My Encounters, My Life

Sharing Emceeing techniques with Senior Citizens

2012-01-22T14:10:00.003+08:00

26 February 2011

Gave a sharing on public speaking and emcee techniques to a group of active seniors. I was invited by the Age Management N Enrichment (AME) College. I was impressed with the seniors who were so enthusiastic to learn a new skill.

Lunch with Jun Yi and Dewi

2012-01-22T13:59:00.002+08:00

23 February 2011

Had lunch with Jun Yi and Dewi after my final job interview as Industrial Relations Officer of the NTUC.

Eunos Heights Chinese New Year Dinner 2011

2012-01-22T13:55:00.004+08:00

20 February 2011

Eunos Zone '3' (Heights) Residents' Committee held our Chinese New Year Dinner 2011 at Eunos Community Club Hall.

Children of residents welcoming our Grassroots Adviser Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed

Giving my speech as the RC Chairman

"Let's bring on the Dance Floor, man!"

AME College Talent Search 2011 Finals

2012-01-20T15:35:00.003+08:00

19 February 2011

The Age Management N Enrichment (AME) College Talent Search 2011 Finals was held at SAFRA Boon Lay.

AME College is Singapore's first Education Provider for Seniors.

AME Founder & Principal Ms Amy Chua

Fashion Show contestants

Eunos Lunar New Year Dinner 2011

2012-01-20T15:25:00.003+08:00

18 February 2011

The Eunos Lunar New Year Dinner 2011 was organised by the Eunos Community Club Management Committee.

In his speech, Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed, MP for Aljunied GRC & Adviser to Eunos Grassroots Organisations, broke the good news to residents that he had succeeded in lobbying for every HDB flat in Eunos Constituency to undergo the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP).

I was excited to hear that because one HDB flat within Eunos Heights was left out of the LUP which was embarked upon 2 years back. Since then, residents had been sharing their feedback that they would like to have lifts that stop at every floor.

Speech by Mr Zainul

The Organising Committee

Sending off NL

2012-01-20T15:18:00.002+08:00

16 February 2011

Had a job interview at NTUC, and then arrived at the Changi Airport to send off our National Leader of the 37th SSEAYP Singapore Contingent.

With Hafidz, NL Desmond and Sherry

Lunar New Year Sales @ Eunos Lucky Draw cum Mass Greeting

2012-01-20T15:15:00.001+08:00

15 February 2011

The event was organised by the Bedok Reservoir Shop Merchants' Association.

Mandarin rendition of Sukiyaki

Chinese New Year Reception at the Istana

2012-01-20T15:12:00.002+08:00

14 February 2011

On Valentine's Day, I attended the Chinese New Year Reception at the Istana.

Chefs preparing the yusheng

Where the Prime Minister gave his speech

How the Prime Minister "remembers" his speech

Performance by the Singapore Police Force band

After the buffet dinner, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong delivered his speech. The Chinese New Year Reception is one of the platforms where the PM would share insightful information on the international and regional arena, in the absence of media.

PM Lee urged Singaporeans to not forget the value of being thrifty

Happy Hanoi Trip - Exploring Hà Nội with the VPYs

2012-01-08T00:31:00.001+08:00

9 - 14 February 2011

Day 1 - 9 February 2011

Vietnam became the first SEA country that I visited after the 37th SSEAYP.

Aunt sending me off at Changi Airport

Vietnam Airlines - 2 flights to Hanoi daily

Air stewardess in the "Ao Dai" traditional costume

Singapore Fried Rice made it into the menu

Having a dinner with Vietnam Youth Leader (VYL) Thao for 37th SSEAYP 2010

Day 2 - 10 February 2011

Thao giving me a ride on her scooter

Xin Chao to VPYs Shane & Lily!

The first visit of the day was to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is situated in the centre of Ba Dinh Square, where the Declaration of Independence was read by Uncle Ho.

The embalmed body of Uncle Ho is situated within this building.

Along the way to the mausoleum, military guards asked visitors to walk in twos.

As we entered the central hall of the mausoleum, we could see military guards standing steps away from one another. They were very strict in observing that silence was maintained and no one whipped out a handphone to take photographs. Our cameras were all surrendered before we entered into the mausoleum.

Being my first time visiting a mausoleum, I felt quite overwhelmed by the chilling dim lights and could not help but admire the well respected leader of Vietnam.

Office previously used by Uncle Ho

It was quite amazing that as a teacher, Uncle Ho could lead troops, motivate the Vietnamese people and defeat the French to gain independence as well as Americans during the Vietnam War.

Fishes in the pond are known to respond to applauses

After the Vietnam War, Uncle Ho reared some fishes in the pond as food for him and his officers. He would clap to summon the fishes everyday. Till today, the fishes still respond to applauses from visitors.

Interesting tree with crutches

Next, we headed to the Ho Chi Minh Museum.

The young Ho Chi Minh

Cuba's support for Vietnam during the War

"Ho Chi Minh and Young People

The symbols of nature in its beauty contrasted with the image of industrial plants in this hall represent Uncle Ho's expectation that Young People shoulder the responsibility for the protection and preservation of peace and the environment, and prevention of aggressive and destructive wars."

Uncle Ho's focus on the youth could have been a reason why the Communist Youth Union is named after him.

Shane giving me a ride on his bike

Soon, we arrived at the Temple of Literature (Temple of Confucius), which was also Vietnam's first University.

"Respect the Teacher"

In Vietnam, teachers are very much well respected by students. On occasions such as during the Lunar New Year (Tet) period, it is common for students to visit their teachers. Vietnam celebrates Teachers' Day on 20 November.

Fishes swimming towards the gourd because they want to be dragons - symbolising students working hard to graduate and be successful

Virtue

Ren - Benevolence

Yi - Righteousness

Cai - Talent

Xin - Honesty

Zhi - Wisdom

Jenny joined us at the Temple of Literature

Names of Graduates were carved on the wall tablets.

