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Leaders: Nature or Nurture?

10 Sep 2025

10 September 2025

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Leaders: Nature or Nurture?

What does it really take to nurture a leader? Our Senior Consultant, Andy Lim, draws on his years in the youth and education space to unpack this question. In this reflection, he challenges the belief that “leaders are born” and instead shares stories and lessons from his own journey that highlight how leadership can be intentionally developed. From painting a vision to tapping on social networks and creating the right environment, Andy invites us to rethink the way we support young people stepping up to lead.

Andy Lim
Senior Consultant
Leaders are not born, they are nurtured.

Where do you stand in this age-old debate? Are the outstanding leaders of our times born into greatness? Or do they have greatness thrust upon them as they grew and developed? Most of us know the answer to this and I'm not here to rewrite the narrative. What I'm hoping to do is to share my personal experiences on this topic and I do hope you would indulge me in my monologue.

Having been in the youth and education space my entire career, I’m a firm believer of the latter. A decade as a tertiary educator has given me sufficient data points to believe that leaders can be intentionally developed through a mix of personal, people and environmental factors. Allow me to share how these come into play through 3 separate stories. I'll leave you as the reader to decide how these will look like in your own leadership journey.

Unlocking the Leader in Everyone

In some sense, it does not discriminate against the basis of leadership. Regardless of whether you are uniting others for the purpose of personal greed and world domination, or to drive greater social impact and good in the world, you are a leader in your own rights. Influence, in this case, can either be positive or negative. It is up to the individual on how they choose to exert their influence and the radius of their influence. Once we are in agreement on this, it is then undeniable that everyone can be a leader as everyone has influence! The difference lies in how effectively we exert it. 

As such, I have always felt the argument of needing prior leadership experiences as a prerequisite to stepping up as a leader is extremely flawed. While experiences are useful in helping us better identify ways in which we can be more effective as a leader, it should never be a limiting factor to discriminate against a candidate. Unfortunately, how often have we seen this belief being held in the schools or organisations we are in? How can we thus help young people denounce this limiting belief? How can we denounce our own limiting beliefs of young people? In my experience, if a young person is willing to step up to lead, there are 3 things we can do to support them in their journey.

The Endless Immensity of the Sea 

This favourite quote of mine above comes from Antoine de Sait-Exupery, the author of The Little Prince. What is the “endless immensity of the sea” that you can paint for them such that students take action on their own? In most cases, students are accustomed to teachers telling them what to do. We guide them through the workings of solving a mathematical problem, or share with them the PEEL framework in crafting a paragraph for their essays. While these are great for helping them academically, it does not do much in developing them as leaders. So instead of breaking it down step-by-step, because honestly, I don’t believe in there being a recipe for leadership, how can we develop leaders? 

I’ve had the honour of working with several sports captains during my time as a teacher and one individual whom I spent a significant amount of time mentoring. I shared with her the image of the leader I believed she could be, even though at that time, she did not see herself in that light. Even amidst the difficulties of managing her team and juggling her academic pursuits, I would like to think that my guidance gave her the courage to persevere and chart her path. This experience left a lasting impression, as it revealed just how powerful a clear vision can be when articulated well.

How often do we as educators spend time with our student leaders helping them articulate their visions for their leadership journeys? Do you find yourself defaulting to telling the child what needs to be done instead? While it might be the more “efficient" way, it doesn’t always derive the best results for the student.  

Tap on Social Networks

What makes us human, more than anything, is that we are hopelessly social creatures. The world we live in necessitates interaction between others, and as John Donne expounded so many years ago, “No man is an island”. Even though this was published in 1624, it is still valid in today's context. Pairing this with the feeling of wonder — the realisation that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own, and we get a recipe for short-circuiting learning. 

In my time as a teacher in-charge of the Students’ Council, I've often emphasised on the importance of being able to conduct proper handovers and having the time and space for the graduating cohort to articulate their experiences and share these with their successors. When left to their own devices, what I observed was that most seniors would share templates and other official documentations. These are definitely useful to help an incoming leader get a better sense of the work that they are undertaking, but it does not provide sufficient context. What I find vital in a handover would be the sharing of the thinking processes behind certain decisions made during their term. It is often these non-official processes that result in the project becoming a success and yet, these are seldom documented in formal minutes. These are the conversations that I would like student leaders to have with their juniors, to be able to share the wisdom they have accumulated during their leadership journey. 


In the same light, these are also the conversations that we ought to have to short circuit our learning process. In the journey of becoming a better leader, a large amount of wisdom can be sought from those who have come before us. This is why it is vital that we are willing and able to tap on our social networks. If we don’t already have our own, it’s important that we tap on the systems that we are functioning within (e.g. schools, organisations) to be able to build such connections. Have those intentional conversations to better uncover your blind spots to your role and accelerate your development as a leader!

Create the Right Environment to Spark Great Leaders

The environment plays a vital role in nurturing leaders. How can schools be the space for us to nurture more students into leaders? Is there room for psychological safety? First coined by Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmondson in 1999, the benefits of psychological safety have been well established in the workplace. But what does it mean to feel safe in taking interpersonal risks, to speak up, to disagree openly, to surface concerns without fear of negative repercussions or pressure to sugarcoat bad news? How does this apply to schools?

Based on my experience, teachers must be willing to accept students’ failure. As educators, we are often accustomed to helping our charges succeed. We drill them endlessly to achieve the best possible outcome and we inculcate in them the fear of failure. While this is backed by good intentions, the road to success is plagued with anxiety, the unwillingness to challenge processes and the idolising of the phrase, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. Thankfully, I’ve been blessed with supportive leaders who were willing to see beyond the risk of failure and embraced the opportunity to innovate on existing processes. This translates to the way I work with my student leaders and this has given rise to its fair share of failures, but also a good number of amazing outcomes.

A core memory for me would be in early 2020 when Singapore had to manage COVID-19. On the eve of JC 1 Orientation, the Ministry of Education imposed strict regulations on what is acceptable for social contact. This completely derailed the Council’s plans and the entire team had to scramble for a contingency. I was caught in a position where I could plan out the entire Orientation among the teachers and steamroll my Council into taking up my proposal, or to give them the opportunity to navigate this difficult situation. Till today, I’m thankful I chose the latter as my team of students rose to the challenge, creating a positive experience for the incoming students. 

Rather than to avoid the possibility of failure, what I feel is more important is for teachers to set clear boundaries and allow students to experience their own successes and failures within those boundaries. It is vital that students are held accountable for both successes and failures, but as teachers, we should also be there to help them better process their emotions and translate these to learning. We ought to be there to prevent the “failure” from being too massive and to build in guard rails to mitigate the risks. Any further interference would just be us stymieing their growth.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be?” - Marianne Williamson

We tend to limit ourselves based on circumstances, the way people see us, the way we see ourselves. This perpetuates the misconception that “leaders are born”. However, once we are willing to denounce our limiting beliefs, we will be more open to seeing how we can be nurtured to be leaders. But this journey is not one to be taken alone. It takes an entire village to raise a child, similarly, it will take a village to nurture that child into a leader.  My hope is that if you’re reading this, you will be part of the village that nurtures leaders for the betterment of our society.

At Halogen, we believe in empowering youth to challenge their limiting beliefs and discover the leadership potential within. Through our leadership programmes and mentoring workshops, we instil positive beliefs and values in young people, equipping them to lead themselves, lead others, and lead change.

None of this happens in isolation. It takes a community — a true village, to cultivate this kind of growth. If you feel like co-creating opportunities and sparking transformation in young lives, we would love to collaborate.

Drop us a note at [email protected] to explore how we can work together to nurture confident, purpose-driven young people together.

more

Leaders: Nature or Nurture?

What does it really take to nurture a leader? Our Senior Consultant, Andy Lim, draws on his years in the youth and education space to unpack this question. In this reflection, he challenges the belief that “leaders are born” and instead shares stories and lessons from his own journey that highlight how leadership can be intentionally developed. From painting a vision to tapping on social networks and creating the right environment, Andy invites us to rethink the way we support young people stepping up to lead.

Andy Lim
Senior Consultant
Leaders are not born, they are nurtured.

Where do you stand in this age-old debate? Are the outstanding leaders of our times born into greatness? Or do they have greatness thrust upon them as they grew and developed? Most of us know the answer to this and I'm not here to rewrite the narrative. What I'm hoping to do is to share my personal experiences on this topic and I do hope you would indulge me in my monologue.

Having been in the youth and education space my entire career, I’m a firm believer of the latter. A decade as a tertiary educator has given me sufficient data points to believe that leaders can be intentionally developed through a mix of personal, people and environmental factors. Allow me to share how these come into play through 3 separate stories. I'll leave you as the reader to decide how these will look like in your own leadership journey.

Unlocking the Leader in Everyone

In some sense, it does not discriminate against the basis of leadership. Regardless of whether you are uniting others for the purpose of personal greed and world domination, or to drive greater social impact and good in the world, you are a leader in your own rights. Influence, in this case, can either be positive or negative. It is up to the individual on how they choose to exert their influence and the radius of their influence. Once we are in agreement on this, it is then undeniable that everyone can be a leader as everyone has influence! The difference lies in how effectively we exert it. 

As such, I have always felt the argument of needing prior leadership experiences as a prerequisite to stepping up as a leader is extremely flawed. While experiences are useful in helping us better identify ways in which we can be more effective as a leader, it should never be a limiting factor to discriminate against a candidate. Unfortunately, how often have we seen this belief being held in the schools or organisations we are in? How can we thus help young people denounce this limiting belief? How can we denounce our own limiting beliefs of young people? In my experience, if a young person is willing to step up to lead, there are 3 things we can do to support them in their journey.

The Endless Immensity of the Sea 

This favourite quote of mine above comes from Antoine de Sait-Exupery, the author of The Little Prince. What is the “endless immensity of the sea” that you can paint for them such that students take action on their own? In most cases, students are accustomed to teachers telling them what to do. We guide them through the workings of solving a mathematical problem, or share with them the PEEL framework in crafting a paragraph for their essays. While these are great for helping them academically, it does not do much in developing them as leaders. So instead of breaking it down step-by-step, because honestly, I don’t believe in there being a recipe for leadership, how can we develop leaders? 

I’ve had the honour of working with several sports captains during my time as a teacher and one individual whom I spent a significant amount of time mentoring. I shared with her the image of the leader I believed she could be, even though at that time, she did not see herself in that light. Even amidst the difficulties of managing her team and juggling her academic pursuits, I would like to think that my guidance gave her the courage to persevere and chart her path. This experience left a lasting impression, as it revealed just how powerful a clear vision can be when articulated well.

How often do we as educators spend time with our student leaders helping them articulate their visions for their leadership journeys? Do you find yourself defaulting to telling the child what needs to be done instead? While it might be the more “efficient" way, it doesn’t always derive the best results for the student.  

Tap on Social Networks

What makes us human, more than anything, is that we are hopelessly social creatures. The world we live in necessitates interaction between others, and as John Donne expounded so many years ago, “No man is an island”. Even though this was published in 1624, it is still valid in today's context. Pairing this with the feeling of wonder — the realisation that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own, and we get a recipe for short-circuiting learning. 

In my time as a teacher in-charge of the Students’ Council, I've often emphasised on the importance of being able to conduct proper handovers and having the time and space for the graduating cohort to articulate their experiences and share these with their successors. When left to their own devices, what I observed was that most seniors would share templates and other official documentations. These are definitely useful to help an incoming leader get a better sense of the work that they are undertaking, but it does not provide sufficient context. What I find vital in a handover would be the sharing of the thinking processes behind certain decisions made during their term. It is often these non-official processes that result in the project becoming a success and yet, these are seldom documented in formal minutes. These are the conversations that I would like student leaders to have with their juniors, to be able to share the wisdom they have accumulated during their leadership journey. 


In the same light, these are also the conversations that we ought to have to short circuit our learning process. In the journey of becoming a better leader, a large amount of wisdom can be sought from those who have come before us. This is why it is vital that we are willing and able to tap on our social networks. If we don’t already have our own, it’s important that we tap on the systems that we are functioning within (e.g. schools, organisations) to be able to build such connections. Have those intentional conversations to better uncover your blind spots to your role and accelerate your development as a leader!

Create the Right Environment to Spark Great Leaders

The environment plays a vital role in nurturing leaders. How can schools be the space for us to nurture more students into leaders? Is there room for psychological safety? First coined by Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmondson in 1999, the benefits of psychological safety have been well established in the workplace. But what does it mean to feel safe in taking interpersonal risks, to speak up, to disagree openly, to surface concerns without fear of negative repercussions or pressure to sugarcoat bad news? How does this apply to schools?

Based on my experience, teachers must be willing to accept students’ failure. As educators, we are often accustomed to helping our charges succeed. We drill them endlessly to achieve the best possible outcome and we inculcate in them the fear of failure. While this is backed by good intentions, the road to success is plagued with anxiety, the unwillingness to challenge processes and the idolising of the phrase, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. Thankfully, I’ve been blessed with supportive leaders who were willing to see beyond the risk of failure and embraced the opportunity to innovate on existing processes. This translates to the way I work with my student leaders and this has given rise to its fair share of failures, but also a good number of amazing outcomes.

A core memory for me would be in early 2020 when Singapore had to manage COVID-19. On the eve of JC 1 Orientation, the Ministry of Education imposed strict regulations on what is acceptable for social contact. This completely derailed the Council’s plans and the entire team had to scramble for a contingency. I was caught in a position where I could plan out the entire Orientation among the teachers and steamroll my Council into taking up my proposal, or to give them the opportunity to navigate this difficult situation. Till today, I’m thankful I chose the latter as my team of students rose to the challenge, creating a positive experience for the incoming students. 

Rather than to avoid the possibility of failure, what I feel is more important is for teachers to set clear boundaries and allow students to experience their own successes and failures within those boundaries. It is vital that students are held accountable for both successes and failures, but as teachers, we should also be there to help them better process their emotions and translate these to learning. We ought to be there to prevent the “failure” from being too massive and to build in guard rails to mitigate the risks. Any further interference would just be us stymieing their growth.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be?” - Marianne Williamson

We tend to limit ourselves based on circumstances, the way people see us, the way we see ourselves. This perpetuates the misconception that “leaders are born”. However, once we are willing to denounce our limiting beliefs, we will be more open to seeing how we can be nurtured to be leaders. But this journey is not one to be taken alone. It takes an entire village to raise a child, similarly, it will take a village to nurture that child into a leader.  My hope is that if you’re reading this, you will be part of the village that nurtures leaders for the betterment of our society.

At Halogen, we believe in empowering youth to challenge their limiting beliefs and discover the leadership potential within. Through our leadership programmes and mentoring workshops, we instil positive beliefs and values in young people, equipping them to lead themselves, lead others, and lead change.

None of this happens in isolation. It takes a community — a true village, to cultivate this kind of growth. If you feel like co-creating opportunities and sparking transformation in young lives, we would love to collaborate.

Drop us a note at [email protected] to explore how we can work together to nurture confident, purpose-driven young people together.

Walk for a Generation 2025: A Halogen Charity Walk with Purpose, Popsicles & Heart

04 Sep 2025

4 September 2025

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more

Walk for a Generation 2025: A Halogen Charity Walk with Purpose, Popsicles & Heart

Halogen (Singapore) held its first-ever charity walk - Walk For a Generation on Saturday, 16 August 2025, bringing together 110 participants across the community to journey through the heritage streets of Chinatown.

Why We Walked

At Halogen, our mission is to build young leaders who will make a difference in their communities. The Halogen Charity Walk was created as a way to bring people in our community together — friends, families, partners, and supporters — around a collective purpose of supporting and giving a voice to the next generation. While fundraising was part of the event, the heart of the walk was a celebration of community spirit and a call to champion the potential of our youth.

The Inspiration Behind the Walk

We wanted an opportunity for our community to come together, connect, and reaffirm our collective commitment to empowering young people. By organising a charity walk, we created a platform that was inclusive and accessible, where anyone, regardless of age or background, could participate meaningfully. This inaugural walk set the tone for what it means to rally the community, not just through financial support, but through presence, solidarity, and shared purpose.

