By Chela Suh, Metropolitan YMCA Singapore
Metropolitan YMCA Singapore, which aims to create a better community through young people, recently hosted 54 youth leaders and staff (from Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong, YMCA Nagpur, YMCA India, YMCA Manila, Seoul YMCA, Osaka YMCA and Metropolitan YMCA Singapore) for a three-day, two-night programme from 31 July to 2 August 2025.
Grounded in YMCA Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the three-day programme was designed to equip, engage and empower young people for positive community transformation.
Youth delegates took part in dynamic training sessions focused on leadership, personal growth, communication, and networking, coupled with practical workshops on Measurement, Evaluation & Learning. Vision 2030 pillars were expounded in translating how real needs are addressed at local YMCAs.
LEAD Youth Leaders Symposium kicked off with a virtual welcome address by Nam Boo Won, General Secretary of the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs. It was followed by a warm welcome from Denise Chan (Senior General Manager, MYMCA), who highlighted the importance of stewarding “a time for everything”.
Suyin Tay (Assistant Director, Bettr Group) delivered an inspiring keynote session along with a highly engaging panel session. Learnings were amplified by an experiential visit to Bettr Coffee, a social enterprise, where participants were offered real-world insights into community impact work. Youth leaders were introduced to small-group huddles and local attractions, providing space for reflection and collaboration, fostering a spirit of leadership, global citizenship and cultural appreciation.
Youth leader testimonials include:
“My takeaway is connecting with others and acknowledging each other. Through fun activities and meaningful lectures, we became one global community for this event. It’s an honour to join here and connect. I really appreciate your preparation.” – Jiyoung (Seoul YMCA, LEAD 2025 Participant)
“We are all more alike than different. I’ve learned a ton, spanning from turning our talents into strengths, networking, urban farming, managing a social enterprise, to appreciating the privileges we have.” – Czieloh (YMCA Manila, LEAD 2025 Participant)
“The M.Y Global Youth Symposium was such a fun and inspiring experience – through the workshops, cultural exchanges, and heartfelt conversations, I got to meet so many amazing friends from all over the world, swap ideas, and dream together about making a difference in our communities.” – Yee Kwan (MYMCA Singapore, Change Agent Cohort 6.0 & LEAD 2025 Participant)