It stated that there are only 82 such wall tablets left

Crane represents Sky. Turtle representing Land. Symbolises friendship and harmony

Writing of wishes on the wall with finger

Human Chess

Vietnam Emperor Lý Nhân Tông who built the temple to worship Confucius

Mạc Đĩnh Chi - the Vietnamese that trumped all Chinese in getting the best results that year

Containers storing the exam papers

Drumming indicates start of examination

Morning Call for students

Lily hosted everyone to lunch at her place.

Rubi cooking

What a wholesome meal!

Vietnamese has the practice of taking a nap after lunch. And so, the guys shared a bed while the girls adjourned to theirs. It seemed weird napping at our host's house, so us guys just chatted along.

After the rest, we continued our journey to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. The museum features the various ethnic groups of Vietnam.

I was told the bicycle was deliberately hung this way to prevent people from riding it

Funeral

Bamboo Lunar Calendar

A humorous character in Water Puppetry

My lovely guides

The White Thai people

Thai ritual tree

Mask for shaman's initiation ritual

Traditional tomb with figurines symbolising various stages of life

VPYs kept telling me that we would see the small little models on display at the museum in its actual size, and sure we did!

"Long House"

"Tall House"

Different stairs for the men and ladies?

Next, we visited Đại học Quốc gia - Vietnam National University, where Khoa and Rubi taught.

Fave hangout for couples

Dinner was at Quán Ngon - Vietnamese restaurant.

After dinner, Thao and Khoa brought me to the Sword Lake (Hồ Hoàn Kiếm).

With the Turtle Tower in the background

Celebrating 1000 years of Ha Noi (or Thang Long, traditional name of the city)

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum shines in the night

Day 3 - 11 February 2011

Met Khoa at his place of work - Vietnam National University - in the morning but forgot to bring along a helmet, so had to trouble him to buy one at a nearby shop.

Our first visit was to an Archaeology site.

18 Hoang Dieu Archaeological site

The various dynasties of Vietnam

SSEAYP-sick Khoa in his SG-K t-shirt

With Malaysia Homestay mate Hung and Khoa.

Visit to Kinh Thien Palace Relic - a palace from the Le So Dynasty

Chuc Mung Nam Moi = Happy New Year

The Drum and the Bell

A very interesting water sprinkler that wets the floor tiles

Lunch was Bun Thit Nuong!

Ngon quá!! (Delicious!!)

Khoa left after our lunch, so Hung brought me to chill out at a Vietnamese cafe.

The width of the entrance to the cafe is exactly the size of its shop banner, just wide enough to ride a motorcycle into it

View from the rooftop of the cafe

View of the Sword Lake

View of the Old Quarters

Vietnam coffee with a layer of egg

As Hung rode me on his motorcycle, he showed me the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural, which held a Guinness World Record for being the longest dyke wall art. The mural spreads across 4km wide!

According to Thao, there was a story behind the idea of having such a mural. There was once a young lady who had to travel to and fro along the dyke. She felt that it was dull and made the whole street looked gloomy. When she grew older, she became an artist and mooted the idea of beautifying the dyke, hence the mural.

As we approached a road junction, we were stopped by a Traffic Police for riding a motorcycle that had no number plate. Fortunately, witty Hung got away with it.

The newly bought unregistered bike of Hung

West Lake

Hung dropped me off at the Old Quarters for my self-exploration.

And the first thing I did was to walk to the Pappa Roti store and relive the good old days of having it in Singapore. I wonder why Pappa Roti couldn't survive in Singapore and had to be extinct from it.

Đồng Xuân Market

I observed that if a shop sold a particular type of products in that street, most likely, the entire stretch of shops would be selling the same products.

Phở Gà - Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup

Was very honoured to have dinner hosted by Vietnam National Leader (NL) for 37th SSEAYP, Blue Rose, who's also a senior government official.

Appetiser

With VYL, VAYL Truong and VNL

Day 4 - 12 February 2011

All-time favourite - Bún chả

So, the way to eat this dish is to pick up the Bún (noodles) and dip it into the soup and savour it.

The Budget Guesthouse that I stayed in

Our bike needs to eat too

Street Snacks!

Checking out a typical supermarket

First floor of the supermarket - motorcycle park

A humongous motorcycle park at Big C Hypermart

Our bags had to be sealed before we were allowed to enter

It didn't end up in our purchase

Water is automatically sprinkled onto the vegetables every minute

This is how you load it

Day 5 - 13 February 2011

Moo~

Celebrating Valentine's Day

Day 6 - 14 February 2011

At the Noi Bai Airport

Hen Gap Lai! (See You Again!)

The trip was made a happy one thanks to:

Shane - for riding me around and sharing many stories

Lily - for the warm hospitality, delicious food and sweet gifts

Jenny - for being the best tour guide ever and make me learn so much about Hanoi

Khoa - for helping to capture so many beautiful photographs

Rubi - for the fun and laughter with English words

Hung - for the adventurous journey

Blue Rose - for meeting up despite busy schedule

Captain - for the many jokes

Thao - for everything

City Alive! 2011 Outreach & Dinner with JPY

2012-01-07T00:28:00.000+08:00

6 February 2011

This is third day of the Lunar New Year. While most Chinese Singaporeans would be busy visiting their relatives or taking time to enjoy the long weekend, some youths dedicated their time promoting an event for youths by youths.

Hock Rong was the Organising Chairman for the City Alive! 2011, Singapore's biggest street dance party and also known as the post-Chingay party. He had this interesting idea of promoting the annual party event by having stilt walkers and volunteers distributing event flyers to youths at Orchard Road.

And so, I ended up with several volunteers from our Eunos Youth Club at the heart of Orchard Road, creating awareness to youths about the event.