Halogen-Charity-Walk-25

About The Halogen Charity Walk Key Visual

This exclusive graphic was conceptualised and designed by Jing Ni, Halogen's very own Communications Intern. The idea of an athlete joyfully crossing the finish line, became the heart of the motif. It symbolises each person's journey, the steps we take, and the support we receive along the way.

Exclusive Merchandise for Participants

To mark this first-ever walk, participants received limited-edition merchandise designed especially for the event. From exclusive tee-shirts to vibrant yellow fans to keep cool during the event, these keepsakes were not just memorabilia, but symbols of being part of a collective movement — a reminder that every step they took contributed to shaping brighter futures for young people.

Checkpoint Activities

Along the walking route, participants experienced a series of interactive checkpoint activities thoughtfully designed to spark reflection and conversations about leadership, wellbeing, and the realities of growing up in today’s world. Each station offered a different lens into the challenges and opportunities youth face, while inviting both young people and adults to engage in moments of fun, thought, and self-discovery.

At one of the first checkpoints, teams had to replicate a group pose by following only the verbal directions of their appointed leader. The playful exercise mirrored how leadership without clear guidance can feel messy and confusing — reminding us that even the most confident young leaders benefit from mentorship, support, and clarity. Laughter could be heard from all around as groups of family, friends, and strangers put their listening skills to the test, while attempting to recreate the hilariously awkward group poses.

Another checkpoint invited participants into stillness, challenging them to close their eyes, breathe deeply, and raise their hands when they thought 60 seconds had passed. The activity revealed how differently each of us perceives time, offering a rare pause to reflect in today’s fast-paced, always-connected world.

The fifth checkpoint focused on boundaries, and proved to be a more thought-provoking activity amongst the participants. Participants shared what they needed to say “yes” or “no” to more often. It was a reminder that setting boundaries is not selfish, but a necessary act of self-care, helping youths (and adults alike) conserve their energy for the things that matter most.

Together, these activities created more than just moments of fun along the walk. They became touchpoints for reflection, helping participants consider what it means to lead, rest, decide, stay true, and set boundaries—life skills that are essential for the next generation to thrive.

Fringe Activities & Carnival Games

Beyond the walk itself, participants enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere filled with carnival-style games and fringe activities. These moments of play and connection added to the celebratory spirit of the day, creating opportunities for families and friends to bond while reinforcing the event’s purpose — building a stronger, more supportive community around our youth. 

Among the fringe activities, one of the most popular was the Value Sort Card workshop, which used Halogen’s very own set of value cards to help participants reflect on which values matter most to them. The activity was so well-received that some attendees asked if they could purchase a set for themselves, while others expressed disappointment at missing out due to limited seats.

This response highlighted just how relevant and necessary such moments of reflection are. In a world full of noise and constant demands, knowing our core values, and staying grounded in them, is what helps both young people and adults alike make decisions with clarity and purpose.

After the walk, participants came together to enjoy spread of refreshing bites and local favourites — from fruity gelato popsicles by Momolato, to iced coffee and chocolate brews by @coffee.crisis, to Sofnade’s live food bar serving up kaya butter toast, satay sticks, and kebab wraps. More than just food, these moments of gathering over familiar flavours created a warm sense of connection, celebrating Singapore’s heritage while reminding us that shared experiences, big or small, are what build community.

Closing Thoughts

As the event came to a close, Halogen’s CEO, Ivy Tse, reminded everyone of the deeper meaning behind their Saturday morning, “The walk that you embarked on today was an act of solidarity, of externally expressing the fact that, you know, ‘I support this cause’. And I hope that you know as you show up for the walk on a Saturday, you will continue by showing up for our young people where it matters. Her words captured the essence of the day, underscoring that while the walk itself was symbolic, its true impact lies in the commitment to continue championing youth beyond the event.

The Halogen Charity Walk raised over $4,600 and drew 110 participants in its first run. But more than the numbers, it was the meaning behind the walk that mattered most — a true testament to the power of community, when people come together to invest in the next generation. Whether or not the walk becomes a recurring feature, this inaugural event has set a precedent for how Halogen continues to engage the community in purposeful, impactful ways.

To catch up with more exciting events like these and journey with us in empowering young people, follow us on Instagram at @halogensg.

Get in touch to find out how you can collaborate with us on meaningful events like these. Say hi at [email protected].

more

Walk for a Generation 2025: A Halogen Charity Walk with Purpose, Popsicles & Heart

Halogen (Singapore) held its first-ever charity walk - Walk For a Generation on Saturday, 16 August 2025, bringing together 110 participants across the community to journey through the heritage streets of Chinatown.

Why We Walked

At Halogen, our mission is to build young leaders who will make a difference in their communities. The Halogen Charity Walk was created as a way to bring people in our community together — friends, families, partners, and supporters — around a collective purpose of supporting and giving a voice to the next generation. While fundraising was part of the event, the heart of the walk was a celebration of community spirit and a call to champion the potential of our youth.

The Inspiration Behind the Walk

We wanted an opportunity for our community to come together, connect, and reaffirm our collective commitment to empowering young people. By organising a charity walk, we created a platform that was inclusive and accessible, where anyone, regardless of age or background, could participate meaningfully. This inaugural walk set the tone for what it means to rally the community, not just through financial support, but through presence, solidarity, and shared purpose.

Halogen-Charity-Walk-25

About The Halogen Charity Walk Key Visual

This exclusive graphic was conceptualised and designed by Jing Ni, Halogen's very own Communications Intern. The idea of an athlete joyfully crossing the finish line, became the heart of the motif. It symbolises each person's journey, the steps we take, and the support we receive along the way.

Exclusive Merchandise for Participants

To mark this first-ever walk, participants received limited-edition merchandise designed especially for the event. From exclusive tee-shirts to vibrant yellow fans to keep cool during the event, these keepsakes were not just memorabilia, but symbols of being part of a collective movement — a reminder that every step they took contributed to shaping brighter futures for young people.

Checkpoint Activities

Along the walking route, participants experienced a series of interactive checkpoint activities thoughtfully designed to spark reflection and conversations about leadership, wellbeing, and the realities of growing up in today’s world. Each station offered a different lens into the challenges and opportunities youth face, while inviting both young people and adults to engage in moments of fun, thought, and self-discovery.

At one of the first checkpoints, teams had to replicate a group pose by following only the verbal directions of their appointed leader. The playful exercise mirrored how leadership without clear guidance can feel messy and confusing — reminding us that even the most confident young leaders benefit from mentorship, support, and clarity. Laughter could be heard from all around as groups of family, friends, and strangers put their listening skills to the test, while attempting to recreate the hilariously awkward group poses.

Another checkpoint invited participants into stillness, challenging them to close their eyes, breathe deeply, and raise their hands when they thought 60 seconds had passed. The activity revealed how differently each of us perceives time, offering a rare pause to reflect in today’s fast-paced, always-connected world.

The fifth checkpoint focused on boundaries, and proved to be a more thought-provoking activity amongst the participants. Participants shared what they needed to say “yes” or “no” to more often. It was a reminder that setting boundaries is not selfish, but a necessary act of self-care, helping youths (and adults alike) conserve their energy for the things that matter most.

Together, these activities created more than just moments of fun along the walk. They became touchpoints for reflection, helping participants consider what it means to lead, rest, decide, stay true, and set boundaries—life skills that are essential for the next generation to thrive.

Fringe Activities & Carnival Games

Beyond the walk itself, participants enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere filled with carnival-style games and fringe activities. These moments of play and connection added to the celebratory spirit of the day, creating opportunities for families and friends to bond while reinforcing the event’s purpose — building a stronger, more supportive community around our youth. 

Among the fringe activities, one of the most popular was the Value Sort Card workshop, which used Halogen’s very own set of value cards to help participants reflect on which values matter most to them. The activity was so well-received that some attendees asked if they could purchase a set for themselves, while others expressed disappointment at missing out due to limited seats.

This response highlighted just how relevant and necessary such moments of reflection are. In a world full of noise and constant demands, knowing our core values, and staying grounded in them, is what helps both young people and adults alike make decisions with clarity and purpose.

After the walk, participants came together to enjoy spread of refreshing bites and local favourites — from fruity gelato popsicles by Momolato, to iced coffee and chocolate brews by @coffee.crisis, to Sofnade’s live food bar serving up kaya butter toast, satay sticks, and kebab wraps. More than just food, these moments of gathering over familiar flavours created a warm sense of connection, celebrating Singapore’s heritage while reminding us that shared experiences, big or small, are what build community.

Closing Thoughts

As the event came to a close, Halogen’s CEO, Ivy Tse, reminded everyone of the deeper meaning behind their Saturday morning, “The walk that you embarked on today was an act of solidarity, of externally expressing the fact that, you know, ‘I support this cause’. And I hope that you know as you show up for the walk on a Saturday, you will continue by showing up for our young people where it matters. Her words captured the essence of the day, underscoring that while the walk itself was symbolic, its true impact lies in the commitment to continue championing youth beyond the event.

The Halogen Charity Walk raised over $4,600 and drew 110 participants in its first run. But more than the numbers, it was the meaning behind the walk that mattered most — a true testament to the power of community, when people come together to invest in the next generation. Whether or not the walk becomes a recurring feature, this inaugural event has set a precedent for how Halogen continues to engage the community in purposeful, impactful ways.

To catch up with more exciting events like these and journey with us in empowering young people, follow us on Instagram at @halogensg.

Get in touch to find out how you can collaborate with us on meaningful events like these. Say hi at [email protected].

Leading Outward: Equipping Youths to Communicate, Empathise, and Mobilise

28 Aug 2025

28 August 2025

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Leading Outward: Equipping Youths to Communicate, Empathise, and Mobilise

Stepping out of your comfort zone to pursue a passion is not easy. It takes courage and confidence to put yourself out there. For youths who are just starting their leadership journey, this hill can feel daunting to climb. In this article, Halogen's Senior Research Executive, Eunice Hoon, shares the importance of developing key skills that support a young person in their self-management, communication techniques, and team-building efforts.

Eunice Hoon
Senior Research Executive
Struggle and Uncertainty

Young people today are growing up in a world that feels more complex and unpredictable than ever. Many feel the weight of expectations from balancing school, family, and personal aspirations, while also facing new realities – shifting definitions of work, building relationships in an increasingly digital world, and coping with uncertainty about the future. Despite their creativity and idealism, many still struggle with real gaps in the very skills essential for them to lead with confidence.

We often hear of youths who doubt their abilities, struggle to make themselves heard, and encounter pushback when they try to pursue new ideas or lead initiatives. These challenges can feel discouraging, but they also present powerful opportunities for growth.

Stepping into the shoes of our young leaders 
(from left to right; Nazra Zafar and Đặng Quỳnh Châu (Chau), young leaders who learned important attributes in each of their own individual journeys)

One such youth is Nazra, a recipient of Halogen’s National Young Leader Award (NYLA) and founder of Shareducation. Passionate about bridging gaps and championing unheard voices, her leadership journey was anything but smooth sailing. Filled with a conviction to inspire and uplift other youths, Nazra knew that she needed to be courageous to take risks and seize opportunities. This determination first led her to participate in NYLA and later to intern at Halogen, where the mission deeply aligned with her passion. Through these experiences, she came to value the importance of gratitude. Not every risk yields success, but by appreciating the people, events, and circumstances that shaped her, she found strength in hard times and motivation to carry on.

Another important lesson she learnt was the power of empathy in helping others thrive. By learning to step into the shoes of stakeholders and beneficiaries, she could start her projects with passion, purpose, and alignment. Today, even when she finds herself the youngest voice in the room, she carries these lessons and skills close to her heart and isn’t afraid to speak up with courage and conviction.

Another youth, Chau, is driven by an ambition to empower Vietnamese youths to make tech-enabled impact within their communities. As co-founder of A.L.I.S, a youth-led startup that utilises technology to uplift the Deaf, Chau has had to navigate the challenges of starting something new—convincing others of her vision, securing support, and balancing her commitments. What carried her through was her ability to communicate her ideas with clarity, empathise deeply with the communities she sought to serve, and mobilise peers who shared her passion for change.

Her leadership extends beyond her organisation, as she actively contributes to the Communist Youth Union, creating an environment where youth feel supported and inspired to step up. Through her National Young Leaders Fellowship (NYLF) journey, Chau sharpened these skills even further, learning to embrace diverse perspectives, collaborate effectively, and rally others around meaningful causes.  

The experiences and lessons these two youths learnt show the importance of developing key skills that support a young person to lead themselves, not just in big projects, but in their everyday lives. Their ability to manage themselves and their emotions can help them overcome setbacks and persevere through challenges, while communication and team-building skills help them connect and collaborate with others more effectively.

OuterAttributes_HalogenSingapore
(above: The Outer Sphere attributes)

The attributes in our Outer Sphere equip young people with the essential skills to:

  • Manage their emotions and responsibilities
  • Navigate the multidimensional challenges of today’s world
  • Work effectively with others and mobilise teams for collective action
  • Create and sustain impactful change in their communities and beyond

Conclusion:

By equipping youths with these practical skill sets, we can help them turn challenges into stepping stones for growth and impact. From Nazra’s and Chau’s stories, a common thread in their growth was the opportunities available to them, which allowed them to explore and hone their skills. In our training programmes, we aim to teach certain skills like facilitating discussions, managing events, and building effective teams for youths to gain versatile skills for diverse leadership scenarios. Youths are also given opportunities in internship programmes, allowing them to gain real-world knowledge through hands-on experiences.

(above: Fellows from the 2025 cohort of Halogen's NYLF (National Young Leaders Fellowship) programme, working hard together for a beach clean-up!)

For youth developers, effective support and development can also include:

  • Opportunities for practice: Creating environments where youths can take ownership and practice their skills 
  • Resources for guidance: Providing useful tools and frameworks that youths can leverage
  • Problem-solving and innovation: Engaging youths in activities that require them to think critically and creatively, preparing them for future challenges 

By investing in developing attributes of the Outer Sphere, we aim to equip youths with practical competencies that can bridge skill gaps, boost their confidence, and prepare them to adapt and thrive in the future. With a mastery over skill sets, youths are empowered to lead themselves and others with confidence and grit. 

To learn more about our Attributes-Based Development Framework, look out for the launch of The Halopod-cast, where we unpack what being an Inner and Outer leader looks like, featuring real insights and discussions between a youth of today and a youth industry expert, on what it truly means to lead from the inside out.

If you share our vision of empowering youths to lead themselves and would like to equip yourself or partner with us on some of our programmes, reach out to us at [email protected] to explore how we can collaborate or support your youth development needs. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the future of our young people. 

more

Leading Outward: Equipping Youths to Communicate, Empathise, and Mobilise

Stepping out of your comfort zone to pursue a passion is not easy. It takes courage and confidence to put yourself out there. For youths who are just starting their leadership journey, this hill can feel daunting to climb. In this article, Halogen's Senior Research Executive, Eunice Hoon, shares the importance of developing key skills that support a young person in their self-management, communication techniques, and team-building efforts.

Eunice Hoon
Senior Research Executive
Struggle and Uncertainty

Young people today are growing up in a world that feels more complex and unpredictable than ever. Many feel the weight of expectations from balancing school, family, and personal aspirations, while also facing new realities – shifting definitions of work, building relationships in an increasingly digital world, and coping with uncertainty about the future. Despite their creativity and idealism, many still struggle with real gaps in the very skills essential for them to lead with confidence.

We often hear of youths who doubt their abilities, struggle to make themselves heard, and encounter pushback when they try to pursue new ideas or lead initiatives. These challenges can feel discouraging, but they also present powerful opportunities for growth.

