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This issue’s theme “Best of Youth” gives insight into some of the NYC’s key initiatives for 2012 as we connected with young Singaporeans to advocate and co-create positive changes in the community. We hear youth >>> Here for youth
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2013V.
Festival of Aspirations 10
Emerging Style Quotient 14
Am I A Bathtub Volunteer? 20
Looking Through The Wire 26
INSPIRIT The Driving Force 28
TIMES
CONTENTS EDITOR’S NOTE
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2012 was a dynamic and engaging year for all of us at the National Youth Council (NYC) as we sharpened our role as the national youth focal point and re-oriented ourselves to better “hear youth and be here for youth”.
This issue’s theme “Best of Youth” gives insight into some of the NYC’s key initiatives for 2012 as we connected with young Singaporeans to advocate and co-create positive changes in the community.
Besides introducing new initiatives like the National Secondary School Student Leaders Conference, we also refreshed our flagship programmes by doing them differently in 2012. These included a new interactive and engaging format for youth dialogues and a special youth engagement session for secondary school students to interact with awardees at the Singapore Youth Award (SYA) 2012 Presentation Ceremony for the first time in SYA’s 27-year history.
Through partnerships with 3P Partners (Public, Private and People), we were able to support more ground-up initiatives by youths and YSOs to create opportunities for young people.
So wait no longer to find these interesting reads in our bumper issue of the NYC Times. See how the Youth Development Grant supports young social enterprises and established YSOs; learn about our plans to encourage more youth ground-up projects for the community through Campus ChangeMakers as well as new initiatives such as INSPIRIT, a group formed to advocate youth interest on national and community issues and champion youth causes. We also highlight the proud moments of SHINE Youth Festival 2012 where the newly-introduced Pitch to SHINE and Pledge to SHINE inspired youths to translate their aspirations and ideas into action for the community.
We hope you enjoy reading about the highlighted moments of 2012 in this issue of the NYC Times as much as we enjoyed documenting them and look forward to many more new and exciting challenges in 2013.
‘til the next issue,The NYC Times Editorial Team
ADV ISOR Jacqueline TanSEN IOR ED I TOR Angelene DoraiED I TOR Quinnie LowDES IGN AND PRODUCT ION Antfarm Design PUB L I SHED BY Corporate Communications Section, NYC
National Youth CouncilBlk 490 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, HDB Hub Biz Three, #06-10, Singapore 310490TE L 6734 4233 FAX 6737 2025WEBS I T E www.nyc.pa.gov.sg
NYC Times is published by the National Youth Council. No part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any form without permission from the Council.
The views expressed by the contributors of NYC Times may not neccesarily reflect the views of NYC.
We Hear Youth. Here for Youth.
Sharing Hopes and Aspirations for Singapore’s Future
The Month of SHINE
Festival of Aspirations
You Make Me SHINE
Emerging Style Quotient
Dream. Hope. Inspire.
Stand Up For SG
Am I A Bathtub Volunteer?
Volunteering Excellence
More Than Ourselves: A Generation That Cares
Youth Sector Leaders Dialogue 2013
Looking Through the Wire
INSPIRIT The Driving Force
Port of Call at PSA
Youths with HeART
Developing a Vibrant Youth Sector Ecosystem:Connect. Collaborate. Co-innovate
Social Views, Illuminated
Paying It Forward
Volunteer Voluntarily
Pinnacle of Aspiration
The Shipping Society
Rediscovering China
Models of Leadership Development
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Quotes from Lawrence Wong
TIDBITS FROM LAWRENCE WONG
“At MCCY, I will do whatever I can to catalyse and facilitate even more youth participation.”
“I hope we will be inspired to always act with love in all that we do, and to work together to build a caring and compassionate home for every Singaporean.”
“There are many young people all over Singapore who champion and volunteer for good causes, big and small, searching for ways to give back to society.”
“Besides coming up with innovative means to support their causes, our youths have also been able to effectively rally the support of the people around them.”
QUOTESCOUNCIL
MR LAWRENCE WONGActing Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and Chairman, NYC
MS SIM ANNSenior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Law &Member of Parliament for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC
MS LOW YEN LINGMember of Parliament for Chua Chu Kang GRC & Chief Executive Officer, Business China
MR VIKRAM NAIRMember of Parliament for Sembawang GRC & Lawyer, Norton Rose
MR ALEX YAM ZIMINGMember of Parliament for Chua Chu Kang GRC & Head, Strategies & Planning/ Youth Lab, Young NTUC
MR STEVEN CHIA OON SEETNews Presenter, Channelnewsasia
MR ERIC CHUA SWEE LEONG2nd Vice-Chairperson of People’s Association Youth Movement (PAYM) Central Youth Council (May 2010 – May 2012) & Chairman, Cairnhill CC YEC
MR KENNY ENG TOK CHINGDirector, Gardenasia Pte Ltd
MS KAREN LEO SU-WYNAssistant Director (Local Engagement), Overseas Singaporean Unit, National Population & Talent Division
MS LIM HWEE HWEECorrespondent, Lianhe ZaoBao
MS LIM KEXINTax ManagerPricewaterhouseCoopers Services LLP
MR DOMINIC LIM WAN XIANGroup Head, Strategic Management & Founder, SPLAT!
DR LIM SUN SUNAssociate Professor & Deputy HeadCommunications and New Media Programme, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, National University of Singapore
MR AARON MANIAMChair, SINDA Youth Club & Former President, Mendaki Club
MR MUHAMAD IMADUDDIEN BIN ABD KARIMDirector, Legal & Compliance Department, UBS
MS NATALIE MORRISDeputy Chairperson, NYAA Gold Award Holders’ Alumni (GAHA)
MR MARTIN TAN BENG CHONGCo-Founder and Executive Director, Halogen Foundation (Singapore)
MR BENJAMIN TANG CHUN WAIMember, NTUC Central Committee
MR THAM KINE THONGPrincipal, Jurong Secondary School
MR YUSRI ABU BAKARPilot, Republic of Singapore Air Force
MR NG CHUN PINSecretary of the 12th NYCDirector, National Youth CouncilDirector, Youth DivisionMinistry of Culture, Community and Youth
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At NYC, we believe in a world where young people are respected and heard, and have the ability to influence and make a difference to the world. Together with our partners, we develop a dynamic and engaging environment where young people are inspired to dream and committed to action.
VOICE • PATRIOTISM ASCENDANT
“We can’t just present (youth) with activities and say, ‘Please participate in all of the wonderful activities I have planned for you’. But we want to ask them, ‘What would you like to do and how would you like to get involved?’ My job is to help (them) realise their aspirations,” Mr Lawrence Wong, Chairman of National Youth Council said.
sharing Hopes and Aspirations for singapore’s future
Building a Home with Hope and Heart The Role of Young Change Agents
These two insightful sessions with Mr Wong and youth participants helped to provide a clearer under standing of the new Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), formed on 1 November 2012.
Youths and Youth Sector Organisations (YSOs) joined Mr Lawrence Wong, Chairman of the National Youth
Council, to share their dreams and visions for Singapore as a home for all Singaporeans and how they could
play a part to make this happen. These dialogues were part of Singapore’s Our SG Conversation series -
a time for thought, debate and action.
October 2012 - About 60 YSO representatives converged at Colonial @ Scotts to discuss how they could engage young changemakers to invest their hearts, minds and energy into Singapore, their home.
Insights and perspectives included discussion of Singaporean values, moving programmes out of ministries and agencies and into smaller private service providers, and providing a stronger safety net for poorer citizens.
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sharing Hopes and Aspirations for singapore’s future
VOICE • SHAPING OUR HOME
A Happier Home
These two insightful sessions with Mr Wong and youth participants helped to provide a clearer under standing of the new Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), formed on 1 November 2012.
October 2012 - More than 50 young Singaporeans appeared at the Gallery, *SCAPE Warehouse to share what happiness means to them and how Singapore could be a happier home for everyone.