It was a meaningful afternoon watching people getting intrigued by the stilt walkers and publicising City Alive! to many.

In the evening, some of the Singapore Participating Youths (PYs) for the 37th Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Programme had a dinner gathering with the first Japan PY to visit Singapore after the programme - Ellie.

Happy to introduce them to the Rasa Rasa Thai Seafood Restaurant in the humble neighbourhood of Eunos Division

And what's Lunar New Year without a good Lohei?

Chinese New Year 2012

2011-12-21T17:37:00.000+08:00

4 February 2011

My Maternal Family

Dialogue on Integration & MP giving oranges

2011-12-21T17:10:00.000+08:00

1 February 2011

Visited the Bloodbank @ Health Sciences Authority (HSA) Building to make my 6th blood donation as the festive period was approaching.

It was innovative for Bloodbank to be distributing apples to blood donors after their blood donation, since oranges would have costed much more.

Don't be afraid~

It must have been a few years since I made my blood donation at HSA. The Donors Refreshments Menu had certainly been ENHANCED!

In the evening, fellow Eunos Grassroots Leaders had a dialogue with Adviser Zainul Abidin Rasheed, representatives from Ministry of Home Affairs and the newly created National Talent & Population Division. The topic was on Integration and Immigration, a hot topic that concerned many Singaporeans.

Presentation by Director of the National Talent & Population Division, Prime Minister's Office

I took the opportunity to share about the lack of infrastructure planning to cater for the sudden population growth, resulting in inconvenience to Singaporeans, such as having to squeeze in packed and crowded trains. I cited a comment posted by a Facebook friend lamenting that she thought she was in a foreign land when she took the train to work.

I also raised the concern of the rising number of foreigners in our tertiary institutions.

It has been a tradition for our Adviser to visit the market and distribute oranges to residents on the night before the eve of Lunar New Year. This is the night when residents would do their final "marketing" to prepare for the celebrations.

Residents shouting "Huat" cheer

We happened to chance upon a TV celebrity Ah Nan

A cheer crafted by Ah Nan: "Eng Ong Huat lah!"

PAP Eunos Lunar New Year Celebration

2011-12-21T16:17:00.001+08:00

31 January 2011

Our PAP Eunos Activists and Volunteers had our mini-Lunar New Year celebration after assisting our residents at the Meet-the-People Session. Despite the late hours, everyone was still in high spirit ready to welcome the new Lunar Year.

Young PAP Eunos :)

Sharing cum Dialogue Session with RC Chairpersons

2011-12-21T16:05:00.000+08:00

26 January 2011

Participated in the 3rd day of the 21st IAVE World Conference in the morning and then attended the Sharing cum Dialogue Session with Residents' Committee (RC) Chairpersons organised by People's Association.

The Straits Times, 26 January 2011

Was quoted in a news report on youths. My comments on the survey findings that showed that Singapore youths are generally happy: "I agree that youths today are happier. We're getting a bit more attention now than before, including *Scape, where young people can hang out, and more dialogues being organised in schools and grassroots organisations for youths to speak up. We now have more platforms to express ourselves - and it's helped to give us a boost in our confidence."

The Sharing session was held at Tampines East Community Club.

People's Association Chief Executive Director Yam Ah Mee giving his welcome address

Mr Joshua Chan, People's Association Research Division, shares some statistics

Sharing by Central Singapore Director. He shared that there are a total of 557 RCs in Singapore

Best Practices Sharing by Ms Judith Lee, PBM, Chairlady of Tampines East Zone 4 RC

Ms Judith Lee shared a great quote, "The sky has its limits, but our outreach has no limits."

The RC's Women Aerobics Club, formed 12 years ago.

Tampines East Zone 4 RC Hip Hop Dance Club

Volunteers and Interest Group members of Tampines East Zone 4 RC

National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan (Tampines GRC) chairing the dialogue session with Advisers Cynthia Phua (Aljunied GRC) & Michael Palmer (Pasir Ris GRC) & PA CED Yam Ah Mee

Such sharing sessions are helpful in allowing different RCs to share and learn from one another!

21st IAVE World Volunteer Conference

2011-12-21T15:26:00.000+08:00

Day 1 - 24 January 2011 - Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony of the 21st International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) World Volunteer Conference was held at the Resorts World Sentosa.

Opening Address by Mrs Tan Chee Koon, Organising Chairman for the 21st IAVE World Volunteer Conference; Board Member for National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) Singapore

Speech by Ms Flavia Pansieri, Executive Coordinator for United Nations Volunteers (UNV)

Speech by Dr Kang-Hyun Lee, IAVE World President

The Guest-of-Honour was Mr S R Nathan, President of the Republic of Singapore.

Performer waving the IAVE Flag

Girl Guides bearing flags of various countries participating in the conference

Unveiling of the Epidendrum Orchid, signifying the Spirit of Volunteerism

Epidendrum Orchid

Presentation of Spirit of Volunteerism stamps as token of appreciations from SingPost

Erick Guansing singing some songs for the participants. He also sang for the Journey of the Youth Olympics Flame City Celebrations

Lion Dance Performance by one of the best troupes in Singapore

Day 2 - 25 January 2011 - A Date with Jet Li & Michelle Yeoh

A Fusion Dance Performance showcasing the diverse culture of Singapore was presented to the participants who came from all over the World for the IAVE World Volunteer Conference.

The Dikir Barat had a fusion twist to it, with dance moves and songs from different ethnic groups entwined into one performance.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for governments to strengthen the framework for volunteers and highlighted that 2011 is the 10th Anniversary of International Year of Volunteering.

Speech by Mr Stanley Tan, Chairman of National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC), Singapore.