Stepping into the shoes of our young leaders 
(from left to right; Nazra Zafar and Đặng Quỳnh Châu (Chau), young leaders who learned important attributes in each of their own individual journeys)

One such youth is Nazra, a recipient of Halogen’s National Young Leader Award (NYLA) and founder of Shareducation. Passionate about bridging gaps and championing unheard voices, her leadership journey was anything but smooth sailing. Filled with a conviction to inspire and uplift other youths, Nazra knew that she needed to be courageous to take risks and seize opportunities. This determination first led her to participate in NYLA and later to intern at Halogen, where the mission deeply aligned with her passion. Through these experiences, she came to value the importance of gratitude. Not every risk yields success, but by appreciating the people, events, and circumstances that shaped her, she found strength in hard times and motivation to carry on.

Another important lesson she learnt was the power of empathy in helping others thrive. By learning to step into the shoes of stakeholders and beneficiaries, she could start her projects with passion, purpose, and alignment. Today, even when she finds herself the youngest voice in the room, she carries these lessons and skills close to her heart and isn’t afraid to speak up with courage and conviction.

Another youth, Chau, is driven by an ambition to empower Vietnamese youths to make tech-enabled impact within their communities. As co-founder of A.L.I.S, a youth-led startup that utilises technology to uplift the Deaf, Chau has had to navigate the challenges of starting something new—convincing others of her vision, securing support, and balancing her commitments. What carried her through was her ability to communicate her ideas with clarity, empathise deeply with the communities she sought to serve, and mobilise peers who shared her passion for change.

Her leadership extends beyond her organisation, as she actively contributes to the Communist Youth Union, creating an environment where youth feel supported and inspired to step up. Through her National Young Leaders Fellowship (NYLF) journey, Chau sharpened these skills even further, learning to embrace diverse perspectives, collaborate effectively, and rally others around meaningful causes.  

The experiences and lessons these two youths learnt show the importance of developing key skills that support a young person to lead themselves, not just in big projects, but in their everyday lives. Their ability to manage themselves and their emotions can help them overcome setbacks and persevere through challenges, while communication and team-building skills help them connect and collaborate with others more effectively.

OuterAttributes_HalogenSingapore
(above: The Outer Sphere attributes)

The attributes in our Outer Sphere equip young people with the essential skills to:

  • Manage their emotions and responsibilities
  • Navigate the multidimensional challenges of today’s world
  • Work effectively with others and mobilise teams for collective action
  • Create and sustain impactful change in their communities and beyond

Conclusion:

By equipping youths with these practical skill sets, we can help them turn challenges into stepping stones for growth and impact. From Nazra’s and Chau’s stories, a common thread in their growth was the opportunities available to them, which allowed them to explore and hone their skills. In our training programmes, we aim to teach certain skills like facilitating discussions, managing events, and building effective teams for youths to gain versatile skills for diverse leadership scenarios. Youths are also given opportunities in internship programmes, allowing them to gain real-world knowledge through hands-on experiences.

(above: Fellows from the 2025 cohort of Halogen's NYLF (National Young Leaders Fellowship) programme, working hard together for a beach clean-up!)

For youth developers, effective support and development can also include:

  • Opportunities for practice: Creating environments where youths can take ownership and practice their skills 
  • Resources for guidance: Providing useful tools and frameworks that youths can leverage
  • Problem-solving and innovation: Engaging youths in activities that require them to think critically and creatively, preparing them for future challenges 

By investing in developing attributes of the Outer Sphere, we aim to equip youths with practical competencies that can bridge skill gaps, boost their confidence, and prepare them to adapt and thrive in the future. With a mastery over skill sets, youths are empowered to lead themselves and others with confidence and grit. 

To learn more about our Attributes-Based Development Framework, look out for the launch of The Halopod-cast, where we unpack what being an Inner and Outer leader looks like, featuring real insights and discussions between a youth of today and a youth industry expert, on what it truly means to lead from the inside out.

If you share our vision of empowering youths to lead themselves and would like to equip yourself or partner with us on some of our programmes, reach out to us at [email protected] to explore how we can collaborate or support your youth development needs. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the future of our young people. 

Anchored Within: Building Youth Leaders from the Inside Out 

29 Jul 2025

29 July 2025

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Anchored Within: Building Youth Leaders from the Inside Out 

Group of youths standing confidently, symbolising their aspiration to lead change.
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Anchored Within: Building Youth Leaders from the Inside Out 

Daring to Dream: 10 Years of NFTE, 60 Years of Singapore

08 Jul 2025

8 July 2025

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Daring to Dream: 10 Years of NFTE, 60 Years of Singapore

As Singapore marks 60 years of independence, the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) programme celebrates a decade of igniting resilience and empowerment in the next generation. Over the past decade, NFTE has transformed the lives of young Singaporeans by instilling in them the skills and mindset needed to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

This article by Ivy Tse, Halogen’s Chief Executive Officer, focuses on the shared value of resilience between the NFTE programme and Singapore’s national story, while reflecting on the programme’s key milestones and its alignment with Singapore’s vision for the future.

Ivy Tse
Chief Executive Officer
 

 

In just a few months, our nation officially turns 60. As we cross into the jubilee season, we’ll fly our flag high and celebrate the many Singapore stories – of what came to be and what we’ve overcome. Compared to many other nations, Singapore has had a much shorter runway. Yet in six mere decades of nation building, we’ve really leapt and bounded, far beyond what most may have expected of us. 

 

In the midst of this fast-paced way of living, we sometimes overlook what the power of even one decade can do.

 

For a young child who’s just starting school, 10 years represent the foundation of their social skills, their ability to make friends and engage with people in their community. For a teenager navigating our education system, it’s a time of exploration – where they experiment with ways to learn, building mindsets that shape how they assess and see their world. For a youth transitioning into the workforce, it’s a decade of finding their voice, articulating a vision of their lives, while shouldering new responsibilities at home, at work, and and in their communities.

 

By July 2025, Halogen will officially reach our 10th year milestone of running the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Programme in schools and for youth in Singapore. This last decade has been just as fast-paced and as full as any. Yet within the blur of maintaining and growing the NFTE programme, these last 10 years of work have also been significant and meaningful – allowing us to shape, grow and prepare both our young people and our organisation in our continual pursuit of serving youth well.

 

Investing in hard work, then seizing the window of opportunity

The story of how NFTE came about was, in many ways, serendipitous. Up until 2014, Halogen’s core focus had largely centred on providing leadership development opportunities for youth. Then, in early 2014, we stumbled upon the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) curriculum from the US. We saw that it was a compelling programme for youth from underserved communities, and the programme had a proven track record of engaging young people who thrive through hands-on learning and practical business skills, with a strong emphasis on building entrepreneurial mindsets. 

 

As we were bootstrapped for resources, we made the bold decision to take on this entire 80-hour entrepreneurship curriculum on top of our existing commitments. Staff running leadership programmes doubled up to learn and deliver NFTE; those who were working on other projects stepped in to support the programme management. We took on the challenge of convincing schools and partners to try a programme that’s never been run in Singapore – and even self-funded camps for interested communities and schools. It took us almost a full year of trials before we secured our first committed partner school willing to host the full NFTE In-Curriculum programme.

 

(above: running our very first NFTE University training with our own Halogen staff and a few Educators from our first partner school)

As the narrative around valuing entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial mindset started to emerge, we saw our partner school engagements grow. From the very first brave school who piloted the NFTE In-Curriculum in 2015, we steadily built our outreach. Today, we work with around 16 to 18 schools each year in implementing this programme.

Much like how our nation’s forefathers, who had to work tirelessly to build Singapore from the ground up, sheer hard work did pay off. Opportunity rarely waits for anyone – it rewards those who are prepared to ride its wave when it arrives.

 

What gets sown, we reap in different seasons

Running a NFTE In-Curriculum with just one school is very much a labour of love, as each NFTE participant receives dedicated support to ensure a meaningful time of growth. 

 

Over the last decade, we have graduated about 5,418 youths** through this year-long NFTE journey. Now delivered as a 50-hour curriculum, we have engaged around 30 schools, worked with over 200 educators, and rallied more than 5,000 volunteers (both youth and working adults) across 9,000 hours of programme instruction. We have run 9 Youth Entrepreneurship Challenges and sent 8 young winners to the Global Showcase in New York. In the past six years, we have also introduced follow-up Mentoring Programmes for NFTE graduates who are going through their N-level year. Every moment of sowing has been made possible because of the countless individuals who have stepped forward – giving their time, donations and heart to create a truly memorable NFTE growth experience for each student.

 

(above: last year’s NFTE representatives from participating schools came together for a 4-day “boot camp” style challenge. They all pit for the coveted title of Global Youth Entrepreneur, and the grand prize – a sponsored trip to New York city for the NFTE Global Showcase)

As we’ve quietly sown into youths’ lives through NFTE, it’s only in more recent years that we get to see the deeper, long-term impact beyond the immediate 50 hours of engagement.

 

We now run into our youth alumni on the streets who share how memorable and transformative their NFTE experiences were. Many of these stories feel even more powerfully articulated when the youth alumni look back on the unique entrepreneurial journey they embarked on at young age 15 or 16. The seeds sown in building mindsets, communication skills, and confidence in NFTE youth may seem small at first, but compound into great harvest over time. These small wins have allowed our youths to see themselves differently,  equipping them with building blocks of courage and resilience to shape their futures, one step at a time.  

 

As we reflect on Singapore’s SG60 story, we are reminded of how the seemingly small, deliberate efforts of the past – like building our transport networks and strengthening education foundations – have compounded into lasting advantages. The foundations laid quietly back then are now the pillars of progress we continue to benefit from today.

 

Onward to an entrepreneurial dare

Looking at today’s economic challenges and evolving landscape, there is no question that the future and the way forward has to be constantly reinvented. 

 

In retrospect, bringing entrepreneurship education into classrooms 10 years ago sparked growth not only in our youth, but within Halogen itself, as we learn to embody entrepreneurial mindsets in everything we do. Year after year, our NFTE programme has evolved, refining our approach with new learnings of instruction and execution. As we dive deeper into creating impactful experiences for our NFTE students (and now, alumni), we are also building new facilitation content and embarking on research-based work to implement relevant social impact indicators that can help us track and strengthen the success of our programme. 

 

(above: thank you to the 100 over organisations who have opened up their doors to partnering us, and spending time coaching and organising business visits for our NFTE youths.)

The ultimate measure of success of this ongoing work is our ability to shape mindsets into entrepreneurial ones, and as the saying goes, ‘the mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions***. Every entrepreneurial mind we help develop becomes a catalyst for their community, as they find new ways to navigate challenges and make things better. This larger entrepreneurial collective will give us the momentum to reinvent, adapt and forge new paths forward.

 

Singapore’s own journey began with bold steps into the unknown—turning limited resources into world-class ports, flight operations, and even a thriving tourism base through sheer ingenuity and design. This same entrepreneurial spirit – the dare to dream and do – is what we need, to empower future generations, as they push into new frontiers of their own. 

 

What does the next decade hold for us?

Whether one looks to the future with optimism or caution, one thing remains clear: we must be intentional about investing in the next generation. These young people will go on to shape our communities, lead in boardrooms, and chart new frontiers for Singapore.

We cannot afford to grow complacent. The challenges ahead will demand resilience, boldness, and clarity of purpose – and it is our collective responsibility to nurture these traits today.

 

Join us in building a movement rooted in the entrepreneurial mindset. This is more than just a strategy – it’s the foundation our future leaders will need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

 

Want to play a part in shaping the next decade of youth impact?
Partner with us to empower the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders. Whether you’re an educator, corporate partner, volunteer, or funder, your support can unlock new pathways for young people to grow and thrive.

 

Explore our programmes at www.halogen.sg

 

—

References:

** About 7 in every 10 registered students (72.36%) came from a challenging background. These include students who are Long Term Absentees (LTA), are on Financial Assistance Schemes (FAS), face Learning Disabilities (LD), and/or come from challenging family backgrounds.

*** Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

more

Daring to Dream: 10 Years of NFTE, 60 Years of Singapore

As Singapore marks 60 years of independence, the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) programme celebrates a decade of igniting resilience and empowerment in the next generation. Over the past decade, NFTE has transformed the lives of young Singaporeans by instilling in them the skills and mindset needed to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

This article by Ivy Tse, Halogen’s Chief Executive Officer, focuses on the shared value of resilience between the NFTE programme and Singapore’s national story, while reflecting on the programme’s key milestones and its alignment with Singapore’s vision for the future.

Ivy Tse
Chief Executive Officer
 

 

In just a few months, our nation officially turns 60. As we cross into the jubilee season, we’ll fly our flag high and celebrate the many Singapore stories – of what came to be and what we’ve overcome. Compared to many other nations, Singapore has had a much shorter runway. Yet in six mere decades of nation building, we’ve really leapt and bounded, far beyond what most may have expected of us. 

 

In the midst of this fast-paced way of living, we sometimes overlook what the power of even one decade can do.

 

For a young child who’s just starting school, 10 years represent the foundation of their social skills, their ability to make friends and engage with people in their community. For a teenager navigating our education system, it’s a time of exploration – where they experiment with ways to learn, building mindsets that shape how they assess and see their world. For a youth transitioning into the workforce, it’s a decade of finding their voice, articulating a vision of their lives, while shouldering new responsibilities at home, at work, and and in their communities.

 

By July 2025, Halogen will officially reach our 10th year milestone of running the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Programme in schools and for youth in Singapore. This last decade has been just as fast-paced and as full as any. Yet within the blur of maintaining and growing the NFTE programme, these last 10 years of work have also been significant and meaningful – allowing us to shape, grow and prepare both our young people and our organisation in our continual pursuit of serving youth well.

 

Investing in hard work, then seizing the window of opportunity

The story of how NFTE came about was, in many ways, serendipitous. Up until 2014, Halogen’s core focus had largely centred on providing leadership development opportunities for youth. Then, in early 2014, we stumbled upon the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) curriculum from the US. We saw that it was a compelling programme for youth from underserved communities, and the programme had a proven track record of engaging young people who thrive through hands-on learning and practical business skills, with a strong emphasis on building entrepreneurial mindsets. 

 

As we were bootstrapped for resources, we made the bold decision to take on this entire 80-hour entrepreneurship curriculum on top of our existing commitments. Staff running leadership programmes doubled up to learn and deliver NFTE; those who were working on other projects stepped in to support the programme management. We took on the challenge of convincing schools and partners to try a programme that’s never been run in Singapore – and even self-funded camps for interested communities and schools. It took us almost a full year of trials before we secured our first committed partner school willing to host the full NFTE In-Curriculum programme.

 

(above: running our very first NFTE University training with our own Halogen staff and a few Educators from our first partner school)

As the narrative around valuing entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial mindset started to emerge, we saw our partner school engagements grow. From the very first brave school who piloted the NFTE In-Curriculum in 2015, we steadily built our outreach. Today, we work with around 16 to 18 schools each year in implementing this programme.

Much like how our nation’s forefathers, who had to work tirelessly to build Singapore from the ground up, sheer hard work did pay off. Opportunity rarely waits for anyone – it rewards those who are prepared to ride its wave when it arrives.

 

What gets sown, we reap in different seasons

Running a NFTE In-Curriculum with just one school is very much a labour of love, as each NFTE participant receives dedicated support to ensure a meaningful time of growth. 

 

Over the last decade, we have graduated about 5,418 youths** through this year-long NFTE journey. Now delivered as a 50-hour curriculum, we have engaged around 30 schools, worked with over 200 educators, and rallied more than 5,000 volunteers (both youth and working adults) across 9,000 hours of programme instruction. We have run 9 Youth Entrepreneurship Challenges and sent 8 young winners to the Global Showcase in New York. In the past six years, we have also introduced follow-up Mentoring Programmes for NFTE graduates who are going through their N-level year. Every moment of sowing has been made possible because of the countless individuals who have stepped forward – giving their time, donations and heart to create a truly memorable NFTE growth experience for each student.

 

(above: last year’s NFTE representatives from participating schools came together for a 4-day “boot camp” style challenge. They all pit for the coveted title of Global Youth Entrepreneur, and the grand prize – a sponsored trip to New York city for the NFTE Global Showcase)

As we’ve quietly sown into youths’ lives through NFTE, it’s only in more recent years that we get to see the deeper, long-term impact beyond the immediate 50 hours of engagement.

