Category Archives: events

Be The Change 2018

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Work and life have provided me with opportunities to witness the incredible potential of the young, and yet each time I come across a new opportunity, I am amazed to witness it all over again. I find myself drawn to the incredible potential of the human spirit and to the contagious enthusiasm that people display, especially when inspired. And so for the 6thconsecutive year, I cancelled every other appointment, and rushed to be part of Design For Change, Singapore’s Be The Change Celebration (BTC). This event was held on the sunny morning of 12thNovember 2018.

For those who haven’t heard of it before, DESIGN FOR CHANGE is the largest global movement that gives the children opportunity of expressing their ideas for a better world. Oh, and they don’t stop at just expressing their ideas, they put it in to action too. This global movement has inspired thousands of children to discover that change is possible and that they can lead and inspire this change themselves.

BTC 2018 was held at an auditorium at the SMU campus. As I stood at the bottom of this auditorium, I witnessed the beaming faces of students from 26 schools.  In them I saw the future and I am glad to say that the future looks to be in good hands. I also saw the caretakers of this future, the teachers and the parents who were proud to have accompanied these young change makers.

D8498A9F-B84B-434B-8852-5643D4A65598As the emcees cheerfully navigated us through the programme, the enthusiastic crowd chanted encouragements, played interactive games, joined the flash dance and some of them confidently marched up on the stage to receive awards.

 

It was celebratory indeed! These students from various schools in Singapore had followed the Design Thinking process to make a difference to the world around them. Overall, 17 schools presented their projects.

The Jury

Though every attempt needs applause and every child is a hero, here are few of the projects that were chosen by the jury.

School                                                                             Project

South View Primary School Making A Difference with the SPCA
Holy Innocents Primary School Stars in Action (Project Smile to Children’s Home)
Yio Chu Kang Primary School Blind spot
Global Indian International School Beat Plastic Pollution
Keming Primary School See Well & Don’t Fall
ANDERSON SECONDARY SCHOOL Our Upcycling Project: “Transform trash to treasures”
WESTWOOD SECONDARY SCHOOL Virtual Reality: Balik Kampung Project (Back to Good Old Days)
WESTWOOD SECONDARY SCHOOL Eco Flowering Filtration Pot System
Overseas Family School Windows to education: Social Entrepreneurship project for underprivileged children in Nepal
Riverside Secondary School A Conversation with Migrant Workers
TANGLIN SECONDARY SCHOOL Tackling Gender Stereotyping in the Classroom

I was duly infected by the enthusiasm that was palpable in the auditorium that day. Many congratulations to DFC Founder, Madhu Verma and the team for another successful event! This incredible event shall return next year with the belief that we can be the change that we want to see in this world. This volunteer shall return too. Till then, keep believing in a better world!

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Yours truly with Madhu Verma (Founder, DFC, Singapore & Founder, SoCh in Action)

 

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Stories of Art & Inspiration

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Once in a while, you find inspirations when you least expect them. These little stories remind you that life is full of possibilities. All you need to do is notice.

I have always been fascinated by people who express through words, colours and artistic forms. Their stories, if inspirational, have that additional beauty, which the others may lack. This story is of Singaporean artist, Ziyue Chen, and it is indeed one of those stories that is enriched by both the person and her artistic creations.

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Community colouring of Ziyue Chen’s poster. Source: Little Events

I stumbled upon Ziyue Chen’s work while looking for a coloring piece that would bring people together for our Little Events community event. Ziyue’s work on Singapore fit the bill just right. (Available on Scribolo)

However, that piece was not where I stopped, I ventured in more to find many heart warming and endearing illustrations. Ziyue works with challenging situations, and not being able to hear is one of them. But that does not change the fact that Ziyue is an artist first and foremost.

One must look at art without bias, and the truth is that I got to know of Ziyue’s challenge much later (when I was writing an article about her in The AsianParent Magazine). Read the article here.

I would like to judge her as an artist. And that’s all. She stole my heart with the vulnerability and the warmth that make her art. I agree though that her story is indeed an inspiring one, one that needs to be told to inspire many others. It is also inspiring because her art reflects nothing of what she can’t hear. It’s about what she can see and what she can feel that matters. It reflects only of possibilities.

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Self Portrait by Ziyue Chen

And so I present to you,  Ziyue, who would like you to know that her name is pronounced as ‘Zzz yuair’ or you can call her Angeline.  Ziyue is a Singapore based Illustrator and a graduate of Ringling College of Art and Design in US. She works mostly on Children’s Books, mural painting and print media from concept development to print. See her work here

Her life goal is to have an emotional connection with those who view her work. Well, it certainly connected with me! She is an inspiration, not only to those who are faced with challenges in life, but also to those who would like to follow their hearts, Ziyue Chen makes it seem possible. So from all those she touches through her art (including me), a big thank you!