Keynote Address by Mr Goh Chok Tong, Senior Minister of the Republic of Singapore

SM Goh Chok Tong talked about 3 strategies in increasing volunteerism rate:

Flexible Volunteering - giving people "bite-size" tasks, adhoc basis. Case study: the success of New York Cares, UN Online Volunteers.
Satisfying Volunteering - 17% of Singaporean volunteers don't return the following year
Informal Volunteering - 33% of Singaporeans contributed more than 48 hours each on helping people. There is a need to recognise the efforts of informal volunteers.SM Goh also shared about the NVPC's "Vertical Kampung" initiative

Keynote Address by Mr Tadateru Konoe, President of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

With Liling, who's representing the Ministry of Community Development, Youth & Sports (MCYS)

After the Opening Plenary, participants headed for the respective forums that they signed up for. There were 5 tracks of forums and each track had about 3-5 different forums. Participants were definitely spoilt for choices.

Attended a forum of the Track 5: Strategic Issues in Volunteer Management

Ms Flora Chung, CEO of Agency for Volunteer Service (Hong Kong), shares the experience on Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games Volunteer Programme

Sharing by Ms Ruth Mackenzie, President & CEO of Volunteer Canada

Sharing by Ms Wendy Osborne, CEO of Volunteer NOW (United Kingdom)

One of the key highlights of the 4-day conference was the Luncheon Plenary with two superstars - Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh.

Li founded the One Foundation charity while Yeoh is the global ambassador for the Make Roads Safe campaign which aims to raise awareness of the problem of road traffic injury.

Jet Li says his One Foundation makes it simple for people to contribute. 1 Yuan a day and volunteering 1 hour a day in China makes it easy to digest.

He believes that everyone is part of a big family and everyone just needs to contribute a little and that would amount to a lot.

"Time is you control, don't tell me no time" - He illustrates the point by saying that when a boy chases a girl, even if he is busy, he still will be able to find time to do so.

Workshop Session 411: Changing the World Online - Moderator Elise Bouvet, Programme Specialist of Online Volunteering, United Nations Volunteers

Introducing the concept on Online Volunteering

Sharing of an online initiative that promoted interaction between Han students and tribal students by Ms Wan-Jiunn Lu, Youth Volunteer Representative, Digital and Humanity Concern Association. Ms Wan-Jiunn Lu and her sister Ms Wan-Zi Lu developed this idea 7 years ago when they were still in High School. Now they are in college.

Sharing by Mr Randy Punley, Director of Corporate Sponorship, United Way Worldwide

Workshop Session 114: Maximising the Power of One: The Aggregate Strategy, moderated by Ms Amy Tan, CEO, Women's Initiative for Ageing Successfully (WINGS).

Sharing by Ms Isabel Kelly, International Director, Salesforce Foundation

Sharing by Ms Cecilia Tan, Director of Blood Donor Recruitment Programme, Singapore Red Cross

Day 3: 26 January 2011 - Plenary Session on the IAVE Global Corporate Volunteering Research Project

Speech by IAVE World President, Dr Kang-Hyun Lee

Sharing by Steve Bertamini, Group Executive Director & CEO Global Consumer Banking, Standard Chartered Bank

Kenn Allen, Founder & President, Civil Society Consulting Group LLC & Project Director, Global Corporate Volunteering Research Project, presents the State of Health Study report

Sharing by Senior Reacher Monica Beatriz Galiano, who's also President, Iniciativa Brasil

Sharing by Senior Researcher Sarah Hayes, Consultant Director, Global Corporate Volunteer Council.
Sarah Hayes: "Nothing is more humane than people helping people."

Sharing by Regina McNally, Global Volunteer Programme Manager, State Street Corporation

Sharing by Telefonia

Inspiring speech by Ed Martinez, Director of Philanthropy and Corporate Relations, United Postal Services (UPS) Foundation

In his sharing, Ed Martinez said UPS staff teach their trade. For instance, safety officers teach UK drivers on safety driving. UPS is a logistics company, so they also provide logistics training to NGOs involved in disaster-relief work. Ed Martinez thanks volunteers by saying, "Without you leading the charge, we'll be in a more desperate place."

Sharing by Carla Sattler, Manager, Social Mobilization Area, C&A Institute

Sharing by Kraft Foods

Sharing by Sarah Hayes, Consultant Director, Global Corporate Volunteer Council

Sharing by Sherrie Bossung, Director, Community Outreach and Employee Engagement & Vice President, Eli Lilly and Company

Master of Ceremony, Sam Santiago, Director, Workforce Giving and Volunteerism, American Airlines

Forum Session 420: Volunteering Mega Trends: International Volunteering

Moderated by Mr Zulkifli Baharudin, Managing Director, Global Business Integrators Pte Ltd

Sharing by Dr Caroline Brassard, Assistant Professor, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore

Sharing by Mr Joselito C. De Vera, Executive Director, Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA)

Photo with Desmond who's representing NACLI

Interesting sighting of Tibetan monks carrying NUS bag

Workshop Session 522: Volunteer Performance and Measuring Performance to Meet Expectations

Moderated by Sue Kobar, Manager of Volunteer Services, Nurse Maude

Sharing by Ms Alison Duff, Training and Development Manager, Volunteering Geelong

Sharing by Ms Yael Caplin, Resource Development Manager, Leir Institute for Volunteer Management, Yad Sarah

Moderator Sue Kobar

Sharing by Ms Yael Caplin, Resource Development Manager, Leir Institute for Volunteer Management, Yad Sarah

Sharing by Sue Kobar, Manager of Volunteer Services, Nurse Maude

With Rizal who's representing National Youth Council, Singapore

Workshop Session 424: Get "Hands On" with Volunteering: Episodic Volunteering through the Hands-On Network.

Moderated by Mr David Fong, Director of SG Cares and Marketing Communications, National Volunteering & Philanthropy Centre.