Graciousness, work-life balance and education were the main themes discussed by the participants, who also expressed their wishes for a flexible education system and easier access to a place in university.
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By Martin Tan, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Halogen Foundation
“When I was invited to join the SHINE Festival Organising Committee in 2009, I envisioned that the SHINE festival could make the month of July, the month of Youth, the month of SHINE.”
Back then, the festival activities were based on 4 pillars – Community, Environment, Sports, and Arts & Culture, with youths organising fringe activities.
SUPPORT THE CAUSEIn SHINE Festival 2010, we asked the youths
to attend the Festival with demonstrations of support for their causes.
A year later, youths used SHINE Youth Festival as a way to start conversations about
their causes.
This year, the festival was a platformto ignite their social movements
by getting everyone involved.
CONTROL TO CURATIONFrom 2011, we invited youths to be the organising committee, working with professional event managers to implement the festival. The “adults“ became the SHINE Steering Committee, comprising of senior figures from youth sector organisations who provided mentorship and guidance to the youth organisers.
A NEW PARADIGMNow the steering committee just organises the Stars
of SHINE, and the opening and closing ceremonies. The youths have leeway to create everything else..
DREAM • EMPOWERING YOUTHS
”I wanted to liberate the festival concept and turn it into a social movement platform that would occupy July.”
“Results were gratifying, as we would never have imagined that the most successful event in 2011 would be a pillow fight.”
“It is my wish that other youth-focused organisations can look to SHINE Youth Festival as an example of how we can unleash the power and creativity of youths for our community.”
Action. Culture. Sports. SHINE Youth Festival 2012 had it all! Orchard Road throbbed with explosive youth vibes as more than 12,000 youths attended the exciting festival opening on 30 June 2012. Throughout July, some 250,000 dynamic youths powered the month-long festival and displayed their aspirations and talents by initiating direct action and expressions of youth culture to benefit the community.
Some of these initiatives were funded by the National Youth Council’s new Pitch to SHINE grant, which identifies and funds youth projects that make a difference to the community.
M1 Project Communi’BAKE (action)Youth groups and volunteers bonded during the creation of the world’s largest cupcake mosaic which used 20,000 cupcakes. In addition to creating a new record in the Guinness Book of World Records, the cupcakes were later donated to selected welfare homes.
YMCA Care to Dance (culture)Youth volunteers used dance as an innovative platform to connect with different beneficiaries such as youths with intellectual disabilities.
All ‘AMPED’ Up Street graffiti competition (Youth culture)Youths unleashed their creativity through street art!
Confident musicians drummed up the energy!
Pledge to SHINE: Former Chairman of National Youth Council, Chan Chun Sing pledged to develop inspired and committed youths.
All dressed up for the Cosmo 2012 Youth Parade!
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Social Movement: Walk for a CauseThere was more to the festival than just fun and games. Standing up for the issues that matter and serving the community was the order of the day as social causes took the limelight and youths came together to make their voices heard. Youths championed environmental causes, animal rights, disadvantaged communities and many advocated volunteerism.
W.A.D! games (sports)Simultaneously held at three venues, intrepid youth sports aficionados could participate at various game stations.
SYYC and APYC Yoyo competition (Sports)Skilled yo-yo competitors vied for the top spot in the Singapore Yo-yo Championships, all for a moment of glory on the global stage at the Asia-Pacific Yo-yo Championships.
VOICE • IGNITING MOVEMENTS
Clockwise: Clarence Liew, Jack & Rai and Jayesslee brought the house down during the Dell-Intel Youth Concert.
Seen and heard: Volunteers thronged the streets to raise awareness for their social causes.
There was laughter all around as the youths shared their stories of how the awardees had made a difference to their lives.
Pei Ling was voted favourite nominee in recognition of her impressive contributions to the community.
She has won many awards for outstanding leadership in environmental activism and has participated in many youth-elderly integration projects and health care projects. She also volunteers at a children’s hospice.
Choo Pei Ling receiving the award for ‘Most Popular Nominee’ from Stars of SHINE 2011 awardee – Justine Lee.
By Kathleen Tan Ying Wen
In conjunction with SHINE Youth Festival 2012, the National Youth Council honoured three inspirational youths through the Stars of SHINE award. These youths are exemplary role models for their peers, despite the hardships they have faced.
The awardees and youths whom they had mentored were invited to the award ceremony at *SCAPE Warehouse, where they shared their stories.
CELEBRATE YOUTH!
SHE’S THE NETIZEN’S CHOICE!
DID YOU KNOW?Since 2007, 24 inspirational youths have made a difference in the community, and have been honoured with this prestigious award.
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SARETHKUMAR S/O KUNASILAN, 25Sarethkumar is a fighter. His father passed away when he was 15 years old, but he pressed on and enrolled into polytechnic and won a scholarship sponsored by Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd.
SUBLIME CONFIDENCEHe hopes to spur youngsters to unleash their potential and helps them to build their confidence and resilience through various character building activities.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS• SINDA volunteer mentor• Work attachment in the UK• Outstanding Academic Award, Gold Award for Co-Curricular Activities and RINA-KEPPEL Student Naval Architect Award
“All youths are like an archaeological site,
fil led with treasures yet to be discovered
themselves.“
JONATHAN NG JUN HUI, 20Whilst battling cancer, his mother told him, “You've only got one life. If you want to change others, change yourself first.“ Her words jolted Jonathan to pass his GCE ‘N’ Level exams and enrol in the Community Care and Social Services course offered by ITE College East.
MAKING AN IMPACTA Health Promotion Board (HPB) ambassador since 2011, Jonathan advocates a smoke-free lifestyle.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS• Assistant Children's Programme Secretary, Yew Tee CC Youth Executive Committee• President, Community Service Club, ITE (Simei)• Director of Marketing, Youth Advolution for Health Exco FY2011• Pre-Conference Organising Committee, 15th World Conference on Tobacco or Health 2012
“Never give up trying to quit (smoking) for good! You have but
one life. Live it!”
COLIN WAN WEI HONG, 32Yo-yo is his middle name. Colin pursued his passion for spinning, a term for using yo-yos, after winning the Duncan National Yo-Yo Championships in 1997. Along with fellow enthusiasts, he started a business called Spinworkx to promote spinning in Singapore.
SPINNING TALESColin uses spinning to build youths’ self-esteem and confidence through performance and competition.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS• Grew Spinworkx to include entertainment services, such as professional yo-yo performances at events• Conducted classes and road shows, and trained youths to become world-class champions
“I intend to keep pushing for what I believe
in and to help youth realise their untapped potential. It’s like helping Clark Kent
realise he can fly.”
DREAM • MENTORING DREAMERS
Designer: Odds by Reckless Ericka Model: Felicia Asterlina Lie
Designer: JOY QuainthoodModel: Stacey Manoharan
Designer: MASH-UPModel : Maverlyn Low
Marcellie RunwayModels, lights, cameras and catwalk action heated up *SCAPE Warehouse at Marcellie Runway 2012 – Emerge, on 27 July 2012.
Founders of online lifestyle group Marcellie.com, Marcus Wong and Eleanor Pang, pulled off a stunning and sophisticated fashion show with the help of $10,000 from National Youth Council’s Pitch to SHINE grant.
Highlights of the show included: – Project Pathlight, which featured designs from autistic students at Pathlight School– Design for a Cause, a platform for aspiring fashion designers to display their design chops– Rising Stars, where newly established Singapore youth fashion labels unveiled their latest collections
All the models for Marcellie Runway 2012 were volunteers for this eye-popping celebration at the intersection of youth, fashion, fun and community service.
For the Community The fashion show capped a month-long series of events held by Marcellie Runway that raised 300kg of pre-loved clothes for Blessings in a Bag and $6,000 for Pathlight School. The activities were supported by sponsors Her Velvet Vase, Miracle Machines, L'Oréal and Sara Shantelle.
