10 Decade Book - Complete Book.pdf

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Fulfilling Inspirations...
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Dedicated to the youth of today,
who will shape the world of tomorrow.
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Chief Editor
Malminderjit Singh
Assistant Editor
Sithara Doriasamy
Copy Editor
Hernaikh Singh
Designer
A Rahman
Writers
Hernaikh Singh
Sarabjeet Singh
Harsimar Kaur
Photograph Selection
Sithara Doriasamy
Hernaikh Singh
First Published, August 2015 by
Young Sikh Association (Singapore)
Printed by
Khalsa Printers Pte Ltd
1002 Toa Payoh Industrial Park
#07-1465
Singapore 319074
10 – FIRST DECADE
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission in
writing of Young Sikh Association (Singapore).
Please send your enquiries and requests to enquiry@ysas.org.
Printed and bound in Singapore.
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10
Preface
12
Message from Mr Lawrence Wong
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth
Republic of Singapore
14
Message from Mr Inderjit Singh
Member of Parliament for Ang Mo Kio GRC, and
Advisor, Young Sikh Association (Singapore)
16
Message from Mr Malminderjit Singh
President, Young Sikh Association (Singapore)
19
Young Sikh Association (Singapore)
CON
TS
25
45
Arts and Culture
Community Service
63
Conferences and Seminars
79
Professional and Intellectual Development
97
Sports
115
Partnerships
133
The YSA Logo
135
Our Gratitude
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Preface
Why an organisation for young Sikhs? This was the first question faced by a group of young Sikh professionals
that, in early 2003, decided to come together to form an independent community youth organisation. The
group grappled with this question for many months. Meetings and brainstorming sessions were held, and
views of key individuals in and outside the Sikh community were sought. The group strongly believed that,
while the Sikh community was able to address many of its needs, a platform was needed where young Sikh
professionals could network, and which could be the basis for greater interaction between young Sikh and
non-Sikh professionals, nurture entrepreneurship and an international mindset, and provide opportunities
for young Sikhs to learn and upgrade themselves in a changing world. The group was also quick to realise
that there were too few efforts and initiatives being undertaken to connect young Singaporean Sikhs to Sikh
institutions, and to relevant and like-minded organisations in the larger Singapore society.
The late Steve Jobs, founder of Apple, once said, “Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits! The rebels! The
troublemakers! The round pegs in the square holes! The ones who see things differently! They’re not fond of
rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify
them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things. They push the human
race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are
crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” In similar fashion, the young Sikhs
who founded Young Sikh Association (Singapore) [YSA] were convinced of the need for an organisation
that could help Sikh youth realise their aspirations, and in doing so, make a telling difference to the world.
This was the beginning of the YSA story in August 2003. It was officially launched in January 2004 by
Associate Professor Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Community Development and Sports, with the mission to
fulfill the aspirations of young Singaporeans.
The founding Executive Committee members and the subsequent leadership have ensured that YSA remains
broad-based and far-reaching. They made a considered decision to keep it secular to reach out to Sikh
and non-Sikh Singaporeans of all ages based on three key pillars: Entrepreneurship and Global Mindsets;
Networking; and Professional Development. The activities are classified into five main groups, specifically,
Arts and Culture; Community Service; Conferences and Seminars; Professional and Intellectual Development;
and Sports. These activities are geared at providing opportunities for young Sikhs and non-Sikhs to gain
knowledge, interact and network to foster greater understanding and appreciation of one another. At
the same time, the activities enable them to gain further insights on developments at the national and
international levels for them to become better informed, engaged and responsible corporate citizens.
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The end of 2013 marked the first decade since YSA’s establishment. In the course of the last 10 years, YSA
has initiated or has been directly involved in more than 120 activities or programmes locally and overseas.
This amounts to approximately one event each month, a phenomenal feat given its humble beginnings. More
remarkable perhaps is the fact that, when YSA was formed, it did not have a dollar in its treasury. The founding
members contributed funds from their own pockets to get it going, an indication of their convictions and belief
in the important role and purpose of YSA. It is also equally impressive that the activities and programmes have
been spearheaded by YSA’s Executive Committees comprising entirely of volunteers. Like the founding members,
successive Executive Committee members strongly believed in YSA’s founding principles. Every individual on
the Executive Committee works tirelessly and passionately to translate YSA’s values into tangible programmes.
