the Agape Centre and the Community Chest.
- Youth volunteers from the Agape Centre supported prison ministry efforts by taking part in special activities for children. Every Saturday, they took turns participating in the children’s regular programs, assisting existing volunteers with activities and storytelling.
- Due to a significant reduction in the centre’s activities, the government terminated the centre’s application for IPC (Institution of a Public Character) status in April 2016.
2017 - 2019
Counselling Services Suspended, Scholarships Continue
Suspension of Counselling Services:
Due to a lack of counselling staff, the counselling centre has completely ceased providing counselling services. However, it continues to offer scholarships to children from low-income families.
2020
Sustaining Care Through Crisis and Transition
- After gaining a deeper understanding of the needs in the HDB estate near the Agape Centre, the centre collaborated with Agape church to distribute gifts to residents along Upper Boon Keng Road during festivals throughout the year.
- During the pandemic, the centre continued to provide financial aid (Bursary) to children from low-income families.
- Due to the departure of the person in charge, the Father’s School project was handed over to another church and continues to operate.
2021
Extending Compassion Amidst the Pandemic
- Due to the impact of the pandemic, the gatherings for migrant workers were officially ended after being paused.
- Volunteers distributed hand sanitizers and masks in several public housing blocks within the community, while also providing small repair services for families in need.
- The centre’s volunteers provided tutoring services to children in Upper Boon Keng Road who were in need, and through the residents’ committee, they assisted these children in applying for bursary from the centre.
- The centre participated in sponsoring and distributing gifts through the Prison Ministry known as Angel Tree Project. Volunteers visited the families of prisoners, delivering letters written by the prisoners to their families, along with the sponsored gifts to show care and support.
- Volunteers arranged for taxi drivers to pick up gift packages containing disinfectants at the Agape Centre. A total of 27 gift packages were distributed.
2022
Meeting Practical Needs, Empowering Families
- In response to the needs of the Upper Boon Keng community, particularly the urgent needs of residents in a one-room flat, the centre regularly distributes gifts and visits residents in need every other week. Basic repair services are also provided.
- The centre organized a series of seminars, with four volunteers who have professional backgrounds in counselling and community service serving as speakers. The seminars targeted children, families (marriage), children with special needs, at-risk youth, and their parents. Participants expressed that they found the lectures extremely beneficial.
2023
Extending Care Across Communities
- Volunteers continued their community efforts by arranging for elderly residents from the one-room flats who were willing to open their homes to share a reunion meal together.
- Volunteers participated weekly in a reading program organized by the residents’ committee, reading stories to children and helping them improve their language skills.
- Volunteers hosted a lunch in honour of the Indian migrant workers at the Agape Centre, took them on a tour of Singapore’s tourist attractions, and celebrated Christmas with them outside their dormitories.
2024
Continuing Compassion Through Community Outreach
- The Ng Eng Teng Bursary fund has been fully utilized, and support was continued through Agape Church, which will distribute bursaries to students in need via the Agape Centre.
- Volunteers applied for sponsorship from GBTB and organized a visit for elderly community members to explore the Flower Dome.
- Agape Church and the Counselling Centre jointly hosted a Community Day. Volunteers went to the one-bedroom flats on Whampoa Drive, assisting elderly residents with cleaning and tidying their homes, and also held a simple flea market. Around 60 volunteers participated in the event.
- Volunteers celebrated Christmas with street workers, pimps, and migrant workers near the Aljunied MRT station. Visited the flats at Upper Boon Keng Road to distribute gifts and sing Christmas carols. Over 100 volunteers took part in this event.
2025
Bringing Joy, Support, and Learning to the Community
- Volunteers once again applied for sponsorship from Gardens By The Bay to accompany elderly residents from Upper Boon Keng Road on a visit to the Flower Dome during the Lunar New Year and shared a reunion meal with them.
- Volunteers continued to provide weekly tutoring for students every Saturday at the centre.
- The Agape Centre distributed bursaries to 14 students, including two children and youths with special needs.
The Heart Behind ACTC
At the heart of Agape Community and Training Centre is a team of passionate individuals devoted to nurturing lives and strengthening communities. With shared values and a spirit of servant leadership, they guide our initiatives with compassion, wisdom, and vision.
Board & Committee
Mr Wong Ka How
President
Mr Lee Beng Hong
Vice President
Mr Calvin Chan
Treasurer
Ms Lee Xin Er
Treasurer
Mr Raymond Chen
Secretary
Mr Terence Chua
Secretary
Ms Janice Yeo
Member
Our Management Team
Mr Wong Ka How
Director
Mr Lee Beng Hong
Director
Mr Wong Yook Chin
Director
Mr Raymond Chen
Director
Ms Amelia Lim
Executive Director
Corporate Communications
Mr Daniel Teo
Manager
Family, Children & Youth
Ms Janice Yeo
Manager (Programme)
Ms Wong Jing Hui
Manager (Family Life)
Senior Programme
Ms Siew Hui Ping
Manager
Ms Janna Sim
Manager
Mr Wong Ka How
President
Mr Lee Beng Hong
Vice President
Mr Calvin Chan
Treasurer
Ms Lee Xin Er
Treasurer
Mr Raymond Chen
Secretary
Mr Terence Chua
Secretary
Ms Janice Yeo
Member
Mr Wong Ka How
Director
Mr Lee Beng Hong
Director
Mr Wong Yook Chin
Director
Mr Raymond Chen
Director
Ms Amelia Lim
Executive Director
Mr Daniel Teo
Manager
Ms Janice Yeo
Manager (Programme)
Ms Wong Jing Hui
Manager (Family Life)
Ms Siew Hui Ping
Manager
Ms Janna Sim
Manager
President's Message
A New Chapter for ACTC
With great joy and gratitude, we mark a new chapter in ACTC’s journey of service. From the beginning, our mission has been to bring help and hope to those in need. Through the years, we have faithfully served our community—caring for the elderly, supporting underprivileged students, sharing gifts, and bringing warmth to residents during festive seasons.
Yet, we believe there is still more to be done. As we look ahead, we want to expand our reach so that more families, seniors, parents, children, and youth receive the support they need. Beyond education and financial assistance, we are introducing programs that focus on emotional and mental well-being, strengthening family bonds through marriage and parenting support, as well as providing training and counselling for those facing challenges.
To bring this vision to life, we invite like-minded volunteers and organisations to partner with us. By pooling resources and sharing our gifts, we can allow more in our community to find support, encouragement and the opportunity to flourish.
I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to ACTC’s journey. Your dedication and generosity inspire us to move forward with renewed purpose. As we embrace this new era, let us do so with passion, compassion, and an unwavering spirit of service.
Thank you for being part of this mission. Together, by God’s grace, we will continue making a difference.
