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Quiet Friction — Reflections on Youth Stress, Resilience, and Well-Being

10 Jun 2026

10 June 2026

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Quiet Friction — Reflections on Youth Stress, Resilience, and Well-Being

The culture of coping amongst young people — when fortitude muddles into quiet friction.

For many young people today, stress is no longer viewed as unusual — it is expected. In some cases, even worn as a marker of effort, productivity, and doing well.

This report explores the quiet normalisation of stress among youths, the way resilience is shaped by performance culture, and the tension between merely coping and meaningfully growing. Through perspectives gathered from secondary school youths in Singapore, the findings invite deeper reflection on how young people interpret pressure, recovery, self-care, and support in their everyday environments.

Where does fortitude end, and friction begin?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read the full report here

more

Quiet Friction — Reflections on Youth Stress, Resilience, and Well-Being

The culture of coping amongst young people — when fortitude muddles into quiet friction.

For many young people today, stress is no longer viewed as unusual — it is expected. In some cases, even worn as a marker of effort, productivity, and doing well.

This report explores the quiet normalisation of stress among youths, the way resilience is shaped by performance culture, and the tension between merely coping and meaningfully growing. Through perspectives gathered from secondary school youths in Singapore, the findings invite deeper reflection on how young people interpret pressure, recovery, self-care, and support in their everyday environments.

Where does fortitude end, and friction begin?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read the full report here

Cherie Tseng on Polarities: Navigating a World of Competing Demands

20 May 2026

20 May 2026

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Cherie Tseng on Polarities: Navigating a World of Competing Demands

Our world is moving faster, louder, and more polarised — and it often rewards people who sound certain. But young people are growing up inside realities that aren’t neat: they’re navigating identity and belonging, performance and wellbeing, independence and teamwork, leading and listening — sometimes all at once.

In this conversation, Halogen Board Member Cherie Tseng introduces a simple but powerful lens: polarities. Not problems to solve, but tensions to manage — with judgement and maturity. It’s a way of thinking that helps young people stay engaged with complexity without becoming overly rigid, cynical, or even overwhelmed.

Q: For someone hearing the term for the first time, how would you explain a “polarity” in simple terms — and how is it different from a problem that can be solved?

A problem is something you can solve. “We need a date for a meeting.” “We need a vendor.” You fix it, and the problem goes away. A polarity is different. It’s a tension between two things — think of them as poles pulling you in different directions. You don’t solve it. You manage it, you balance it.

A very clear polarity is independence and teamwork. You can’t only be independent — you’ll become isolated. You also can’t only be a team player — you’ll lose ownership. Too much of either pole creates issues. So the question becomes: how do we balance, and how do we move between the poles depending on what the situation needs?

Q: Much of the world encourages us to think in binaries — right or wrong, progress or tradition. Why do you think either/or thinking can sometimes limit the way we lead and make decisions?

To be fair, either/or thinking has its place. Like: do you want char kway teow, or do you want pasta?

But real life often isn’t dinner. Real life is: can we go somewhere that serves both?

Either/or can feel overly efficient. It simplifies things unnecessarily — or worse, it simplifies reality in a way that forces us to choose prematurely. And when you choose prematurely, you can create other issues further down the road. A lot of leadership bumps happen because people believe they have to make a choice, instead of recognising they’re holding a polarity that needs to be managed.

Q: You often write about competing truths. Do you think people are becoming less comfortable with nuance — and what does that mean for young people growing up now?

The world is faster and louder, and social media rewards certainty — “this is my take”, “this is what’s right.”

But life hasn’t become simpler — it’s become more complex. Young people are growing up in a world that demands quick answers, but actually requires better judgement.

They also meet polarities early: identity and belonging, independence and hierarchy, performance and wellbeing, expectations and self-worth. If the only tool they have is “choose a side and pick a team,” thinking becomes rigid — and rigidity can lead to burnout.

Polarity thinking helps them stay engaged without becoming cynical or overwhelmed. It lets them say, “I can be both an independent worker and a team player.” That fluidity gives them range — and it helps them respond based on what the circumstance requires.

“Young people are growing up in a world that demands quick answers, but actually requires better judgement.”

Q: Halogen’s Polarities programme introduces a “both/and” approach. Why is this especially important for students navigating a fast-moving, uncertain and polarised world?

Because it helps them feel less boxed in. It gives freedom — but it doesn’t remove accountability. It gives them range.

When you say, “I either have to be a team player or an independent worker,” you’re forcing a blanket rule and a singular identity: “I’m an independent thinker”, full stop. But people aren’t like that. We’re both.

Polarities is a toward movement instead of an away movement. You’re not stuck in a permanent tug-of-war. You can move. That ability to shift — intentionally — is important.

Q: What are some common polarities that show up in young people’s everyday lives — in school, leadership, friendships, or in how they see themselves?

One big one is doing well and being well. In my generation, we joke about “work-life balance” — but the truth is, your life can become your work. Older mindsets might be: work hard for 30 years, retire at 50, then finally live. Young people see that and go, “I don’t want that.” So you get cycles of: work, burn out, quit, repeat.

For students, it shows up during exams: “doing” rises and “being” drops. You can’t eliminate the tension — you learn to rebalance.

Another big one is fitting in and being yourself. It’s not new — but the boxes we try to put people in are getting tighter, while the world is becoming more fluid and interconnected.

A third one is leading and listening. Young people are encouraged to lead, but many still inherit a pyramid model — one person speaks, everyone follows. In real leadership, listening isn’t optional. People often listen to reply, not to understand. If you ask me, it’s closer to a 80/20 ratio: 80% listening, 20% action.

“When you say, “I either have to be a team player or an independent worker,” you’re forcing a blanket rule and a singular identity. But people aren’t like that. We’re both.”

Q: When young people encounter tension, their instinct may be to resolve it quickly or choose a side. How does polarity thinking help them pause and respond more wisely?

It creates a pause — and that pause matters. Young people see a lot online: conflict, war, constant commentary. It can feel like if you don’t have a hot take, you’re not “in”, or not wise, or not part of the conversation.

But many issues are nuanced and multifaceted — history, politics, religion, social dynamics. Expecting a young person to arrive at a neat, singular stance immediately can place unrealistic pressure on them.

Polarity thinking helps them see: it’s okay not to force a position on everything. Sometimes wisdom is restraint. Sometimes support is quiet. Sometimes silence creates space for people who know more — or are more directly affected — to be heard.

Q: We often celebrate decisiveness in leadership, but not always discernment. What does it look like for a young leader to hold tension well?

We reward a world where people speak fast and loud and get their way. But discernment is different — it's diagnosis. It’s awareness. It’s choosing wisely.

To be fair, in a crisis you do have to act fast. But many wise leaders act fast because they’ve done deep thinking long before the moment arrived. They’ve built judgement over time.

For young people, it can feel scary — especially in public — because they feel they must be correct. Then they dig their heels in because they don’t want to be wrong.

So we need to hold space for young people to fumble, explore, be slower, even meander — without penalising them for learning in public. Schools can help by rewarding processes, not just “getting it right.” Failure is normal; it should be embraced.

Growth can feel like muscle ache. If you’re stretching muscles you haven’t used before, discomfort can mean you’re doing it right — you’re growing.

“Discomfort can mean you’re doing it right — you’re growing.”

Q: Looking at what’s happening in the world today, where do you think a polarity lens helps young people think more clearly and compassionately?

It gives permission to hold two seemingly conflicting emotions at the same time. You can feel grief, anger, and confusion all at once without rushing to flatten everything into a single “right” reaction. You can want something deeply, while recognising why someone else may not.

It gives perspective. And it reminds us, life doesn’t have a single answer. Human dynamics live in ambiguity. Feelings live in nuance.

Q: If there’s one mindset shift you hope young people leave with after a Polarities session, what would it be?

I think everyone already knows polarities — they’ve been living with it.

Think of the duck-rabbit illusion, or the black-and-blue dress. One person sees one thing, another person sees something else, and they try to convince each other they’re right. Then there’s an “aha” moment — and it’s gratifying.

That “aha” is what drives me. Polarities is a practice. You see it everywhere: old buildings preserved, yet modern. Materials you think shouldn’t go together — like wood and metal — but they do.

If there’s one thing I hope young people keep, it is the permission to hold both/and — and to keep practising it.

Keen to explore Polarities with your students or team? We’d love to share what a Polarities session could look like in your context, whether you’re an educator, school leader, or partner organisation. Reach out to us here →

more

Cherie Tseng on Polarities: Navigating a World of Competing Demands

Our world is moving faster, louder, and more polarised — and it often rewards people who sound certain. But young people are growing up inside realities that aren’t neat: they’re navigating identity and belonging, performance and wellbeing, independence and teamwork, leading and listening — sometimes all at once.

In this conversation, Halogen Board Member Cherie Tseng introduces a simple but powerful lens: polarities. Not problems to solve, but tensions to manage — with judgement and maturity. It’s a way of thinking that helps young people stay engaged with complexity without becoming overly rigid, cynical, or even overwhelmed.

Q: For someone hearing the term for the first time, how would you explain a “polarity” in simple terms — and how is it different from a problem that can be solved?

A problem is something you can solve. “We need a date for a meeting.” “We need a vendor.” You fix it, and the problem goes away. A polarity is different. It’s a tension between two things — think of them as poles pulling you in different directions. You don’t solve it. You manage it, you balance it.

A very clear polarity is independence and teamwork. You can’t only be independent — you’ll become isolated. You also can’t only be a team player — you’ll lose ownership. Too much of either pole creates issues. So the question becomes: how do we balance, and how do we move between the poles depending on what the situation needs?

Q: Much of the world encourages us to think in binaries — right or wrong, progress or tradition. Why do you think either/or thinking can sometimes limit the way we lead and make decisions?

To be fair, either/or thinking has its place. Like: do you want char kway teow, or do you want pasta?

But real life often isn’t dinner. Real life is: can we go somewhere that serves both?

Either/or can feel overly efficient. It simplifies things unnecessarily — or worse, it simplifies reality in a way that forces us to choose prematurely. And when you choose prematurely, you can create other issues further down the road. A lot of leadership bumps happen because people believe they have to make a choice, instead of recognising they’re holding a polarity that needs to be managed.

Q: You often write about competing truths. Do you think people are becoming less comfortable with nuance — and what does that mean for young people growing up now?

The world is faster and louder, and social media rewards certainty — “this is my take”, “this is what’s right.”

But life hasn’t become simpler — it’s become more complex. Young people are growing up in a world that demands quick answers, but actually requires better judgement.

They also meet polarities early: identity and belonging, independence and hierarchy, performance and wellbeing, expectations and self-worth. If the only tool they have is “choose a side and pick a team,” thinking becomes rigid — and rigidity can lead to burnout.