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Model: Ashley Rita Wong Model: Meaghan Chan
Model: Bryan Chng
Final walk- out
Designer: Alisha TukolModel: Stacey Manoharan
Designer: Dyon AngModel: Tang Li Yong.This design has won Dyon Ang an internship at Versace
Pitch to SHINEAspiring youths and youth sector organisations who wish to pursue a worthy cause may be awarded a grant of up to $20,000 per project, thanks to the National Youth Council’s Pitch to SHINE grant. The grant showcases creative and vibrant young talents and develops community support during the month of July.
Designer: SuhaModel: Isabel TanSuha has been offered an internship at Quainthood
ACT • CATWALK FOR CAUSES
Dreamcatchers, an adolescent chronic illness peer
group at the National University Hospital (NUH),
engages and uplifts their patients through various
activities such as visiting the ArtScience Museum
and Google’s offices.
These activities were usually supported by fund
raising drives, which took precious time away from
the group’s core activities. Fortunately, Tang Kar
Wai, a medical social worker, chanced upon
the inaugural Pitch to SHINE grant, offered by
National Youth Council, which helped to support
the group’s activities and projects.
The Tree of Life by Pang Poi Wong, 19, pursuing a Diploma in International Logistics and Supply Chain Management, and diagnosed with Congenital Heart Disease
DREAM HOPE
INSPIRE
DREAM HOPE
INSPIRE
Tang Kar Wai, Dr Michael Thaddeus Tan and Fadzilah Kamsin
Mr Ng Chun Pin (right), Director of the National Youth Council with the artists, staff and guests at the launch of Project Dreamcatchers
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A Compulsion to CreateWith more resources to do bigger things, Tang Kar Wai, together with her colleagues - Fadzilah Kamsin (Child Life Specialist) and Loo Hwee Hwee (Art Therapist), conceptualised Project Dreamcatchers, a visual arts exhibition featuring a mix of artwork, utilising medical items, to convey the message that childhood chronic illnesses are not disabling.
This exhibition gave each unique individual from Dreamcatchers the opportunity to share their dreams, hopes and inspirations through evocative art pieces, which served as powerful expressions of the challenges they have faced.
The Road to GoodmanInspired by the innovative idea, members of Dreamcatchers enthusiastically opted to be artists.
Dr Michael Thaddeus Tan, Assistant Professor from NTU School of Art, Design and Media, and Loo Hwee Hwee teamed up with the members of Dreamcatchers to develop their artistic talents, while Fadzilah and Kar Wai busied themselves with the preparation and logistics for the exhibition.
The team worked late into the weeknights and weekends over a span of two months to ensure that the exhibition was ready on time.
And so it began…
What the Future Holds?As the saying goes, “you reap what you sow.”
Project Dreamcatchers turned out to be a huge success! The high attendance rates and influx of positive feedback affirmed the creative and artistic capability of the members of Dreamcatchers.
With new-found confidence and inspiration from Project Dreamcatchers, the trio is moving forward to their next goal, which is to auction the art pieces in 2013.
Let’s give these passionate individuals a round of applause for their endless effort to uplift the community!
Visit
the Project
Dreamcatchers
Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/
Projectdreamcatchers2012
Drop them a note of
encouragement at
nuhdreamcatchers
@gmail.com
HOPE
INSPIRE
HOPE
INSPIRE
On 27 - 29 July 2012, Project Dreamcatchers was
held at Goodman Arts Centre
L The Lost Fragrance by Sun Qiao Chu, 17, who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at 14
R Bernadette Png, 30, was diagnosed with end stage renal failure at 16. She has since recovered after a transplant.
The Launch of Project Dreamcatchers at Goodman Arts Centre The Dreamcatchers Team
Loo Hwee Hwee works with Dreamcatchers artist Vanessa Leong
ACT • INJECTING CONFIDENCE
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by Vanessa Paige Chelvan
StandUp is a social movement that was born out of caring for our fellow people and a strong desire to make a difference in our country on National Day 2012.
A group of friends formed the movement in response to one of them sharing about how challenging it was for her to get a seat on public transport. She was a visibly expectant mother and the group was deeply moved by her experiences. They were confident that their fellow citizens could be counted on to stand up for those with greater need – a first class transport system should come with a first class community.
The movement began by partnering with two creative companies, Big Red Button and Yellow Octopus, companies that contributed to the event by designing materials such as flyers, badges and t-shirts free of charge. The National Youth Council’s Young ChangeMakers grant funded the cost of materials. Big Red Button also produced inspiring videos to reach out to volunteers for the event.
National Day was the chosen date for this event, because of the sheer number of Singaporeans using public transport, making the return on effort worthwhile. It would also benefit from the spirit of patriotism that would be running high.
So it was that on 9 August 2012, youth volunteers went on public buses and trains to speak to commuters about the movement . More than 200 youth volunteers and countless members of the public stood up for Singapore – literally.
Join StandUp's Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/StandUpForSG to find out what will be the next movement.
A day well spent – volunteers posing for a group photo.
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VOICE • PATRIOTISM ASCENDANT
1 / Volunteers in action: on the train, engaging members of the public.
2 / “Stand up for our elderly” posters designed by Yellow Octupus.
3 / A cheerful volunteer handing out StandUp badges for mothers and the elderly to put on.
4 / Friends posing for a picture while doing their part for StandUp.
5 / Even the litt le ones get involved, donning t-shir ts and promoting the cause.
“There is something that people do feel in wanting a kinder society, a more gracious society. That is one emerging thread that
I’ve seen in the conversations that I’ve attended so far.”
Mr Lawrence WongActing Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Chairman of National Youth Council
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Do I volunteer when I have time or do I make the time to
volunteer?
Do I reflect upon my volunteering experiences?
Do I volunteer because my friends do?
Do I volunteer for material benefits, such as fulfilling academic requirements?
Do I enjoy my volunteering experiences?
School-based Community Involvement Programme is a catalyst for volunteering later on in life
BATHTUB CURVE
Pressures of working life and commitment of raising a family takes away time for any volunteering work
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What is Bathtub Volunteerism and are Singaporeans ‘bathtub’ volunteers?
These were the questions of the day at a dialogue session hosted by Mr Chan Chun Sing in July 2012 at *SCAPE as part of the Community Service Marathon 2012.
More than 80 University and Polytechnic students put on their thinking caps and exchanged their views with Mr Chan on volunteering to come up with solutions for bathtub volunteerism, a term used to describe the phenomenon where people volunteer less after leaving school.
Corporate Volunteering helps engage working adults in volunteering
Once individuals are established in their professional and personal lives, their personal reflections lead to an increase in volunteering
After retirement, people have more time to give back to the community
Solutions proposed by the participants at the dialogue included:· Companies to take the lead in volunteering· Granting “Volunteer Leave” options· Government to encourage companies to link up with Volunteer Welfare Organisations· Better matching services between volunteers and charities
Mr Chan highlighted that ‘bathtub’ volunteerism is common because volunteers often have other work and family obligations to fulfil once they leave school, thus leaving no time for volunteerism.
As local students are actively involved in volunteering due to Community Involvement Programme (CIP) in schools, Mr Chan felt that it was still beneficial to continue with the programme to instil the right community spirit in youths. Every person who contributes to the community makes a difference, even if only a small percentage continue to volunteer when they progress on to working life.
DREAM • SUSTAINING VOLUNTEERISM
Monthly Volunteering OpportunitiesA new theme is picked at regular intervals which sets the flavour for a variety of volunteering opportunities put together by the volunteer leaders on the Executive Committee.
To provide a premium quality volunteering experience, Voluntarius leaves no stone unturned; the meticulous attention to details, the creativity of the activities and always ensuring a committee member is present at an event.
Community Service Marathon (CSM)The National Youth Council invited Farhan and his fellow volunteers to activate volunteers for the CSM 2012. This opportunity sparked the formation of Voluntarius and t hey have been invited to organise CSM 2013.