Sharing by Mr Richard Brubaker, Founder and Executive Director, HandsOn China

Sharing by Ms HyeJin Hong, Manager, VOLUNTEER21, Korea

Sharing by Ms Carmela David, Project Officer, HandsOn Manila Foundation, Inc

Day 4 - 27 January 2011 - "The Pitch" presented by UBS

The Pitch is a "Singapore Idol" platform for NGOs to pitch their ideas. UBS sponsors US$60,000 for for the winner, and another US$15,000 for the finalist that wins the popular audience vote.

Pitching by HandsOn Manila - Comments from Judges: "Most Engaging"

Pitching by National Volunteer Network Trust (NavNet) - Comments from Judges: "Most Thought Provoking"

KenyaDr Abdulmalik and Ms Agnetta M. Nyalita (Programme Coordinator) talk about their programme to empower youths via entrepreneurship

Project Osmijeh (Smile), Pitch by Bosnia and Herzegovina - Comments from Judges: "Most Touching"

Project Asia Volunteer Network, Pitch by VOLUNTEER21, Korea - Comments from Judges: "Most Ambitious"

Pitch by Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) Rwanda - Presenters: Mr Sekamana Archimede (Programme Officer) & Ms Uzamukunda Pudentienne (General Secretary) - Comments from Judges: "Most Needy"

The Pitch Finalists

With Mr Sekamana Archimede (Programme Officer, YWCA Rwanda) & Ms Uzamukunda Pudentienne (General Secretary, YWCA Rwanda)

Sharing of the IAVE Youth Conference by Mark Molloy

This year's youth conference is the largest of its kind.

Sharing of the IAVE Youth Conference by Daniel Buritica

Youth Declaration

Sharing of the Youth Conference by Oliver Loke

Publicity on 2nd World Summit for Youth Volunteering to be held in Colombia this November.The 1st World Summit for Youth Volunteering was held in 2001 in conjunction with the 1st UN International Year of Volunteers

Stripping to show the "You Make It Happen!" T-shirt

Partners of the Americas would be leading the World Summit

Results for "The Pitch": YWCA Rwanda wins Audience's Choice (Cash Prize of US$15,000 from UBS)

Mr Willie Cheng, Director, Lien Centre for Social Innovation, representing the judges in explaining decision

Results for "The Pitch": YWCA Rwanda wins Judge's Choice (Cash Prize of US$30,000 from UBS)

Results for "The Pitch": Osmijeh (Smile) wins Judge's Choice (Cash Prize of US$30,000 from UBS)

Mrs Christine Ong, CEO of Wealth Management Singapore, UBS said that besides having their staff volunteering for the Conference, the family members of the staff also joined in

Mr Laurence Lien, CEO of NVPC

Mr Laurence Lien shared that there were 185 speakers and moderators for the conference and they all volunteered their time to share their knowledge. There were also a total of 400 volunteers (excluding speakers and moderators) involved in the conference. He said that some ideas shared were forming communities of interest, and the need to give volunteers opportunity to be entrepreneurial. Beneficiaries might not just be solution-receiving, they could be solution-giving too.

"Youths are changing the face of volunteerism." Biggest contribution from volunteering is the returning of the soul to the person, making people think of one another as friends.

IAVE World President Dr Kang-Hyun Lee said he was previously a Scientist, developing drugs for patients. Now he develops "drugs" for society - Volunteerism. Ending his speech, he asked everyone to observe 10 seconds of silence to respect the volunteers who have fallen in their service.

Presentation of Tokens of Appreciation to first IAVE World President Ms Margaret Bell

Presentation of Tokens of Appreciation to 2nd IAVE World President Dr Kenn Allen

Presentation of Tokens of Appreciation to 3rd IAVE World President Ms Elizabeth Burns

Presentation of Tokens of Appreciation to Sponsor, UBS. Mr David Boyd-Thomas, Head of Community Affairs, Asia Pacific, UBS, points to the UBS staff who volunteered their time and service at this conference

Presentation of Tokens of Appreciation to the UPS Foundation

Presentation of Tokens of Appreciation to Standard Chartered Bank

Presentation of Tokens of Appreciation to State Street Corporation

Presentation of Tokens of Appreciation to National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre Singapore

The 22nd IAVE World Volunteer Conference would be held in Dublin, Ireland in 2012.
Presented by CEO, Volunteer Ireland. Theme: Volunteering. Human Rights. Human Dignity

Presentation of token of appreciation by Volunteer Ireland to NVPC

Singapore hands over the IAVE flag to Ireland

Ringing of bell to officiate the closing ceremony

Administrative Briefing for Site Visits to Local NGOs

The 4-day conference ended with a Farewell Dinner, held at One on the Bund, Clifford Pier.

With Agnetta from Kenya

The programme highlight was the parading of performances down the aisle, as participants stood by and enjoyed the entertainment.

Celebrating the 40th birthday of IAVE

Free personalised calligraphy fans for participants

IAVE Youth Volunteer Conference 2011

2011-09-11T22:28:00.000+08:00

21 - 23 January 2011

Day 1 - Conference Launch

It all began with Dewi forwarding an email on this Tan Chin Tuan Foundation scholarship to participate in the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) Youth Volunteer and World Conference. When I remembered to take action on the email, I realised that the deadline was over. However, I tried my luck and sent in my CV.

I was successful! Thanks to Dewi and Tan Chin Tuan Foundation, I got to participate in the IAVE Youth Volunteer Conference 2011 and the 21st IAVE World Volunteer Conference for a mere $20!

The opening of the IAVE Youth Volunteer Conference 2011 was held at the Singapore Management University.

Performance by Y STARS (YMCA Special Talents, Arts & Recreation Society)

Speech by Mr Laurence Lien, CEO of the National Volunteer Philanthropy Centre (NVPC)

Was inspired by what Mr Lien said, "Be thankful for the opportunity to serve."