Polarity thinking helps them stay engaged without becoming cynical or overwhelmed. It lets them say, “I can be both an independent worker and a team player.” That fluidity gives them range — and it helps them respond based on what the circumstance requires.

“Young people are growing up in a world that demands quick answers, but actually requires better judgement.”

Q: Halogen’s Polarities programme introduces a “both/and” approach. Why is this especially important for students navigating a fast-moving, uncertain and polarised world?

Because it helps them feel less boxed in. It gives freedom — but it doesn’t remove accountability. It gives them range.

When you say, “I either have to be a team player or an independent worker,” you’re forcing a blanket rule and a singular identity: “I’m an independent thinker”, full stop. But people aren’t like that. We’re both.

Polarities is a toward movement instead of an away movement. You’re not stuck in a permanent tug-of-war. You can move. That ability to shift — intentionally — is important.

Q: What are some common polarities that show up in young people’s everyday lives — in school, leadership, friendships, or in how they see themselves?

One big one is doing well and being well. In my generation, we joke about “work-life balance” — but the truth is, your life can become your work. Older mindsets might be: work hard for 30 years, retire at 50, then finally live. Young people see that and go, “I don’t want that.” So you get cycles of: work, burn out, quit, repeat.

For students, it shows up during exams: “doing” rises and “being” drops. You can’t eliminate the tension — you learn to rebalance.

Another big one is fitting in and being yourself. It’s not new — but the boxes we try to put people in are getting tighter, while the world is becoming more fluid and interconnected.

A third one is leading and listening. Young people are encouraged to lead, but many still inherit a pyramid model — one person speaks, everyone follows. In real leadership, listening isn’t optional. People often listen to reply, not to understand. If you ask me, it’s closer to a 80/20 ratio: 80% listening, 20% action.

“When you say, “I either have to be a team player or an independent worker,” you’re forcing a blanket rule and a singular identity. But people aren’t like that. We’re both.”

Q: When young people encounter tension, their instinct may be to resolve it quickly or choose a side. How does polarity thinking help them pause and respond more wisely?

It creates a pause — and that pause matters. Young people see a lot online: conflict, war, constant commentary. It can feel like if you don’t have a hot take, you’re not “in”, or not wise, or not part of the conversation.

But many issues are nuanced and multifaceted — history, politics, religion, social dynamics. Expecting a young person to arrive at a neat, singular stance immediately can place unrealistic pressure on them.

Polarity thinking helps them see: it’s okay not to force a position on everything. Sometimes wisdom is restraint. Sometimes support is quiet. Sometimes silence creates space for people who know more — or are more directly affected — to be heard.

Q: We often celebrate decisiveness in leadership, but not always discernment. What does it look like for a young leader to hold tension well?

We reward a world where people speak fast and loud and get their way. But discernment is different — it's diagnosis. It’s awareness. It’s choosing wisely.

To be fair, in a crisis you do have to act fast. But many wise leaders act fast because they’ve done deep thinking long before the moment arrived. They’ve built judgement over time.

For young people, it can feel scary — especially in public — because they feel they must be correct. Then they dig their heels in because they don’t want to be wrong.

So we need to hold space for young people to fumble, explore, be slower, even meander — without penalising them for learning in public. Schools can help by rewarding processes, not just “getting it right.” Failure is normal; it should be embraced.

Growth can feel like muscle ache. If you’re stretching muscles you haven’t used before, discomfort can mean you’re doing it right — you’re growing.

“Discomfort can mean you’re doing it right — you’re growing.”

Q: Looking at what’s happening in the world today, where do you think a polarity lens helps young people think more clearly and compassionately?

It gives permission to hold two seemingly conflicting emotions at the same time. You can feel grief, anger, and confusion all at once without rushing to flatten everything into a single “right” reaction. You can want something deeply, while recognising why someone else may not.

It gives perspective. And it reminds us, life doesn’t have a single answer. Human dynamics live in ambiguity. Feelings live in nuance.

Q: If there’s one mindset shift you hope young people leave with after a Polarities session, what would it be?

I think everyone already knows polarities — they’ve been living with it.

Think of the duck-rabbit illusion, or the black-and-blue dress. One person sees one thing, another person sees something else, and they try to convince each other they’re right. Then there’s an “aha” moment — and it’s gratifying.

That “aha” is what drives me. Polarities is a practice. You see it everywhere: old buildings preserved, yet modern. Materials you think shouldn’t go together — like wood and metal — but they do.

If there’s one thing I hope young people keep, it is the permission to hold both/and — and to keep practising it.

Keen to explore Polarities with your students or team? We’d love to share what a Polarities session could look like in your context, whether you’re an educator, school leader, or partner organisation. Reach out to us here →

[Announcement]  5% Adjustment Across our Paid Programmes

13 May 2026

13 May, 2026

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[Announcement]  5% Adjustment Across our Paid Programmes

We would like to share an upcoming update regarding Halogen’s programme fees.

With effect from 1 July 2026, there will be a 5% adjustment across our paid programmes.

Over the past few years, Halogen has made a deliberate effort to keep programme fees stable, while continuing to invest in the quality, relevance, and delivery of our programmes. During this period, we have absorbed increases in operating costs across programme delivery, logistics, and production.

As operating costs continue to rise across the sector, this adjustment allows us to sustain the quality and consistency of our programmes, while continuing to support meaningful outcomes for the young people we serve.

We understand that adjustments require planning, and have introduced a transition window to support our partners.

All programmes confirmed before 1 July 2026 will continue at current rates.

As a charity, Halogen’s work is supported through a combination of partnerships, programme delivery, and philanthropic support. This balanced model enables us to maintain both accessibility and impact, while continuing to develop programmes that meet evolving needs.

We have implemented this adjustment with careful consideration, and remain committed to:

  • Keeping our programmes accessible
  • Delivering strong outcomes for participants
  • Working closely with partners to maximise value

We appreciate your continued partnership and support. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss upcoming programmes, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

Warm regards,
Halogen

more

[Announcement]  5% Adjustment Across our Paid Programmes

We would like to share an upcoming update regarding Halogen’s programme fees.

With effect from 1 July 2026, there will be a 5% adjustment across our paid programmes.

Over the past few years, Halogen has made a deliberate effort to keep programme fees stable, while continuing to invest in the quality, relevance, and delivery of our programmes. During this period, we have absorbed increases in operating costs across programme delivery, logistics, and production.

As operating costs continue to rise across the sector, this adjustment allows us to sustain the quality and consistency of our programmes, while continuing to support meaningful outcomes for the young people we serve.

We understand that adjustments require planning, and have introduced a transition window to support our partners.

All programmes confirmed before 1 July 2026 will continue at current rates.

As a charity, Halogen’s work is supported through a combination of partnerships, programme delivery, and philanthropic support. This balanced model enables us to maintain both accessibility and impact, while continuing to develop programmes that meet evolving needs.

We have implemented this adjustment with careful consideration, and remain committed to:

  • Keeping our programmes accessible
  • Delivering strong outcomes for participants
  • Working closely with partners to maximise value

We appreciate your continued partnership and support. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss upcoming programmes, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

Warm regards,
Halogen

Prisca Roshini: What Do You Do With Self-Doubt?

08 May 2026

8 May 2026

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Prisca Roshini: What Do You Do With Self-Doubt?

Prisca-Roshini-Halogen-Office-NFTE-NYEC-Winner-2025-Interview

This Pocket Insight features Prisca Roshini, Global Young Entrepreneur (GYE) and champion of Halogen’s 2025 NFTE Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (NYEC), with her winning idea – AI Tutor Buddy, a study app designed to make learning more affordable.

In this article, we follow the Changkat Changi Secondary School student through her journey in the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) programme – from navigating self-doubt and reframing criticism, to finding her footing on a global stage.

Learning to Reframe Criticism

Roshini was not used to speaking up — not in rooms where everyone else seemed so certain, and especially when the spotlight turned to her. 

The question wasn’t meant to throw her off, but when a corporate volunteer probed what guarantee Roshini had that her business idea would thrive during a NFTE work session, she realised she didn’t have an answer. For 15-year-old Roshini, this uncertainty rattled the confidence she had been developing in her pitch for months.

Little did she know this would set her on a path that opened new doors far beyond the classroom and Singapore.

Another corporate volunteer later reframed the exchange for her. The question, they explained, wasn’t something to defend against, but something to work with. Instead of pushing back, Roshini was encouraged to find her own answer, and in turn, strengthen her idea in ways she hadn’t considered. 

“I wanted to solve the problems that teenagers were facing. That's what helped me to grow as a person.”

(above: Roshini pitching the problem statement of her business idea to a panel of judges at the 2025 NYEC quarter-finals.)

Roshini not only deepened her understanding of building a business plan, but changed the way she worked through uncertainty and arrived at her own answers. It eventually led her to win NYEC 2026 against participants from 17 schools across Singapore.

Finding her Footing

Iteration after iteration, pitch after pitch, she made it through the quarter finals, then the semi finals – surprising even herself. Roshini had not expected to come this far during NYEC. 

By the time she found herself under the stage lights during the grand finale, competing alongside the other top five finalists with hundreds watching, she caught herself mid-pitch. It was this moment Roshini realised that even in a room full of people who seemed so bold and certain, she was up there with them, sharing her ideas with a conviction she once doubted.

(above: Roshini advancing to the NYEC 2025 grand finale stage, pitching her business plan as one of the top six contestants.)

“I myself couldn't believe it. That was me presenting on stage. I was very taken aback because I think I wasn't the person who always picked up my thoughts. But to see myself on the stage and to hear myself – I'm like, oh, I am capable of this. I just need to step outside my comfort zone with the right people supporting me.”

Reflecting on this, Roshini also shared:

Before attending NYEC, I looked at criticism as a way for a person to point out my flaws. Like they don’t believe in you. But criticism is what made me stronger as an individual. Instead of me using that to pull myself down, I push myself up.

More than a Destination

This journey is now taking her to New York – something that means far more than just another destination to check off the bucket list. It has been the city of her dreams since age seven, and earning the chance to fly there on her own merit makes the experience all the more meaningful.

“Going to a country that you dream of and doing something that you love, it’s a really proud feeling that you have… There’s something about going there with your own hard work instead of having your parents provide that for you.”

That sense of pride didn’t come without pressure. At one point during her NFTE experience, it built up enough for her to confide in a Halogen staff, Genevieve, sharing that she didn’t think she could continue, and that she just wanted to go home.

Not Figuring It Out Alone

Instead of relying on words alone, Genevieve, Halogen’s Academy Executive, pulled a whiteboard out and encouraged Roshini to write down everything that was weighing on her. One by one, they unpacked each concern, and every worry crossed off brought her a step closer to believing this was a hurdle she could actually overcome.