 

We now run into our youth alumni on the streets who share how memorable and transformative their NFTE experiences were. Many of these stories feel even more powerfully articulated when the youth alumni look back on the unique entrepreneurial journey they embarked on at young age 15 or 16. The seeds sown in building mindsets, communication skills, and confidence in NFTE youth may seem small at first, but compound into great harvest over time. These small wins have allowed our youths to see themselves differently,  equipping them with building blocks of courage and resilience to shape their futures, one step at a time.  

 

As we reflect on Singapore’s SG60 story, we are reminded of how the seemingly small, deliberate efforts of the past – like building our transport networks and strengthening education foundations – have compounded into lasting advantages. The foundations laid quietly back then are now the pillars of progress we continue to benefit from today.

 

Onward to an entrepreneurial dare

Looking at today’s economic challenges and evolving landscape, there is no question that the future and the way forward has to be constantly reinvented. 

 

In retrospect, bringing entrepreneurship education into classrooms 10 years ago sparked growth not only in our youth, but within Halogen itself, as we learn to embody entrepreneurial mindsets in everything we do. Year after year, our NFTE programme has evolved, refining our approach with new learnings of instruction and execution. As we dive deeper into creating impactful experiences for our NFTE students (and now, alumni), we are also building new facilitation content and embarking on research-based work to implement relevant social impact indicators that can help us track and strengthen the success of our programme. 

 

(above: thank you to the 100 over organisations who have opened up their doors to partnering us, and spending time coaching and organising business visits for our NFTE youths.)

The ultimate measure of success of this ongoing work is our ability to shape mindsets into entrepreneurial ones, and as the saying goes, ‘the mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions***. Every entrepreneurial mind we help develop becomes a catalyst for their community, as they find new ways to navigate challenges and make things better. This larger entrepreneurial collective will give us the momentum to reinvent, adapt and forge new paths forward.

 

Singapore’s own journey began with bold steps into the unknown—turning limited resources into world-class ports, flight operations, and even a thriving tourism base through sheer ingenuity and design. This same entrepreneurial spirit – the dare to dream and do – is what we need, to empower future generations, as they push into new frontiers of their own. 

 

What does the next decade hold for us?

Whether one looks to the future with optimism or caution, one thing remains clear: we must be intentional about investing in the next generation. These young people will go on to shape our communities, lead in boardrooms, and chart new frontiers for Singapore.

We cannot afford to grow complacent. The challenges ahead will demand resilience, boldness, and clarity of purpose – and it is our collective responsibility to nurture these traits today.

 

Join us in building a movement rooted in the entrepreneurial mindset. This is more than just a strategy – it’s the foundation our future leaders will need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

 

Want to play a part in shaping the next decade of youth impact?
Partner with us to empower the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders. Whether you’re an educator, corporate partner, volunteer, or funder, your support can unlock new pathways for young people to grow and thrive.

 

Explore our programmes at www.halogen.sg

 

—

References:

** About 7 in every 10 registered students (72.36%) came from a challenging background. These include students who are Long Term Absentees (LTA), are on Financial Assistance Schemes (FAS), face Learning Disabilities (LD), and/or come from challenging family backgrounds.

*** Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Mabel Sim: Making a Difference

05 Jun 2025

5 June 2025

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Mabel Sim: Making a Difference

Today’s Pocket Insight features Mabel Sim, Global Young Entrepreneur (GYE), champion of Halogen’s 2024 NFTE Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (NYEC) and founder of an innovative tuition app, Academicaid, designed to make learning more accessible and affordable.

In this interview, the Edgefield Secondary student shares about her Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) programme journey, the challenges she faced, and what kept her going every step of the way.

You won the NFTE Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (NYEC) 2024! What inspired you to come up with your business idea in the first place?

In Singapore, tuition classes can get pretty expensive - and I know that some families can’t afford them. So I wanted to create something that made learning more accessible and affordable.

What was the biggest challenge you faced while developing your business plan, and how did NFTE help you overcome it?

My biggest challenge was bringing my business idea to life. For example, figuring out the cost of my tuition app. I had to find a way to make it affordable because that was one of the main reasons why I started this idea in the first place: to create an affordable alternative to traditional tuition classes. NFTE taught me key concepts of entrepreneurship and its community of facilitators and mentors gave me valuable feedback on my ideas. 

Presenting my business idea, Academicaid, to an audience of over 100 people at NYEC. NFTE really gave me that added confidence to step up!

You met different mentors and coaches throughout your NFTE journey. What’s one piece of advice that really stuck with you?

One of the corporate volunteers I met told me that a business should always try to solve real-world problems, instead of merely existing for profit. This piece of advice really stuck with me and reminded me to stay focused on the purpose of my business idea. 

Where it all began; when I won the Business Plan Competition held in my school. I was so surprised and happy when I was announced the winner!

Winning NYEC means you’ll be representing Singapore at the World Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (WYEC) in New York City this year. How do you feel about taking your business idea to an international stage?

I feel very excited! It’s nerve-wracking, but I’m so proud to represent Singapore and grateful for this opportunity. I’m also looking forward to meeting all the other young entrepreneurs from other parts of the world, gaining new perspectives, and hearing about their ideas too. 

Entrepreneurship is not only about starting and running a business, but it includes learning how to solve problems and make a difference in people’s lives. How do you hope your business will impact others?

I want to make a difference by making learning more accessible and less stressful for students. I have friends who come from underserved backgrounds - so I can see how it affects them. By offering a more affordable alternative to traditional tuition, it can ease the pressure on families and give students the support they need. I know how hard it is when you don’t have help, even when you really need it.

My teachers and I on stage at NYEC 2024 - they were thrilled that I’d won - and I felt so proud representing my school.

If you could describe yourself in three words now, what would they be?

Motivated, Inspiring and Helpful. 

Motivated

  • I'm very motivated in what I do once I see a goal I need to reach. One of the factors that motivated me during the entire NFTE journey, especially during the competition, was that I really wanted to win it for my school. Edgefield Secondary school hasn’t had a winner yet, in all the years Halogen has been running the NFTE programme with them.

Inspiring

  • I want to be a role model to the people around me. 

Helpful

  • I simply like to help people. 

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

Hopefully, running my own business and working in a field where I can continue making a real change in people’s lives - hopefully related to education or entrepreneurship. Aside from business, I hope to still be a very nice and helpful person, and not change those aspects of myself. 

In CNA938’s official broadcast studio for CNA938’s Made In SG segment with Melanie Oliveiro and Halogen’s CEO, Ivy Tse! It was my first time ever being interviewed, live on radio, no less. Exciting, but nerve-wracking.

If your business had a theme song, what would it be?

Hall of Fame by The Script. Because it inspires people to meet their goals, despite life’s challenges. 

If you could team up with any celebrity or brand to grow your business, who would it be and why?

I’d team up with Google - because they have great educational tools to help expand my tuition app’s reach. 

Show Up for the Next Generation.

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

👉 Join us in empowering youth like Mabel to lead, dream, and catalyse change. 

Find out how your company can get involved here.

more

Mabel Sim: Making a Difference

Today’s Pocket Insight features Mabel Sim, Global Young Entrepreneur (GYE), champion of Halogen’s 2024 NFTE Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (NYEC) and founder of an innovative tuition app, Academicaid, designed to make learning more accessible and affordable.

In this interview, the Edgefield Secondary student shares about her Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) programme journey, the challenges she faced, and what kept her going every step of the way.

You won the NFTE Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (NYEC) 2024! What inspired you to come up with your business idea in the first place?

In Singapore, tuition classes can get pretty expensive - and I know that some families can’t afford them. So I wanted to create something that made learning more accessible and affordable.

What was the biggest challenge you faced while developing your business plan, and how did NFTE help you overcome it?

My biggest challenge was bringing my business idea to life. For example, figuring out the cost of my tuition app. I had to find a way to make it affordable because that was one of the main reasons why I started this idea in the first place: to create an affordable alternative to traditional tuition classes. NFTE taught me key concepts of entrepreneurship and its community of facilitators and mentors gave me valuable feedback on my ideas. 

Presenting my business idea, Academicaid, to an audience of over 100 people at NYEC. NFTE really gave me that added confidence to step up!

You met different mentors and coaches throughout your NFTE journey. What’s one piece of advice that really stuck with you?

One of the corporate volunteers I met told me that a business should always try to solve real-world problems, instead of merely existing for profit. This piece of advice really stuck with me and reminded me to stay focused on the purpose of my business idea. 

Where it all began; when I won the Business Plan Competition held in my school. I was so surprised and happy when I was announced the winner!

Winning NYEC means you’ll be representing Singapore at the World Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (WYEC) in New York City this year. How do you feel about taking your business idea to an international stage?

I feel very excited! It’s nerve-wracking, but I’m so proud to represent Singapore and grateful for this opportunity. I’m also looking forward to meeting all the other young entrepreneurs from other parts of the world, gaining new perspectives, and hearing about their ideas too. 

Entrepreneurship is not only about starting and running a business, but it includes learning how to solve problems and make a difference in people’s lives. How do you hope your business will impact others?

I want to make a difference by making learning more accessible and less stressful for students. I have friends who come from underserved backgrounds - so I can see how it affects them. By offering a more affordable alternative to traditional tuition, it can ease the pressure on families and give students the support they need. I know how hard it is when you don’t have help, even when you really need it.

My teachers and I on stage at NYEC 2024 - they were thrilled that I’d won - and I felt so proud representing my school.

If you could describe yourself in three words now, what would they be?

Motivated, Inspiring and Helpful. 

Motivated

  • I'm very motivated in what I do once I see a goal I need to reach. One of the factors that motivated me during the entire NFTE journey, especially during the competition, was that I really wanted to win it for my school. Edgefield Secondary school hasn’t had a winner yet, in all the years Halogen has been running the NFTE programme with them.

Inspiring

  • I want to be a role model to the people around me. 

Helpful

  • I simply like to help people. 

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

Hopefully, running my own business and working in a field where I can continue making a real change in people’s lives - hopefully related to education or entrepreneurship. Aside from business, I hope to still be a very nice and helpful person, and not change those aspects of myself. 

In CNA938’s official broadcast studio for CNA938’s Made In SG segment with Melanie Oliveiro and Halogen’s CEO, Ivy Tse! It was my first time ever being interviewed, live on radio, no less. Exciting, but nerve-wracking.

If your business had a theme song, what would it be?

Hall of Fame by The Script. Because it inspires people to meet their goals, despite life’s challenges. 

If you could team up with any celebrity or brand to grow your business, who would it be and why?

I’d team up with Google - because they have great educational tools to help expand my tuition app’s reach. 

Show Up for the Next Generation.

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

👉 Join us in empowering youth like Mabel to lead, dream, and catalyse change. 

Find out how your company can get involved here.

Shireena Shroff Manchharam: For The Greater Good

27 May 2025

27 May 2025

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Shireena Shroff Manchharam: For The Greater Good

Today’s plus insight features Shireena Shroff Manchharam, a Halogen volunteer, mentor, and advocate. Since 2019, she has contributed to our fundraising efforts, mentored NFTE students, and most recently shared her expertise as a speaker, inspiring youths with her focus on mental health, happiness, and success.

In this interview, she shares with us the powerful life lessons she’s gained from mentoring young people, and why she believes building confidence and wellbeing is key to creating ripple effects of positive change.

What initially inspired you to volunteer with Halogen?

Volunteering and giving back has always been pillars in my businesses. If there is a way I can help or donate, it’s important to me. As a life coach, my desire is to always help - and my favourite people to help are youth. 

I remember being young myself, lacking confidence, networks, and the opportunities kids seem to have today. I had a wonderful childhood with supportive parents, but I didn’t believe in myself. My journey as a life coach and image consultant has been about becoming the best version of myself, and when I look at young people, I want to instil that same confidence in them. That’s why I wanted to volunteer, specifically with Halogen.

From your perspective, what do you feel is one of the most powerful things about volunteering?

I think it’s about doing it for the greater good. As a society in Singapore, I believe it’s our collective responsibility - whether you work in youth development or whether you’re seeing it from a place of care - to see young people all succeed, all make a difference in their community and country. That’s important to me. If I can help and support as many youths as possible, then the greater good leads to a broader societal change, and inspires more people. 

At one of the many schools where Halogen runs the Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Programme. I was a judge for the Business Plan Competition that day, and had so much fun seeing the students present their business ideas!
“Greater good leads to a broader societal change,”

You recently spoke at our NFTE Alumni Engagement session about mental health and happiness for success. Why is this topic important to you, and how does it relate to youth development?

I had a stable background and childhood, but I lacked confidence and self-belief. Parents tell us to study hard, work hard, be strong — but what we’re told and what we’re actually taught can be different. Nowadays, we’re learning through science that wellbeing practices like good sleep, strong relationships, gratitude, and meditation can literally change our brains. I learnt this right before Covid.

During the pandemic, I realised I couldn’t just coach clients on things like making a confident first impression. If they weren’t happy or well, none of it mattered. I started teaching them wellbeing techniques grounded in science, which made them better partners, parents, employees, and leaders. It was what I was doing at home as an individual and as a parent - and I transformed that into Getting To Happy, which is my business. 

That’s the foundation I now bring to young people — because they aren’t typically taught these things in school. For example, kids are told to “be grateful,” but they’re rarely taught how to practise gratitude, like writing things down or reflecting daily. I aim to break these ideas down into simple, actionable steps. Without physical and mental health advocacy, no matter how hard we work, we risk burnout and lack of fulfilment.

Engaging the NFTE students during Covid was a challenge I happily accepted. It was a tumultuous period where care and guidance was much needed for everyone, including our young people.

Mentoring can come with its challenges. How do you navigate difficult situations or conversations with young people, and what do you think is key to making a positive impact during these moments?

One challenge is helping young people accept that someone successful can focus on small changes without the usual “study hard” or “get an A+.” It takes time to build that trust.

Another challenge is that as a mentor, it’s important to be able to look at these sessions from their perspective, not your own. It’s tempting to drift into a place where you start telling your life story, but it’s so much more impactful to identify the gaps for that individual and to help them improve even one small thing. 

Sometimes we are so ready to share, to inspire, but we have to remember they are young people going through self-discovery, emotions, and preconceived notions. The challenging part is to try and approach them in the kindest, most empathetic way, so that they can leave with something. It can be tough, but it’s very rewarding when it does come out the other end. 

If someone were on the fence about volunteering, especially with youth organisations, what would you tell them based on your experience?

I’d say, “Think about what life was like when you were a young person.” Being young is tough, and it only gets harder with today’s distractions and pressures. No matter their background, young people face a lot. There are so many more distractions, stressors, so much to keep up with and learn - and sometimes they need support sometimes from outside of their home. So if you can help a teenager rethink some things, or gain clarity - it makes a huge difference. It certainly would’ve made a difference for someone like me.

“Think about what life was like when you were a young person,”

If you could describe your volunteering journey with Halogen using three words, what would they be, and why?

Self-learning, Inspiring and Collective Change. 

I’ve learnt a lot about myself, and learnt a lot from the young people. I do see a lot of what comes out of these conversations as inspiring moments. And I hope it’s a collective change that we’re making. It’s not just one person we’re impacting. For example, the mentee I mentioned earlier went on to teach her sister how to manage her routine, and even her mother wanted to learn more. If our society changes for the better, that ripple effect will be massive.

What’s the most surprising or unexpected thing you’ve learned about yourself through volunteering?

I’ve learnt to give more space. Sometimes the student isn’t ready to speak or doesn’t know what to say. Instead of jumping in to fill the silence with stories or advice, I’ve learnt that just holding space can open up the conversation in a more meaningful way. As a life coach, I know this — but as a mentor, it’s tempting to want to guide or speak. Giving young people that room and having empathy for their process is also part of our role.

