Nurturing youth leaders to build a better Singapore

Mr Tee Tua Ba, Chairman of Singapore Red Cross,
Mr Alexander Charles Louis, Secretary General of United Nations Association of Singapore, 
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. Good morning. It is my pleasure to join you at the second edition of the Peer-to-Peer Red Cross Youth Symposium. Apart from about 80 Singaporean Red Cross Youth members and volunteers with us today, I understand that we have friends from Southeast Asia, Japan and Hong Kong too. To our friends from overseas – a warm welcome from Singapore!

Shaping lives and broadening horizons of youth

2. Since 1952, Red Cross Youth has been shaping the lives of our youth by instilling in them the importance of learning first aid, donating blood and engaging in community service. Their community service efforts also extend beyond our shores. Red Cross Youth have taken part in community service initiatives in South East Asian countries too, for example, advocating the importance of safety and hygiene in schools, building libraries and playgrounds, and conducting evacuation drills. In doing so, our youth broaden their horizons and forge valuable friendships.

3. This symposium is an extension of the efforts of Red Cross Youth in nurturing youth leaders. I am especially heartened by the fact that the focus of this year’s symposium is on social inclusion. Later on, you will be hearing from two special guests from the Philippines, Brina and Sashi. They are youth leaders from the Special Olympics, and I am sure they will have valuable experiences to share on how we can foster social inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities.

Making Singapore a more inclusive and caring nation

4. At the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, we also believe in making Singapore a more inclusive and caring nation, through the arts, sports, volunteerism, community and youth engagement. Singapore has just successfully hosted the 8th ASEAN Para Games. Apart from showcasing fantastic performances from regional and Singaporean athletes, the APG opened the hearts and minds of everyone watching the Games. I believe everyone will agree that when we look at many of our para athletes, we do not see them as persons with disabilities. Instead, we recognise them as confident, talented individuals who are part of our community.

Inspiring youth to give back to our community

5. I hope this Symposium will inspire you to give back to the community. I understand the organisers have incorporated volunteerism opportunities at the Red Cross Home for the Disabled as part of the programme. In addition, you can consider joining Youth Corps Singapore, where you can meet fellow passionate youth leaders to work on projects that address our community needs. Youth Corps Singapore members have been active in the region as well. In this month alone, we have 6 teams involved in various projects to improve the lives of communities in Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar.

6. I would also urge you to participate in SGfuture, a series of engagement sessions where you will be able to voice your ideas on how to build a better Singapore. As future leaders of Singapore, you have an important role to play in writing the next chapter of Singapore’s story.

7. Finally, I would like to thank the organisers for the opportunity to speak with you today. I hope this symposium will become an important platform for you to share ideas and renew your commitment to serve our community. Thank you, and I wish you a fruitful day ahead.