Support like this is not incidental. It is built into how Halogen’s programmes are designed, with facilitators, mentors, and educators journeying closely alongside young people as they work through internal and external challenges.

That moment showed her that she didn’t have to figure everything out alone. Alongside the lessons she gained, it was the people who had supported her and cheered her on through this experience that Roshini looks back on fondly.

A purple NYEC keychain she now hangs on her bag serves as a reminder of another person who helped her develop self-confidence – Halogen facilitator, Sakina, who had encouraged her throughout the programme.

“And I clearly remember telling her that purple is my favourite colour.”

(above: Sakina, a Halogen facilitator, cheering the NYEC 2026's top six contestants on during the grand finale.)

Roshini recounted, feeling grateful that her facilitator remembered something seemingly trivial yet meaningful.

As she prepares for the global showcase in New York this November, Roshini is not focusing on merely winning, but on what she can learn from the people she will cross paths with, and on experiencing first-hand the city she has long dreamt of.

“Even if I don’t win, it’s (about) the experience and how I grow as a person.”

Roshini’s journey reflects some of the intangible outcomes Halogen aims to develop in underserved youths through embedding entrepreneurial mindset-building in the education system – growing comfortable navigating ambiguity, and taking ownership of their decisions when there are no clear paths forward.

Somewhere along the way, it stopped being about having the right answers, and more about focusing on what her ideas could actually do for the people around her.

(above: Upon being announced champion at NYEC 2025, Roshini walks to the stage to receive her award, unaware in the moment that her father cheers her on proudly from the back.)

To 2026’s NFTE participants, here’s a word of encouragement from Roshini:

“I didn’t expect myself to come this far. If you think that you can’t do it, just believe in yourself. Put your heart and soul in the right place and you will go to many, many places.”

Roshini’s journey continues in New York this November 2026 – follow @halogensg on Instagram to see where it takes her next!

Don’t leave change to chance. 

You can help turn bold ideas into real-world impact. Whether through mentorship, funding, or partnership, play a part in shaping the next generation of changemakers today.

Join us in empowering youth like Roshini to grow into the people they didn’t think they could be.

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Prisca Roshini: What Do You Do With Self-Doubt?

This Pocket Insight features Prisca Roshini, Global Young Entrepreneur (GYE) and champion of Halogen’s 2025 NFTE Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (NYEC), with her winning idea – AI Tutor Buddy, a study app designed to make learning more affordable.

In this article, we follow the Changkat Changi Secondary School student through her journey in the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) programme – from navigating self-doubt and reframing criticism, to finding her footing on a global stage.

Learning to Reframe Criticism

Roshini was not used to speaking up — not in rooms where everyone else seemed so certain, and especially when the spotlight turned to her. 

The question wasn’t meant to throw her off, but when a corporate volunteer probed what guarantee Roshini had that her business idea would thrive during a NFTE work session, she realised she didn’t have an answer. For 15-year-old Roshini, this uncertainty rattled the confidence she had been developing in her pitch for months.

Little did she know this would set her on a path that opened new doors far beyond the classroom and Singapore.

Another corporate volunteer later reframed the exchange for her. The question, they explained, wasn’t something to defend against, but something to work with. Instead of pushing back, Roshini was encouraged to find her own answer, and in turn, strengthen her idea in ways she hadn’t considered. 

“I wanted to solve the problems that teenagers were facing. That's what helped me to grow as a person.”

(above: Roshini pitching the problem statement of her business idea to a panel of judges at the 2025 NYEC quarter-finals.)

Roshini not only deepened her understanding of building a business plan, but changed the way she worked through uncertainty and arrived at her own answers. It eventually led her to win NYEC 2026 against participants from 17 schools across Singapore.

Finding her Footing

Iteration after iteration, pitch after pitch, she made it through the quarter finals, then the semi finals – surprising even herself. Roshini had not expected to come this far during NYEC. 

By the time she found herself under the stage lights during the grand finale, competing alongside the other top five finalists with hundreds watching, she caught herself mid-pitch. It was this moment Roshini realised that even in a room full of people who seemed so bold and certain, she was up there with them, sharing her ideas with a conviction she once doubted.

(above: Roshini advancing to the NYEC 2025 grand finale stage, pitching her business plan as one of the top six contestants.)

“I myself couldn't believe it. That was me presenting on stage. I was very taken aback because I think I wasn't the person who always picked up my thoughts. But to see myself on the stage and to hear myself – I'm like, oh, I am capable of this. I just need to step outside my comfort zone with the right people supporting me.”

Reflecting on this, Roshini also shared:

Before attending NYEC, I looked at criticism as a way for a person to point out my flaws. Like they don’t believe in you. But criticism is what made me stronger as an individual. Instead of me using that to pull myself down, I push myself up.

More than a Destination

This journey is now taking her to New York – something that means far more than just another destination to check off the bucket list. It has been the city of her dreams since age seven, and earning the chance to fly there on her own merit makes the experience all the more meaningful.

“Going to a country that you dream of and doing something that you love, it’s a really proud feeling that you have… There’s something about going there with your own hard work instead of having your parents provide that for you.”

That sense of pride didn’t come without pressure. At one point during her NFTE experience, it built up enough for her to confide in a Halogen staff, Genevieve, sharing that she didn’t think she could continue, and that she just wanted to go home.

Not Figuring It Out Alone

Instead of relying on words alone, Genevieve, Halogen’s Academy Executive, pulled a whiteboard out and encouraged Roshini to write down everything that was weighing on her. One by one, they unpacked each concern, and every worry crossed off brought her a step closer to believing this was a hurdle she could actually overcome.

Support like this is not incidental. It is built into how Halogen’s programmes are designed, with facilitators, mentors, and educators journeying closely alongside young people as they work through internal and external challenges.

That moment showed her that she didn’t have to figure everything out alone. Alongside the lessons she gained, it was the people who had supported her and cheered her on through this experience that Roshini looks back on fondly.

A purple NYEC keychain she now hangs on her bag serves as a reminder of another person who helped her develop self-confidence – Halogen facilitator, Sakina, who had encouraged her throughout the programme.

“And I clearly remember telling her that purple is my favourite colour.”

(above: Sakina, a Halogen facilitator, cheering the NYEC 2026's top six contestants on during the grand finale.)

Roshini recounted, feeling grateful that her facilitator remembered something seemingly trivial yet meaningful.

As she prepares for the global showcase in New York this November, Roshini is not focusing on merely winning, but on what she can learn from the people she will cross paths with, and on experiencing first-hand the city she has long dreamt of.

“Even if I don’t win, it’s (about) the experience and how I grow as a person.”

Roshini’s journey reflects some of the intangible outcomes Halogen aims to develop in underserved youths through embedding entrepreneurial mindset-building in the education system – growing comfortable navigating ambiguity, and taking ownership of their decisions when there are no clear paths forward.

Somewhere along the way, it stopped being about having the right answers, and more about focusing on what her ideas could actually do for the people around her.

(above: Upon being announced champion at NYEC 2025, Roshini walks to the stage to receive her award, unaware in the moment that her father cheers her on proudly from the back.)

To 2026’s NFTE participants, here’s a word of encouragement from Roshini:

“I didn’t expect myself to come this far. If you think that you can’t do it, just believe in yourself. Put your heart and soul in the right place and you will go to many, many places.”

Roshini’s journey continues in New York this November 2026 – follow @halogensg on Instagram to see where it takes her next!

Don’t leave change to chance. 

You can help turn bold ideas into real-world impact. Whether through mentorship, funding, or partnership, play a part in shaping the next generation of changemakers today.

Join us in empowering youth like Roshini to grow into the people they didn’t think they could be.

Split Screens — The Polarised Realities of Youth in a Tech-Driven World

24 Feb 2026

24 February 2026

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Split Screens — The Polarised Realities of Youth in a Tech-Driven World

Young people in Singapore are growing up in a technology-saturated environment where smartphones, social media, and artificial intelligence shape not only how they learn, but how they see themselves and the world around them.

Drawing from surveys of over 3,000 youths and focus group discussions, this report offers an in-depth look at how young people engage with these digital tools and the complex tensions that define growing up in a hyperconnected world.

Capturing youths’ own beliefs and mindsets, it surfaces the polarities that shape their digital lives and lays a foundation for helping young people thrive with technology in ways that protect their growth, creativity, and authentic human connection.

 

 

 

 

 

Read the full report here

more

Split Screens — The Polarised Realities of Youth in a Tech-Driven World

Young people in Singapore are growing up in a technology-saturated environment where smartphones, social media, and artificial intelligence shape not only how they learn, but how they see themselves and the world around them.

Drawing from surveys of over 3,000 youths and focus group discussions, this report offers an in-depth look at how young people engage with these digital tools and the complex tensions that define growing up in a hyperconnected world.

Capturing youths’ own beliefs and mindsets, it surfaces the polarities that shape their digital lives and lays a foundation for helping young people thrive with technology in ways that protect their growth, creativity, and authentic human connection.

 

 

 

 

 

Read the full report here

A Decade of Entrepreneurship: The Ripple Effect of NFTE in Singapore

23 Dec 2025

23 December 2025

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more

A Decade of Entrepreneurship: The Ripple Effect of NFTE in Singapore

(above: Student finalists of NYEC 2025: Roshini, Faiz and Harell)

Ten years on, what difference does one entrepreneurship class really make?

For the thousands of students, educators, and volunteers who’ve walked through Halogen’s Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE—pronounced, “nifty”) programme, the answer lies not just in business plans and profit margins—but in mindsets changed, and confidence built, and futures rewritten.

Since its launch in 2013, NFTE—brought in and championed by Halogen Singapore—has reached over 5,000 young people, equipping them with the tools to think creatively, solve problems, and believe in their potential.

At its core, NFTE is not about turning every student into an entrepreneur. It is about cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset — one that enables young people to question assumptions, spot opportunities, take ownership of their ideas, and persist through uncertainty.

This mindset is what fuels innovation, whether in a business idea, a classroom presentation, or a young person finding their voice in a world that demands adaptability, courage, and clarity of thought.

The Student: From Hesitation to Confidence

(above: Prisca Roshini pitching her winning business idea on stage at NYEC 2025)

When Prisca Roshini from Changkat Changi Secondary School first joined NFTE, she never imagined she would one day represent Singapore on a global stage.

“I’m feeling very proud,” she said after being named Global Young Entrepreneur (Singapore) 2025. “I didn’t expect myself to come this far. My parents, my teacher, and my friends—they all believed in me when I couldn’t.”

Her business idea was a friendly AI Tutor Buddy designed to support introverted students, and it clinched her the first prize at the NFTE Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (NYEC). “If you think you can’t do it, just believe in yourself, put your heart and soul in the right place, and you’ll go to many, many places,” she added.