Confidence grows when it’s shared

Whether you’re a coach, creative, professional, or simply someone who remembers what it felt like to be a teenager - your presence can make a real difference. Volunteer with us and be part of shaping confident, grounded, and future-ready youth.

Find out how you can get involved here.

more

Shireena Shroff Manchharam: For The Greater Good

Today’s plus insight features Shireena Shroff Manchharam, a Halogen volunteer, mentor, and advocate. Since 2019, she has contributed to our fundraising efforts, mentored NFTE students, and most recently shared her expertise as a speaker, inspiring youths with her focus on mental health, happiness, and success.

In this interview, she shares with us the powerful life lessons she’s gained from mentoring young people, and why she believes building confidence and wellbeing is key to creating ripple effects of positive change.

What initially inspired you to volunteer with Halogen?

Volunteering and giving back has always been pillars in my businesses. If there is a way I can help or donate, it’s important to me. As a life coach, my desire is to always help - and my favourite people to help are youth. 

I remember being young myself, lacking confidence, networks, and the opportunities kids seem to have today. I had a wonderful childhood with supportive parents, but I didn’t believe in myself. My journey as a life coach and image consultant has been about becoming the best version of myself, and when I look at young people, I want to instil that same confidence in them. That’s why I wanted to volunteer, specifically with Halogen.

From your perspective, what do you feel is one of the most powerful things about volunteering?

I think it’s about doing it for the greater good. As a society in Singapore, I believe it’s our collective responsibility - whether you work in youth development or whether you’re seeing it from a place of care - to see young people all succeed, all make a difference in their community and country. That’s important to me. If I can help and support as many youths as possible, then the greater good leads to a broader societal change, and inspires more people. 

At one of the many schools where Halogen runs the Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Programme. I was a judge for the Business Plan Competition that day, and had so much fun seeing the students present their business ideas!
“Greater good leads to a broader societal change,”

You recently spoke at our NFTE Alumni Engagement session about mental health and happiness for success. Why is this topic important to you, and how does it relate to youth development?

I had a stable background and childhood, but I lacked confidence and self-belief. Parents tell us to study hard, work hard, be strong — but what we’re told and what we’re actually taught can be different. Nowadays, we’re learning through science that wellbeing practices like good sleep, strong relationships, gratitude, and meditation can literally change our brains. I learnt this right before Covid.

During the pandemic, I realised I couldn’t just coach clients on things like making a confident first impression. If they weren’t happy or well, none of it mattered. I started teaching them wellbeing techniques grounded in science, which made them better partners, parents, employees, and leaders. It was what I was doing at home as an individual and as a parent - and I transformed that into Getting To Happy, which is my business. 

That’s the foundation I now bring to young people — because they aren’t typically taught these things in school. For example, kids are told to “be grateful,” but they’re rarely taught how to practise gratitude, like writing things down or reflecting daily. I aim to break these ideas down into simple, actionable steps. Without physical and mental health advocacy, no matter how hard we work, we risk burnout and lack of fulfilment.

Engaging the NFTE students during Covid was a challenge I happily accepted. It was a tumultuous period where care and guidance was much needed for everyone, including our young people.

Mentoring can come with its challenges. How do you navigate difficult situations or conversations with young people, and what do you think is key to making a positive impact during these moments?

One challenge is helping young people accept that someone successful can focus on small changes without the usual “study hard” or “get an A+.” It takes time to build that trust.

Another challenge is that as a mentor, it’s important to be able to look at these sessions from their perspective, not your own. It’s tempting to drift into a place where you start telling your life story, but it’s so much more impactful to identify the gaps for that individual and to help them improve even one small thing. 

Sometimes we are so ready to share, to inspire, but we have to remember they are young people going through self-discovery, emotions, and preconceived notions. The challenging part is to try and approach them in the kindest, most empathetic way, so that they can leave with something. It can be tough, but it’s very rewarding when it does come out the other end. 

If someone were on the fence about volunteering, especially with youth organisations, what would you tell them based on your experience?

I’d say, “Think about what life was like when you were a young person.” Being young is tough, and it only gets harder with today’s distractions and pressures. No matter their background, young people face a lot. There are so many more distractions, stressors, so much to keep up with and learn - and sometimes they need support sometimes from outside of their home. So if you can help a teenager rethink some things, or gain clarity - it makes a huge difference. It certainly would’ve made a difference for someone like me.

“Think about what life was like when you were a young person,”

If you could describe your volunteering journey with Halogen using three words, what would they be, and why?

Self-learning, Inspiring and Collective Change. 

I’ve learnt a lot about myself, and learnt a lot from the young people. I do see a lot of what comes out of these conversations as inspiring moments. And I hope it’s a collective change that we’re making. It’s not just one person we’re impacting. For example, the mentee I mentioned earlier went on to teach her sister how to manage her routine, and even her mother wanted to learn more. If our society changes for the better, that ripple effect will be massive.

What’s the most surprising or unexpected thing you’ve learned about yourself through volunteering?

I’ve learnt to give more space. Sometimes the student isn’t ready to speak or doesn’t know what to say. Instead of jumping in to fill the silence with stories or advice, I’ve learnt that just holding space can open up the conversation in a more meaningful way. As a life coach, I know this — but as a mentor, it’s tempting to want to guide or speak. Giving young people that room and having empathy for their process is also part of our role.

Confidence grows when it’s shared

Whether you’re a coach, creative, professional, or simply someone who remembers what it felt like to be a teenager - your presence can make a real difference. Volunteer with us and be part of shaping confident, grounded, and future-ready youth.

Find out how you can get involved here.

Matt Tatarinow: Lessons in Giving Back

22 Apr 2025

22 April 2025

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Matt Tatarinow: Lessons in Giving Back

Today’s plus insight features Matt Tatarinow, a Halogen volunteer and mentor with a background in corporate leadership and a strong belief in mentorship. Matt has dedicated the past two years to empowering youths through Halogen’s programmes, and fundraising for initiatives.

In this interview, he shares what drew him to volunteering, the lessons he’s learnt, and why he believes in giving back - both with his time and resources.

What inspired you to start volunteering in the youth sector in 2023, and how has your perspective on youth development evolved since then?

I’ve been in Singapore for about four years, and for half of that time, I’ve been volunteering with Halogen. I was originally looking for ways to connect more with Singapore’s culture when a friend introduced me to Halogen’s programmes. They resonated with me because of my own experiences. Back in high school, I went through some difficult times but was fortunate to have mentors who helped me get to where I am today.

When I learnt about Halogen, it really resonated with me - and volunteering as a mentor felt like an instinctive way to give back. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

As you took on more mentoring roles at Halogen, including the NFTE Graduate Mentorship Programme, how did your approach to guiding young people change? Are there specific skills or insights you've gained along the way?

One of the first things I gained was a deeper understanding of Singapore’s unique culture. Although I had been working here for a while, the workplace environment is very different from a school setting. Young people tend to be much more direct, and stepping into local schools gave me fresh insight into how they process and present information.

Within three to six months of volunteering at Halogen, I was promoted within my organisation, and I realised that mentoring young people also improved the way I guided my junior colleagues. The impact was direct and immediate - I wasn’t just developing my mentoring skills for youth but also refining my leadership approach at work.

In addition to volunteering, you also raised funds for Halogen’s Charity Golf in 2024. What moved you to take this extra step, and what impact do you hope these contributions will make?

Halogen never approached me to donate, but when I learnt about Charity Golf, I started looking deeper into their work. I discovered that beyond running programmes in schools, they also provide financial support for underserved youths.

Hearing about some of these students’ situations reminded me of my own high school years. If I had received that kind of support back then, I might have been able to focus even more on my studies and self-development. I saw firsthand how the funding can create real impact - how students can transform from being reserved to becoming confident speakers who can present themselves and their ideas clearly.

Halogen has also contributed to my own growth, so it was an easy decision to re-budget my finances and give back in my own way.

Mentoring isn't always easy - but it's always such a rewarding experience.

Is there a particular moment or experience with a youth that stands out to you? What about that experience was especially meaningful?

There were many - some even quite challenging! In one session, I worked with a group of boys who were completely disengaged. At first, I struggled to cut through the noise and connect with them. Thankfully, Halogen’s facilitators gave me some guidance - they pointed out that in most friend groups, there’s usually a “chief.” If you engage that person, the rest will follow.

So, I identified the “chief” and started engaging him. Sure enough, within minutes, the entire group followed suit. Suddenly, they all had their books out (they hadn’t really forgotten them at home!), and they were fully participating in the activity. It was a lightbulb moment for me.

Another thing I love is seeing the transformation in students over time. They may start out completely disengaged, but after a few sessions, they become excited and eager to share their business ideas. Witnessing that growth is incredibly meaningful.

Mentoring can come with its challenges. How do you navigate difficult situations or conversations with young people, and what do you think is key to making a positive impact during these moments?

Early on, I made the mistake of assuming secondary school students think very differently from adults. In reality, they process things in highly advanced ways - sometimes even beyond what adults do.

The key is to take an assistive approach rather than a directive one. Once they understand that I’m not there to criticise them or tell them what to do, they become much more open and willing to share. It shifts from a one-way lesson to a real and authentic dialogue.

For those considering volunteering with Halogen but feeling unsure, what words of encouragement or advice would you give to help them take the first step?

It doesn’t hurt to try. Volunteering with Halogen is a great way to fulfil your corporate social responsibility, and there’s no forced commitment. You’re not required to be there every week - it’s flexible.

Attending just one session can offer new insights, not just for the youth but for yourself. Taking a step back from work for a few hours to engage with young people can be refreshing and eye-opening.

"It doesn't hurt to try."

At the NFTE Graduate Mentorship Programme launch event. The journey continues!

If you could design a dream NFTE programme challenge or theme, what would it be, and why?

It could be interesting to introduce an opportunity for top NFTE graduates to return the following year as facilitators or even join the judging panel for business plan competitions.

By mentoring their peers, they’d not only reinforce what they’ve learnt but also gain valuable leadership experience. It could boost engagement while offering them a stepping stone into mentorship.

But honestly, Halogen’s programmes are already so well-designed - I wouldn’t change anything!

What’s your “hidden talent” that you think would surprise the people you volunteer with?

I think it’s my positive outlook. I always try to find the good in difficult situations - and that mindset has helped me throughout life.

Any challenge becomes much easier when I reframe it as a learning opportunity. I share this perspective with my mentees, and I think it’s contagious! It’s not really a hidden talent, but over time, people around me start to notice it.

Feeling inspired by Matt’s story?
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back or share your expertise, consider joining our community of volunteers. Whether it's mentoring, coaching, or lending your skills behind the scenes – every role makes a difference.

Find out how you can get involved here.

more

Matt Tatarinow: Lessons in Giving Back

Today’s plus insight features Matt Tatarinow, a Halogen volunteer and mentor with a background in corporate leadership and a strong belief in mentorship. Matt has dedicated the past two years to empowering youths through Halogen’s programmes, and fundraising for initiatives.

In this interview, he shares what drew him to volunteering, the lessons he’s learnt, and why he believes in giving back - both with his time and resources.

What inspired you to start volunteering in the youth sector in 2023, and how has your perspective on youth development evolved since then?

I’ve been in Singapore for about four years, and for half of that time, I’ve been volunteering with Halogen. I was originally looking for ways to connect more with Singapore’s culture when a friend introduced me to Halogen’s programmes. They resonated with me because of my own experiences. Back in high school, I went through some difficult times but was fortunate to have mentors who helped me get to where I am today.

When I learnt about Halogen, it really resonated with me - and volunteering as a mentor felt like an instinctive way to give back. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

As you took on more mentoring roles at Halogen, including the NFTE Graduate Mentorship Programme, how did your approach to guiding young people change? Are there specific skills or insights you've gained along the way?

One of the first things I gained was a deeper understanding of Singapore’s unique culture. Although I had been working here for a while, the workplace environment is very different from a school setting. Young people tend to be much more direct, and stepping into local schools gave me fresh insight into how they process and present information.

Within three to six months of volunteering at Halogen, I was promoted within my organisation, and I realised that mentoring young people also improved the way I guided my junior colleagues. The impact was direct and immediate - I wasn’t just developing my mentoring skills for youth but also refining my leadership approach at work.

In addition to volunteering, you also raised funds for Halogen’s Charity Golf in 2024. What moved you to take this extra step, and what impact do you hope these contributions will make?

Halogen never approached me to donate, but when I learnt about Charity Golf, I started looking deeper into their work. I discovered that beyond running programmes in schools, they also provide financial support for underserved youths.

Hearing about some of these students’ situations reminded me of my own high school years. If I had received that kind of support back then, I might have been able to focus even more on my studies and self-development. I saw firsthand how the funding can create real impact - how students can transform from being reserved to becoming confident speakers who can present themselves and their ideas clearly.

Halogen has also contributed to my own growth, so it was an easy decision to re-budget my finances and give back in my own way.

Mentoring isn't always easy - but it's always such a rewarding experience.

Is there a particular moment or experience with a youth that stands out to you? What about that experience was especially meaningful?

There were many - some even quite challenging! In one session, I worked with a group of boys who were completely disengaged. At first, I struggled to cut through the noise and connect with them. Thankfully, Halogen’s facilitators gave me some guidance - they pointed out that in most friend groups, there’s usually a “chief.” If you engage that person, the rest will follow.

So, I identified the “chief” and started engaging him. Sure enough, within minutes, the entire group followed suit. Suddenly, they all had their books out (they hadn’t really forgotten them at home!), and they were fully participating in the activity. It was a lightbulb moment for me.

Another thing I love is seeing the transformation in students over time. They may start out completely disengaged, but after a few sessions, they become excited and eager to share their business ideas. Witnessing that growth is incredibly meaningful.

Mentoring can come with its challenges. How do you navigate difficult situations or conversations with young people, and what do you think is key to making a positive impact during these moments?

Early on, I made the mistake of assuming secondary school students think very differently from adults. In reality, they process things in highly advanced ways - sometimes even beyond what adults do.

The key is to take an assistive approach rather than a directive one. Once they understand that I’m not there to criticise them or tell them what to do, they become much more open and willing to share. It shifts from a one-way lesson to a real and authentic dialogue.

For those considering volunteering with Halogen but feeling unsure, what words of encouragement or advice would you give to help them take the first step?

It doesn’t hurt to try. Volunteering with Halogen is a great way to fulfil your corporate social responsibility, and there’s no forced commitment. You’re not required to be there every week - it’s flexible.

Attending just one session can offer new insights, not just for the youth but for yourself. Taking a step back from work for a few hours to engage with young people can be refreshing and eye-opening.

"It doesn't hurt to try."

At the NFTE Graduate Mentorship Programme launch event. The journey continues!

If you could design a dream NFTE programme challenge or theme, what would it be, and why?

It could be interesting to introduce an opportunity for top NFTE graduates to return the following year as facilitators or even join the judging panel for business plan competitions.

By mentoring their peers, they’d not only reinforce what they’ve learnt but also gain valuable leadership experience. It could boost engagement while offering them a stepping stone into mentorship.

But honestly, Halogen’s programmes are already so well-designed - I wouldn’t change anything!

What’s your “hidden talent” that you think would surprise the people you volunteer with?

I think it’s my positive outlook. I always try to find the good in difficult situations - and that mindset has helped me throughout life.

Any challenge becomes much easier when I reframe it as a learning opportunity. I share this perspective with my mentees, and I think it’s contagious! It’s not really a hidden talent, but over time, people around me start to notice it.

Feeling inspired by Matt’s story?
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back or share your expertise, consider joining our community of volunteers. Whether it's mentoring, coaching, or lending your skills behind the scenes – every role makes a difference.

Find out how you can get involved here.

Ashley Goh: Whisking up Dreams

17 Apr 2025

17 April 2025

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Ashley Goh: Whisking up Dreams

Today’s Halo Youth Series features Ashley Goh, Global Youth Entrepreneur (GYE), champion of Halogen’s 2023 NFTE Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (NYEC) and founder of A.Baketale, an online food business selling sweet treats. 