YSA can be credited with many firsts in the Sikh community. We launched the Khwaish Lecture series in
which eminent local and international personalities are invited to share their views on local and global
developments. We initiated the Ministerial Dialogue to provide the opportunity for young Singaporeans to
engage Singapore ministers in frank and open discussions. Through the annual Sikh Graduates Tea Reception,
we initiated the practice, jointly with the Central Sikh Gurdwara Board, of recognising and celebrating the
educational achievements of young Sikhs. YSA is proud to be the only Sikh organisation in Singapore that
has undertaken community service projects in India annually under the Project Khwaish banner in the last 10
years. We launched the Racial Harmony football tournament to foster better understanding across the ethnic
groups through fun and sport. Singapore played host to a Regional Bhangra Competition for the first time
when YSA organised a major multi-ethnic regional competition involving six top bhangra dance teams from
across Australia, India, Malaysia and Singapore. We also took bhangra to the heartlands of Singapore through
Bhangra Bonanza to showcase the rich, vibrant and colourful Punjabi culture, heritage and tradition to the
wider Singapore society. At the same time, we organised a Dhol Dhamaka to showcase the colourful Punjabi
culture as well as to promote integration.
On YSA’s 10 th anniversary, we are pleased to present ‘10 – First Decade’ which captures YSA’s key achievements
and milestones since its inception. This pictorial presentation represents YSA’s humble beginnings and its
growth since then to becoming an integral part of the Sikh community and the youth sector in Singapore.
The journey in the first decade has been nothing short of exciting and exhilarating.
We hope you enjoy, through this publication, YSA’s journey of fulfilling the aspirations of young Sikhs and
young Singaporeans.
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Message
I am delighted to join the Sikh community in celebrating the 10 th anniversary of Young Sikh Association (Singapore) [YSA].
The Sikh community in Singapore may be small but it is by no means insignificant. It is a community that is lively, vibrant
and rich in culture and heritage. It has made tremendous progress over the decades and is very much an integral part of our
multi-religious and multi-ethnic Singapore society.
While contributing to the broader Singapore society, the Sikh community has also developed platforms to address its own
concerns and needs. YSA is an important manifestation of this effort to engage and fulfill the aspirations of young Sikhs.
In its first decade, YSA has contributed in significant ways to community and youth development. Its various platforms
have provided important avenues for young Singaporeans to contribute back to society. Set up and managed purely by
committed and dedicated volunteers, YSA has grown to be an important member of the youth fraternity in Singapore.
As Singapore enters its next chapter of development, there will be new challenges that we will face as a society and a nation.
Civic organisations such as YSA will play an even more important role in addressing these issues and in shaping our future.
It is through projects initiated by YSA and other community and youth groups that the spirit of volunteerism can continue
to be inculcated in Singaporeans from a young age.
This 10 th anniversary publication is a wonderful initiative by YSA to capture the key moments in its first 10 years of existence.
Congratulations to YSA on this important milestone, and best wishes for many more good years to come!
Mr Lawrence Wong
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth
Republic of Singapore
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Message
I am delighted to pen this message on the 10 th anniversary of Young Sikh Association (Singapore) [YSA]. It is indeed a great
occasion for YSA.
I recall vividly the many occasions when the Association’s key founding members sought my views on the possibility of
setting up a secular organisation within the Sikh community to cater to the needs of young Sikhs. What impressed me most
then was that these young Sikhs had carefully conceived the rationale for this initiative, and the key issues and challenges
they needed to address in establishing and taking YSA forward. They had a strong belief and the conviction to create a
platform for the greater benefit of young Sikhs and more broadly the Sikh community.
YSA is, in many ways, also a reflection of the Sikh community. The Sikhs, though a minority within a minority, are an
important and visible component of the Singapore fabric. In spite of its size, the Sikh community has been making important
contributions to the socio-economic and political landscapes in Singapore. Similarly, YSA has been playing an important role
in the areas of youth and community development. Managed by a committed and forward-looking Executive Committee,
YSA’s programmes are initiated by highly energetic volunteers who believe in the betterment of young Sikhs, in particular,
and young Singaporeans, in general. The various programmes organised by YSA over the years have helped young Sikhs
connect with the rest of society as well as have enabled them to gain deeper insights into local and international issues,
thereby further enhancing their global perspectives and standing.