IAVE World President Dr Kang-Hyun Lee: "The World you believe in, believes in you too!"

Speech by Mr Mark Molloy, IAVE Youth Board

Guest-of-Honour: Mayor Teo Ser Luck

In his speech, Mayor Teo Ser Luck highlighted that young Singaporeans aged between 15 and 24 constituted the largest percentage of volunteers within Singapore.

Presentation of token of Appreciation by IAVE World President to Mayor Teo Ser Luck

The conference was launched in a very interesting way. The Masters of Ceremony got us to fold paper aeroplanes...

Taking Wings of Flight - Conference Launch

It is during times like this that you don't feel so sore entering the auditorium late and had to sit at the back. At least you don't get aeroplanes crashing onto your back.

9-year-old Adelyn Koh, born with a corneal infection which left her visually impaired, performed a medley of piano songs. She was best remembered as the face of MCYS's advertisement titled "A Girl's Hope" for Youth Olympic Games 2010.

Keynote address by Mr Efren Penaflorida, CNN Hero of the Year 2009 and Founder, Dynamic Teen Company

Briefing for the Day 2's programme

With friends from PAYM at the dinner reception

Day 2 - Local Service Project & International Social Night

Participants of the conference were given a few choices as to which institutions they want to carry out the local service project at. I picked HighPoint Community Services Association as I had not experienced volunteering with ex-offenders.

Executive Director of HighPoint Community Services Association giving us a briefing

HighPoint Community Services Association helps rebuild lives of people, especially ex-offenders and their families.

Manager, a beneficiary of HighPoint, showing us around the halfway house at Geylang

Window view obstructed to minimise distraction from the Geylang night life

After the orientation, the participants and residents of HighPoint engaged the elderly folks from Clementi with games and activities. It was an interesting concept of having the participants and the ex-offenders performing community service together.

After the Local Service Project, all participants gathered at *SCAPE Building, Warehouse for the International Social Night. Participants donned ethnic costumes and viewed the exhibitions from the participating voluntary organisations.

With a Korean participant & 37th SSEAYP Facilitator Iche

Speech by Guest-of-Honour Dr Fatimah Lateef, MP for Marine Parade GRC

With Joan from Red Cross

Agency for Volunteer Service (Hong Kong)

With Lesley and President of Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore), Ms Tan Beng Chiak

With 16-year-old Korean student participant, Woo Rim

With Mr Theodore Teo, Vice-Chairman of International Volunteerism Association (Singapore)

With YMCA Volunteers

With friends from Thailand

With Indonesian student studying in Singapore, who's wearing an Ao Dai

Booth of Humanitarian Organisation for Migrant Economics (HOME) - providing shelter to troubled migrant workers and domestic maids

*SCAPE Building booth

With Le and Jenny, President and Founder of 350 Vietnam

It's always a great experience getting to know friends from other countries!

Day 3 - Plenary Sessions & Workshops

The day commenced with a plenary session conducted by Mr Hugh Evans, CEO of Global Poverty Project & Young Australian of the Year. He was a very inspirational speaker.

Mr Hugh Evans shared about how he lobbied the then Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to increase the funding for poverty projects and how he got Sydney Operahouse lighted up for the poverty cause.

The next plenary speaker was Mr Daniel Buritica, President of ROCOJO and Board member of IAVE, Colombian Network of Youth RECOJO and IAVE, Colombia.

After the plenary sessions, participants went to attend two workshops of their choice.

Conference Workshop on Strategic Planning

Sharing by Ms Debbie McDowall, Manager of the Youth Enquiry Service, Scotland

Applying the "Hot Air Balloon" Model

Sharing by Ms Bernise Ang, Founder of Syinc and Board of Director, International Youth Foundation

With Xeno & student from St Paul's College, Hong Kong

Networking Lunch Summit, graced by Mayor Teo Ser Luck

Our familiar TV celebrity promoting the Singapore Arts Festival

Donning our One Asia Forum T-shirt

After lunch, I went to the Workshop on Resources Development.

Sharing by Mr Teo Zi-Ming, Founder of University YMCA Singapore & Board of Director, YMCA of Singapore

Sharing by Mr Samuel Chan, Mentor of Citibank-YMCA Youth for Causes & Board of Director, YMCA of Singapore

Mr Hugh Evans shared about how to run a successful campaign

Presentation of Conference Report by Mr Daniel Buritica

Presentation of and Invitation to the 2nd IAVE Youth World Volunteer Summit in Barranquilla, Colombia

Youth Declaration by Participants

Closing Remarks by Mrs Tan Chee Koon, Chairperson of the Organising Committee for the 21st IAVE World Volunteer Conference & Board of Director, NVPC

Closing Speech by Ms Kylee Bates, IAVE World Vice-President

With Cher Ling from PAYM

Thank You speech by IAVE Youth Volunteer Conference Organising Chairperson Oliver Loke

Eunos C2E Table Top Exercise 2011

2011-09-04T23:42:00.000+08:00

16 January 2011

Eunos Community Emergency & Engagement Committee (C2E) held a Table Top Exercise together with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), Bedok North Secondary School, National Environment Agency, Bedok Neighbourhood Police Centre.

A SCDF iPhone App on fire safety

Eunos C2E Chairman Pang Loo Seng PBM addressing participants

We were given a few scenarios on conflict between different racial groups for discussion within our groups.

And here's me sharing the discussion results on behalf of my group

We should not wait for things to happen before we react to them. During crisis, as grassroots leaders, we need to know who to heed advice from, which government body or local organisations to approach, how do we disseminate key information to our residents.

Launch of Eunos Vista Karaoke Interest Group

2011-09-04T23:29:00.000+08:00

16 January 2011

Attended the Happy Happy Sunday, an event providing free breakfast for needy residents.