In this interview, the baking aficionado shares about her NFTE journey, the challenges she faced and what kept her going throughout.

Before joining Halogen’s Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), you had little exposure to entrepreneurship. What was the biggest challenge you faced when learning about starting or running a business, and how did you overcome it?

I’ve learnt that starting a business isn’t as easy as it looks - especially with how the internet makes it seem. When I first started my R&D (research & development), I faced a lot of challenges. How do I make my brand stand out? I didn’t know anything about branding, marketing, product development, or finances, and it was tough figuring it all out. Those things I’ve learnt helped me understand how to start and run a business.

Your online business idea "A.Baketale” came from your love for baking and wanting to create sweet treats your dad could enjoy. What was the moment that made you decide, “Yes, I’m going to turn this into my business idea”?

My dad has diabetes, and many of my other family members do too. Growing up, my mum was strict about sweet treats because she didn’t want us to develop it as well.

Since I love baking, I thought - why not create something both my dad and I can enjoy? I started experimenting, and my first try was a chocolate cake, one of his favourites. After many failed attempts, I finally got it right. I let him try it without telling him it was vegan and refined sugar-free. When he took the first bite, his face lit up. Seeing his reaction made me think, “Maybe this could really work.”

Decadent chocolate cake by A.Baketale

Who is your biggest cheerleader and how did his/her support and the encouragement from your NFTE coaches help you while you were going through the programme? 

My mum is my biggest cheerleader! During my R&D phase, I was baking non-stop, and my fridge was packed with my failed attempts. I hated the idea of wasting food, but every day, I noticed the bakes disappearing. Turns out, my mum was quietly supporting me, trying them herself and sharing them with her friends. That meant a lot to me.

I also put a lot of pressure on myself, feeling like I had to win. My NFTE facilitators, Chloe and my teacher Mr. Ang, reminded me not to stress too much and to just focus on doing my best. Their encouragement really helped.

Just a few months ago, you had the exciting opportunity to fly to New York to represent Singapore at the World Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (WYEC). What are some of the standout/special moments for you?

Before NFTE, I never really reflected on my setbacks or mistakes. But in New York, my NFTE facilitator Chloe encouraged me to start writing reflections. It helped me process my thoughts and think about what I could improve.

Exploring NYC (left) and visiting the New York Stock Exchange (right) were absolutely surreal experiences.

Another memorable moment was meeting my mentor, Lim Hui Nan, Co-Founder of Empire Eats Group. From her photos online, she looked sharp and serious, but in person, she turned out to be really down-to-earth and eager to help.


Having dinner at Tanuki Raw with my mentor, Hui Nan, co-founder of Empire Eats Group.

She even helped me secure a sponsored competition outfit from local brands Love & Bravery and PrettyFIT. Going for the fitting was such a surreal experience - it made me feel so confident, like an actual businesswoman!

Feeling confident in my competition outfit by Love & Bravery and PrettyFIT!

Starting something new isn't always easy. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced on this journey, and how do you stay motivated when things get tough?

Self-doubt was my biggest challenge. No matter how much encouragement I got, I kept questioning myself; was I good enough? Could I do this?

If I could go back in time, I’d tell myself to just go for it and stop worrying unnecessarily. I’ve grown so much in confidence since NFTE, and I’m learning to trust myself more.

Congratulations on getting into the Food & Beverage (F&B) Business diploma programme at Nanyang Polytechnic! How do you think this diploma will help grow and achieve your future goals?

I've always been interested in the F&B industry, and this diploma will give me a deeper understanding of how it works. I’m excited to learn about online food businesses and see how I can apply that knowledge in the future.

If you could describe yourself in three words now, what would they be? 

Daring, Resilient and Realistic. 

Daring because I’m very willing to try new things, and grab opportunities whenever they’re available. 

Resilient because once I set my mind to something, I push through no matter what. 

Realistic because I tend to think critically about challenges and possibilities.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

10 years is a long time, and I don’t know if I’ll still be on this path with A.Baketale. But if I am, then it means that I gave it my all and committed to making it bigger.

I do hope that future Ashley will be more confident than ever. Bold enough to wear that dress, speak her mind, and express herself freely. I also want to give back, by inspiring the younger generation and helping disadvantaged children reach their potential. 

In full business presentation mode while presenting my idea to a panel of judges at NYEC 2023. It feels like only yesterday!

You’ve mentioned that Taylor Swift inspires you! If you could bake a dessert inspired by her, what would it be and why?

I’d bake a golden cake inspired by Fearless, one of my favourite albums. The word fearless describes my NFTE journey - stepping out of my comfort zone, trying things I never would’ve dared to before, and meeting new people as an introvert! A fearless-inspired cake would be the perfect way to represent that.

If you could open a pop-up bakery anywhere in the world for a week, where would it be?

I’d love to have a pop-up bakery in a park or community space, where people from all walks of life could enjoy my treats. I want my bakes to bring comfort and a little bit of sweetness to their day.

Behind every young entrepreneur is a community of support. Whether you’re keen to volunteer, mentor, or partner with us as a corporate organisation, there are many ways you can help empower youth like Ashley to dream big and do good.

Get involved here.

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Ashley Goh: Whisking up Dreams

Today’s Halo Youth Series features Ashley Goh, Global Youth Entrepreneur (GYE), champion of Halogen’s 2023 NFTE Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (NYEC) and founder of A.Baketale, an online food business selling sweet treats. 

In this interview, the baking aficionado shares about her NFTE journey, the challenges she faced and what kept her going throughout.

Before joining Halogen’s Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), you had little exposure to entrepreneurship. What was the biggest challenge you faced when learning about starting or running a business, and how did you overcome it?

I’ve learnt that starting a business isn’t as easy as it looks - especially with how the internet makes it seem. When I first started my R&D (research & development), I faced a lot of challenges. How do I make my brand stand out? I didn’t know anything about branding, marketing, product development, or finances, and it was tough figuring it all out. Those things I’ve learnt helped me understand how to start and run a business.

Your online business idea "A.Baketale” came from your love for baking and wanting to create sweet treats your dad could enjoy. What was the moment that made you decide, “Yes, I’m going to turn this into my business idea”?

My dad has diabetes, and many of my other family members do too. Growing up, my mum was strict about sweet treats because she didn’t want us to develop it as well.

Since I love baking, I thought - why not create something both my dad and I can enjoy? I started experimenting, and my first try was a chocolate cake, one of his favourites. After many failed attempts, I finally got it right. I let him try it without telling him it was vegan and refined sugar-free. When he took the first bite, his face lit up. Seeing his reaction made me think, “Maybe this could really work.”

Decadent chocolate cake by A.Baketale

Who is your biggest cheerleader and how did his/her support and the encouragement from your NFTE coaches help you while you were going through the programme? 

My mum is my biggest cheerleader! During my R&D phase, I was baking non-stop, and my fridge was packed with my failed attempts. I hated the idea of wasting food, but every day, I noticed the bakes disappearing. Turns out, my mum was quietly supporting me, trying them herself and sharing them with her friends. That meant a lot to me.

I also put a lot of pressure on myself, feeling like I had to win. My NFTE facilitators, Chloe and my teacher Mr. Ang, reminded me not to stress too much and to just focus on doing my best. Their encouragement really helped.

Just a few months ago, you had the exciting opportunity to fly to New York to represent Singapore at the World Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (WYEC). What are some of the standout/special moments for you?

Before NFTE, I never really reflected on my setbacks or mistakes. But in New York, my NFTE facilitator Chloe encouraged me to start writing reflections. It helped me process my thoughts and think about what I could improve.

Exploring NYC (left) and visiting the New York Stock Exchange (right) were absolutely surreal experiences.

Another memorable moment was meeting my mentor, Lim Hui Nan, Co-Founder of Empire Eats Group. From her photos online, she looked sharp and serious, but in person, she turned out to be really down-to-earth and eager to help.


Having dinner at Tanuki Raw with my mentor, Hui Nan, co-founder of Empire Eats Group.

She even helped me secure a sponsored competition outfit from local brands Love & Bravery and PrettyFIT. Going for the fitting was such a surreal experience - it made me feel so confident, like an actual businesswoman!

Feeling confident in my competition outfit by Love & Bravery and PrettyFIT!

Starting something new isn't always easy. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced on this journey, and how do you stay motivated when things get tough?

Self-doubt was my biggest challenge. No matter how much encouragement I got, I kept questioning myself; was I good enough? Could I do this?

If I could go back in time, I’d tell myself to just go for it and stop worrying unnecessarily. I’ve grown so much in confidence since NFTE, and I’m learning to trust myself more.

Congratulations on getting into the Food & Beverage (F&B) Business diploma programme at Nanyang Polytechnic! How do you think this diploma will help grow and achieve your future goals?

I've always been interested in the F&B industry, and this diploma will give me a deeper understanding of how it works. I’m excited to learn about online food businesses and see how I can apply that knowledge in the future.

If you could describe yourself in three words now, what would they be? 

Daring, Resilient and Realistic. 

Daring because I’m very willing to try new things, and grab opportunities whenever they’re available. 

Resilient because once I set my mind to something, I push through no matter what. 

Realistic because I tend to think critically about challenges and possibilities.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

10 years is a long time, and I don’t know if I’ll still be on this path with A.Baketale. But if I am, then it means that I gave it my all and committed to making it bigger.

I do hope that future Ashley will be more confident than ever. Bold enough to wear that dress, speak her mind, and express herself freely. I also want to give back, by inspiring the younger generation and helping disadvantaged children reach their potential. 

In full business presentation mode while presenting my idea to a panel of judges at NYEC 2023. It feels like only yesterday!

You’ve mentioned that Taylor Swift inspires you! If you could bake a dessert inspired by her, what would it be and why?

I’d bake a golden cake inspired by Fearless, one of my favourite albums. The word fearless describes my NFTE journey - stepping out of my comfort zone, trying things I never would’ve dared to before, and meeting new people as an introvert! A fearless-inspired cake would be the perfect way to represent that.

If you could open a pop-up bakery anywhere in the world for a week, where would it be?

I’d love to have a pop-up bakery in a park or community space, where people from all walks of life could enjoy my treats. I want my bakes to bring comfort and a little bit of sweetness to their day.

Behind every young entrepreneur is a community of support. Whether you’re keen to volunteer, mentor, or partner with us as a corporate organisation, there are many ways you can help empower youth like Ashley to dream big and do good.

Get involved here.

The Buzz Word – Community

25 Mar 2025

25 March 2025

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The Buzz Word – Community

The Buzz Word - Community

Today’s Halo Circle insight comes from Xena Goh, the programme Manager of NYLF (National Young Leaders Fellowship), as she reflects on building community through the programme. She shares how each cohort evolves beyond the structured experience - forming their own networks, support systems, and initiatives. From study groups to event buddy pairings, these young changemakers show that leadership isn’t just about personal growth - it’s about creating spaces where others can thrive.

Xena Goh,
Senior Academy Executive, Halogen (Singapore)

Some of the most common questions we receive about NYLF (National Young Leaders Fellowship) are: “How does the Fellowship work? How do you bring together a group of 15 - 19 year olds and keep them engaged? What do they accomplish?” 

Since its official launch in 2022, NYLF has welcomed 100 Fellows across three cohorts, immersing them into a structured nine-month leadership development programme. Designed to equip young changemakers with the skills, networks and confidence to lead, NYLF is more than just a leadership initiative - it is a community. 

As we continue to refine and grow the programme, we’ve observed something profound. A truly thriving community is not built solely by its facilitators, but evolves when its members take ownership of it. This article serves as our first documentation of the NYLF community and how Halogen continues to shape youth leadership by fostering meaningful connections.

Coining & Debunking the Formula for Community-Building

When exploring how to build a thriving leadership community, I posed a question to our household name ChatGPT: “what is the formula to build a community?”

ChatGPT giving me a formula to build community

Surprisingly, the response was structured and aligned with many of the principles we’ve been applying in NYLF. It clearly outlined key components of a strong community:

☑ Purpose and Shared Values

Through our selection process, we bring together young leaders who are passionate about causes they care about and are eager to create meaningful change.

☑ Engagement and Contribution

The programme is designed with multiple touchpoints - from a five-day induction programme to learning journeys, panel discussions and workshops - many of which are co-created with the Fellows themselves. 

☑ Trust & Relationships

Every interaction is intentional, with added emphasis on providing the Fellows with space to share, discuss, encourage and share feedback.

While these principles serve as a great foundation, our experience with three cohorts of Fellows has shown that a thriving community isn’t simply just built - it is lived and shaped by those within it. 

When a Community Takes the Lead, It Begins to Thrive

2024 Fellow Rai Bhavya asked to share about her journey championing for youth mental health and her journey learning about the cause.
2024 Fellow Rai Bhavya asked to share about her journey championing for youth mental health and her journey learning about the cause.

Every NYLF cohort has its own distinct character. As a programme designer and facilitator, I initially assumed that with a structured approach, we could replicate the same growth and engagement across different cohorts. However, we soon realised that true community-building happens when Fellows take ownership of the experience.

Beyond our structured programme, Fellows started to initiate their own organic touchpoints - from forming study groups to foodie groups and event buddy groups. Within their community, they find their own “go-to” person for different needs - whether for advice, collaboration or encouragement.

A cross sharing and network gathering across 2022 - 2024 cohorts, where they shared about the social causes they care about, and their learnings.
A cross sharing and network gathering across 2022 - 2024 cohorts, where they shared about the social causes they care about, and their learnings.

Every community takes its own shape and form.

A strong community is one where: 

  • People bond over shared aspirations.
  • Individuals feel valued and heard.
  • Every member has a voice in shaping their experience. 
  • The sense of belonging extends beyond any formal structure.

This shift from structured facilitation to self-driven leadership is what makes NYLF a powerful catalyst for youth development. 

Supporting Young Leaders in Navigating Challenges 

Frequent catch-ups with alumni Fellows from 2022 to 2024 cohorts, where they share with me their project challenges and self-led overseas expeditions!
Frequent catch-ups with alumni Fellows from 2022 to 2024 cohorts, where they share with me their project challenges and self-led overseas expeditions!

Young changemakers face immense pressure as they balance personal aspirations with external expectations. Through countless conversations with the Fellows, we’ve observed that their challenges often revolve around:

1. Balancing priorities and expectations 

They grapple with conflicting thoughts between specialising in a specific skill or a cause, and the expectation to be a well-rounded youth, caring about multiple issues at the same time. Many feel the need to become a “T-shaped” changemaker, developing a deep expertise in one area and yet having a broad foundation across all other aspects of their lives. When they struggle to meet these expectations, that’s when they feel as though they are not adequate.

2. Navigating the space and time in identity building 

In the stage of life they are in, development psychology theories suggest that they are building their identities while seeking for a sense of belonging. This creates an internal conflict, who they are as individuals and who they think they need to become, for society. In this face of uncertainty and confusion, they may become anxious, impatient to achieve significance quickly and perfectly, or overly critical of themselves over mistakes and failures. 

At Halogen, we see our role as guides, mentors, and sounding boards. Personally, I feel like Grandma Tala from the popular Disney movie Moana - I do my part by being a space for reflection. I help them pause and breathe amidst the many demands they face. Other times, a cheerleader - recognising and affirming their growth, even when they may not see it themselves.

Grandma Tala and Moana in the Disney movie, Moana.
Grandma Tala and Moana in the Disney movie, Moana.

Finding the right community is about finding a tribe that celebrates you, supports you, and grows with you.

Beyond the Fellowship: The Bigger Picture

As we reflect on the future of youth leadership - an important question remains: how can we create an environment where young leaders are sufficiently challenged, stress-tested, yet supported - so that they can emerge victorious with discernment, critical thinking and a strong moral compass as they hone their craft and influence?