Youth Expedition ProjectPlans are underway for Voluntarius to be a platform to organise YEPs. Farhan indicated that it is important that a YEP team considers the multiplier effect of the expedition in the post expedition phase. Direct service will not be sufficient in this phase and teams need to work on bringing more volunteers to build the movement for the cause.
WHAT DOES VOLUNTARIUS DO?
“VOLUNTEERING SHOULD BE FUN AND MEANINGFUL, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE VOLUNTEER SHOULD FEEL IT IS TIME WELL-SPENT.”
For one event under the Twinkle Twinkle Lil’ Star theme, Voluntarius took children from Henderson Community Club’s We Love Learning (WeLL) Program to Central Fire Station for an educational day of fire and fire safety
YEP MANFarhan has now been on four Youth Expedition Projects (YEP) and has another one planned for 2013. As a regular volunteer, he understands what makes a volunteering experience fruitful.
A dreadful YEP experience fired Farhan’s interest in volunteering experiences and their outcomes. He observed that every YEP produced different outcomes and impact for the participants.
With a desire to turn things around, Farhan was the right man in the right place at the right time, when the opportunity to co-found Voluntarius arose.
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IS THE LATIN WORD FOR VOLUNTARY
SOCIAL MOVEMENTS SPREAD THEIR WINGSVoluntarius creates value by finding and grooming potential volunteer leaders who display integrity and commitment. They will have opportunities to plan and execute events, a task which is currently handled by members of the executive committee.
Once volunteer leaders can manage individual events, they have the opportunity to stretch their skills with CSM 2013 and YEP.
CSM 2013 takes place over a month, and this will enable them to manage multiple events within the CSM, over a short period of time.
YEP operates by allowing the volunteer leaders to develop a long term, deep focus on one project. The movement building aspect of post expedition phase is where the volunteer leaders need to lift their game.
Farhan believes that companies and volunteer welfare organisations in Singapore will benefit from the volunteer leaders who have worked with Voluntarius and developed their skills in: organising volunteers, partnering with many organisations, leading and developing volunteers in a range of different contexts, and have unleashed the power of creating social movements.
Find out more about Voluntarius athttps://www.facebook.com/voluntarius.singapore
LEADERS FOR SINGAPORE
DREAM • UNLEASHING LEADERSHIP
Craft making with MINDS
The Voluntarius Committee
Volunteers being briefed in preparation for an event
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Set up by University-YMCA and the National Youth Council (NYC), the YMCA Conversation Series complements NYC’s Social Narrative for Our Singapore Conversation series which aims to cultivate volunteerism amongst youths, by inspiring them to sign up for volunteering opportunities or for training that will enable them to develop useful skills. The series will revolve around themes of volunteerism, business and social entrepreneurship, leadership and governance, and self-mastery.
HAPPENINGS• Lively debates on how to turn volunteering into a priority• Understanding youths of today• Looking at solutions of personal engagement• Sharing by Mr. Wong about setting up PromiseWorks, a voluntary organisation that develops and mentors youth
WHO60 youths together with Mr Steven Chia (CNA News Presenter & NYC Council Member) as facilitator
GUESTS OF HONOURMr Lawrence Wong (Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth; Chairman of National Youth Council) and Mr Stephen Loh (President of YMCA)
DATEJanuary 2013
VENUE Lee Kong Chian Auditorium, YMCA Singapore
Mr Lawrence Wong also highlighted that MCCY will be supporting more youth-led and ground-up initiatives with more focus in the area of sports and arts by investing more in the National Youth Endowment Fund.
Mr Lawrence Wong, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Chairman, National Youth Council joins one of the discussions at the Youth Sector Leaders Dialogue 2013 on changing the mindset of youth towards volunteerism, engaging youth to better understand their passion and developing deeper 3P sector partnerships.
Ashwin Subramaniam, co-founder of Gone Adventurin’, shares key discussion points during the Youth Sector Leaders Dialogue 2013
VOICES • THE DIALOGUES
Commentary by Denise Chan, NYC Intern
The secret message that is communicated to most young people today by society around them is that they are not needed, that society will run itself nicely until at some distant point in the future, youths take over the reins. The fact is that society will not run smoothly until the energies, brains and talents of youth are tapped on to address all difficulties and move the nation forward. Organised by the National Youth Council (NYC), the annual Youth Sector Leaders Dialogue (YSLD) 2013 set the stage for a more collaborative effort – develop deeper 3P (Public, Private and People) partnerships to co-create social change and voices from 55 Youth Sector Organisations were heard.
Endowed with boundless drive and curiosity, youths need a platform where they can pursue their passion. To help ‘connect the dots’, stakeholders at YSLD 2013 encouraged schools to promote involvement in community action through programmes. Apart from this, reflective sessions with students would also help identify their interests and highlight the causes they champion. Passion is energy so feel the power of focusing on what excites you and one will never cease to grow!
United we stand, divided we fall, so more efforts are needed to create deeper partnerships between 3P sectors to bridge conversations between them. National Youth Council and the government will continue as enablers and facilitators for young people to pursue their aspirations. During the dialogue session, organisations were encouraged to cultivate a work environment that spawns opportunities for professionals to become young changemakers.
In conjunction with the growth of our nation, this inspiring and valuable dialogue session with different Youth Sector Organisations has sparked a change in the direction of youth development.
Be the change that you wish to see in the world!
DATE
7 February 2013
TIME
9am – 12pm
VENUE
*SCAPE Warehouse (Level 2)
ATTENDED BY
100 stakeholders from 55 Youth Sector Organisations
GUEST-OF-HONOR
Mr Lawrence Wong, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Chairman, National Youth Council
Youth Sector LeadersDialogue 2013
INsight was organised as a part of the I-AM Festival in conjunction with The LASALLE Show 2012.
In the AirThis artwork illustrates what Victor calls the “rest in peace” concept. This phrase usually has to do with the dead, yet Victor brings new meaning to it, conveying the beauty of a moment of rest and the peaceful state of mind with its lightness of floating in the air.
by Kathleen Tan Ying Wen
When it comes to art, there is more to it than what meets the eye. In his solo exhibition, local sculptor Victor Tan Wee Tar showed us the beauty of everyday life that we may not truly see.
• an exhibition
• Victor Tan’s wire sculptures
• INsight is a word play – “in sight of” and “insight”
• “In sight of” – physically visible
• “Insight” – ability to gain a deeper understanding
The project was the brain child of sevenfinal-year students from Arts Management,LASALLE College of the Arts.
The exhibition was funded by the NationalYouth Council’s Young ChangeMakers grant,which provides seed funding for communityprojects organised by youths.
“One does not need eyes to see; one needs vision.”
Victor Tan, local sculptor
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Bird #3This suspended sculpture speaks of
imagination. Part of a series of three birds, it conveys a delicate lightness
through the motion of flight. Using wire to form lines, the action of flying is
easily shown to express the freedom of birds flying in mid-motion.
The Moment - Awareness
Insight
Untitled
Bring your ideas to life with the National Youth Council's Young ChangeMakers grant! Find out more at ycm.nyc.sg
Unadorned by clothes and colours, the sculptures mostly depict people. Victor captures the warmth and beauty of simple moments in life, and his works often reflect people’s relationships and express his innermost emotions.
Victor is a local sculptor with a unique choice of medium - wire. The artist first discovered wire sculpturing while studying at LASALLE College of the Arts.
While he was there, at the age of 24, Victor started to lose his eyesight and was diagnosed with optic neurosis. He now sees flashes of light rather than sharp images.
Ever the optimist, he decided to continue what he has always enjoyed doing – creating art.
VOICE • SCULPTING VISION
INSPIRIT is an initiative that enables youths to develop the knowledge and connections to facilitate their impact on the community at large.