Wei Quan debuts as Master of Ceremony

Monthly YEC Meeting

In the evening, attended the Eunos Vista Karaoke Interest Group Launch.

With 谢金石老师 and Eunos CCC Chairman Sim Wai Chin BBM

Interest Groups are great platforms to engage residents with similar interests to come together and get to know one another.

Mental Wellness through Mahjong Game Workshop

2011-09-04T23:17:00.000+08:00

15 January 2011

Eunos Heights Residents' Committee partnered with Eunos Active Ageing Committee in organising a Mahjong game workshop. We invited a PA trainer to conduct the lesson. There were even notes given to teach a newbie to the game.

Bedok North Police Centre Community Engagement Night

2011-09-04T23:10:00.000+08:00

14 January 2011

Represented Eunos Heights Residents' Committee in attending the inaugural Bedok North Police Centre Community Engagement Night, held at my alma mater, Damai Secondary School.

Speech by Deputy Assistant Commisioner of Police Teo Chun Ching, Commander of Bedok Police Division

Photo with Eunos Grassroots Leaders

Residents' Committee members work closely with the Police in conducting joint patrols and exhibitions. The RCs invite the Police to sit in the monthly RC meetings, where the Police would alert the RCs if there were any major crimes happening around the estate. During joint patrols, RC members and residents can highlight areas of the precinct which require more surveillance.

Thank you to the hardworking Policeman and Policewoman who help keep Singapore one of the safest country in the world!

Farewell Dinner for Hong Kong - PAYM Singapore Youth Exchange Programme 2011

2011-09-04T22:59:00.000+08:00

12 January 2011

With Nicole (Hong Kong) and Cher Ling (PAYM), friends who participated in the exchange programme in 2009

Cultural performance by the Hong Kong delegates

Farewell, Joe! See you in Hong Kong!

Sending Raj off at Changi Airport

2011-09-04T22:51:00.000+08:00

10 January 2011

Sending off my Audiologist friend, Raj, off at Changi Airport. Amusing how we met at Tan Tock Seng Hospital while I was emceeing for a health fair and subsequently became friends.

All the best, Raj!

Hong Kong - PAYM Singapore Youth Exchange Programme 2011

2011-09-04T22:37:00.003+08:00

7-9 January 2011

The day began with Lin Qiang bagging a few awards from the Singapore Armed Forces Sports Association (SAFSA) Inter Formation Air Weapons Competition 2011, namely:

Air-Rifle Men (Team) representing Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) - 1st Runner-Up
Air Rifle Men (Individual) - 3rd Runner-Up
Formation - 3rd Runner-Up

In the evening, I had to attend Eunos CCC meeting, so Lin Qiang went to the Hong Kong - PAYM Singapore Youth Exchange Programme 2011 Homestay Matching Ceremony.

Here's Joe, our new Brother!

We had supper at Simpang Bedok before ending our first night together.

On Saturday morning, I attended the Law for Community Leaders Programme (LCLP) held at NACLI. This programme was a collaboration between the Senior Counsel Forum and People's Association, which aimed to equip grassroots leaders with basic knowledge in law to aid them in serving their residents.

A lecture on Law and the Singapore Legal System was delivered by Deputy Solicitor-General Jeffrey Chan Wah Teck, SC.

PA Grassroots Leaders also witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Senior Counsel Forum, represented by its Chairman Senior Counsel Harry Elias, and the People's Association, represented by its Chief Executive Director Yam Ah Mee. The event was graced by Associate Professor Ho Peng Kee, Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs & Law.

After a short break, we returned to the lecture on Singapore Constitution & Administrative Law

The centre flag is the flag of Singapore when it was a British Colony

I was impressed by how the lecturer managed to simplify the legal terms so that fellow grassroots leaders could appreciate and understand the contents. There was also a Q&A session after the lecture.

Meanwhile, Lin Qiang and Joe visited the Marina Bay Sands and the Helix Bridge.

Rushed off from NACLI to meet them at Little India, where we visited a temple as well as enjoyed traditional Indian cuisine.

Met Fortune God and Rabbit (Year of the Rabbit) at City Square Mall

Next, we headed to Mount Faber. Most people are aware of the Merlions at Merlion Park and Sentosa, but not many know that we also have a Merlion at the top of Mount Faber.

With the iconic Reflections at Keppel Bay in our background

Scaling through the Marang Trail, we landed ourselves at the Forest Walk.

The evening view was spectacular

We then enjoyed a sumptuous Bak kut teh dinner at Clarke Quay.

With Yunzhou, a friend of Joe

Night Life at Clarke Quay

With Chang Jye from PAYM

After a long day, I retired myself, leaving Lin Qiang, Joe and other SHinkers (what the programme participants label themselves) to enjoy the buzzling night life of Singapore.

Rise and Shine, we had our final breakfast together at the hawker centre.

And a last family photo before we say "bye-bye"

It was nice to meet up with Nicole, whom I've met during the PAYM Singapore - Hong Kong Youth Exchange Programme 2009. Back in 2009, she just started work and now she is leading the Hong Kong delegates.

This concludes the 4th (or 5th?) time my family hosted foreign delegates. Although the period of hosting would be a tiring one, the experience of sharing local culture with a new "family member" and learning from him/her is always worth it. It is also a great chance for family bonding!

Hope to visit Joe in Hong Kong soon!

In the evening, attended a wedding dinner of a relative, where I found out that I was related to the boyfriend of a fellow SSEAYP mate! Hmmm, so he's my paternal Granduncle's grandson. What should I call him???

The couple had a love story revolving around lollipops

eRAS Training for Eunos Grassroots Leaders

2011-06-13T23:55:00.000+08:00

4 January 2011

Eunos Grassroots Leaders gathered at the Community Club to undergo a training on the electronic Registration and Attendance-taking System (eRAS).