Her parents’ pride mirrors the transformation many NFTE families witness. “She’s really amazed us,” shared her mother. “This opportunity helped her come out of her comfort zone.” Her father added, “I always tell her, if you want to do something, you must believe it’s your own—and you’ll succeed.”

(above: Harrell receives his certificate of completion for the NFTE programme)

For another finalist, Harell from St Andrew’s Secondary School, NFTE became a turning point in finding confidence. Inspired by his father’s hearing difficulties, he created an earbud with vibration chips to help people with hearing loss enjoy music. “Before this, I was very introverted,” he admitted. “Through all the presentations and encouragement from facilitators, I became more comfortable talking to people. I cherish that the most.”

(above: Ahmad Faiz wins the Ann Tan Inspire Excellence Award, and Most Investible Idea Award)

And for Ahmad Faiz, winner of the Ann Tan Inspire Excellence Award and Most Investible Idea Award, the programme ignited a spark that extended beyond the competition.

“Winning this award helped me improve as a person,” he said. “NFTE taught me to go out of my comfort zone. My message to others? Just do it. You’ll never get another opportunity quite like this.”

Across these stories, the pattern is clear. When young people learn to think like entrepreneurs, they begin to see challenges as solvable, ideas as worth sharing, and themselves as capable of shaping change — not just responding to it.

The Alumni: A Decade in the Making

(above: Xavier Tan, entrepreneur and NFTE alumnus from year 2015)

Xavier Tan knows exactly how far one NFTE class can take you. 

He first joined Halogen’s NFTE programme in 2015 as a 16-year-old navigating family challenges. “It was a turning point,” he recalled. “Through NFTE, I found ways to pull myself out of negativity. It changed my perspective. I was so motivated to find things I’m passionate about and go all in.”

Representing Singapore at the World Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge in New York City, Xavier found inspiration in the global energy of the community. “I saw that people had faith and confidence in youth,” he said. “After that trip I told myself, I’m going to start a business.”

Today, Xavier is the founder and CEO of Echante Communication Topographic Apparel and Rive Gauche Club (London). “Through entrepreneurship, I discovered perseverance,” he reflected. “If you don’t try, you’ll never know. NFTE and Halogen really kickstarted that adrenaline for me to go for it.”

His story embodies the Power of a Decade; proof that one programme can plant seeds that grow into lifelong purpose.

The Educator: Growing Beyond Grades

(above: Mr Ammar pictured on the most right with Edgefield secondary school student Mabel, who won NYEC 2024)

For Mr Ammar, an educator at Edgefield Secondary School and long-time NFTE champion, the programme redefines what learning can be.

“It offers students a chance to grow beyond the traditional classroom,” he shared. “We’ve seen quiet students take the lead, and others find talents they never knew they had.”

Since joining NFTE in 2018, Mr Ammar has guided multiple cohorts, including Mabel, Singapore’s 2024 Global Young Entrepreneur. “Mabel started out timid and reserved,” he recalled. “But through NFTE, through pitching, feedback, and mentoring; she grew into someone confident enough to share her ideas on stage and even go on a radio interview.”

He believes NFTE aligns perfectly with Singapore’s evolving education landscape. “Our system today values growth, adaptability, and real-world learning. NFTE builds entrepreneurial mindsets that help students face challenges with creativity and optimism. It’s about seeing opportunities, not obstacles.”

The Volunteer: A Ripple Effect of Empathy

Quentin Fouesnant, a corporate volunteer with NFTE for over four years, remembers walking into his first grand finale, not knowing what to expect.

“The energy was incredible,” he said. “Students cheering for one another, transforming from shy to confident—it was so meaningful.”

What keeps him coming back is the connection. “Sometimes, all a young person needs is a little affirmation,” he reflected. “You can see them transform right before your eyes.”

For Quentin, volunteering is as much a learning journey as teaching one. “People think volunteering is about giving, but you receive so much back. NFTE reminds me that youth already have empathy and imagination—we just need to help them see it.

A Decade Forward

From classrooms to boardrooms, from a 16-year-old Xavier in 2015 to Roshini, Faiz, and Harell in 2025, NFTE has shown that entrepreneurship is not just about business—it’s about belief.

A decade on, the true measure of NFTE’s success lies in every young person who’s learnt to think creatively, act boldly, and lead with purpose.

By cultivating entrepreneurial mindsets, Halogen is helping young people fuel innovation and lead change — in classrooms today, workplaces tomorrow, and communities for years to come.


As Halogen looks to the next ten years, its mission remains clear: to keep opening doors for youth, so they can open more for others.

Be part of the next decade.

The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)’s impact is made possible through the generosity of partners, donors, and volunteers who believe in young people before the world does. If you’d like to support, collaborate, or invest in the next generation of changemakers, we’d love to explore how we can create impact together.

more

A Decade of Entrepreneurship: The Ripple Effect of NFTE in Singapore

(above: Student finalists of NYEC 2025: Roshini, Faiz and Harell)

Ten years on, what difference does one entrepreneurship class really make?

For the thousands of students, educators, and volunteers who’ve walked through Halogen’s Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE—pronounced, “nifty”) programme, the answer lies not just in business plans and profit margins—but in mindsets changed, and confidence built, and futures rewritten.

Since its launch in 2013, NFTE—brought in and championed by Halogen Singapore—has reached over 5,000 young people, equipping them with the tools to think creatively, solve problems, and believe in their potential.

At its core, NFTE is not about turning every student into an entrepreneur. It is about cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset — one that enables young people to question assumptions, spot opportunities, take ownership of their ideas, and persist through uncertainty.

This mindset is what fuels innovation, whether in a business idea, a classroom presentation, or a young person finding their voice in a world that demands adaptability, courage, and clarity of thought.

The Student: From Hesitation to Confidence

(above: Prisca Roshini pitching her winning business idea on stage at NYEC 2025)

When Prisca Roshini from Changkat Changi Secondary School first joined NFTE, she never imagined she would one day represent Singapore on a global stage.

“I’m feeling very proud,” she said after being named Global Young Entrepreneur (Singapore) 2025. “I didn’t expect myself to come this far. My parents, my teacher, and my friends—they all believed in me when I couldn’t.”

Her business idea was a friendly AI Tutor Buddy designed to support introverted students, and it clinched her the first prize at the NFTE Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (NYEC). “If you think you can’t do it, just believe in yourself, put your heart and soul in the right place, and you’ll go to many, many places,” she added.

Her parents’ pride mirrors the transformation many NFTE families witness. “She’s really amazed us,” shared her mother. “This opportunity helped her come out of her comfort zone.” Her father added, “I always tell her, if you want to do something, you must believe it’s your own—and you’ll succeed.”

(above: Harrell receives his certificate of completion for the NFTE programme)

For another finalist, Harell from St Andrew’s Secondary School, NFTE became a turning point in finding confidence. Inspired by his father’s hearing difficulties, he created an earbud with vibration chips to help people with hearing loss enjoy music. “Before this, I was very introverted,” he admitted. “Through all the presentations and encouragement from facilitators, I became more comfortable talking to people. I cherish that the most.”

(above: Ahmad Faiz wins the Ann Tan Inspire Excellence Award, and Most Investible Idea Award)

And for Ahmad Faiz, winner of the Ann Tan Inspire Excellence Award and Most Investible Idea Award, the programme ignited a spark that extended beyond the competition.

“Winning this award helped me improve as a person,” he said. “NFTE taught me to go out of my comfort zone. My message to others? Just do it. You’ll never get another opportunity quite like this.”

Across these stories, the pattern is clear. When young people learn to think like entrepreneurs, they begin to see challenges as solvable, ideas as worth sharing, and themselves as capable of shaping change — not just responding to it.

The Alumni: A Decade in the Making

(above: Xavier Tan, entrepreneur and NFTE alumnus from year 2015)

Xavier Tan knows exactly how far one NFTE class can take you. 

He first joined Halogen’s NFTE programme in 2015 as a 16-year-old navigating family challenges. “It was a turning point,” he recalled. “Through NFTE, I found ways to pull myself out of negativity. It changed my perspective. I was so motivated to find things I’m passionate about and go all in.”

Representing Singapore at the World Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge in New York City, Xavier found inspiration in the global energy of the community. “I saw that people had faith and confidence in youth,” he said. “After that trip I told myself, I’m going to start a business.”

Today, Xavier is the founder and CEO of Echante Communication Topographic Apparel and Rive Gauche Club (London). “Through entrepreneurship, I discovered perseverance,” he reflected. “If you don’t try, you’ll never know. NFTE and Halogen really kickstarted that adrenaline for me to go for it.”

His story embodies the Power of a Decade; proof that one programme can plant seeds that grow into lifelong purpose.

The Educator: Growing Beyond Grades

(above: Mr Ammar pictured on the most right with Edgefield secondary school student Mabel, who won NYEC 2024)

For Mr Ammar, an educator at Edgefield Secondary School and long-time NFTE champion, the programme redefines what learning can be.

“It offers students a chance to grow beyond the traditional classroom,” he shared. “We’ve seen quiet students take the lead, and others find talents they never knew they had.”

Since joining NFTE in 2018, Mr Ammar has guided multiple cohorts, including Mabel, Singapore’s 2024 Global Young Entrepreneur. “Mabel started out timid and reserved,” he recalled. “But through NFTE, through pitching, feedback, and mentoring; she grew into someone confident enough to share her ideas on stage and even go on a radio interview.”

He believes NFTE aligns perfectly with Singapore’s evolving education landscape. “Our system today values growth, adaptability, and real-world learning. NFTE builds entrepreneurial mindsets that help students face challenges with creativity and optimism. It’s about seeing opportunities, not obstacles.”

The Volunteer: A Ripple Effect of Empathy

Quentin Fouesnant, a corporate volunteer with NFTE for over four years, remembers walking into his first grand finale, not knowing what to expect.

“The energy was incredible,” he said. “Students cheering for one another, transforming from shy to confident—it was so meaningful.”

What keeps him coming back is the connection. “Sometimes, all a young person needs is a little affirmation,” he reflected. “You can see them transform right before your eyes.”

For Quentin, volunteering is as much a learning journey as teaching one. “People think volunteering is about giving, but you receive so much back. NFTE reminds me that youth already have empathy and imagination—we just need to help them see it.

A Decade Forward

From classrooms to boardrooms, from a 16-year-old Xavier in 2015 to Roshini, Faiz, and Harell in 2025, NFTE has shown that entrepreneurship is not just about business—it’s about belief.

A decade on, the true measure of NFTE’s success lies in every young person who’s learnt to think creatively, act boldly, and lead with purpose.

By cultivating entrepreneurial mindsets, Halogen is helping young people fuel innovation and lead change — in classrooms today, workplaces tomorrow, and communities for years to come.


As Halogen looks to the next ten years, its mission remains clear: to keep opening doors for youth, so they can open more for others.

Be part of the next decade.