I commend YSA’s Executive Committee for publishing this coffee table book to mark its 10 th year. It is a significant milestone
in YSA’s history and it is important to capture and share the key events, programmes and achievements with the rest of the
community and larger Singapore society. A photographic journey always makes for an interesting read!
My heartiest congratulations to YSA on its good work in the last 10 years! However, its work is far from over. It must continue
with its highly relevant work in youth and community development. I look forward to its next milestone!
Mr Inderjit Singh
Member of Parliament for Ang Mo Kio GRC, and
Advisor, Young Sikh Association (Singapore)
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Message
I am pleased to write this message on the 10 th anniversary of Young Sikh Association (Singapore) [YSA].
The late actor, Mr Robin Williams, once said that, “No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.” I
strongly believe that the founders of YSA had this thought in mind when they decided to establish the organisation a decade
ago. They faced several obstacles and hurdles in the initial years, as any new organisation may do. However, they persevered
and overcame these difficulties because they wanted to make a difference. They indeed wanted to change the world.
YSA has emerged to become an integral part of the Sikh community and an important member of the fraternity of youth
organisations in Singapore in the last 10 years. It is perhaps equally remarkable that YSA has gone beyond Singapore’s
shores to make heart-warming contributions to communities in the region. Its diverse range of activities caters to the varied
interests and needs of the youth, in particular, and the larger community, in general. In this manner, different groups of
people across different races, religions and ethnicities have been able to participate in and benefit from its activities.
I have been an active member of YSA since 2008 and I took over the leadership in 2012. The new Executive Committee, while
carrying on with the good work of its predecessors, has been looking beyond the horizon, identifying new opportunities and
challenges, and devising relevant mechanisms to capitalise on the opportunities and address the challenges. The new team
is well placed to take the Association further forward in the fulfillment of its mission and objectives.
This publication is an important effort to capture the key milestones in YSA’s short but illustrious history. Ten years may be
too short a time to make an assessment of the impact of any organisation. However, it would be fair to say that YSA has
certainly left an indelible mark within the Sikh community and on the youth sector in Singapore.
I am delighted to be part of the team to publish ‘10 – First Decade’. I hope readers will find the YSA journey insightful,
enriching and enjoyable.
Mr Malminderjit Singh
President
Young Sikh Association (Singapore)
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Young Sikh Association
(SINGAPORE)
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Introduction
Today’s young Singaporeans will play a significant role in determining Singapore’s place in the global
community. It is important to prepare them for this international role. The best preparation is to increase
their exposure to Singapore, the region and the world; thereby broadening their perspectives on global
developments in politics, businesses, technology and the social and cultural environments. Young
Singaporeans must appreciate the importance of regional and international dialogue, interaction and cooperation
in solving the pressing problems of our times.
Young Sikh Association (Singapore) [YSA] was officially launched by Associate Professor Yaacob
Ibrahim, Minister for Community Development and Sports, on 17 January 2004. Its mission is to fulfill
aspirations. It reaches out to young Singaporeans to understand and appreciate their aspirations, and
seeks to mesh them into the Singapore society through enhancing mutual understanding on issues of
common concern and fostering friendships across ethnic groups in Singapore and the wider region.
YSA’s activities involve collaborative projects that benefit the Sikh community in particular and
Singaporeans at large to create world-ready young Singaporeans.
Objectives
• To enhance understanding of national issues among young Singaporeans and to encourage them to
contribute to the betterment of our society as thoughtful and responsible citizens.
• To provide platforms for young Singaporeans to strive for professional and intellectual development.
• To strengthen inter-racial friendship and harmony by organising and actively participating in intercommunity
activities.
• To foster community spirit among young Singaporeans through community service at home and
abroad.
• To build networks with local and international youth groups so as to foster national identity and a
global mindset among young Singaporeans.
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Programmes
As a totally independent Sikh organisation, YSA’s programmes are initiated by young Sikhs for young
Singaporeans, in particular, and Singapore society, in general. YSA’s programmes seek to help young Sikhs
fulfull their aspirations and enable them to contribute to the betterment of the Sikh community and Singapore.
These programmes fall under the following broad platforms:
• Arts and Culture
• Community Service
• Conferences and Seminars
• Professional and Intellectual Development
• Sports
From lectures, dialogue sessions, seminars and professional development workshops to dhol competitions,
cultural shows, sports activities and community expeditions, YSA provides many avenues to young
Singaporeans to participate, learn and excel.