Targeted at young leaders aged 28 to 35, INSPIRIT is a joint initiative by the National Youth Council and Singapore National Employers Federation. This organic community provides a ground-up platform to come together and share ideas.
Not only is the membership extended through organisations and companies in Singapore, members will engage in interesting dialogues and exchanges with knowledgeable experts in public policy areas.
With the knowledge, networking and capabilities acquired from INSPIRIT, members can then develop solutions to address pressing public issues.
Through INSPIRIT, passionate individuals have the opportunity to engage with ministries and corporations.
As Singapore steps into the next phase of its growth, a programme like INSPIRIT can help to develop a core of next generation youth leaders ready to advocate for youth interests on community and national issues!
A COMMUNITY OF YOUNG LEADERS FROM ALLWALKS OF LIFE, CONNECTING, COMMITTING, AND CONTRIBUTING TO SHAPE OUR FUTURE TOGETHER.
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LAND TRANSPORT
The inaugural INSPIRIT dialogue at the SMRT Bishan Depot was rife with anticipation.
More than 90 INSPIRIT members toured the depot in April 2012. After the learning journey, INSPIRIT members discussed land transport-related issues, the importance of land transport in Singapore and recent issues such as peak hour congestion.
This was followed by a sharing session with Mr Chan Chun Sing, Acting Minister for Social and Family Development and Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Defence, former Chairman of National Youth Council. The exchange focused on alternate transport options that had been successful overseas and whether they could work in Singapore.
Indeed, this dialogue session set the direction for future exchanges.
REHABILITATION AND REINTEGRATION OF EX-OFFENDERS
A trip to the Changi Prison may normally raise eyebrows, but what if it’s for a good reason?
About 60 INSPIRIT members visited Changi Prison where they undertook a learning journey through the prison grounds, witnessed the prison system in operation and viewed the rehabilitation facilities.
After the learning journey, INSPIRIT members dialogued on the different ways of integrating reformed prisoners back into society where range of economic and social opportunities were considered and raised.
Members were also encouraged to create their own projects and involve ex-offenders for these projects.
The inaugural INSPIRIT Launch and
Dialogue at Bishan SMRT Depot
Tour and discussion at Changi PrisonSharing session by a prison officer
Some members of the INSPIRIT Community
Minister Chan Chun Sing had the
opportunity to interact with young leaders
VOICE • INFUSING LEADERS
The Port TourIt was an eye-opening and thought-provoking learning journey for the members of INSPIRIT who took part in the third INSPIRIT discussion held at the PSA in October 2012.
Over 70 INSPIRIT members from both the public and private sectors began their learning journey with a guided visit around the port.
For most, it was a once in a lifetime experience to be inside the highly-secured facilities and to learn about the day-to-day operations at the port. The participants were interested and amazed at how the operating buttons at the control centre resembled a large video remote control.
The Panel DiscussionAfter the learning journey, INSPIRIT members joined the Guests of Honour - Mr Chan Chun Sing, former Chairman of National Youth Council, and Mr Lawrence Wong, Chairman of National Youth Council for breakout discussions, followed by a panel discussion.
With the Government placing a bottleneck on foreign work permits, INSPIRIT members were interested about topical issues, such as the manpower crunch and low productivity growth, would affect Singapore in the years to come. One solution was to pay more attention to labour management relations in order to maintain a harmonious environment.
Another concern raised was the government's productivity growth target of 3 per cent per year. Mr Chan acknowledged the concern and encouraged that such performance goals would remain an ongoing challenge for all sectors to strive to achieve.
Ministers, Mr Chan Chun Sing and Mr Lawrence Wong viewed the port’s control centre
Port of Call at PSA30
31
Mr Wong (centre) engaging in the breakout discussion with one of the groups
Mr Chan addressing various points of concern raised by inquisitive INSPIRIT members
Passing the BatonThe third INSPIRIT dialogue session took place at a time when the Singaporean conversation was prominent. It also marked the last INSPIRIT dialogue session for Mr Chan Chun Sing as Chairman of National Youth Council, and the first session for Mr Lawrence Wong as incoming Chairman of National Youth Council.
VOICE • SHIPPING SOLUTIONS
Participants gathered together after the breakout discussion to share their findings with Mr Chan
Port of Call at PSABy Phua Suan Luan, Stella
INSPIRIT member Nadia Yeo, shared her PSA experience with the media
Mr Wong (right) and Mr Chan (left) shared their thoughts on the hot topics discussed at the PSA dialogue with INSPIRIT members
A Container of PSA facts One of the leading global port groups, with an aim to become “The World’s Port of Call” Participated in 29 port projects across 17 countries globally Handled 57.09 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) of containers around the world in 2011, with 29.37 million TEUs of containers from the PSA Singapore Terminals Achieved a revenue of S$4.3 million in 2011 (growth of 5.8%) Voted as the “Best Global Container Terminal Operating Company” six times since 2005
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by Vanessa Paige Chelvan
“We
are
from
SO
TA a
nd w
e’re
her
e to
teac
h”
We Are Kreative Artists, or WAKA, is a project started by students at the School of The Arts (SOTA) and is now in its second year. Volunteers lead children from the Prison Fellowship Singapore (PFS) in fortnightly art classes.
The SOTA youths wanted to introduce art to these children as a healthy form of self-expression. The team grew up with art, and say that it is essential to their lives. When asked why they chose to work with children from PFS, team leader Amelia, whose mother is an art teacher, explained that the children’s circumstances do not usually allow them to be exposed to art, and the students wanted to change that.
In addition to taking on duties as art teachers, the students also acted as mentors and formed meaningful bonds with the children. Amelia shared some stories that touched her:
“
”
ACT • SEEDS OF THE SPIRIT
The National Youth Council’s Young ChangeMakers Grant supported this project by providing funding for their art materials.
How can the YCM Grant help with your project? Find out more at http://ycm.nyc.sg/
However, not all of the children were easy to win over.
“
–
”
The children weren’t the only ones that benefitted from project WAKA. It was a humbling experience for the volunteers themselves. Amelia said that the experience helped her to recognise that we are all part of a larger world.
“ ’
”
Youth Sector Organisations (YSO) came together at *SCAPE Warehouse to network and develop solutions to address youth sector issues at the 4th National Youth Sector Conference in May 2012.
The conference saw Mr Chan Chun Sing, Acting Minister for Social and Family Development; Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Defence; and Former Chairman (NYC), talk about NYC’s ground-up approach to supporting youths in Singapore. He shared how NYC’s funding of $3.5 million is dispersed to address a multitude of different needs and create a vibrant youth sector ecosystem.
Young Men’s Christian Association of Singapore
Institute of Technical Education
Youth Expedition Project Funding
NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCILSINGAPORE
DEVELOPING+A+VIBRANT+YOUTH+SECTOR+ECOSYSTEM:Connect+Collaborate+Co-Innovate
Provide opportunities for youths to make active contributions to the community both at home
and overseas
Draw in 1,600 participants, especially working adults
Benefit 1,500 students
The funds will support many different building blocks that will develop youth leadership and provide more opportunities for youths to make active contributions to the community.
Youths can also pursue individual aspirations through their preferred YSO, that will have the specialised capabilities to support them.
Left to Right: Ms Grace Sai (The Hub SG), Mr Stephen Loh (YMCA SG), Mr Chan Chun Sing (Acting Minister for Social and Family Development; Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Defence and Former Chairman (NYC)), Mr Bruce Poh (ITE), and Mr Kenny Eng (The Living Project); signed a partnership agreement to develop a vibrant youth sector
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35
Youth Sector Organisations (YSO) came together at *SCAPE Warehouse to network and develop solutions to address youth sector issues at the 4th National Youth Sector Conference in May 2012.
The conference saw Mr Chan Chun Sing, Acting Minister for Social and Family Development; Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Defence; and Former Chairman (NYC), talk about NYC’s ground-up approach to supporting youths in Singapore. He shared how NYC’s funding of $3.5 million is dispersed to address a multitude of different needs and create a vibrant youth sector ecosystem.
