Launch of Empact’s Chat Circles

Mr Yap Keng Hwee, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Empact,

Representatives of CapitaLand Hope Foundation, SHINE, HUSH TeaBar, and The School of Positive Psychology,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Introduction

• I’m really happy to be here at the launch of Empact’s Chat Circles.

• Hearing about life transitions, and looking back, there were certainly many transitions that I had to go through.

• At those points in time, the transitions felt big because that was really all you could see and imagine. What really helped was when there were people there just to listen. Sometimes, you just need someone to listen to you.

• So for me, just thinking back on one of the very big transitions, was when I was younger, around 25 or 26. I was posted overseas for work for the first time.

• That was in Washington D.C. At that point and being a young person, I just went, “Yeah sure, of course I want to go”. I went there and within the first few days, I started regretting the decision. I didn’t know anybody. I had no family. I had never lived there before. I was the only person in the office.

• I was alone in my hotel room trying to find an apartment and I felt lost. At that time, I was also navigating relationship issues, so it was challenging on all fronts. And I started questioning myself and thought that I had just made the biggest and worst decision of my life, especially since I was locked in for a three-year posting.

• I then called my best friend, who was living in New York, which is in the same time zone. All she did was listen. There was silence on the other side of the phone, and she listened to me as I poured my heart out.

• After that, while things did not magically disappear, it did feel better after the call. And over time, with the constant check-ins and listening, and giving the space to be myself, and because we knew each other for a long time, there was no judgement. I could say what I wanted and I knew that someone had my back. That really helped to bring me through those challenging circumstances. Over time, I also made new friends.

• Having the space and the people to whom you can open your heart to without judgement really goes a long way. I’m very glad today that Empact is creating such a space. I wish that this had been available to me at that point in time. And I’m so glad that our young people now have access to this and are taking that first step.

Youths want more support as they move through life transitions

• We recently launched the SG Youth Plan last month, it’s not really a government plan because what we did was we went out there to speak to young people and understand what was important to them. And one big thing that came up was transition. And there are so many - transitions to school, work, family formation, and for males, National Service.

• Regardless of how big or small these turning points are, we always wonder whether we are making the “right” choices. The penalty or fear of failure are also so much higher these days, because social media does make it obvious when things go right or wrong.

• And that is why what we hope to do under the SG Youth Plan, was to partner community organisations, like those across the room today, to strengthen support for youths through key life transitions and help them build the confidence and resilience. Because the world is uncertain, things are not always going to go our way, but it’s the resilience and support that will help us go through each time we stumble, and each time we question ourselves.

Chat Circles is part of our effort to support youths’ well-being

• We are working with community partners to pilot a series of mental well-being and resilience programmes that support youths through key life transitions. These programmes will help youths build resilience, strengthen not only their coping skills but their thriving skills, and navigate change with greater confidence.

• Empact’s Chat Circles is one of these pilots. It recognises that resilience is built through connection, and not in isolation.

  • Empact will offer Chat Circles monthly from August this year to July 2027, bringing together pairs of youth Chatters and volunteer Listeners for a structured, two-hour experience.

  • Thank you to those who have made the time today to be present for our youths. Thank you also to the Chatters for being here because it takes courage to come forward, open up about how you are feeling, and to invite someone to listen to you.

  • Sometimes, what a young person needs most is not advice or solutions. It is someone who is willing to listen.

• In many ways, Chat Circles is helping youths realise something I learnt during my time in DC: transitions may be challenging, but we do not have to go through them alone.

It is a whole-of-society effort

• Chat Circles would not be possible without partners such as the CapitaLand Hope Foundation, SHINE, HUSH TeaBar, and the School of Positive Psychology, as well as the volunteers who are stepping forward to listen, support, and journey alongside our youths. Your presence here today truly sends an important message – that our youths matter, and that support can come from many parts of our community. You don’t have to be a professional, you just have to step forward to give your time to be the heart.

• And It demonstrates how the SG Youth Plan is a whole-of-nation commitment to help youths thrive in a more uncertain world.

  • I’m very encouraged by the many partners who are stepping forward, and please reach out to MCCY or NYC if you’re interested to come along with usI’m very encouraged by the many partners who are stepping forward, and please reach out to MCCY or NYC if you’re interested to come along with us.

Conclusion

• Life will always come with uncertainty, change, and challenges. It’s impossible to remove every challenge that our youths face, but we can ensure that they do not face those challenges by themselves.

• This is what Chat Circles is ultimately about: creating a space where youths feel heard, supported, and connected, especially during the moments in life when they need it most.

• I wish Empact and your partners every success with this initiative, and I look forward to more people taking charge of their journey, embrace the opportunities and challenges ahead, and grow in confidence along the way.

• Thank you.