Membership
YSA’s membership is open to Sikhs and non-Sikhs in the form of ‘Ordinary’ and ‘Associate’ membership.
YSA is a pioneer in extending membership of its Executive Committee to persons outside the Sikh
community. It strongly believes that representation of non-Sikh communities at its apex body helps the
organisation appreciate wider narratives and build deeper links with other communities.
Conclusion
Young Singaporeans have an important role in shaping the future of Singapore. YSA provides a useful
and necessary platform for them to make significant contributions to their communities, the society and
the regional and international arenas as active and responsible members of the Sikh community and
Singapore society.
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YSA
Panel of
Advisors
(FROM 2003 - 2013)
YSA
eXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE
(from 2003 - 2013)
Community Service
Conferences
and Seminars
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Arts and Culture
Sports
Professional and
Intellectual
Development
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Arts and Culture
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With inter-racial harmony embedded in its philosophy and practice, YSA is well-placed to be
an ambassador of arts and culture for the Sikh community. YSA acts as a conduit to promote
cultural understanding between the Sikhs and other ethnic groups in Singapore.
Arts and cultural diversity, along with racial and religious harmony, underpins Singapore’s
social fabric. YSA contributes to the wider national agenda through its arts and cultural
initiatives. They complement Singapore’s bid to develop the arts and culture sectors locally
to create a more dynamic and vibrant society.
YSA's arts and cultural initiatives also involve participation by members of other ethnic groups
in Singapore. This helps promote greater understanding and appreciation of the different
cultures and how they contribute to Singapore’s unique and rich social blend.
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“The exhibition is a fine example of efforts by our
community for our community, to promote intercommunity
engagement. We have built a
harmonious multi-racial, multi-religious
and, above all, a multi-cultural society. Having
said that, we, as a nation, cannot take this for granted.
We need to press on with efforts to strengthen
rapport and understanding among the
different ethnic groups. This exhibition aims to
do just that.”
Dr Balaji Sadasivan
Senior Minister of State for Health, and Information,
Communications and the Arts
Launch of ‘Nectarpool: Portraits of Love and
Longing in Amritsar’, 2006
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It was an excellent play! It touched on important
everyday issues such as family bonds, filial
piety, trust and understanding — these are
extremely relevant to the individual, family and
community. The play also showcased the cultural
talent that exists in the Sikh community.”
Mr Kirpal Singh
Organising Committee Member
‘Khoj – In Search Of…’, 2005
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A key challenge for YSA in organising its maiden play, ‘Khoj – In Search Of…’, in August 2005 was recruiting actors.
Remaining true to its belief that all young Singaporeans should be provided with relevant platforms to express themselves,
YSA brought on stage 75 actors, many of whom had no prior acting experience.
Under the tutelage of Playwright and Director, Ms Kuldeep Kaur Bedi, the cast rose to the occasion. A sell-out crowd of
more than 900 Sikhs and non-Sikhs witnessed the three-hour play, which ran English subtitles for the benefit of non-
Punjabis.
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Six years after presenting its maiden play, YSA teamed up with KRI Art and Theatre to present a second play to yet
another full house. More than 700 people watched ‘The Doctor is In’ over two days in October 2011. Directed by Ms
Lovleen Kaur Walia, her maiden venture, the play revolved around an Indian family which moved back from the United
States to Mumbai and grappled with the various demands of globalisation eroding traditional Indian family values.
The play received much complimentary feedback from the audience. They were impressed by the level of talent and
professionalism displayed by the cast.
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“The event witnessed multi-ethnic teams
from near and afar competing with one another to
be proclaimed the best bhangra team in the
region. More importantly, it provided an excellent
opportunity for people from different parts of the
region to build bonds and camaraderie. In its
scope and vision, the idea of the competition was
grand.”
Ms Norazimah Bte Ibrahim
Audience Member
Regional Bhangra Competition, 2008
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In November 2010, YSA brought bhangra to the heartlands of Singapore. The three-hour presentation of a kaleidoscope
of vibrancy and colour in Yishun involved six of Singapore’s top bhangra troupes as well as performances by other ethnic
groups.
Two years later, YSA organised a similar event in Ang Mo Kio. Such efforts help to develop greater camaraderie between
peoples of different cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds.
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Music and dance are often seen to be the best platforms to promote the cultural tapestry of Singapore. Using the dhol
and dance performances, YSA showcased the rich Punjabi culture, heritage and tradition in November 2013. For the very
first time, it organised a multi-ethnic dhol cultural event and competition.