Youth Development GrantYouth Research Grant
Youth Sector Organisations Development Initiatives
NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCILSINGAPORE
DEVELOPING+A+VIBRANT+YOUTH+SECTOR+ECOSYSTEM:Connect+Collaborate+Co-Innovate
Built the sectors’ capability, encourage social innovation and develop youth leadership for dynamic youths and youth sector communities
Promote action research among Youth Sector Organisations
The funds will support many different building blocks that will develop youth leadership and provide more opportunities for youths to make active contributions to the community.
Youths can also pursue individual aspirations through their preferred YSO, that will have the specialised capabilities to support them.
YSOs present their ideas to Mr Chan
DREAM • SEEDING OPPORTUNITIES
Dare to Aspire I by Goh Yi Qian, Dexter Chew, Raymond Yeong, Sunardi Tay.
Yo-yoing Enlightened by Dean Chan, Clarence Lim and Lester Leong
The Moon by Jean-Baptiste Geslin
PlaySCAPE by Luther Chan
Cardboard Tron by Bartholomew T
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37
UP, and Away!
Dazzling light art infiltrated *SCAPE in June and July 2012, creating a buzz amongst passersby at Somerset.
The exciting pieces included a wall of LEDs that “danced” with daring bystanders, a homage to cult film ‘Tron’ and regular appearances by Chang’e, the Chinese Goddess of the Moon.
The light artworks were installations of Luminance! Festival – Singapore’s first youth light art festival. The new annual festival is a development platform for young working Singaporeans to express their social views through the use of light art.
The organisers of the festival are renowned sculptor Mr Sun Yu Li and two other home-grown talents, Mr Kenny Eng and Mr Allan Lim. The trio aim to foster positive social changes through the use of art, community and sustainability. Luminance! Festival was one of the projects in their line-up.
In preparation for the festival, the artists who created the light artworks attended master classes in entrepreneurship, art and technology. The National Youth Council along with other sponsors and partners funded the installations.
Through Luminance! Festival and its emotionally touching, and beautifully-lit displays, the artists have shown us that life doesn’t have to be about our occupations, it is also possible to fulfill our aspirations through the pursuit of our vocations.
Samsaan Avaar
Everyday Aspirations by Karen Mitchell
Scream Capture I by Fiona Huang, Daniel Kee and Lilian Lee
VOICE • LIGHTING THOUGHTS
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Journey with Bagosphere to another part of our sphereImagine living in a place with no water or electricity and having the comfort wiped out of your life.
Three brave souls emerged from the harsh reality of rural poverty during their YEP in Philippines and started a social enterprise in 2010, after learning that youth unemployment in the Philippines is about four times greater than adult unemployment.
Their social enterprise? BagoSphere – a vocational training company which specialises in call centre training for rural youths in the Philippines.
by Phua Suan Luan, Stella
The three co-founders of Bagosphere
(1st row from left) – Lee Zhihan, Ivan Lau
and Ellwyn Tan
What have our Youth Expedition Project (YEP) alumni been doing
since their last YEP? Starting social enterprises that benefit
the community?Yes! Let’s see how their YEP experiences have helped spark their passion for
entrepreneurship.
Trainers from Breakthrough! briefing youths for their outdoor activity
What’s special about BagoSphere: The Train-First-Pay-Later scheme allows enrolled students to pay programme fees only after they gain employment.
Notable Achievements:
The 2011 pilot class of BagoSphere saw 13 out of 14 trainees accepted in call centers in Bacolod City
230
70
USD
$
Post training payrise of 228%, from USD$70 monthly to the market rate for call centre agents at USD$230
Higher probability of full-time employment for trainees
Helping Local Youths BreakthroughThe plan to start a training consultancy for youths nearly fell through the cracks when one of their partners decided to jump ship, taking with him all the opportunities that they had painstakingly built up since June 2010.
However, Abdul Hafiz, a YEP alumni, credits his YEP journey to India as a life-changing moment, where he chose to follow his passion for working with youths, despite any setbacks on the way.
Together with five other co-founders, they persevered and began their reformative process in February 2011by launching Breakthrough!
Students from Jurong Junior College celebrating
after completing the programme
Co-founders of th
e Basement Café (fr
om left) –
Poh Jiawei, L
ee Jia W
ei, Joanne Hoe, S
haron
Lim Yuhui a
nd Marcus W
ong Jun W
ei
Infusing Arts and Social Responsibility into The Basement CaféFive SMU students were brewing a different roast when they started their new academic year in August 2012. They became the proud owners of a social enterprise, The Basement Café, which is located on the lowest level of their campus.
The quintet met in 2011 during a two week YEP to Thailand, where they carried out educational workshops and restored a football field for an orphanage.
Back in Singapore, Marcus Wong, the co-founder of online fashion boutique - Marcellie (see Page 14), discovered that SMU was offering campus space for rental. They crafted a proposal and won the bid to open the café in August 2012.
ACT • CAUSING ENTREPRENEURSHIP
What’s special about Breakthrough!: Breakthrough! offers an exclusive lifelong development programme for participants who have completed the initial camp training. Members are entitled to free courses to further hone their development skills.
Notable Achievements:
Created four school programmes and one corporate programme
4school
programmes
1corporate
programme
Hundreds of participants have completed the programmes and many commented that the skills learnt are useful for their daily work.
What’s special about The Basement Café: In addition to offering a space for youths to showcase their artistic and musical talents, the café also gives 30% of their revenues to three charitable initiatives
Notable Achievements:
Ongoing donations to beneficiaries
(Uni-Y, Table for Two and SCS)
Raised about $2,000 for a charity comedy night event to
help one of the performers who had difficulties paying
his school fees
At The SurfaceProject iConserve is an environmental awareness initiative that raises funds through a series of fund-raising initiatives and collection drives. The volunteers reached out to as many as 20,000 households that donated money and recyclables and donated the funds to Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society (THKMS).
The volunteers also curated an art exhibition at JCube, a shopping centre located in Jurong East. Sculptures made from recyclables were presented to the public with “a new perspective on recycling and how creativity can breathe new life into scrap material.”
Dig Deeper
Youth volunteerism brings to mind youth fund- raising in exchange for Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) points or Community Involvement Programme (CIP) hours. President of iConserve 2012 and second-year Social Sciences undergraduate at the Singapore Management University tells us that volunteerism among youths is strongly tied to extrinsic incentives.
In 2011, Project iConserve was created by of a group of Singapore Management University students. The objective - to get youths to volunteer, voluntarily.
Learning about conservation aside, Project iConserve’s core purpose was to change pre-existing attitudes towards youth volunteerism by helping youths find that ‘spark’ in them to volunteer for a cause that they are passionate about and making the volunteering experience an enriching one.
Opportunities were offered by organising a day trip for volunteers and elderly beneficiaries of the THKMS to the newly opened Gardens by the Bay, where the two groups spent a morning together. Royston believes that this meaningful interaction
will open the gates for the volunteers to discover that the joy of volunteering does not lie in what others can
do for you, but what you can do for others.
The trip was funded by the National Youth Council’s
Young ChangeMaker Grant. For more details refer to
Page 48.
by Vanessa Paige Chelvan
This lampshade is made entirely out of tabs from
canned drinks
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ACT • SEEDS OF THE SPIRIT
Long TermLasting effects on societyBring out the spirit of altruism and volunteerism among the youth. Create inspiration to do good for the environment and our fellow people.
Medium TermInfluence 160 youths from Singapore Management UniversityBe more environmentally and socially aware.
Short TermDirect, immediate ImpactCollect and reuse recyclables. Bring joy to the beneficiaries and volunteers on the trip to Gardens by the Bay.
Measuring OutcomesRoyston and the team considered it important to measure the impact of iConserve 2012. They outlined the short, medium and long term goals that they hoped to achieve.