Stories connect people. If you wish to connect through stories or art, do write in to me. Meanwhile, Here’s another event where art broke barriers.image1-3

Being part of the Bukit Timah Community Club volunteer’s committee has been an exciting journey for me. I would like to thank Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, Ms Sim Ann for always being encouraging and for connecting me to wonderful people in the community. This time, it was to Jiaman who organised the community gathering at Clementi.

Inspirations, they are everywhere. Look around and find them. And if you do, don’t forget to share those beautiful stories!

Bringing Families and Communities Together This June

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It’s not everyday that one gets to bring people from different walks of life, and different age-groups together. However, that’s exactly what I am in for. It began with a simple idea of bringing people together through art, play, fitness and food, but it soon became more elaborate with a trustworthy collaborator. We began reaching out to more people from different walks of life. We also wanted to promote family bonding and initiate the idea of giving back to the community as a family. June happens to be special for fathers, and thus the event, Dad & Us was conceptualised. I dedicate this event to all dads, especially mine (who is an angel somewhere, watching over me).

I have always believed in collaborations, and this event proves the power of collaborations. A big thanks to all who are participating, and thanks also to Families for Life and Dads for Life for endorsing this event. So, here’s presenting an event that I am looking forward to, an event when families will stay away from gadgets (hopefully) and make memories through interactive activities.

The event will power start with Muay Thai Family Fitness. There’s also community colouring of the Singapore landscape poster by Singaporean artist, Ziyue Chen.

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Especially for the dads, there’s a stand up comedy show by a dad, and he calls it, ‘Dad’s Special’. For a little father-kiddo bonding, there’s a 2 minute Talent Showdown (happening at 11.45 am and again at 2.15 pm). Moms can cheer their home teams. It’s not a competition though, it’s just a celebration of togetherness. There’s no age restriction and the only rule is to have fun. There are shopping booths, interactive play stations, food stalls and face painting at the event too.

There’s also an awareness talk for the parents, where physicians and therapists (from traditional medicines) will talk about simple massage techniques that can ease common ailments in kids. Free consultation will be available for the day.

Parents are children’s first role models. Therefore, it is apt that families give back to the community together. A charity gift drive has been initiated to give back to those who might do with some help. Dad2Dad Charity Gift Drive will be collecting gifts for dads (transient workers in Singapore) who are away from their families. This charity drive is in collaboration with Transient Workers Count Too. 

Gift Wish List includes: International Phone Calling Cards (for them to call home), basic supplies (toothbrush, toothpaste, soaps, shampoos, shaving kits etc) and items of clothing (new). If you wish to contribute, head over to the TWC2 booth at the event between 11 am to 5 pm. Present also at the event will be the animal rescue awareness booth. So come over and join us!

Register for the event here

It’s on 2nd June at No 2 Stadium Walk (Waterfront), right next to Kallang mall. The nearest MRT is Stadium.

Dad & Us: Know more about the event.

Endorsed by:

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28th SGIFF Silver Screen Awards

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It’s always a pleasure to write about the Singapore International Film Festival. Apart from the stalwarts who continue to enthral, there are new narratives to enjoy, and new talents to watch out for. But what I find the most fascinating about these festivals is that they give us an opportunity to trace the similarities, the commonalities and the common sensibilities of the region. Observing the thread of a common South East Asian identity is a beautiful experience.

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Source: IndoConnect. Text: Prionka Ray

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Source: IndoConnect. Text: Prionka Ray

Events to Catch in Singapore: The Youth Series-2017/18

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It’s time to move away from that couch, and put your phone away. Singapore has an interesting line up of events in the next few months, and it’s worth looking into! So, apart from the usual suspects, ( Universal Studio, Bird Park, Gardens by the Bay, and the various malls) that have lined up some great family friendly events, there are few more line up of events that the young at heart can look forward to. So, go on, go on! Book now!

JURASSIC PARK IN CONCERT – FULL MOVIE WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

When: 22 to 23 December 2017

Where: Esplanade Theatre

Jurassic Park in Concert

Presented by the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra, Jurassic Park in Concert has been organized in celebration of the 25th anniversary of this iconic Steven Spielberg film. During the concert, the film will be projected on a large screen whilst the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra plays alongside and in sync the movie.

Tickets range from S$108 to S$255, exclusive of booking fees.