The competition reflected YSA’s unique and novel way of promoting the important messages of understanding,
appreciation and integration.
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Community Service
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Service to the community, both locally and through international efforts, has been an important
tenet of YSA since its inception.
YSA’s community service projects primarily aim to provide young Singaporeans with
opportunities to make a difference to the lives of others while learning important lessons,
acquiring skills and developing values in the process. They are designed to build character
and professional skills such as project management and leadership, promote an appreciation
of the quality of life in Singapore and enhance inter-racial understanding.
YSA’s decision to also open the expeditions to non-Sikhs has been well rewarded. A growing
number of non-Sikh Singaporeans now have a deeper experience of the Sikh culture and
community, and have come away with firm friendships with young Sikhs. This directly expresses
YSA’s mission of embedding Sikhs in the national tapestry and ensuring empathetic relations
with the other communities in Singapore.
By making a difference in the lives of others, young Singaporeans discover in themselves
confidence and an appreciation of teamwork. They are also able to realise their potentials to
make a difference to society which spurs even greater engagement and active citizenry.
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“This was the first time we met Singaporeans. We
were very happy to see them coming to our village
and working hard to make our school better
and nicer. The library is really beautiful. We helped
them when we could. They were so friendly and we
enjoyed their company. All of us cried when
they left us at the end of the project.”
Master Rajinder Singh
Student, Government Secondary School
Khai Pheme Ki, Punjab, India, 2013
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The key aim of the YSA community service projects in Punjab is to build libraries for needy children in village schools.
The volunteers also clean, refurbish and paint the entire school infrastructure so as to improve the studying conditions
for the children.
During the expeditions, qualified and trained volunteers conduct enrichment classes for the students and workshops
for teachers on teaching techniques and library management. Sessions on the importance of personal hygiene and
cleanliness are also conducted for the teachers and students.
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“It was wonderful that we were able to contribute
to the community. The experience was enriching
for me. Interacting with the elderly inculcates such
values as care, concern, patience, awareness
and understanding.”
Mr Ibrahim Musa
Participant
Visit to Bukit Batok Home for the Aged, 2008
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Held in villages in Punjab, the YSA community service projects provide the opportunity for the volunteers to experience
village life. The volunteers stay in cottages arranged by the project host, share meals with the villagers and participate
in local events during the expeditions.
When the school is a distance away from the living quarters, the volunteers often travel in a trolley pulled by a tractor.
While bumpy at times, the volunteers find these rides a key element of the holistic experience.
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“One of the key lessons I learnt from the project
is that it is possible for people from different
ethnic groups, backgrounds, peculiarities
and characteristics to work together. The 23
participants were individuals but they came together
to collectively achieve an important objective. It
did take some adjustment in the initial stages but we
became one big family at the end of the day.”
Ms Melissa Lim
Participant, Project Khwaish VIII
Punjab, India, 2008
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While service to the community is a key purpose of the YSA projects in Punjab, they are also geared at enabling non-
Sikhs gain a deeper appreciation of the Sikh community and its culture, tradition and heritage.
During these projects, the volunteers are provided with opportunities to immerse themselves in the Sikh way of life.
Among others, they visit places of historical, cultural and religious significance such as the Golden Temple in Amritsar
and the Wagah border.
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Conferences
and Seminars
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Young Singaporeans need greater exposure to issues and developments in Singapore, the region and the
world to be active participants in a highly dynamic and globalised marketplace.
YSA prides itself on producing forums on thought-provoking and topical issues. It recognises the value
of dialogue sessions with policy makers and eminent personalities as these allow participants to better
understand policies and appreciate current affairs. YSA opens these sessions for participation to the
general public, allowing for greater diversity of ideas and opinions. The sessions also provide an important
platform for attendees, especially from minority groups and younger Singaporeans, to surface and share
their views.
The organisation of timely and regular conferences, seminars, talks and dialogue sessions with political,
business and civil society leaders from Singapore and abroad helps to broaden the perspectives of young
Singaporeans in areas such as global politics, businesses, technologies and other social and cultural
issues.
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More than 400 Sikhs took time off their busy schedule to have tea with HE Mr S R Nathan, President of Singapore, and
Mrs Nathan in November 2005.