The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)’s impact is made possible through the generosity of partners, donors, and volunteers who believe in young people before the world does. If you’d like to support, collaborate, or invest in the next generation of changemakers, we’d love to explore how we can create impact together.

Tatler Singapore: Halogen Charity Golf 2025 raises nearly S$500,000 to empower young changemakers

20 Nov 2025

11 November 2025

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Tatler Singapore: Halogen Charity Golf 2025 raises nearly S$500,000 to empower young changemakers

Golfers tee up for a generation at Halogen's Charity Golf event, 2025

Halogen Singapore successfully concluded its annual Halogen Charity Golf — Tee Up for a Generation, on 30 October 2025 at Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong course, raising a total of SG$488,716.

This year’s tournament marks a meaningful milestone — 10 years of bringing the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) to Singapore, a programme that empowers youth from underserved communities with entrepreneurial thinking, resilience, and practical exposure to the working world.

The 2025 event welcomed Speaker of Parliament, Mr Seah Kian Peng, as Guest-of-Honour, alongside partners, supporters, and corporate leaders who gathered to tee up for a generation.

Halogen extends special appreciation to CIMB Singapore, returning as the event’s Presenting Sponsor, for its steadfast support in advancing youth development. The Foundation also thanks all flight sponsors, donors, volunteers, and programme partners for making this year’s event a success.

Read the full article here

more

Tatler Singapore: Halogen Charity Golf 2025 raises nearly S$500,000 to empower young changemakers

Halogen Singapore successfully concluded its annual Halogen Charity Golf — Tee Up for a Generation, on 30 October 2025 at Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong course, raising a total of SG$488,716.

This year’s tournament marks a meaningful milestone — 10 years of bringing the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) to Singapore, a programme that empowers youth from underserved communities with entrepreneurial thinking, resilience, and practical exposure to the working world.

The 2025 event welcomed Speaker of Parliament, Mr Seah Kian Peng, as Guest-of-Honour, alongside partners, supporters, and corporate leaders who gathered to tee up for a generation.

Halogen extends special appreciation to CIMB Singapore, returning as the event’s Presenting Sponsor, for its steadfast support in advancing youth development. The Foundation also thanks all flight sponsors, donors, volunteers, and programme partners for making this year’s event a success.

Read the full article here

Khittitaj Bunupuradah Proves That Mentorship Can Start Young

04 Nov 2025

4 November 2025

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Khittitaj Bunupuradah Proves That Mentorship Can Start Young

Meet our Halo Youth: Khittitaj (Kendo) Bunupuradah, 18, a Software Engineering student from Bangkok and an ASEAN Fellow in Halogen’s in Halogen’s National Young Leaders Fellowship (NYLF) 2025. In this conversation, he shares his joy for conversation starters, the reason he is passionate about mentoring, and the everyday commute problem he hopes to fix.

Three months ago, 18-year-old Khittitaj Bunupuradah—better known as Kendo—from Bangkok, Thailand, was chosen as one of the 40 youths accepted into the National Young Leaders Fellowship (NYLF) 2025 , a nine-month incubator programme run by Halogen Singapore. The programme recognises and develops outstanding youths aged 15 to 19 who show passion and conviction in helping their communities and tackling societal issues, regardless of academic achievements.

(above: Kendo receiving his Certificate of Appointment from Guest of Honour MOS Rahayu Mahzam, at the NYLF 2025 Awards Ceremony)

A regular day in Kendo’s life starts at 8:00 am, weaving through Bangkok’s bustling streets to Kasetsart University, where he’s now a second-year Software Engineering student. Between coding assignments, mentoring younger students, and jamming on his bass guitar, his days are full—but always purposeful. Before we dive into university life, he reaches for his bass. “Maybe I can play for a bit," he grins—but the AirPods refuse to cooperate, and the sound flakes out. He laughs, apologises, and sets the guitar down. It’s a small but telling moment of his character: playful, unguarded, and comfortable being imperfect in front of others.

His journey into software engineering wasn’t always a straight line. Growing up in a family of doctors, Kendo once thought he’d pursue microbiology, drawn more to the quiet of the lab than the actual subject. But it was only when he started experimenting with coding in robotics and gaming competitions that he discovered how technology could fuel creativity.

At university, he said yes to an AI project on lab-grown meat led by a physics professor, and that experience opened his eyes to how innovation could tangibly impact lives. 

“It was draining, but fun,” he laughs. “I like conversation starters, and this project made me realise just how much I enjoy creating things that get people talking.”

When he talks about technology improving lives, Kendo doesn’t reach for grand theories. He starts with talking about the daily commute in Bangkok. Coming from a middle-income family, he says most daily problems feel small but persistent—like getting home when taxis are impossible to flag, and unnecessary transfers create loss of time and energy.

His idea is practical: an integrated mobility app that stitches taxis, trains, and buses into one experience, with real-time options and simple feedback loops. “I think even just a quick poll at the bus stop could tell planners what riders actually need,” he says.

When classes end, Kendo switches gears, from learner to mentor. He spends some late afternoons as a part-time teaching assistant, coaching Grade 8–9 students in game development, IoRT (Internet of Robotic Things), and robotics. At first, he admits, it was a nice way to earn decent side income while studying, as many young people do. But he soon realised there was something more gratifying. “My father told me that when you first start out, don’t expect to be paid—you’re not good at it yet. What you gain in return is experience. And I realised I have the most fun when my student engages. That’s the best.”

"When you start doing something, what you gain first is experience."

When asked why he wants to volunteer his time mentoring other young people while still a youth himself, his response is simple and matter-of-fact. “As a student myself, I’ve faced countless challenges in my high school years, and one of them was the feeling of being lost,” he muses. Friends, teachers, and school workshops helped him find his grounding. Now, he wants to give back in his own way. 

In the game-development class he teaches, Kendo recounts a student who joined late and, at first, seemed frustrated at every hurdle, convinced that he couldn’t keep up with the rest. When Kendo had to step away for exams, he found himself returning to a different kid: someone who had learnt to replace anger with curiosity, showed a willingness to pair up with his classmates, and even built small systems beyond the curriculum. 

“He wasn’t suddenly perfect,” Kendo adds, “but he’d figured out how to keep practicing.” It’s the moment that stays with him, the quiet shift in belief that with practice, everything is possible. 

Despite his busy schedule, Kendo finds himself reaching for his guitar—a trustworthy companion in musical form, melting away the daily stresses of life. It is also another way he mentors others, passing on skills to peers who are keen to pick up the art. 

When asked what he thought about being a part of the Fellowship (open to youth both in Singapore and across the ASEAN region), Kendo shared what it opened his eyes to: diversity. The programme has allowed him to travel, make friends with like-minded peers from different countries, and expand his perspective and mindset. 

(above: Kendo representing his team during NYLF’s Induction Week)

Through his experiences, Kendo unearthed what leadership truly means to him. “Leadership to me, is to step up. To initiate. People may not take to your idea immediately, but at least it has sparked a beginning,” he said with a serious smile. 

"Leadership to me, means to step up. To spark a beginning."

As to where his journey leads him next, however uncertain the future will be, he earnestly circles back to mentorship. “I’d love to see myself doing more mentorship for the younger generation; anything from career guidance to teaching them specific skills, or even exploring new hobbies. That’s where I see myself.” 

Kendo’s story shows that leadership doesn’t need to wait for titles. You can learn and lift others at the same time. If you’re a young person ready to start, or a professional keen to mentor, there’s room for you here at Halogen.

Find out how you can get involved → 

more

Khittitaj Bunupuradah Proves That Mentorship Can Start Young

Meet our Halo Youth: Khittitaj (Kendo) Bunupuradah, 18, a Software Engineering student from Bangkok and an ASEAN Fellow in Halogen’s in Halogen’s National Young Leaders Fellowship (NYLF) 2025. In this conversation, he shares his joy for conversation starters, the reason he is passionate about mentoring, and the everyday commute problem he hopes to fix.

Three months ago, 18-year-old Khittitaj Bunupuradah—better known as Kendo—from Bangkok, Thailand, was chosen as one of the 40 youths accepted into the National Young Leaders Fellowship (NYLF) 2025 , a nine-month incubator programme run by Halogen Singapore. The programme recognises and develops outstanding youths aged 15 to 19 who show passion and conviction in helping their communities and tackling societal issues, regardless of academic achievements.

(above: Kendo receiving his Certificate of Appointment from Guest of Honour MOS Rahayu Mahzam, at the NYLF 2025 Awards Ceremony)

A regular day in Kendo’s life starts at 8:00 am, weaving through Bangkok’s bustling streets to Kasetsart University, where he’s now a second-year Software Engineering student. Between coding assignments, mentoring younger students, and jamming on his bass guitar, his days are full—but always purposeful. Before we dive into university life, he reaches for his bass. “Maybe I can play for a bit," he grins—but the AirPods refuse to cooperate, and the sound flakes out. He laughs, apologises, and sets the guitar down. It’s a small but telling moment of his character: playful, unguarded, and comfortable being imperfect in front of others.

His journey into software engineering wasn’t always a straight line. Growing up in a family of doctors, Kendo once thought he’d pursue microbiology, drawn more to the quiet of the lab than the actual subject. But it was only when he started experimenting with coding in robotics and gaming competitions that he discovered how technology could fuel creativity.

At university, he said yes to an AI project on lab-grown meat led by a physics professor, and that experience opened his eyes to how innovation could tangibly impact lives. 

“It was draining, but fun,” he laughs. “I like conversation starters, and this project made me realise just how much I enjoy creating things that get people talking.”

When he talks about technology improving lives, Kendo doesn’t reach for grand theories. He starts with talking about the daily commute in Bangkok. Coming from a middle-income family, he says most daily problems feel small but persistent—like getting home when taxis are impossible to flag, and unnecessary transfers create loss of time and energy.

His idea is practical: an integrated mobility app that stitches taxis, trains, and buses into one experience, with real-time options and simple feedback loops. “I think even just a quick poll at the bus stop could tell planners what riders actually need,” he says.

When classes end, Kendo switches gears, from learner to mentor. He spends some late afternoons as a part-time teaching assistant, coaching Grade 8–9 students in game development, IoRT (Internet of Robotic Things), and robotics. At first, he admits, it was a nice way to earn decent side income while studying, as many young people do. But he soon realised there was something more gratifying. “My father told me that when you first start out, don’t expect to be paid—you’re not good at it yet. What you gain in return is experience. And I realised I have the most fun when my student engages. That’s the best.”

"When you start doing something, what you gain first is experience."

When asked why he wants to volunteer his time mentoring other young people while still a youth himself, his response is simple and matter-of-fact. “As a student myself, I’ve faced countless challenges in my high school years, and one of them was the feeling of being lost,” he muses. Friends, teachers, and school workshops helped him find his grounding. Now, he wants to give back in his own way. 