There may not be a single formula that can capture all that, but one thing remains clear:  community plays a pivotal role in shaping future leaders. Whether big or small, structured or informal, communities provide the space for young changemakers to experiment, learn and grow. At Halogen, we will continue walking alongside them in their journey, providing space, asking questions, and empowering them to take the lead. Because when we build strong communities, we are not just developing individuals, we are shaping the future of leadership itself. 

more

The Buzz Word – Community

Today’s Halo Circle insight comes from Xena Goh, the programme Manager of NYLF (National Young Leaders Fellowship), as she reflects on building community through the programme. She shares how each cohort evolves beyond the structured experience - forming their own networks, support systems, and initiatives. From study groups to event buddy pairings, these young changemakers show that leadership isn’t just about personal growth - it’s about creating spaces where others can thrive.

Xena Goh,
Senior Academy Executive, Halogen (Singapore)

Some of the most common questions we receive about NYLF (National Young Leaders Fellowship) are: “How does the Fellowship work? How do you bring together a group of 15 - 19 year olds and keep them engaged? What do they accomplish?” 

Since its official launch in 2022, NYLF has welcomed 100 Fellows across three cohorts, immersing them into a structured nine-month leadership development programme. Designed to equip young changemakers with the skills, networks and confidence to lead, NYLF is more than just a leadership initiative - it is a community. 

As we continue to refine and grow the programme, we’ve observed something profound. A truly thriving community is not built solely by its facilitators, but evolves when its members take ownership of it. This article serves as our first documentation of the NYLF community and how Halogen continues to shape youth leadership by fostering meaningful connections.

Coining & Debunking the Formula for Community-Building

When exploring how to build a thriving leadership community, I posed a question to our household name ChatGPT: “what is the formula to build a community?”

ChatGPT giving me a formula to build community

Surprisingly, the response was structured and aligned with many of the principles we’ve been applying in NYLF. It clearly outlined key components of a strong community:

☑ Purpose and Shared Values

Through our selection process, we bring together young leaders who are passionate about causes they care about and are eager to create meaningful change.

☑ Engagement and Contribution

The programme is designed with multiple touchpoints - from a five-day induction programme to learning journeys, panel discussions and workshops - many of which are co-created with the Fellows themselves. 

☑ Trust & Relationships

Every interaction is intentional, with added emphasis on providing the Fellows with space to share, discuss, encourage and share feedback.

While these principles serve as a great foundation, our experience with three cohorts of Fellows has shown that a thriving community isn’t simply just built - it is lived and shaped by those within it. 

When a Community Takes the Lead, It Begins to Thrive

2024 Fellow Rai Bhavya asked to share about her journey championing for youth mental health and her journey learning about the cause.
2024 Fellow Rai Bhavya asked to share about her journey championing for youth mental health and her journey learning about the cause.

Every NYLF cohort has its own distinct character. As a programme designer and facilitator, I initially assumed that with a structured approach, we could replicate the same growth and engagement across different cohorts. However, we soon realised that true community-building happens when Fellows take ownership of the experience.

Beyond our structured programme, Fellows started to initiate their own organic touchpoints - from forming study groups to foodie groups and event buddy groups. Within their community, they find their own “go-to” person for different needs - whether for advice, collaboration or encouragement.

A cross sharing and network gathering across 2022 - 2024 cohorts, where they shared about the social causes they care about, and their learnings.
A cross sharing and network gathering across 2022 - 2024 cohorts, where they shared about the social causes they care about, and their learnings.

Every community takes its own shape and form.

A strong community is one where: 

  • People bond over shared aspirations.
  • Individuals feel valued and heard.
  • Every member has a voice in shaping their experience. 
  • The sense of belonging extends beyond any formal structure.

This shift from structured facilitation to self-driven leadership is what makes NYLF a powerful catalyst for youth development. 

Supporting Young Leaders in Navigating Challenges 

Frequent catch-ups with alumni Fellows from 2022 to 2024 cohorts, where they share with me their project challenges and self-led overseas expeditions!
Frequent catch-ups with alumni Fellows from 2022 to 2024 cohorts, where they share with me their project challenges and self-led overseas expeditions!

Young changemakers face immense pressure as they balance personal aspirations with external expectations. Through countless conversations with the Fellows, we’ve observed that their challenges often revolve around:

1. Balancing priorities and expectations 

They grapple with conflicting thoughts between specialising in a specific skill or a cause, and the expectation to be a well-rounded youth, caring about multiple issues at the same time. Many feel the need to become a “T-shaped” changemaker, developing a deep expertise in one area and yet having a broad foundation across all other aspects of their lives. When they struggle to meet these expectations, that’s when they feel as though they are not adequate.

2. Navigating the space and time in identity building 

In the stage of life they are in, development psychology theories suggest that they are building their identities while seeking for a sense of belonging. This creates an internal conflict, who they are as individuals and who they think they need to become, for society. In this face of uncertainty and confusion, they may become anxious, impatient to achieve significance quickly and perfectly, or overly critical of themselves over mistakes and failures. 

At Halogen, we see our role as guides, mentors, and sounding boards. Personally, I feel like Grandma Tala from the popular Disney movie Moana - I do my part by being a space for reflection. I help them pause and breathe amidst the many demands they face. Other times, a cheerleader - recognising and affirming their growth, even when they may not see it themselves.

Grandma Tala and Moana in the Disney movie, Moana.
Grandma Tala and Moana in the Disney movie, Moana.

Finding the right community is about finding a tribe that celebrates you, supports you, and grows with you.

Beyond the Fellowship: The Bigger Picture

As we reflect on the future of youth leadership - an important question remains: how can we create an environment where young leaders are sufficiently challenged, stress-tested, yet supported - so that they can emerge victorious with discernment, critical thinking and a strong moral compass as they hone their craft and influence?

There may not be a single formula that can capture all that, but one thing remains clear:  community plays a pivotal role in shaping future leaders. Whether big or small, structured or informal, communities provide the space for young changemakers to experiment, learn and grow. At Halogen, we will continue walking alongside them in their journey, providing space, asking questions, and empowering them to take the lead. Because when we build strong communities, we are not just developing individuals, we are shaping the future of leadership itself. 

Beyond Borders – What Vietnam and Singapore’s Youth have in Common

13 Mar 2025

13 March 2025

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Beyond Borders – What Vietnam and Singapore’s Youth have in Common

Today’s circle insight is by James Goh, Halogen’s Chief Experience Officer. In his insight, he reflects on his experiences with Vietnam’s youth community and the similarities he’s found with youth in Singapore. From shared challenges to common aspirations, James highlights how young people in both countries are more connected than we might think. His reflections offer a fresh perspective on the youth journey, showing that no matter where they are, the drive to learn, grow, and lead is universal.

James Goh,
Chief Experience Officer, Halogen (Singapore)

Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of visiting Vietnam five times for work, each trip allowing me to experience the country beyond its renowned cuisine and vibrant culture. More importantly, these visits have given me invaluable opportunities to connect with a diverse range of individuals - from young people to entrepreneurs to leaders of major corporations - each offering unique perspectives on the future of Vietnam’s youth development. Through these conversations, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the aspirations, challenges, and dreams that shape the next generation in Vietnam.

When Halogen (Singapore) celebrated our 20th anniversary and introduced a refreshed vision, we endeavoured to expand our mission and bring some of the impactful youth development work we do in Singapore to serve youths beyond our borders. To gain a deep understanding of the diverse needs of young people in various countries, we connected with individuals across the region, facilitated by Halogen’s existing partnerships in Singapore and connections across ASEAN.

For me, I had the opportunity to have conversations with over 150 individuals. While each of these exchanges offered new insights into the aspirations and challenges of Vietnamese youth, it highlighted a powerful truth that stood out starkly: while each country has its unique characteristics - the dreams, struggles, and motivations of young people living in today’s complex environment are more similar than we think. This journey has been instrumental in shaping our commitment to empowering youth across the region.

Group photo with participants from a partner organisation Lead the Change, after running a workshop on “The Leadership Challenge” for youths in Vietnam

Why Vietnam?

Many of the people I meet to ask about Vietnam often turn the question around and ask me, “What draws you to Vietnam?”. Beyond a personal passion, these visits are a part of our mission at Halogen – to understand youth communities across ASEAN. With each visit, I saw firsthand how cultural exchange and shared learning between nations like Vietnam and Singapore can spark meaningful youth development. These exchanges contribute significantly to Halogen’s research on the evolving aspirations of today’s youth.

Exploring the streets of Vietnam with local youths via the most common Vietnamese mode of transport - scooters!

Shared Aspirations and Motivations

Across both Singapore and Vietnam, and amidst a rapidly changing world, young people are driven by goals that transcend borders; personal success, career growth, and entrepreneurship. Youths in both countries actively seek upskilling opportunities, connecting with global resources to prepare for the future. During my visits, I saw countless examples of young individuals in Vietnam striving to create positive change - stories that mirror the ambitions I see among young Singaporeans.

In one of my recent trips to Hanoi, I visited Blue Dragon Foundation, a partner organisation of Halogen who nominated a youth to join our 2024 National Young Leaders Fellowship. We spoke about the story of Nhung, our youth fellow who despite challenging family backgrounds, was supported by Blue Dragon Foundation throughout her growing up years, after which giving back to the foundation by running socio-emotional workshops for children at the centre, as well as restarting an initiative to clean up litter from the streets of Hanoi. She continues to actively advocate for young children today, despite now pursuing a full-time education at an international university in Hanoi. 

Group photo with our partners from Blue Dragon Foundation, who nominated Nhung, a youth from Vietnam who joined us as a  2024 fellow as part of our National Young Leaders Fellowship
Group photo with our partners from Blue Dragon Foundation, who nominated Nhung, a youth from Vietnam who joined us as a  2024 fellow as part of our National Young Leaders Fellowship

Balancing Cultural Identity and Modernity

Navigating the line between tradition and modernity lies another common thread. Both Vietnamese and Singaporean youths find themselves deeply rooted in family and cultural heritage while also embracing progressive values and self-expression. They balance individuality with a commitment to their communities, showing us that embracing heritage doesn’t hinder growth; rather, it strengthens it.

A standout example is a business project concept developed by a group of young people I encountered while serving as a judge at a joint hackathon event hosted by the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh and the Singapore University of Social Sciences. This team, comprised of youths from both Singapore and Vietnam, proposed a project called "Sens." Their goal was to empower rural artisans skilled in the traditional art of lotus silk weaving by bringing this heritage craft into the e-commerce space. Additionally, they aimed to support these artisans in adopting new technologies to increase the craft’s scalability and reach. By bridging cultural identity with modern innovation, their project reflects a commitment to preserving tradition while ensuring its relevance in a rapidly evolving society and economy. 

Through my many interactions, I see this duality being played out in both countries. Young people can be deeply engaged in global trends yet remain connected to their families and local communities. This combination of modernity and cultural identity shapes their unique perspectives on life and work.

During a visit to VinUniversity in Hanoi, where I was warmly hosted by Ms Hanh Bui, Director of Academic Engagement and Global Exchange.

Common Social Concerns

Beyond personal ambitions, young people in both countries share similar concerns and challenges, and are often willing to be vocal about how they can play a part in solving these societal issues. In the many conversations, the uncertainty of the future revolving around employment, environment and personal well-being is constantly on the minds of youth. One shining example was Thi, who I had the chance to meet up with after she returned to Vietnam after the National Young Leaders Fellowship in 2024. She shared with me about her belief in the value of education, and how she aspires to develop an initiative, with resources and a team, to be able to give back to rural communities as a means to improve the both employability and quality of life of young people in her country. 

This drive she has is mirrored among the youths we have in our Halogen’s National Young Leaders Fellowship. For the very first time this year, Halogen (Singapore) opened our doors to 10 ASEAN fellows, alongside 30 other Singapore fellows from diverse backgrounds. It is my hope that as Halogen does more and more youth development work in the region, we can bridge opportunities between youths, helping amplify their impact in these causes shared by youths across geographies.

A Shared Future Rooted in Commonality

The commonalities I observed reaffirms that youth across Singapore and Vietnam are more connected than ever before. Culturally, we even celebrate the same festivals, and eat similar foods. While it’s easy to focus on the visible differences between cultures, it’s equally vital to recognise our similarities. It is my reflection that because of what we share, it is easier to foster stronger bonds that pave the way for collaboration and meaningful change. The next time you walk down the streets of Singapore or Vietnam, keep a lookout! Who knows, you might just start to see the same things I did – our shared roots, shared culture and shared youth aspirations.


more

Beyond Borders – What Vietnam and Singapore’s Youth have in Common

Today’s circle insight is by James Goh, Halogen’s Chief Experience Officer. In his insight, he reflects on his experiences with Vietnam’s youth community and the similarities he’s found with youth in Singapore. From shared challenges to common aspirations, James highlights how young people in both countries are more connected than we might think. His reflections offer a fresh perspective on the youth journey, showing that no matter where they are, the drive to learn, grow, and lead is universal.

James Goh,
Chief Experience Officer, Halogen (Singapore)

Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of visiting Vietnam five times for work, each trip allowing me to experience the country beyond its renowned cuisine and vibrant culture. More importantly, these visits have given me invaluable opportunities to connect with a diverse range of individuals - from young people to entrepreneurs to leaders of major corporations - each offering unique perspectives on the future of Vietnam’s youth development. Through these conversations, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the aspirations, challenges, and dreams that shape the next generation in Vietnam.

When Halogen (Singapore) celebrated our 20th anniversary and introduced a refreshed vision, we endeavoured to expand our mission and bring some of the impactful youth development work we do in Singapore to serve youths beyond our borders. To gain a deep understanding of the diverse needs of young people in various countries, we connected with individuals across the region, facilitated by Halogen’s existing partnerships in Singapore and connections across ASEAN.

For me, I had the opportunity to have conversations with over 150 individuals. While each of these exchanges offered new insights into the aspirations and challenges of Vietnamese youth, it highlighted a powerful truth that stood out starkly: while each country has its unique characteristics - the dreams, struggles, and motivations of young people living in today’s complex environment are more similar than we think. This journey has been instrumental in shaping our commitment to empowering youth across the region.

Group photo with participants from a partner organisation Lead the Change, after running a workshop on “The Leadership Challenge” for youths in Vietnam

Why Vietnam?

Many of the people I meet to ask about Vietnam often turn the question around and ask me, “What draws you to Vietnam?”. Beyond a personal passion, these visits are a part of our mission at Halogen – to understand youth communities across ASEAN. With each visit, I saw firsthand how cultural exchange and shared learning between nations like Vietnam and Singapore can spark meaningful youth development. These exchanges contribute significantly to Halogen’s research on the evolving aspirations of today’s youth.

Exploring the streets of Vietnam with local youths via the most common Vietnamese mode of transport - scooters!

Shared Aspirations and Motivations

Across both Singapore and Vietnam, and amidst a rapidly changing world, young people are driven by goals that transcend borders; personal success, career growth, and entrepreneurship. Youths in both countries actively seek upskilling opportunities, connecting with global resources to prepare for the future. During my visits, I saw countless examples of young individuals in Vietnam striving to create positive change - stories that mirror the ambitions I see among young Singaporeans.

In one of my recent trips to Hanoi, I visited Blue Dragon Foundation, a partner organisation of Halogen who nominated a youth to join our 2024 National Young Leaders Fellowship. We spoke about the story of Nhung, our youth fellow who despite challenging family backgrounds, was supported by Blue Dragon Foundation throughout her growing up years, after which giving back to the foundation by running socio-emotional workshops for children at the centre, as well as restarting an initiative to clean up litter from the streets of Hanoi. She continues to actively advocate for young children today, despite now pursuing a full-time education at an international university in Hanoi. 

Group photo with our partners from Blue Dragon Foundation, who nominated Nhung, a youth from Vietnam who joined us as a  2024 fellow as part of our National Young Leaders Fellowship
Group photo with our partners from Blue Dragon Foundation, who nominated Nhung, a youth from Vietnam who joined us as a  2024 fellow as part of our National Young Leaders Fellowship

Balancing Cultural Identity and Modernity

Navigating the line between tradition and modernity lies another common thread. Both Vietnamese and Singaporean youths find themselves deeply rooted in family and cultural heritage while also embracing progressive values and self-expression. They balance individuality with a commitment to their communities, showing us that embracing heritage doesn’t hinder growth; rather, it strengthens it.