In an event coordinated by YSA, members of the Sikh community, including Sikh Members of Parliament, Mr Inderjit
Singh and Mr Davinder Singh, met, interacted and engaged President Nathan and Mrs Nathan. It was also an opportunity
for the Sikhs to show their appreciation and gratitude to President Nathan as well as to extend their best wishes to him
on his second term in office.
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YSA launched the ‘Ministerial Dialogue’ series in November 2004 to enable young Singaporeans in particular and
Singaporeans at large to gain a further understanding of local, regional and global issues..
Like all the other dialogue sessions, the engagement with Mr George Yeo, Minister for Foreign Affairs, in June 2007
witnessed frank and candid discussions on a range of issues. These included religion and politics, fundamentalism and
terrorism, communal bonding and race issues, economic inequality and catering to the needy in our midst, meeting the
demands of globalisation, and dealing with discrimination, stereotypes and prejudices.
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“Some things are inevitable as our society matures.
We will have different views on various matters,
local or national. We should provide room for
different perspectives. However, what is really
important is that we keep a strong consensus on
our core values — the values that allow us to make
a living in an intensely competitive world, that lead
us to respect every type of ability and every job,
and that will make the journey ahead worthwhile
for all Singaporeans.”
Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam
Deputy Prime Minister
Fifth Ministerial Dialogue, 2012
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YSA launched the Khwaish Lecture series in August 2004. HE Mr Ong Keng Yong, Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of
Foreign Affairs; and Director of the Institute of Policy Studies, delivered the Sixth Khwaish Lecture in May 2009. More
than 120 people attended the session.
Under the Khwaish Lecture series, YSA invites eminent and distinguished personalities from Singapore and overseas
to speak on local and international affairs. This lecture series provides the platform for young Sikhs in Singapore in
particular to gain a further understanding of local, regional and global developments.
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Since inception, YSA has been making conscious and concerted efforts to attract women from different walks and
backgrounds to serve on its Executive Committee as well as be part of its programmes and activities. It has been
extremely successful in this regards.
Ms Manjit Kaur, YSA’s Executive Committee member from 2004 to 2009, chaired the Fourth Khwaish Lecture with Mr
Masagos Zulkifli, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education, in November 2007.
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“In Singapore, the leaders place tremendous
emphasis on building human relations and on
the need for Singaporeans to work with one another
for the larger good. However, at the same time,
space is provided for the people to celebrate their
differences, such as during festivals, and for people
from other races to join in these festivities. This is why
Singapore has succeeded in creating a peaceful and
harmonious society.”
HE Mr Sajjad Ashraf
Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Singapore
Fifth Khwaish Lecture, 2008
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“The symposium covered many pertinent issues
on the need for Singaporeans of all ethnicities and
backgrounds to work together to ensure that we
overcome the challenges we face as a country
in our efforts to find our place in the international
community.”
Mr Inderjit Singh
Member of Parliament for Ang Mo Kio GRC
Singapore Sikh Symposium, 2006
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Professional and
Intellectual Development
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Success in today’s dynamic local and international environments demands relevant skills
acquired through continual professional and intellectual development.
YSA’s professional and intellectual development arm has several aims. First, it recognises
the national push for developing a quality workforce to secure greater productivity gains.
It contributes towards this goal by providing platforms for undergraduates and young
professionals to expand and deepen their skills and form relationships around industries that
interest them. Second, YSA recognises the intense competition for jobs and opportunities in
today’s increasingly globalised world. This means that YSA must provide avenues for youth
who will become a part of our workforce to be better prepared to seize the opportunities.
Last but not least, YSA understands the need and importance of investing in the development
of today’s undergraduates and young professionals. This is to ensure a considerable pool
of talent to supply the ranks of our future community, business, political and civil-society
leadership.
YSA provides a focus through its key programmes in the areas of presentation, communications
and organisation skills, and management and leadership development for professional and
intellectual development. The initiatives help young Singaporeans adopt a positive attitude
and develop the confidence they need to become a more competent and active constituency
in Singapore and beyond.
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The annual tea reception and certificate presentation ceremony is a platform to recognise the academic achievements
of Sikh graduates. It is also an important opportunity to engage Sikh graduates and to impress upon them the need for
them, as intellectuals, to contribute to the Sikh community and Singapore society.
In an effort to provide insights into issues relevant to young graduates as they embark on their careers, presentations
on relevant topics are organised during these sessions. At the ceremony in 2013, Mr Kulwant Singh Bardh, Head of
Consulting, Singapore/Malaysia, DDI Asia/Pacific International Ltd, shared his perspectives on best practices in talent
management.