In the game-development class he teaches, Kendo recounts a student who joined late and, at first, seemed frustrated at every hurdle, convinced that he couldn’t keep up with the rest. When Kendo had to step away for exams, he found himself returning to a different kid: someone who had learnt to replace anger with curiosity, showed a willingness to pair up with his classmates, and even built small systems beyond the curriculum. 

“He wasn’t suddenly perfect,” Kendo adds, “but he’d figured out how to keep practicing.” It’s the moment that stays with him, the quiet shift in belief that with practice, everything is possible. 

Despite his busy schedule, Kendo finds himself reaching for his guitar—a trustworthy companion in musical form, melting away the daily stresses of life. It is also another way he mentors others, passing on skills to peers who are keen to pick up the art. 

When asked what he thought about being a part of the Fellowship (open to youth both in Singapore and across the ASEAN region), Kendo shared what it opened his eyes to: diversity. The programme has allowed him to travel, make friends with like-minded peers from different countries, and expand his perspective and mindset. 

(above: Kendo representing his team during NYLF’s Induction Week)

Through his experiences, Kendo unearthed what leadership truly means to him. “Leadership to me, is to step up. To initiate. People may not take to your idea immediately, but at least it has sparked a beginning,” he said with a serious smile. 

"Leadership to me, means to step up. To spark a beginning."

As to where his journey leads him next, however uncertain the future will be, he earnestly circles back to mentorship. “I’d love to see myself doing more mentorship for the younger generation; anything from career guidance to teaching them specific skills, or even exploring new hobbies. That’s where I see myself.” 

Kendo’s story shows that leadership doesn’t need to wait for titles. You can learn and lift others at the same time. If you’re a young person ready to start, or a professional keen to mentor, there’s room for you here at Halogen.

Find out how you can get involved → 

Welcome to The Halopod-cast

09 Oct 2025

10 October 2025

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Welcome to The Halopod-cast

About The Halopod-cast

The Halopod-cast brings together voices shaping the future of leadership and youth development. From classrooms to communities, we explore how Halogen’s work — across programmes, partnerships, and our theory of change — empowers people to lead themselves, and others well.

In The Inner and Outer Leader, we explore Halogen’s attributes-based development framework through stories, anecdotes, and perspectives that highlight how key leadership qualities can shape the personal growth and leadership journeys of young people.

This podcast shares insights and experiences to inspire adults — educators, parents, mentors, and leaders — to see the potential in every young person. Each episode unpacks essential leadership principles, such as emotional intelligence, resilience, and effective communication, offering relatable examples and practical wisdom on nurturing these traits in youth.

By reflecting on both the inner attributes that shape a leader’s character, and the outer behaviours that influence others, The Inner and Outer Leader invites listeners to deepen their understanding of leadership, and the role they play in guiding the next generation. Through real-life stories and meaningful conversations, this series inspires you to connect, lead with empathy, and support young people as they navigate life’s challenges with confidence and purpose.

Episode 1: What Makes a Leader?

🎧 Listen to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Rate us five stars, like, subscribe, and share it with those within your circles of influence!

In this premiere of our new series The Inner & Outer Leader, we explore what leadership truly means for today’s youth with hosts Sean (ex-Halogen staff and educator) and Ella (youth host).

They reflect on their personal leadership journeys, unpack what makes a good leader, and draw parallels between history and today's so-called “strawberry generation”. The episode also introduces Halogen’s Attributes Development Framework – a model designed to help young people lead self, lead others, and lead change. 

Expect an honest take on resilience, self-awareness, and how we can all learn to lead, no matter our age or background.

Episode Highlights:

Sean and Ella share what leadership means to them today, introducing The Inner and Outer Leader model of beliefs, values, behaviours and action. They also reveal Halogen’s unique approach to youth leadership development, unpacking how resilience and the so-called “strawberry generation” fit into the picture. The episode rounds off with a powerful reminder that learning isn’t just important, it’s fundamental to building leadership skills.

Episodes out now

Episode 2 — What If I’m Not Good Enough?

Episode 3 — What Do You Value?

Episode 4 — Learn, Unlearn, Repeat

Episode 5 — How To Own Your Growth

Episode 6 — Can Empathy Change the World?

Episode 7 — The Power of How We Speak

Episode 8 — If Only We Had 36 Hours a Day

Episode 9 — Permission to Imagine

Episode 10 — From Me to We – The Power of Collective Leadership

more

Welcome to The Halopod-cast

About The Halopod-cast

The Halopod-cast brings together voices shaping the future of leadership and youth development. From classrooms to communities, we explore how Halogen’s work — across programmes, partnerships, and our theory of change — empowers people to lead themselves, and others well.

In The Inner and Outer Leader, we explore Halogen’s attributes-based development framework through stories, anecdotes, and perspectives that highlight how key leadership qualities can shape the personal growth and leadership journeys of young people.

This podcast shares insights and experiences to inspire adults — educators, parents, mentors, and leaders — to see the potential in every young person. Each episode unpacks essential leadership principles, such as emotional intelligence, resilience, and effective communication, offering relatable examples and practical wisdom on nurturing these traits in youth.

By reflecting on both the inner attributes that shape a leader’s character, and the outer behaviours that influence others, The Inner and Outer Leader invites listeners to deepen their understanding of leadership, and the role they play in guiding the next generation. Through real-life stories and meaningful conversations, this series inspires you to connect, lead with empathy, and support young people as they navigate life’s challenges with confidence and purpose.

Episode 1: What Makes a Leader?

🎧 Listen to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Rate us five stars, like, subscribe, and share it with those within your circles of influence!

In this premiere of our new series The Inner & Outer Leader, we explore what leadership truly means for today’s youth with hosts Sean (ex-Halogen staff and educator) and Ella (youth host).

They reflect on their personal leadership journeys, unpack what makes a good leader, and draw parallels between history and today's so-called “strawberry generation”. The episode also introduces Halogen’s Attributes Development Framework – a model designed to help young people lead self, lead others, and lead change. 

Expect an honest take on resilience, self-awareness, and how we can all learn to lead, no matter our age or background.

Episode Highlights:

Sean and Ella share what leadership means to them today, introducing The Inner and Outer Leader model of beliefs, values, behaviours and action. They also reveal Halogen’s unique approach to youth leadership development, unpacking how resilience and the so-called “strawberry generation” fit into the picture. The episode rounds off with a powerful reminder that learning isn’t just important, it’s fundamental to building leadership skills.

Episodes out now

Episode 2 — What If I’m Not Good Enough?

Episode 3 — What Do You Value?

Episode 4 — Learn, Unlearn, Repeat

Episode 5 — How To Own Your Growth

Episode 6 — Can Empathy Change the World?

Episode 7 — The Power of How We Speak

Episode 8 — If Only We Had 36 Hours a Day

Episode 9 — Permission to Imagine

Episode 10 — From Me to We – The Power of Collective Leadership

Shaping the Next Generation of Leaders: How Motul and Halogen Are Fuelling Youth Potential

03 Oct 2025

3 October 2025

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Shaping the Next Generation of Leaders: How Motul and Halogen Are Fuelling Youth Potential

Today’s plus insight features Miranda Lee, Chief Workforce Officer at Motul Asia Pacific, the driving force behind the Motul’s Most Promising (MMP) programme. Believing in the power of real-world exposure and mentorship, Miranda helped launch this partnership with Halogen to bridge the gap between education and industry. Under her leadership, MMP has grown from a Singapore pilot to a regional platform, opening doors for young talents — including success stories like Eugene Lim, who turned his MMP win into a full-time role at Motul.

Motul’s Most Promising has now run in both Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. From your perspective, why was it important for Motul Asia Pacific to launch a programme like this, and what gaps were you hoping to bridge for young people?
Driving the Motul brand and making it accessible to everyone was important to us. We wanted young people to have positive experiences with Motul, they’re great advocates. They’re passionate, active on social media, and create positive brand energy when they connect with something they genuinely like.

We were also keen to bring interns into our ecosystem, whether or not they eventually joined us full-time didn’t matter as much as ensuring they had a meaningful, positive experience. Over time, we’ve seen how this changes perceptions of the industry and builds long-term relationships.

The programme has grown beyond Singapore. In Vietnam, for instance, we had over 200 applicants, narrowed to 80, then 40, then 16 — and finally we selected the top four engineers. They’re now thriving in our organisation. Across ASEAN, we’ve found that young people’s career aspirations are surprisingly similar to those in Singapore. We’re able to offer attractive roles, competitive salaries, and opportunities that motivate them to grow and stay.

“What mattered most was ensuring they had a meaningful, positive experience.”

How did the collaboration with Halogen (Singapore) come about, and what value does Halogen bring to this partnership in preparing students for real-world business challenges?

From my previous experience with Halogen, we knew their expertise with youth development would be a great fit. We reached out to Puden, who shared examples of programmes Halogen had done with companies like Salesforce. Together, we piloted a programme tailored specifically for Motul.

Halogen offered a structured approach to help us achieve what we wanted — giving young people the right impression of Motul while equipping them with impactful, real-world skills. They really understand how to engage and inspire youth. 

The programme gives students the chance to tackle real business cases and receive mentorship. From your perspective, what makes this exposure so different from a typical internship?

We teach them how to run a business end to end. For example, in the recent programme focused on bike care, students were brought to workshops to observe operations on the ground. They received product briefings, met people across different departments, and even connected with our flagship in France.

We encourage mini-research and real market testing, which they present as a case challenge. Throughout, our team invests a lot of time and energy into guiding them — and that’s the feedback we consistently hear: that the level of support and exposure is far beyond a regular internship.

It’s clear that the students gain a lot from this programme — but what about Motul? How has working with young, fresh perspectives influenced the way your teams think or operate?

It’s brought so much life and energy into the organisation. Things feel more vibrant and connected. The Halogen structure helps break the ice, and soon everyone’s talking and sharing ideas freely.

Beyond the atmosphere, we get fresh, unexpected ideas — seeds we can explore further. Sometimes these insights spark new possibilities we hadn’t even considered. And personally, there’s a great sense of contributing back to the next generation.

(above: Eugene Lim, Motul's Most Promising Programme Winner of 2024, smiling for a picture with Miranda, at the Motul Asia Pacific office. Picture by Tay Jing Ni, Communications intern at Halogen Singapore.)

Eugene Lim, who won the case challenge last year, went on to intern and is now working full-time at Motul. How does his journey reflect the kind of talent development you envision through MMP?

I believe a career today isn’t a ladder but a lattice — people grow diagonally, exploring and expanding. I’m very supportive of that. After three decades in consulting, I’ve seen how important it is to let talent stretch and evolve.