 

FLYING THROUGH TIME

When: 09 December 2017 to 21 January 2018

Where: Resorts World Theatre

Fly through time at Flying Through Time at the Resorts World Theatre. Directed by world-renowned Director Choi Chul Ki and helmed by local artists such as Joshua Tan and Melody Low, this non-verbal action comedy tells the universal tale of good versus evil and how love conquers all.

Tickets range from S$30 to S$118, (SISTIC).

 

A TOUCH OF WILD: ADEDANCE AERIAL 2017 STUDENT SHOWCASE

When: 03 December 2017

Where: Gateway Theatre

Presented by Adedance Artistic and Aerial Productions, A Touch of Wild: Adedance Aerial 2017 Student Showcase is their first ever student showcase. This showcase will consist of performances by aerialists, bellydancers from The Angelina Tay School of Bellydance and more. All ticket proceeds will go to SOSD Singapore and finger food will be provided for guests throughout the performance.

Tickets are available at S$35 each and can be purchased via their Facebook page or via call or WhatsApp at +65 9787 6948.

 

A CELEBRATION OF YOUTH ORCHESTRAS: SNYO IN CONCERT

Singapore National Youth Orchestra

When: 12 December 2017

Where: Esplanade Concert Hall

Show our young talents some support at A Celebration of Youth Orchestras: SNYO in Concert – To London From America on 12 December 2017 at the Esplanade Concert Hall. Conducted by Peter Stark, this concert will bring you on a trans-Atlantic musical trip through the works of Gershwin, Copland and Vaughan Williams.

Tickets range from S$25 and S$15, (SISTIC).

 

ZOUKOUT 2017

Zouk Out

When: 08 to 09 December 2017

Where: Sentosa Siloso Beach

The biggest party of the year is here again. Zoukout 2017 is happening from 08 to 10 December 2017 at Sentosa Siloso Beach and this is one of the best ways to conclude 2017. This is the 17th edition of ZoukOut and artistes that you can expect in this year’s line up includes Axwell, Robin Schulz and Claptone.

Tickets are going at S$228 for a two-day festival pass and S$138 for a Day 1 ticket and S$148 for a Day 2 Ticket. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for S$158 for Day 1 and S$168 for Day 2.

 

TREASURES OF THE NATURAL WORLD

When: 25 November 2017 to 29 April 2018

Where: Art Science Museum

Treasures of the Natural World brings you back in time and on an adventure of discovering the various scientific breakthroughs throughout history. A total of 200 prized treasures from the Natural History Museum in London will travel all the way to Singapore for the first time ever. If you intend to visit with children, there will be an ongoing treasure hunt just for them!

 

Shawn Mendes Illuminate World Tour 2017

Shawn Mendes

When: December 9, 2017, 8 PM

Where: The Star Theatre, The Star Performing Arts Centre

Multi-platinum singer-songwriter and global sensation Shawn Mendes is bringing his acclaimed ‘Illuminate World Tour’ to Singapore.

 

Laneway Festival Singapore

Laneway Festival

When: January 27, 2018 10 AM /

Where: The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay

As with previous years, the 2018 festival – also the 8th Laneway in Singapore – promises to be a full sensory experience for music fans, with a focus on the best new and established live acts in the game.

2018 Line up: Aldous Harding – Amy Shark – Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals – Billie Eilish – Bonobo – Father John Misty – Loyle Carner – Mac DeMarco – Moses Sumney – Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever – Slowdive – Sylvan Esso – The Internet – The War On Drugs – Wolf Alice

More about Laneway Festival

 

Art from the Streets

Felipe Pantone (b. 1986).
(Untitled mural in Montreal, 2016. Spray paint)

When: From 13 January 2018

Where: ArtScience Museum

From 13 January 2018, the galleries of ArtScience Museum will be invaded by some of the world’s top street artists in one of the boldest exhibitions to be shown at the museum in years. Art from the Streets traces 40 years of Street Art, from its countercultural beginnings to its extraordinary rise as a major phenomenon in contemporary art.

The show features the world’s best known street artists including Banksy, Shepard Fairey (aka Obey), Futura, Invader, JR, Blek le Rat, Swoon and Vhils among others.

Curated by Street Art expert and gallerist Magda Danysz, Art from the Streets reflects the evolution of street art, charting the diverse artistic techniques employed by artists through the decades and showing how technology has created new expressive avenues for artists. One of the highlights of Art from the Streets will be a series of live paintings and installations created on-site by iconic names from the field. Nearly a dozen artists, including upcoming new street art sensation, Felipe Pantone from Spain, have been invited to take over the galleries of the museum, creating new artworks especially for the show. Illustrating the vitality of and diversity of the movement, the show also includes large-scale mural paintings, installations, videos, prints, archival material, drawings and sketches.