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“After my college education, I was fortunate to try out
teaching first hand and I enjoyed it. I liked the
fact that teaching is impactful and meaningful.
My advice to all graduates is to go for internships
and talk to people in different professions. They
will be able to guide you to make well-informed
decisions.”
Mrs Rosvinder Kaur Sahota
Recipient
Tea Reception for Sikh Graduates, 2013
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Apart from interacting and networking with one another, Sikh graduates also get the opportunity to meet with Singapore
leaders during the tea reception and certificate presentation ceremony.
At the ceremony in October 2011, Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister of State for Education and Defence, called on Sikh
graduates to complement their educational achievements with a steady character that can be developed through active
citizenry and community involvement. They should actively seek out opportunities to get involved and serve, be it in
their neighbourhood, community or at a national level, so as to educate themselves on the community and citizenship.
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“The general belief is that intellectual development
generally takes places when we are in our teens or
even later in life. That is not entirely true! We should
allow individuals to develop their intellectual
abilities as early as possible. This workshop showed
that young children are also able to pick up important
creative, artistic and social skills early in life.”
Ms Reena Kaur
Facilitator
‘Fun with Art’ Class, 2006
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YSA encourages an attitude of dynamism, creativity, enterprise and confidence to enable Sikhs, regardless of age,
become more competent and active participants in Singapore’s economic and social progress.
In line with its belief that development opportunities should be made available to all age groups and with varying
degrees of capabilities, YSA organised the ‘Fun with Art’ class in October 2006 to allow young children exercise their
creative and artistic juices while having fun.
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From time to time, YSA reaches out to individuals with relevant experience and expertise to conduct professional and
intellectual programmes for its members and constituents.
In March 2007, YSA invited inspirational speaker Mr Jacky Cheung to facilitate a workshop on greater parent-child
bonding. With 16 years of experience and expertise in motivational coaching, Mr Cheung's session was well received by
the participants.
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Sports
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Adopting the approach that sports is a fun and exciting means of socialisation, networking
and interaction, YSA organises a range of sporting activities.
YSA views sports as an ideal recreational and fun platform to transmit important messages
in a light-hearted context. Sporting activities allow young Singaporeans to forge links with
different ethnic groups and to strengthen ties with fellow Singaporeans. YSA realised early
on the benefits of mandating mixed-race participation in its signature events, and this has
yielded a rich dividend in friendships and bonding across community lines. The camaraderie
and sportsmanship that such activities bring break down boundaries of race, religion and
socio-economic status, among others.
Such sporting activities also inculcate the values of a healthy lifestyle among its members and
the general public. This is in line with achieving the broader goal of a healthy society.
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“This is the first year that my team took part in
this tournament. All my team members were
so happy to see so many people from different
backgrounds as well as foreigners at the event.
We made some friends this year. We will definitely
come back again next year.”
Mr Aung Myint Htay
Participant
‘Racial Harmony' 4-A-Side Football Tournament, 2011
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“It was a great way to promote sports and a
healthy lifestyle among young Singaporeans and
to develop character, strength and toughness
in the participants. At the same time, it allowed the
young participants from different backgrounds
to meet and interact with one another. A great
initiative!”
Ms Vimaljit Kaur
Volunteer
Rock Climbing Day, 2007
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“This is a great initiative for YSA members as
well as members of the public who are passionate
about keeping fit and maintaining a healthy
lifestyle. Also, such informal platforms are
important in building bonds among the different
groups in Singapore. After all, any sports activity is a
great social leveller.”
Mr Zainudin Nordin
Member of Parliament for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC
Launch of YSA’s Healthy Lifestyle Club, 2011
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Partnerships
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Partnership is an important tenet of YSA. It has always advocated partnerships in the pursuit of its
mission and successfully meeting its objectives.
In addition its on-going programmes and activities, YSA actively contributes to the betterment of the
larger society through partnerships. It recognises the need for collaborative efforts for greater outreach
and maximisation of resources and expertise. In this way, YSA actively seeks partnerships with likeminded
organisations and lends support to causes that are in line with its mission and objectives.
Since its inception, YSA has established linkages with various organisations within and outside the Sikh
community.
