NCSS 40-Under-40

The NCSS 40-Under-40 programme is a National Council of Social Service (NCSS) leadership initiative for young and promising leaders in Singapore's social-service sector. It provides opportunities to network with and be mentored by veteran sector professionals, and is intended to give participants a voice in shaping the sector's future. NCSS describes participants as coming from the public, private and people sectors (NCSS, updated 14 August 2026, accessed 27 August 2026).

2026 programme format and dates

NCSS describes the 2026 programme as a platform for 40 participants. Its three-day, two-night residential programme is scheduled for 7–9 October 2026, under the theme “Learn, Lead, Link, with Purpose”; a pre-programme activity is scheduled for 2 September 2026 (NCSS, updated 14 August 2026, accessed 27 August 2026). The 40-person figure is the programme cohort described by NCSS, not the size of Singapore's wider social-service leadership population.

Eligibility and status

For the 2026 cycle, NCSS lists Singapore citizenship and an age of 39 or younger as of 31 December 2026, leadership responsibility or strong leadership potential, and at least five years of experience in social service or related sectors. NCSS says that working, volunteering and other related experience or contributions can count toward that experience criterion. The page states that nominations have closed (NCSS, updated 14 August 2026, accessed 27 August 2026). These are programme criteria for the 2026 cycle, not a general legal definition of a social-service leader or a guarantee of selection. The programme is not a general benefit for every young person; it is a selective leadership initiative with stated criteria.