Eugene now works in sustainability, but if one day he wants to explore supply chain or another area, we’d support that. Our goal is to give curious, high-potential individuals the platform to grow. We’re a fast-growing organisation — about 15% a year — and we look for people who want to learn and create impact, not just fill a role.

“I believe a career today isn’t a ladder but a lattice. People grow diagonally, exploring and expanding.”

From where you stand, what do young people today most need in order to thrive in industries like automotive and sustainability — areas that are evolving so quickly?

They need curiosity, adaptability, and confidence to explore beyond traditional paths. Many young people in ASEAN and Singapore have similar aspirations — but they sometimes underestimate how transferable their skills can be.

They also need the right exposure: opportunities to see how businesses really operate, to work across cultures, and to take ownership early. Programmes like MMP give them this visibility, build confidence, and help them understand where they can make a difference.

As the programme grows regionally, what’s your vision for Motul’s Most Promising in the next few years? How do you hope it will continue shaping the next generation of professionals?

Right now, we’re growing country by country and even running joint programmes across markets. I’d love to see these students connect regionally, building friendships and collaborations early on. When you meet peers with similar aspirations across borders, those bonds can last for years.

My vision is for MMP to become a regional platform where young people learn, share perspectives, and explore opportunities abroad. Taking a year or two in a different country can be transformative. It broadens thinking and grows talent for the future.

If you could give your younger self - back when you were just starting out in your career - one piece of advice, what would it be?

Do what you love, everything follows naturally after that. Time moves quickly, and you pick up things you wouldn’t expect along the way. If you can find something you truly enjoy, it’s something well-worth keeping. 

Motul’s Most Promising shows the power of industry–education partnerships in shaping future talent. If your organisation wants to design impactful youth programmes that build skills, confidence, and brand connection, Halogen can help. Find out more here. 

more

Shaping the Next Generation of Leaders: How Motul and Halogen Are Fuelling Youth Potential

Today’s plus insight features Miranda Lee, Chief Workforce Officer at Motul Asia Pacific, the driving force behind the Motul’s Most Promising (MMP) programme. Believing in the power of real-world exposure and mentorship, Miranda helped launch this partnership with Halogen to bridge the gap between education and industry. Under her leadership, MMP has grown from a Singapore pilot to a regional platform, opening doors for young talents — including success stories like Eugene Lim, who turned his MMP win into a full-time role at Motul.

Motul’s Most Promising has now run in both Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. From your perspective, why was it important for Motul Asia Pacific to launch a programme like this, and what gaps were you hoping to bridge for young people?
Driving the Motul brand and making it accessible to everyone was important to us. We wanted young people to have positive experiences with Motul, they’re great advocates. They’re passionate, active on social media, and create positive brand energy when they connect with something they genuinely like.

We were also keen to bring interns into our ecosystem, whether or not they eventually joined us full-time didn’t matter as much as ensuring they had a meaningful, positive experience. Over time, we’ve seen how this changes perceptions of the industry and builds long-term relationships.

The programme has grown beyond Singapore. In Vietnam, for instance, we had over 200 applicants, narrowed to 80, then 40, then 16 — and finally we selected the top four engineers. They’re now thriving in our organisation. Across ASEAN, we’ve found that young people’s career aspirations are surprisingly similar to those in Singapore. We’re able to offer attractive roles, competitive salaries, and opportunities that motivate them to grow and stay.

“What mattered most was ensuring they had a meaningful, positive experience.”

How did the collaboration with Halogen (Singapore) come about, and what value does Halogen bring to this partnership in preparing students for real-world business challenges?

From my previous experience with Halogen, we knew their expertise with youth development would be a great fit. We reached out to Puden, who shared examples of programmes Halogen had done with companies like Salesforce. Together, we piloted a programme tailored specifically for Motul.

Halogen offered a structured approach to help us achieve what we wanted — giving young people the right impression of Motul while equipping them with impactful, real-world skills. They really understand how to engage and inspire youth. 

The programme gives students the chance to tackle real business cases and receive mentorship. From your perspective, what makes this exposure so different from a typical internship?

We teach them how to run a business end to end. For example, in the recent programme focused on bike care, students were brought to workshops to observe operations on the ground. They received product briefings, met people across different departments, and even connected with our flagship in France.

We encourage mini-research and real market testing, which they present as a case challenge. Throughout, our team invests a lot of time and energy into guiding them — and that’s the feedback we consistently hear: that the level of support and exposure is far beyond a regular internship.

It’s clear that the students gain a lot from this programme — but what about Motul? How has working with young, fresh perspectives influenced the way your teams think or operate?

It’s brought so much life and energy into the organisation. Things feel more vibrant and connected. The Halogen structure helps break the ice, and soon everyone’s talking and sharing ideas freely.

Beyond the atmosphere, we get fresh, unexpected ideas — seeds we can explore further. Sometimes these insights spark new possibilities we hadn’t even considered. And personally, there’s a great sense of contributing back to the next generation.

(above: Eugene Lim, Motul's Most Promising Programme Winner of 2024, smiling for a picture with Miranda, at the Motul Asia Pacific office. Picture by Tay Jing Ni, Communications intern at Halogen Singapore.)

Eugene Lim, who won the case challenge last year, went on to intern and is now working full-time at Motul. How does his journey reflect the kind of talent development you envision through MMP?

I believe a career today isn’t a ladder but a lattice — people grow diagonally, exploring and expanding. I’m very supportive of that. After three decades in consulting, I’ve seen how important it is to let talent stretch and evolve.

Eugene now works in sustainability, but if one day he wants to explore supply chain or another area, we’d support that. Our goal is to give curious, high-potential individuals the platform to grow. We’re a fast-growing organisation — about 15% a year — and we look for people who want to learn and create impact, not just fill a role.

“I believe a career today isn’t a ladder but a lattice. People grow diagonally, exploring and expanding.”

From where you stand, what do young people today most need in order to thrive in industries like automotive and sustainability — areas that are evolving so quickly?

They need curiosity, adaptability, and confidence to explore beyond traditional paths. Many young people in ASEAN and Singapore have similar aspirations — but they sometimes underestimate how transferable their skills can be.

They also need the right exposure: opportunities to see how businesses really operate, to work across cultures, and to take ownership early. Programmes like MMP give them this visibility, build confidence, and help them understand where they can make a difference.

As the programme grows regionally, what’s your vision for Motul’s Most Promising in the next few years? How do you hope it will continue shaping the next generation of professionals?

Right now, we’re growing country by country and even running joint programmes across markets. I’d love to see these students connect regionally, building friendships and collaborations early on. When you meet peers with similar aspirations across borders, those bonds can last for years.

My vision is for MMP to become a regional platform where young people learn, share perspectives, and explore opportunities abroad. Taking a year or two in a different country can be transformative. It broadens thinking and grows talent for the future.

If you could give your younger self - back when you were just starting out in your career - one piece of advice, what would it be?

Do what you love, everything follows naturally after that. Time moves quickly, and you pick up things you wouldn’t expect along the way. If you can find something you truly enjoy, it’s something well-worth keeping. 

Motul’s Most Promising shows the power of industry–education partnerships in shaping future talent. If your organisation wants to design impactful youth programmes that build skills, confidence, and brand connection, Halogen can help. Find out more here. 

Boxed In — Understanding the Allure of Blind Box Collecting Among Youths

29 Sep 2025

29 September 2025

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Boxed In — Understanding the Allure of Blind Box Collecting Among Youths

Popular blind box figures at a toy convention

As Singapore prepares to regulate blind boxes to address gambling inducement risks, this research sheds light on why youths find them so compelling.

In recent years, blind box collecting has emerged as a cultural and economic phenomenon, captivating both adults and youths worldwide. Chances are, you’ve seen a Labubu hanging on a bag or a Smiski placed on someone’s work desk or, you’re an avid collector yourself!

Blind boxes are sealed packages that conceal collectible items until opened. The appeal lies in surprise, exclusivity, and the possibility of obtaining rare or limited-edition designs — mechanics that have also drawn comparisons to gambling-like, chance-based systems built around uncertain rewards.

The global collectibles market was valued at $294.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.5% through 20301.

In Singapore, blind boxes have become a growing trend as well, driving store revamps and new retail concepts at outlets like Toys “R” Us and Miniso2. 

Authorities have recently announced plans to regulate blind boxes to manage potential gambling inducement risks, including possible conditions around disclosure of odds for rare collectibles.

Amidst this booming trend — and growing public discussion around blind box regulation in Singapore — we ran a series of polls among youths (from Secondary to Tertiary level) and adults to better understand their purchase behaviour.

 

*Image credits: Unsplash

Read the full report here

more

Boxed In — Understanding the Allure of Blind Box Collecting Among Youths

As Singapore prepares to regulate blind boxes to address gambling inducement risks, this research sheds light on why youths find them so compelling.

In recent years, blind box collecting has emerged as a cultural and economic phenomenon, captivating both adults and youths worldwide. Chances are, you’ve seen a Labubu hanging on a bag or a Smiski placed on someone’s work desk or, you’re an avid collector yourself!

Blind boxes are sealed packages that conceal collectible items until opened. The appeal lies in surprise, exclusivity, and the possibility of obtaining rare or limited-edition designs — mechanics that have also drawn comparisons to gambling-like, chance-based systems built around uncertain rewards.

The global collectibles market was valued at $294.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.5% through 20301.

In Singapore, blind boxes have become a growing trend as well, driving store revamps and new retail concepts at outlets like Toys “R” Us and Miniso2. 

Authorities have recently announced plans to regulate blind boxes to manage potential gambling inducement risks, including possible conditions around disclosure of odds for rare collectibles.

Amidst this booming trend — and growing public discussion around blind box regulation in Singapore — we ran a series of polls among youths (from Secondary to Tertiary level) and adults to better understand their purchase behaviour.

 

*Image credits: Unsplash

Read the full report here

Eugene Lim: Taking a Leap, Finding a Path

18 Sep 2025

18 September 2025

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Eugene Lim: Taking a Leap, Finding a Path

Today’s Pocket Insight features Eugene Lim, a Motul’s Most Promising (MMP) alumnus whose journey reflects how opportunities can open doors in unexpected ways. Coming from a Media Arts background at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Eugene stepped into the world of business through MMP’s case challenge, where his team’s curiosity and resourcefulness led them to victory. That experience didn’t just earn him an internship — it set him on a path to a full-time role at Motul Asia Pacific, where he now drives projects with a focus on sustainability.

How did you initially find out about the Motul’s Most Promising (MMP) programme, and what drew you to apply for it?

I was in my final year at NTU, studying Media Arts, when I took a module on entrepreneurship and innovation. My background isn’t business related, but the module let us pitch ideas that could make a difference. My team did well — we won $25,000 in grant money, and later even more in another competition. That gave us motivation, and the confidence that our idea had potential. 