A standout example is a business project concept developed by a group of young people I encountered while serving as a judge at a joint hackathon event hosted by the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh and the Singapore University of Social Sciences. This team, comprised of youths from both Singapore and Vietnam, proposed a project called "Sens." Their goal was to empower rural artisans skilled in the traditional art of lotus silk weaving by bringing this heritage craft into the e-commerce space. Additionally, they aimed to support these artisans in adopting new technologies to increase the craft’s scalability and reach. By bridging cultural identity with modern innovation, their project reflects a commitment to preserving tradition while ensuring its relevance in a rapidly evolving society and economy. 

Through my many interactions, I see this duality being played out in both countries. Young people can be deeply engaged in global trends yet remain connected to their families and local communities. This combination of modernity and cultural identity shapes their unique perspectives on life and work.

During a visit to VinUniversity in Hanoi, where I was warmly hosted by Ms Hanh Bui, Director of Academic Engagement and Global Exchange.

Common Social Concerns

Beyond personal ambitions, young people in both countries share similar concerns and challenges, and are often willing to be vocal about how they can play a part in solving these societal issues. In the many conversations, the uncertainty of the future revolving around employment, environment and personal well-being is constantly on the minds of youth. One shining example was Thi, who I had the chance to meet up with after she returned to Vietnam after the National Young Leaders Fellowship in 2024. She shared with me about her belief in the value of education, and how she aspires to develop an initiative, with resources and a team, to be able to give back to rural communities as a means to improve the both employability and quality of life of young people in her country. 

This drive she has is mirrored among the youths we have in our Halogen’s National Young Leaders Fellowship. For the very first time this year, Halogen (Singapore) opened our doors to 10 ASEAN fellows, alongside 30 other Singapore fellows from diverse backgrounds. It is my hope that as Halogen does more and more youth development work in the region, we can bridge opportunities between youths, helping amplify their impact in these causes shared by youths across geographies.

A Shared Future Rooted in Commonality

The commonalities I observed reaffirms that youth across Singapore and Vietnam are more connected than ever before. Culturally, we even celebrate the same festivals, and eat similar foods. While it’s easy to focus on the visible differences between cultures, it’s equally vital to recognise our similarities. It is my reflection that because of what we share, it is easier to foster stronger bonds that pave the way for collaboration and meaningful change. The next time you walk down the streets of Singapore or Vietnam, keep a lookout! Who knows, you might just start to see the same things I did – our shared roots, shared culture and shared youth aspirations.


Vera Lynn: Humbling Experiences

07 Mar 2025

7 March 2025

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Vera Lynn: Humbling Experiences

Today’s plus insight features Vera Lynn, Halogen volunteer, mentor, and business coach. As the founder of a consulting firm (COO Centre), a mother, business coach, and a certified yoga instructor - she is a powerhouse, and yet still carves out time to give back.

In this interview, she shares what inspired her to volunteer, the impact of mentorship at Halogen, her strategies for effective mentoring, and why equipping every young person with the right tools matter.

What drew you to start volunteering, and what has kept you committed to supporting Halogen over the years?

I was looking for meaningful organisations to volunteer at. Halogen Singapore’s mission and vision really resonated with me. I think it’s important for young people nowadays to have role models to share their experiences and challenges with - and for all of them to receive the same opportunities, exposure, and toolkits they need to face the working world one day. There are a lot of things that school won’t teach you - like how it will feel transitioning between the school world and the working world. 

The way Halogen designs and runs their programmes really impresses me. They are very well-structured, thoughtfully planned, and the framework is amazingly designed.

It’s also a great way for me to keep a pulse on the young people of today. I run a business myself, and understanding the future workforce is very helpful. We need to know our leaders of tomorrow - they are the future. What makes them tick, what motivates them, what drives them?

“We need to know our leaders of tomorrow - they are the future.”

As a mentor in the ELEMENTS Mentoring programme, you guide young people throughout a period of over six months. Can you share some of the personal growth or transformations you’ve witnessed in the youth you've mentored?

For us volunteers - we’re only asking for an hour of your time (mentees) to share. If you have the heart to do it - anyone can make that time. During that one to two hours, there is a growth that happens. It’s always nice to see their thinking being challenged when I pose questions - and to see them arrive at their own conclusion.

For example, some of my mentees think that only certain options exist for them. They didn’t think they had what it took to apply for certain jobs. They box themselves in thinking, “My goal is A, but I'm stuck at B - so A is out of reach.”

I give them additional perspectives and sometimes suggest that they take up courses or online lessons to upgrade their skills, and suddenly - new doors open up for them. They realise they don’t have to fit into a specific mould, and they see the stepping stones that could help them reach their goal. 

It’s not easy to spot that - because you don’t know what you don’t know. It sometimes is clearer for me, because I’ve been through certain experiences that they haven’t, but I want them to discover that journey themselves. It’s amazing to see them do things that they didn’t know they could achieve. At the end of the day, it’s not one size fits all. It’s important to know what you want but also important to know what does or doesn’t fit you. The growth mindset lens is - you have to try it.

Looking back, is there a specific experience or interaction with a youth that’s left a lasting impact on you? What made that moment special or memorable?

I had a mentee from 2-3 years ago who was navigating a difficult job environment. What school doesn’t teach you, and social media doesn’t teach you, is the day-to-day human communications. I had to provide a lot of encouragement in helping her deal with that situation. She had a difficult manager whom she was trying to get a fair assessment from, and at the same time, she was looking for open positions in another department she was interested in. We had some interview roleplaying to help calm her nerves, where she also learned how to establish presence and confidence. 

In the end, she didn’t get the job in that department, but she managed to get a similar role in a new company. She was thrilled - before she left, she also managed to get a fair assessment from the challenging manager. It was great that I could use my experience to help her work through that, and when she told me she was comfortable enough to present herself for the interview, I was so happy. That was a moment where I felt like I really contributed in a meaningful way. 

Have you ever faced a moment where connecting with a student felt difficult? How did you overcome that?

There was an incident where when I read my mentee’s profile, and on paper, she’s very technically-well versed in what she does. So I was really looking forward to working with her. When I met her, she turned out to be very shy and also seemed to have a sense of low self-esteem. So instead of jumping right into mentoring right away, it took some time to pry her out of her shell and dig into the driving cause of why she felt that way. It turned out there was some bullying going on in school and she didn’t feel like she was good enough. So my sessions with her were mostly about empowering her and making her feel comfortable. By the end of the six months, thankfully I was able to break that barrier and we built a comfortable enough rapport that she would actually text me if she encountered any challenges. 

There was a lot of pushing from my side, and I prepped her beforehand that I would be doing that, and that it came from a place of good intentions. With every session, slowly I managed to chip away at the ice each time we met. It was worth it - you could really see how much she had grown. 

How has volunteering enriched your own life, and what unexpected rewards have you gained that you think others might also experience?

From a technical standpoint - when some of my mentees are studying in areas like marketing and UI/UX, it’s something I don’t have much experience in. So I’m very curious to know what people are looking out for. I’m learning these technical skills that are outside my core knowledge, so that’s very beneficial. From a soft skills perspective, it’s very humbling for me to always remind myself to listen. And I’m still reminding myself to do that. It’s very easy, especially as a mum, to tell you, “this is exactly what you should do, it’s so clear!” 

But the important thing is actually to listen properly before you pass any comments or feedback. Nobody likes to hear what they should be doing. Everyone is different and they may need to experience it themselves - it’s better for them to try it themselves and then know whether it’s for them or not. As a mentor, my job is not to dictate - it’s to facilitate, inspire, and share experiences. I always have to remind myself of that, and it definitely works better - even at home with my 10 year old! 

“As a mentor, my job is not to dictate - it’s to facilitate, inspire, and share experiences.”

How do you balance commitments in your personal and professional life?

Most of my training came from my time in investment banking. I was working to the point of near burnout - and I decided to take up a yoga licence. So I ended up teaching yoga while still working in investment banking. 

I believe that in every stage of your life, you need a priority list. You’ll have a must-do list, a nice-to-have list, and a “I’ll look at it when I have time” list. I’m not a fan of having it all. So at different stages of your life, you need to review your priority list. It’s about being very honest with yourself. It’s good to do 10 minutes in the morning to set good intentions - and 10 minutes at night to reflect on the day. It will do your body a whole lot of good. It’s one of the things that many successful CEOs do daily as well. 

What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering with Halogen but may feel they don’t have enough time or the right skills to make a difference?

I think for someone with a certain level of experience, if you come into mentoring with active listening, with humility and generally an open mindset - a non-judgemental, open mindset, then I trust that Halogen will be able to match you with a mentee that’s compatible. It’s an hour of your time per month - it’s like having an extra hour of lunch meeting. 

That one hour of your time is an exponential benefit - it doesn’t just equal an hour, your mentee will gain so much more. Just really commit to the process, commit to the person - and you will definitely benefit from it as well. It’s a two-way relationship that’s a win-win situation.

Before we wrap up, we’d love to know - everyone has that one song or playlist that gets them in the right headspace. Do you have a go-to motivational song or playlist before heading into a coaching or mentoring session?

There’s this Korean pop artist called G-dragon, and I feel he really makes the best music to dance to - one of my favourite songs from him right now is called ‘Home Sweet Home’. 

more

Vera Lynn: Humbling Experiences

Today’s plus insight features Vera Lynn, Halogen volunteer, mentor, and business coach. As the founder of a consulting firm (COO Centre), a mother, business coach, and a certified yoga instructor - she is a powerhouse, and yet still carves out time to give back.

In this interview, she shares what inspired her to volunteer, the impact of mentorship at Halogen, her strategies for effective mentoring, and why equipping every young person with the right tools matter.

What drew you to start volunteering, and what has kept you committed to supporting Halogen over the years?

I was looking for meaningful organisations to volunteer at. Halogen Singapore’s mission and vision really resonated with me. I think it’s important for young people nowadays to have role models to share their experiences and challenges with - and for all of them to receive the same opportunities, exposure, and toolkits they need to face the working world one day. There are a lot of things that school won’t teach you - like how it will feel transitioning between the school world and the working world. 

The way Halogen designs and runs their programmes really impresses me. They are very well-structured, thoughtfully planned, and the framework is amazingly designed.

It’s also a great way for me to keep a pulse on the young people of today. I run a business myself, and understanding the future workforce is very helpful. We need to know our leaders of tomorrow - they are the future. What makes them tick, what motivates them, what drives them?

“We need to know our leaders of tomorrow - they are the future.”

As a mentor in the ELEMENTS Mentoring programme, you guide young people throughout a period of over six months. Can you share some of the personal growth or transformations you’ve witnessed in the youth you've mentored?

For us volunteers - we’re only asking for an hour of your time (mentees) to share. If you have the heart to do it - anyone can make that time. During that one to two hours, there is a growth that happens. It’s always nice to see their thinking being challenged when I pose questions - and to see them arrive at their own conclusion.

For example, some of my mentees think that only certain options exist for them. They didn’t think they had what it took to apply for certain jobs. They box themselves in thinking, “My goal is A, but I'm stuck at B - so A is out of reach.”

I give them additional perspectives and sometimes suggest that they take up courses or online lessons to upgrade their skills, and suddenly - new doors open up for them. They realise they don’t have to fit into a specific mould, and they see the stepping stones that could help them reach their goal. 

It’s not easy to spot that - because you don’t know what you don’t know. It sometimes is clearer for me, because I’ve been through certain experiences that they haven’t, but I want them to discover that journey themselves. It’s amazing to see them do things that they didn’t know they could achieve. At the end of the day, it’s not one size fits all. It’s important to know what you want but also important to know what does or doesn’t fit you. The growth mindset lens is - you have to try it.

Looking back, is there a specific experience or interaction with a youth that’s left a lasting impact on you? What made that moment special or memorable?

I had a mentee from 2-3 years ago who was navigating a difficult job environment. What school doesn’t teach you, and social media doesn’t teach you, is the day-to-day human communications. I had to provide a lot of encouragement in helping her deal with that situation. She had a difficult manager whom she was trying to get a fair assessment from, and at the same time, she was looking for open positions in another department she was interested in. We had some interview roleplaying to help calm her nerves, where she also learned how to establish presence and confidence. 

In the end, she didn’t get the job in that department, but she managed to get a similar role in a new company. She was thrilled - before she left, she also managed to get a fair assessment from the challenging manager. It was great that I could use my experience to help her work through that, and when she told me she was comfortable enough to present herself for the interview, I was so happy. That was a moment where I felt like I really contributed in a meaningful way. 

Have you ever faced a moment where connecting with a student felt difficult? How did you overcome that?

There was an incident where when I read my mentee’s profile, and on paper, she’s very technically-well versed in what she does. So I was really looking forward to working with her. When I met her, she turned out to be very shy and also seemed to have a sense of low self-esteem. So instead of jumping right into mentoring right away, it took some time to pry her out of her shell and dig into the driving cause of why she felt that way. It turned out there was some bullying going on in school and she didn’t feel like she was good enough. So my sessions with her were mostly about empowering her and making her feel comfortable. By the end of the six months, thankfully I was able to break that barrier and we built a comfortable enough rapport that she would actually text me if she encountered any challenges. 

There was a lot of pushing from my side, and I prepped her beforehand that I would be doing that, and that it came from a place of good intentions. With every session, slowly I managed to chip away at the ice each time we met. It was worth it - you could really see how much she had grown. 

How has volunteering enriched your own life, and what unexpected rewards have you gained that you think others might also experience?

From a technical standpoint - when some of my mentees are studying in areas like marketing and UI/UX, it’s something I don’t have much experience in. So I’m very curious to know what people are looking out for. I’m learning these technical skills that are outside my core knowledge, so that’s very beneficial. From a soft skills perspective, it’s very humbling for me to always remind myself to listen. And I’m still reminding myself to do that. It’s very easy, especially as a mum, to tell you, “this is exactly what you should do, it’s so clear!” 

But the important thing is actually to listen properly before you pass any comments or feedback. Nobody likes to hear what they should be doing. Everyone is different and they may need to experience it themselves - it’s better for them to try it themselves and then know whether it’s for them or not. As a mentor, my job is not to dictate - it’s to facilitate, inspire, and share experiences. I always have to remind myself of that, and it definitely works better - even at home with my 10 year old! 

“As a mentor, my job is not to dictate - it’s to facilitate, inspire, and share experiences.”

How do you balance commitments in your personal and professional life?

Most of my training came from my time in investment banking. I was working to the point of near burnout - and I decided to take up a yoga licence. So I ended up teaching yoga while still working in investment banking. 

I believe that in every stage of your life, you need a priority list. You’ll have a must-do list, a nice-to-have list, and a “I’ll look at it when I have time” list. I’m not a fan of having it all. So at different stages of your life, you need to review your priority list. It’s about being very honest with yourself. It’s good to do 10 minutes in the morning to set good intentions - and 10 minutes at night to reflect on the day. It will do your body a whole lot of good. It’s one of the things that many successful CEOs do daily as well. 

What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering with Halogen but may feel they don’t have enough time or the right skills to make a difference?

I think for someone with a certain level of experience, if you come into mentoring with active listening, with humility and generally an open mindset - a non-judgemental, open mindset, then I trust that Halogen will be able to match you with a mentee that’s compatible. It’s an hour of your time per month - it’s like having an extra hour of lunch meeting. 

That one hour of your time is an exponential benefit - it doesn’t just equal an hour, your mentee will gain so much more. Just really commit to the process, commit to the person - and you will definitely benefit from it as well. It’s a two-way relationship that’s a win-win situation.

Before we wrap up, we’d love to know - everyone has that one song or playlist that gets them in the right headspace. Do you have a go-to motivational song or playlist before heading into a coaching or mentoring session?

There’s this Korean pop artist called G-dragon, and I feel he really makes the best music to dance to - one of my favourite songs from him right now is called ‘Home Sweet Home’. 

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Carlina

Finance

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