Participants and beneficiaries experiencing Gardens by the Bay together
Volunteers turning waste cardboard into art
By Kathleen Tan Ying Wen
Michael Lee Dao Kang (National Junior College Integrated Programme, Year 4) enjoyed the interactive segment with the three winners. The cross country runner chatted with Jovin, who talked about his phobia of the water and how he conquered his fear.
“Compared to my track and field training, I find that he is amazing,” the sports-loving student said. “It’s inspiring to see the awardees overcoming challenges to get to their goals. They (Jovin and Sze Ling) didn’t mind their physical disabilities, they just went for it.”
What’s New for SYA?
The award will recognise, without categorisation, deserving youths who have demonstrated the apex of excellence in any professional discipline, noteworthy
achievements and on-going, passionate contributions to the community.
The winners hail from diverse backgrounds and mirror a wider mix of youths as compared with previous years.
Similarily, Rasiya Barwin (Queensway Secondary School, Secondary 3) was also inspired by Aaron’s life experiences. His takeaway from Aaron was that “no matter what happens, if you set your mind on success, you can do it.” Aaron, who was raised in an Indian-Muslim family with Eurasian-Malay-Chinese roots, was speaking about the glass ceiling for ethnic minorities. “Never let your perceptions of the glass ceiling stop you from pursuing your dreams,” Aaron encouraged the students.
21 student leaders were invited to meet the SYA awardees at the Istana in June 2012 when Aaron, Jovin and Sze Ling received the awards.
SYA award winners at the Istana
They have defied the odds to pursue their passions. They are role models who have made a difference in the lives of others.
Last year, three remarkable youths; Mr Aaron Maniam, Mr Jovin Tan, and Dr Yeo Sze Ling, have scaled the heights of aspiration to overcome hurdles and touch the lives of many to win this year’s Singapore Youth Award (SYA).
Enthusiastic mentor, Aaron is active in youth leadership and has founded several youth organisations. Jovin, a three-time Paralympics sailor, overcame cerebral palsy and a phobia of water. Sze Ling inspires the young with her tenacity as a visually impaired adjunct Assistant Professor at the Nanyang Technological University’s School of Physical and Mathematical Science.
THE ANNUAL SINGAPORE YOUTH AWARD IS THE HIGHEST YOUTH ACCOLADE, WHICH HONOURS SINGAPOREAN YOUTHS WHO HAVE EXCELLED IN THEIR FIELDS AND HAVE MADE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY.
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AARON MANIAM
“Poet Walt Whitman described himself as “large” enough to “contain multitudes”. That’s the best thing about service: the more we give, the larger we become; the better we can do.” – Aaron Maniam
Brought up in an ethnically diverse family with Indian-Muslim-Eurasian-Malay-Chinese roots, Aaron understands the importance of embracing and celebrating differences.
He strives to become a passionate mentor who paves the way for other youths to follow their dreams. Aaron participates actively in youth leadership initiatives and has spearheaded several projects since his appointment to the National Youth Council in 2009.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS Chairs NYC Academy’s Advisory Panel and steers programme development
Co-founded MENDAKI Club’s “Young Minds Club” and SINDA Young Leaders Programme
2010 Asia Society Richard C. Holbrooke Fellows�
Member of SINDA Review 2020 Committee that reviewed the future of Singapore’s Indian Community
DR. YEO SZE LING
“Success is not measured by one’s personal accolades, but by how we translate our experience, gifts and even setbacks to benefit others around us.” – Yeo Sze Ling Sze Ling lost her sight when she was four but that did not stop her from making the most out of her life. With support from her teachers’and friends, she managed to finish her ‘O’ and ‘A’ Levels in mainstream schools. The go-getter worked with unwavering determination to excel in her studies.
She has also made a difference in other young lives, such as mentee Tan Siew Ling, who became the first blind student to pass the Chinese ‘O’ and ‘A’ Level examinations.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS A*STAR Graduate Scholarship� Won the National Science and Technology Award� Volunteers at Society for the Physically Disabled�
Mentored Tan Siew Ling, the first blind Singaporean to pass the Chinese ‘O’ and ‘A’ Level examinations
JOVIN TAN If you try, there will always be 1% towards success. If you don’t even try, there will always be 0% of success. – Jovin Tan Jovin used to be afraid of the sea. Since he started sailing at 15, he has never looked back. “It changed me as a young boy who wouldn’t speak up and was scared to ask for help.” Born with cerebral palsy, his mobility is limited. Daily activities like dressing himself used to be daunting yet sailing spurred him on to live life to the fullest with renewed confidence. Jovin’s never-say-die spirit has helped him achieve a lot. “In life, it is not about whether you can [do it] or not, but whether you choose to do it.”
ACHIEVEMENTS AND COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS One of Singapore’s top sailors and a three-time Paralympian�
Gold medal at the 2008 World Championship�
Gold medal at the FESPIC Games�
In 2011, Jovin provided sailing coaching to a 21 year old leukaemia patient
DREAM • FULFILLING VISIONS
The Shipping
S ciety Since 1974, the Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Programme has been fostering friendships among youths from Japan and ASEAN.
Every year this ship carries more than 300 Participating Youths (PYs) to different ASEAN nations and Japan.
Over two months, the PYs engage in discussions groups, bond through an international solidarity group, meet political dignitaries, participate in home-stay programmes, and even put up showcases to highlight their country’s unique qualities.
And that is just the beginning of a lifelong journey!
Life After the ProgrammeSingaporean PYs can join the alumni, SSEAYP International Singapore, after completing the programme. They will participate in Post Programme Activities (PPA) such as community service. In 2012, the alumni members came together to clean up the premises at Swami Home and residents were taken for an outing to Gardens by the Bay. The alumni and residents also interacted over games, songs and dances before the event was brought to a close.
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45
C
ambo
dia
Indone
sia
Brunei Darussa
lam Laos P.D.R. Malaysia Singapore Philippines Myanmar Thailand Vietnam Japan
Parti
cipat
ing Yo
uths (
PYs):
SSEAYP Fun FactsWhen:
Every year from October to December
Ship:Fuji Maru
Who:More than 300 youths from ASEAN countries and Japan
Activities During Voyage: Discussions on social and youth
matters, cultural introductions, sports, recreation and club activities
Activities At Port-Of-Calls: Interaction with the local youths,
courtesy calls on dignitaries and institutional visits,
community service and homestay programmes
Highlight: All participating youths
will get a chance to do a cultural
presentation!
SIGA
2013
20122011
Annual GatheringThe SSEAYP International General Assembly (SIGA) is rotated among member countries every year. In 2012, SIGA was held in Japan and SIGA 2013 will be in Lao P.D.R.. SIGA is where former participants can renew their bonds; the alumni organisations exchange information on their ongoing activities; and administrative matters are settled.
During SIGA, beside attending plenary sessions, workshops, tours and social contribution activites, former participants also get to rekindle the flame of friendship and establish stronger networking.
* Singapore was the host in 2011
*
VOICE • THE DREAM BOAT
Ports-of-Call in 2012Japan, Vietnam, Thailand,
Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei
PYs meet Lawrence Wong,Acting Minister, Ministry for Culture, Community and Youth and Senior Minister for State, Ministry of Communications and Information
C
ambo
dia
Indone
sia
Brunei Darussa
lam Laos P.D.R. Malaysia Singapore Philippines Myanmar Thailand Vietnam Japan
Parti
cipat
ing Yo
uths (
PYs):
SSEAYP is...An annual programme sponsored by the Japanese Government and supported by the member-countries of ASEAN
Aims to foster friendship and greater understanding among youths from Japan and ASEAN
In Singapore, SSEAYP is coordinated by the National Youth Council (NYC) and supported by SSEAYP International Singapore (SIS), the Alumni Association for all Participating Youths (PY) of the programme.