After graduating, I wanted to properly learn how to run a business, almost like a crash course. I came across MMP through the NTU career advancement office and thought, okay, this might be my cup of tea. It looked like a great opportunity to connect with other ambitious people and gain real-world exposure.

Walk us through your experience taking part in the case challenge — what was it like working with your team and presenting your ideas to Motul’s leadership panel?

In two words: extremely enriching. The aspect I really enjoyed was that we had a really condensed amount of time to wrap our heads around an industry that’s quite alien to us. Even though some of us were Formula 1 or supercar fans, Motul’s world was new to us. So having to understand the product and its offerings in a mere three days was extremely challenging, but also very fun. 

Our challenge was to bring Motul’s bicycle-care products into the Singapore market. We analysed customers, the business model Motul chose to employ, and identified areas of opportunities.

We were lucky to be mentored by Gerard, a veteran at Motul with McKinsey experience. His holistic view and approach to problem-solving really influenced me. He’s also extremely forthcoming and one of the smartest people I know. I’m very grateful to have been mentored by him. 

I think ultimately what gave my team an edge was fieldwork. My parents loaned me a car, and we made use of it. We went to take photos of the products on the shelves, interview the bike shop owners, and got to know what really works for them and their customers. There was first-hand data that could support our claims. That on-the-ground insight, backed by evidence, really impressed the panel.

(Above: Eugene (far right) with his winning Motul’s Most Promising team, celebrating their case challenge success with Motul staff and Halogen Singapore interns. Picture credit: Motul Asia Pacific)

Were there any key lessons or skills that you picked up during the programme that you still carry with you in your current role?

The first thing that comes to mind is that high-quality data is important, always. Data explains or reveals trends, and predicts patterns, which is essential in business. 

The second thing would be, attention to detail. While the business case challenge made us think broadly, we also took the opportunity to go deep into small but important details, like taking time to see how products look on the shelves. 

In my current role, I support my boss Gerard with project management, timelines, and cross-team communication across different countries. The details — even the words used in an email — do matter. Especially when we are communicating across different teams in different countries.

What was it like transitioning from the programme into a full-time role at Motul? Was it what you expected?

Credit goes to the hiring team and my colleagues — everyone was welcoming and supportive from day one. My role built on what I did as an intern, but expanded. Even as an intern, my voice carried weight and I could contribute meaningfully. I didn’t really have any firm expectations, but I had a good feeling going in, and it’s been very positive. 

You’re now working in a sustainability-focused role. Tell us more about what you do, and what the experience has been like so far.

My team acts as the project management office for Motul Asia Pacific, supporting strategic projects across supply chain, sustainability, and customer service.

Given my interest in sustainability, I was entrusted with carbon accounting — calculating greenhouse gas emissions — and now I continue to lead that initiative. It can be quite hectic and complex, as people balance regular work with project responsibilities, but it’s also very gratifying. The amount I’ve learned in just one year feels very condensed.

The culture here is fantastic. For example, Miranda, our Chief Workforce Officer, was instrumental in starting MMP — and that speaks volumes about Motul’s commitment to talent development.

How has mentorship — whether during the MMP programme with support from Halogen, or now as a working professional — played a part in shaping your growth?

I feel like it's been tremendously important. It's hard to say how important it is to find a good mentor, not just in a professional sense but also just in life. They’ve gone through life’s ups and downs, weathered the storms, and pass knowledge to you so you can reap the benefits and avoid the pitfalls. 

I believe that one of humankind’s more meaningful relationships is between a mentor and a mentee. I’d love to be a mentor myself one day. Many good mentors are shaped by the ones they had before, and I feel I’d be more than happy to give back and share what I know.

“One of the most meaningful relationships we can have is between a mentor and a mentee.”

(Above: a snapshot of Eugene outside the Motul Asia Pacific office. Picture by Tay Jing Ni, Communications intern at Halogen Singapore)

What advice would you give to students or young professionals who are just starting out and considering programmes like MMP as a launchpad for their careers?

Don’t be afraid to give it a shot. 

I had never applied for anything like this before. If you can take a leap of faith and step out of your comfort zone, you never know what doors could open for you. Most importantly — stay curious. It’s okay to change paths and learn something new. Even if skills don’t seem transferable, you’d be surprised at how they can connect in unexpected ways.

If you could describe your journey so far using a movie title or song, what would it be, and why?

I’d probably have to pick this film, Tokyo Story, by Japanese filmmaker Yasujirō Ozu. Japanese films back then had an underlying philosophy and concept called mono no aware (物の哀れ), the idea that life is always transient. You move from place to place, life isn’t just static, it’s in constant motion. It’s not a negative motion, but a comforting reminder that life continues to progress and evolve. 

“Take a leap of faith - don’t be afraid to give it a shot.”

Eugene’s journey shows how taking a chance can open unexpected doors — from an unassuming university case challenge to building a career with purpose at Motul. If you’re a young person curious about exploring new pathways, or a professional looking to guide the next generation, there’s always space to start. Together, we can create opportunities that shape futures.

Find out how you can get involved → 

more

Eugene Lim: Taking a Leap, Finding a Path

Today’s Pocket Insight features Eugene Lim, a Motul’s Most Promising (MMP) alumnus whose journey reflects how opportunities can open doors in unexpected ways. Coming from a Media Arts background at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Eugene stepped into the world of business through MMP’s case challenge, where his team’s curiosity and resourcefulness led them to victory. That experience didn’t just earn him an internship — it set him on a path to a full-time role at Motul Asia Pacific, where he now drives projects with a focus on sustainability.

How did you initially find out about the Motul’s Most Promising (MMP) programme, and what drew you to apply for it?

I was in my final year at NTU, studying Media Arts, when I took a module on entrepreneurship and innovation. My background isn’t business related, but the module let us pitch ideas that could make a difference. My team did well — we won $25,000 in grant money, and later even more in another competition. That gave us motivation, and the confidence that our idea had potential. 

After graduating, I wanted to properly learn how to run a business, almost like a crash course. I came across MMP through the NTU career advancement office and thought, okay, this might be my cup of tea. It looked like a great opportunity to connect with other ambitious people and gain real-world exposure.

Walk us through your experience taking part in the case challenge — what was it like working with your team and presenting your ideas to Motul’s leadership panel?

In two words: extremely enriching. The aspect I really enjoyed was that we had a really condensed amount of time to wrap our heads around an industry that’s quite alien to us. Even though some of us were Formula 1 or supercar fans, Motul’s world was new to us. So having to understand the product and its offerings in a mere three days was extremely challenging, but also very fun. 

Our challenge was to bring Motul’s bicycle-care products into the Singapore market. We analysed customers, the business model Motul chose to employ, and identified areas of opportunities.

We were lucky to be mentored by Gerard, a veteran at Motul with McKinsey experience. His holistic view and approach to problem-solving really influenced me. He’s also extremely forthcoming and one of the smartest people I know. I’m very grateful to have been mentored by him. 

I think ultimately what gave my team an edge was fieldwork. My parents loaned me a car, and we made use of it. We went to take photos of the products on the shelves, interview the bike shop owners, and got to know what really works for them and their customers. There was first-hand data that could support our claims. That on-the-ground insight, backed by evidence, really impressed the panel.

(Above: Eugene (far right) with his winning Motul’s Most Promising team, celebrating their case challenge success with Motul staff and Halogen Singapore interns. Picture credit: Motul Asia Pacific)

Were there any key lessons or skills that you picked up during the programme that you still carry with you in your current role?

The first thing that comes to mind is that high-quality data is important, always. Data explains or reveals trends, and predicts patterns, which is essential in business. 

The second thing would be, attention to detail. While the business case challenge made us think broadly, we also took the opportunity to go deep into small but important details, like taking time to see how products look on the shelves. 

In my current role, I support my boss Gerard with project management, timelines, and cross-team communication across different countries. The details — even the words used in an email — do matter. Especially when we are communicating across different teams in different countries.

What was it like transitioning from the programme into a full-time role at Motul? Was it what you expected?

Credit goes to the hiring team and my colleagues — everyone was welcoming and supportive from day one. My role built on what I did as an intern, but expanded. Even as an intern, my voice carried weight and I could contribute meaningfully. I didn’t really have any firm expectations, but I had a good feeling going in, and it’s been very positive. 

You’re now working in a sustainability-focused role. Tell us more about what you do, and what the experience has been like so far.

My team acts as the project management office for Motul Asia Pacific, supporting strategic projects across supply chain, sustainability, and customer service.

Given my interest in sustainability, I was entrusted with carbon accounting — calculating greenhouse gas emissions — and now I continue to lead that initiative. It can be quite hectic and complex, as people balance regular work with project responsibilities, but it’s also very gratifying. The amount I’ve learned in just one year feels very condensed.

The culture here is fantastic. For example, Miranda, our Chief Workforce Officer, was instrumental in starting MMP — and that speaks volumes about Motul’s commitment to talent development.

How has mentorship — whether during the MMP programme with support from Halogen, or now as a working professional — played a part in shaping your growth?

I feel like it's been tremendously important. It's hard to say how important it is to find a good mentor, not just in a professional sense but also just in life. They’ve gone through life’s ups and downs, weathered the storms, and pass knowledge to you so you can reap the benefits and avoid the pitfalls. 

I believe that one of humankind’s more meaningful relationships is between a mentor and a mentee. I’d love to be a mentor myself one day. Many good mentors are shaped by the ones they had before, and I feel I’d be more than happy to give back and share what I know.

“One of the most meaningful relationships we can have is between a mentor and a mentee.”

(Above: a snapshot of Eugene outside the Motul Asia Pacific office. Picture by Tay Jing Ni, Communications intern at Halogen Singapore)

What advice would you give to students or young professionals who are just starting out and considering programmes like MMP as a launchpad for their careers?

Don’t be afraid to give it a shot. 

I had never applied for anything like this before. If you can take a leap of faith and step out of your comfort zone, you never know what doors could open for you. Most importantly — stay curious. It’s okay to change paths and learn something new. Even if skills don’t seem transferable, you’d be surprised at how they can connect in unexpected ways.

If you could describe your journey so far using a movie title or song, what would it be, and why?

I’d probably have to pick this film, Tokyo Story, by Japanese filmmaker Yasujirō Ozu. Japanese films back then had an underlying philosophy and concept called mono no aware (物の哀れ), the idea that life is always transient. You move from place to place, life isn’t just static, it’s in constant motion. It’s not a negative motion, but a comforting reminder that life continues to progress and evolve. 

“Take a leap of faith - don’t be afraid to give it a shot.”

Eugene’s journey shows how taking a chance can open unexpected doors — from an unassuming university case challenge to building a career with purpose at Motul. If you’re a young person curious about exploring new pathways, or a professional looking to guide the next generation, there’s always space to start. Together, we can create opportunities that shape futures.

Find out how you can get involved → 

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Carlina

Finance

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