Remarks by Mr Baey Yam Keng, Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth, at The Red Cross Youth P2P Symposium, at Nanyang Technological University
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,
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.
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.
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.
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.