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“YSA’s support for and participation in the
Harmony Run is always appreciated. The relay run
is aimed at building greater understanding
and appreciation between the different
communities in Singapore. This goal is in tandem
with YSA’s mandate and objectives.”
Dr Sorinder Singh
Chairman
Sikh Welfare Council, 2007
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YSA has a strong working relationship with a number of local organisations, with several of its Executive Committee
members holding key appointments on the boards of these organisations. This allows for greater colloboration, synergy
and coordination.
An important partner of YSA is Mercy Relief. It is Singapore’s only homegrown independent non-governmental
humanitarian charity which was established in 2003 to respond to human tragedies across Asia. YSA has supported the
fund-raising efforts of Mercy Relief on numerous occasions.
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“It was wonderful of YSA to take the lead in organising
the visit to the Harmony Centre and joining us for the
Iftar [breaking of fast]. Such efforts are important
in developing greater dialogue, harmony and
cohesiveness amongst young Singaporeans so
that Singapore and Singaporeans continue to enjoy
peace and harmony in our multi-racial and multireligious
society.”
Mr Muhammad Haniff Abdul Razak
Head
Harmony Centre, 2006
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In addition to organisations, YSA’s partnership development efforts also reach out to individuals from all walks and
backgrounds who believe in YSA's cause of creating world-ready young Singaporeans.
YSA provides a range of platforms for individuals to contribute to its programmes and activities. These include
sponsorships, donations, advice and guidance. At the same time, these individuals volunteer and participate in YSA's
events and activities.
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In developing relations with its partners, YSA creates the necessary avenues for joint projects and initiatives so that its
members continue to remain engaged with the rest of the Singapore society and the global community. Such efforts
involve YSA and its members participating in the activities of partner organisations.
In October 2006, YSA led a group of young Sikhs and non-Sikhs on a visit to the Harmony Centre just two weeks after
its launch by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The visit by the YSA team was the first by any youth organisation to the
Centre.
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“YSA is an outstanding youth movement,
organising diverse programmes and activities
for the youth. Partnering YSA in events such as the
Bhangra Bonanza and participating in the Ministerial
Dialogues have certainly deepened the working
relationship between YSA and PA Narpani
Pearavai.”
Mr P Thirunal Karasu, BBM
Chairman
PA Narpani Pearavai, 2011
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YSA works under the umbrella of the larger Sikh community in supporting and participating in national-level events. The
combined effort of the various Sikh institutions allows the Sikh community to make far greater contributions to these
events.
Inaugurated in 2008, the Community Engagement Day Games are an annual activity on YSA’s and the Sikh community's
calendar. Led by a different ethic-based organisation each year, these Games aim to strengthen bonds amongst members
of different faith communities through sports and games.
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The logo comprises three stylised orange sails rising from the blue acronym, YSA.
The orange colour signifies the rays of the rising sun falling upon and energising the three
fluttering sails, symbolising our proactive approach of reaching out to understand the hopes and
aspirations of young Singaporeans. Like energy emanating from the sun, the billowing sails also
represent the dynamism with which we strive to achieve our objectives to
make a positive contribution to Singapore.
The blue represents our corporate culture, which emphasises strength, trust
and reliability
values that underpin our philosophy and actions.
The union of the sails and YSA symbolises our commitment to integrate the aspirations
of young Singaporeans to Singapore society and to contribute
to the growth of a vibrant and thriving Singapore.
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Our Gratitude
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Thank You
YSA’s President and Executive Committee extend their appreciation to the following organisations
and individuals for their invaluable contributions and support for this publication:
• The Lee Foundation for providing the grant that made this publication possible. The Lee
Foundation has been an important partner of YSA in its journey since the beginning.
• The Editorial Team, comprising Mr Malminderjit Singh, Ms Sithara Doriasamy, Mr Sarabjeet
Singh, Ms Harsimar Kaur and Mr Hernaikh Singh for overseeing the project.
• YSA’s Advisors, members, partners and constituents for their advice, guidance and support for
our initiatives over the years.
• The volunteers and participants for being part of our programmes, thereby allowing us to
capture significant moments in YSA’s history which has made this publication possible.
• Khalsa Printers and its team of designers for their conceptualisation, design and publication of
this book.
• Each and every individual who has contributed, in one way or another, to this initiative either
through giving their time and views or by simply being part of this pictorial journey.
• All of you for taking time to enjoy to this publication and, in doing so, partaking in YSA’s
humble journey of youth and community development.
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