The Taiwan study camp for Future Leaders this year was attended by six aspiring Singaporean youths from the 16 to 25 November 2011. This marked the fourth year of exchange between the two nations. The study camp encompassed 10 days of networking, industry visits, lecture sessions and company visits to experience the Taiwanese politics, economy and rich cultural heritage. The event is akin to an immersion programme for not just the two nations but for representatives from Australia, New Zealand and other Southeast Asian nations.

Quack Quack!! YP Sembawang Branch was privileged to host 10 low-income families to a Duck Tour and a trip to the Singapore Flyer on 17th December 2011. This was in collaboration with the Care Corner Family Service Centre (Admiralty). We were honoured to have Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Minister of National Development and MP for Sembawang GRC, joining the family on the excursion. The families had fun and found the trip very meaningful to them as they rarely go out together due to financial and work commitments. “Popular” vouchers and goody bags were given out to the families.

As part of YPs effort to reach out to the youth, members from YP Sembawang Branch together with CROSSROAD Youth Centre, held a Nerf War Game on 3 December 2011. The event was graced by Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Minister of National Development and MP for Sembawang GRC. YP members from the other branches in Sembawang GRC were also invited to join in the fun. It was a day of excitement; fun and laughter as both sides took turns to “capture the flag” back to their home base. Members from YP Sembawang Branch also raised funds among themselves and bought 12 new Nerf Guns to add to the “arsenal” of the youth centre. We definitely hope to have another round of “war” with the youths in the future!

On 10 and 11 December 2011, 22 YP members and friends helped in distributing of the textbooks to the needy students at Naval Base Secondary School. At 9 AM, YP members gathered at Naval Base Secondary School ready to help the needy students and families through their book list to get the essential textbooks. Students and families were anxious to get the books they needed within the time limit of 15 minutes.YP members, friends and student helpers from Naval Base Secondary School tried their best to help the anxious students and families to find their textbooks. A simple ‘Thank You’ and a smile from them were the most rewarding part of this event to YP members and friends as we know that the students and families won’t have to worry about textbook expenses and encourage the students to study for strive for the best in academics. One of our YP members, Mr Daniel Huang shared ‘This FairPrice Share-A-Textbook event is a meaningful event as it helps to ease the financial burden of the needy families and I’m glad to be part of this meaning event.’ Indeed, no joy can equal to the joy of helping others with sincerity and love.”

The General Elections 2011 have come and gone. We’ve heard the recalcitrant voices calling for change and we want, as YP Members, to be in the best position to work on change from within.