The new portable ID scanner

eRAS aids grassroots volunteers strengthening the outreach to residents and the community.

New Year Countdown with Eunos Heights RC

2011-06-12T21:22:00.000+08:00

31 December 2010

Had a cosy New Year Countdown with Eunos Heights Residents' Committee members and family as per the past few years.

"Santa Claus bless us please"

Thank you Santa for the lucky numbers

Communicating on Television: Unity in Diversity

2011-06-12T15:39:00.000+08:00

28 December 2010

Shared about my SSEAYP experience with fellow Toastmasters at Kg Chai Chee Toastmasters Club Chapter meeting.

I was attempting the Advanced Project Manual: Communicating on Television, Project 1 - Straight Talk. And my speech title was "Unity in Diversity"

Receiving the Best Speaker Award from Club President Andrew Kuan

Experiencing a Train Ride on the KTM Railway

2011-06-12T15:29:00.000+08:00

26 December 2010

It must have been about 15 years since I last took a train to Malaysia. The Tanjong Pagar railway station looked exactly the same as much as I could recall.

Railway operations into the Tanjong Pagar station would cease by 1 July 2011. This is a remarkable achievement by the government to finally resolve the railway issue. Singapore could be the only country in the world that had part of its land owned by a foreign country, all the way leading to the Central Business District. I am glad that Singapore could regain the sovereignty over our own land come July 2011. That the issue could be settled amicably between Singapore and Malaysia is something that both nations could be proud of.

Architecture bears British influence

Tanjong Pagar station should be preserved for its historical significance and architecture

Malaysia flags

We cleared Malaysia immigration customs at the station.

The sight from within the train cabins was an interesting one. Lots of greenery with private condominiums and public housing estates in the background.

At Woodlands, we alighted with our luggage and cleared the Singapore customs.

Once in the cabin, a train officer checked the tickets of passengers and punched a hole on them.

What a huge contrast in the KTM station of Tanjong Pagar and of Johore

Once disembarked, we went to some shopping malls in Johore.

So is it safe to change here?

Christmas Night with 37th SSEAYP Facilitator Neil

2011-06-12T15:00:00.000+08:00

25 December 2010

SSEAYP Discussion Group (Cross Cultural Understanding Promotion) Facilitator Neil was in Singapore on Christmas Day.

Rehana announces wedding plans at post-SSEAYP gathering

2011-06-12T14:42:00.000+08:00

22 December 2010

The first post-SSEAYP SPY gathering was at a dining place along Arab Street.

Celebrating the birthdays of Jun Yi, Fairuz, Jiale, Patrick, Zatan

Rehana also announced her wedding plans and handed us a very uniquely designed wedding invitation card.

The first PY wedding after SSEAYP

Eunos Grassroots Organisation Workplan 2011

2011-06-12T13:45:00.000+08:00

19 December 2010

Eunos Heights Residents' Committee held our monthly Food Exchange Recycling Programme where residents could exchange their recyclables for food items such as instant noodles/biscuits/bee hoon.

In the afternoon, Eunos Grassroots Leaders gathered at Eunos Community Club for Workplan 2011 meeting.

Eunos Citizens' Consultative Committee Chairman Sim Wai Chin BBM addressing fellow GRLs

NACLI facilitator briefing GRLs on People's Association 2015 workplan

In the evening, emceed for Kg Chai Chee Garden Hill Residents' Committee Christmas Party.

Eunos Heights Christmas Barbeque Gathering for Youths

2011-06-10T11:52:00.000+08:00

18 December 2010

This was my first grassroots event after SSEAYP. Felt great and revitalised to meet residents and fellow Residents' Committee members.

Glad that new RC member Ivy was leading the organising of the event, a first event by the RC Youth Chapter.

Ivy conducting a Human Bingo game

Event organised by the youths

Met Pristine on her way back home.

37th Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Programme (SSEAYP) 2010

2011-06-10T11:33:00.000+08:00

This is a compilation of my unforgettable 37th Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Programme (SSEAYP) 2010 story.

Special Thanks to People's Association Youth Movement (PAYM) for the nomination; 37th SSEAYP Singapore Contingent mates for the camaraderie and support; the Administrator, Administrative Staff, Ship Crew of Fuji Maru and all Participating Youths for the friendship and sharing.

Pre-Departure Training

SSEAYP

Japan-ASEAN Youth Leader Summit

SSEAYP

37th SSEAYP 2010 - The Last Flight Out

2011-06-09T12:15:00.000+08:00

Day 53 - 16 December 2010

Spent some time chatting with Mortal at the corridor in the wee hours of the morning. Stayed up the night and took a shower at 5am to prepare to "check out" of Fuji Maru.

The timings for contingents to meet at the Dining Hall before disembarking were different, based on the flight timings. Singapore contingent was among the second batch to leave.

Despite the early hours, many of the Participating Youths of other contingents woke up to send off their 53-day-old friends. In particular, the Japan Contingent was out in full force (even though they were the last to disembark).

Hugs and tears for everyone at the lobby, as we waited for the call to enter the Dining Hall.

The lethargy from the deprived sleep helped to retain my tears until Japan National Leader (NL) & also NL for Solidarity Group A, Waku-T came over and put on a luminous wrist band on my right hand, saying that it was a blessing. He also placed one on the wrist of Mortal.

I suddenly recalled how Waku-T put on two of those wrist bands onto each of my hand during my birthday as well as all the advice and help he had rendered over the past few weeks.

Having breakfast in the bus ride to Narita Airport

The lowest temperature we experienced in Tokyo

Slept throughout the whole journey with Sijie seated beside me.

Thankfully, Lin Qiang came to fetch me at the airport. I had too much luggage to handle on my own.

My first dinner back home was... Japanese food!

Reluctant to remove the wrist band from Waku-T

It's good to be home again!