When I was informed that I had been selected as one of the six Singapore delegates for the week-long China- ASEAN Youth Camp 2012, an over- whelming sense of apprehension and cautious optimism initially prevailed.
While China has dominated the headlines for its emerging role as an economic powerhouse, it has also received bad press from political figures and influential commentators who have argued against some of its economic and social idiosyncrasies.
I did not let these distractions impede my excitement and expectations for the programme.
On the contrary, it served as a motivation for me to embrace and discover the true identity
of China and to also learn from my fellow ASEAN delegates.
This year’s exchange programme centred on the theme of “China-ASEAN Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship” and participants exchanged ideas on the best practices of youth entrepreneurship, the driving forces behind it and how it can be spurred within the region. Site visits were also organised so that the delegates could witness the physical infrastructures that have been built to help encourage youth entrepreneurship in China.
Of particular interest was the visit to two particular establishments funded by Youth Business China (YBC), a non-profit organisation established in 2003 by the All-China Youth Federation, All-China Federation for Commerce and Industry and other China government agencies.
Unemployed or under-employed youths aged between 18 and 35 who have a viable business idea and the passion for entrepreneurship can obtain interest free loans, one to one mentoring with an experienced business mentor, skills training in business management as well as networking access to young entrepreneurs within China and all over the world. To date, this venture has reaped dividends and we were able to visit ‘Captain Coffee’, a bustling coffee joint in the heart of Beijing Jiaotong University and a private institution which had benefitted from YBC’s endeavours.
One should applaud China for the myriad of proactive measures in trying to inculcate youth entrepreneurship as an integral part of its economy. If an economic powerhouse such as China could exhibit such intent, then I believe it would be prudent for the ASEAN countries to follow suit and place youth entrepreneurship at the forefront of its economic agenda.
However, it was not all work and no play for the delegates. Although the conferences and site visits were by no means dull and laborious, all the delegates were constantly itching to wander around and explore what China had to offer. The Singapore delegates had a great time rummaging through Beijing’s shopping malls and Nanning’s famed night markets in search of street food and interesting souvenirs for the loved ones back home.
But without a doubt, the highlight of the trip was being able to visit and savour the old rustic charm of the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China. Personally, it was both interesting and symbolic to observe the contrasting images of old China which stands harmoniously in the backdrop as the new China rises to the fore and compete with the rest of the world.
I would like to pose a tribute to the friendships that have been forged along the way.
To the Chinese organisers, their warm hospitality amidst the freezing cold temperature
was something which I truly appreciated.
To my fellow ASEAN delegates, the passionate exchange of ideas imbues within me the belief of a promising future for youth entrepreneurship within the region. And last, but not least, to National Youth Council and my fellow Singapore delegates, a resounding thank you for making this trip possible and for being the best colleagues, partners, and buddies that I could have ever wished for.
The great map of Nanning’s High Tech Development Zone for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which offers a rent-free incubation space for start-ups
Participants taking photos at North Fengling Community in Qingxiu District, a community centre
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by Mardiah Azman, Financial Subsidy Executive, Yayasan MENDAKIAll Photos by Ruzanna Razak, Volunteer Relations Executive
When I was informed that I had been selected as one of the six Singapore delegates for the week-long China- ASEAN Youth Camp 2012, an over- whelming sense of apprehension and cautious optimism initially prevailed.
While China has dominated the headlines for its emerging role as an economic powerhouse, it has also received bad press from political figures and influential commentators who have argued against some of its economic and social idiosyncrasies.
I did not let these distractions impede my excitement and expectations for the programme.
On the contrary, it served as a motivation for me to embrace and discover the true identity
of China and to also learn from my fellow ASEAN delegates.
This year’s exchange programme centred on the theme of “China-ASEAN Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship” and participants exchanged ideas on the best practices of youth entrepreneurship, the driving forces behind it and how it can be spurred within the region. Site visits were also organised so that the delegates could witness the physical infrastructures that have been built to help encourage youth entrepreneurship in China.
Of particular interest was the visit to two particular establishments funded by Youth Business China (YBC), a non-profit organisation established in 2003 by the All-China Youth Federation, All-China Federation for Commerce and Industry and other China government agencies.
Unemployed or under-employed youths aged between 18 and 35 who have a viable business idea and the passion for entrepreneurship can obtain interest free loans, one to one mentoring with an experienced business mentor, skills training in business management as well as networking access to young entrepreneurs within China and all over the world. To date, this venture has reaped dividends and we were able to visit ‘Captain Coffee’, a bustling coffee joint in the heart of Beijing Jiaotong University and a private institution which had benefitted from YBC’s endeavours.
One should applaud China for the myriad of proactive measures in trying to inculcate youth entrepreneurship as an integral part of its economy. If an economic powerhouse such as China could exhibit such intent, then I believe it would be prudent for the ASEAN countries to follow suit and place youth entrepreneurship at the forefront of its economic agenda.
However, it was not all work and no play for the delegates. Although the conferences and site visits were by no means dull and laborious, all the delegates were constantly itching to wander around and explore what China had to offer. The Singapore delegates had a great time rummaging through Beijing’s shopping malls and Nanning’s famed night markets in search of street food and interesting souvenirs for the loved ones back home.
But without a doubt, the highlight of the trip was being able to visit and savour the old rustic charm of the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China. Personally, it was both interesting and symbolic to observe the contrasting images of old China which stands harmoniously in the backdrop as the new China rises to the fore and compete with the rest of the world.
I would like to pose a tribute to the friendships that have been forged along the way.
To the Chinese organisers, their warm hospitality amidst the freezing cold temperature
was something which I truly appreciated.
To my fellow ASEAN delegates, the passionate exchange of ideas imbues within me the belief of a promising future for youth entrepreneurship within the region. And last, but not least, to National Youth Council and my fellow Singapore delegates, a resounding thank you for making this trip possible and for being the best colleagues, partners, and buddies that I could have ever wished for.
VOICE • CAMPING COOPERATION
China-ASEAN youth participants outside the Nanning International Convention Centre
China-ASEAN Youth Camp was created by the China-ASEAN Co-operation which aims to strengthen ties between China and ASEAN through the development of mutual political trust, economic relations, community building and cultural exchanges. The cooperation began in 1991 when the, then, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister attended the opening session of the 24th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting.
Fun and games at Nanning International Convention Centre
Climbing the Great Wall of China
Theodore Teo
Theodore Teo, Vice-Chairman, YEP Lead Trainer,
International Volunteer Association!Find out more information at
http://www.iva.org.sg
Youth Leaders, do you want to make an impact for YEP?Having been involved in international volunteerism for the last 20 years and having trained many volunteers and leaders since 2002, Theodore Teo, YEP lead trainer at International Volunteerism Association, knows that youth leaders can play a key role in sustaining volunteerism interest amongst those they lead.
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MindsetRecognise the difference between
team management and team leadership Managers plan and ensure project is
delivered with the available people resources Leaders relate to people on a project and are committed to inspiring and growing them their full potential
PlanningInteract with volunteers to create development opportunities for them,
making YEP a deeply engrossing experience Explore the skills and interests of each volunteer on the YEP Work with non-profit organisations to understand their needs
and requirements
ExpeditionConstantly keep a lookout for and initiate volunteer-specific micro-projects. These can spark a moment of realisation
within the volunteer Micro-projects are usually adhoc small tasks that do not even
appear in the project planning They give volunteers a chance to exercise their
preferred skills and tap on their experiences For example, a villager requests assistance with
electrical wiring in his house and this could be given to someone who has a knowledge and interest in this area
Post ExpeditionNormalise volunteering as a way of life Help volunteers reflect upon their skills, interest and experiences. Get individual volunteers to brainstorm a list of service possibilities that can tap
on their talents A buddy system or support group can explore and experiment with service
possibilities. The group could commit to at least one additional engagement to expand their interest Organise a get-together six months after the initial engagement to foster ties
