PLAY THE LONG GAME: MAKING SOCIAL CHANGE IN SINGAPORE
As the Executive Director of AWARE and a dedicated women's rights activist, Corinna Lim has a wealth of experience in the art of advocacy. Corinna joined our speaker lineup in December 2023, sharing her experiences and important lessons on how to effect change and ensure long-term sustainability for NGOs.
She walked our audience through her decades of experience with AWARE and in advocating for women’s issues in Singapore. She also shared valuable insights into strategy setting, managing change, diversity and conflict, and the essential tools and tactics needed for successful and sustainable advocacy.
Engaging with Corrina, our UWCSEA student panellists discussed how to enact meaningful social change for a better world, Corinna shared;
"It's important to build trust and to engage even more with those who don't agree with you. When advocacy succeeds, the world transforms for the better."
Introducing our UWCSEA student panellists: Kai, Danae and Fedora
Kai, Grade 12, UWCSEA Dover
Active member of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) student group
"My involvement in our DEIB student group at school has fostered a passion for advocacy focusing on the wellbeing of minority group."
Danae, Grade 12, UWCSEA East
Background as Head of Focus Groups on the Service and Sustainable Development (SSD) Executive team
"Dedicated to amplifying voices in minority groups and lower socioeconomic strata, I actively advocate for a more equitable society, safeguarding rights, and catalysing positive change."
Fedora, Grade 12, UWCSEA Dover
Background as Global Concerns (GC) Executive and Jakarta Street Kids GC member
"I believe that advocacy is about the power to listen, learn and empower, allowing us to make meaningful connections and impactful changes in the world."
Corinna also shared advice with our students:
"If you are patient, and you understand the timeline you are working with, you will eventually see change and you can lead it."
Danae, Grade 12, UWCSEA East
During the panel discussion, we drew from our experiences in advocacy and service, exploring diverse perspectives on purposeful action. The session specifically focused on AWARE's influential role in Singapore, providing valuable insights into its network within the country. We delved into the significance of building trust with communities and emphasised the necessity of patience when leading change, acknowledging that transformative progress is a gradual process. Corinna underscored the idea that when advocacy succeeds, the world transforms for the better, drawing connections between her views and our College's commitment to service.
I am incredibly appreciative of this chance and the priceless lessons it has taught me. If you are asked to join a student panel, go for it, you won't regret it!
Kai, Grade 12, UWCSEA Dover
What I enjoyed most was collaborating with the other student panellists to ask questions that would be the most relevant and interesting for those in the audience.
To future student panellists: you should go for it without being too worried about the public speaking aspect of it; it is a great opportunity to have an extra insight into the speaker's field beyond what you would get as an audience member.
Questions that were raised during Q&A:
How do you effectively and respectfully navigate the balance between critical analysis and engagement within the established positions of the Singapore government, facilitating meaningful social change?
Following the repeal of 377A last year, how do you evaluate the potential for Singapore to go further on LGBTQ+ rights in the future, particularly on homosexual marriage? Do you think it will happen, and what would cause it?
You shared that women have to pay more for insurance. Is there anything we can do about it?
How would financial literacy and financial independence help women support themselves more?
SINGAPORE AS A NATION STATE: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.
As the Director of the Institute of Policy Studies at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Mr Janadas Devan has a long experience engaging with Singapore's history and its policy making.
Drawing perspective from his distinguished career, including his tenure as Singapore's former Chief of Government Communications, Mr Devan shared his extensive expertise in his dual roles as Senior Advisor (Government Communications) in MCI and Deputy Secretary (Prime Minister's Office), while engaging with a panel of UWCSEA students.
If you had to write the title of your book, what would it be?
"The Country That Should Not Have Existed."
Mr Janadas Devan started with an introduction to the history of Singapore and Malaysia, and highlighted the struggles Singapore had to go through to survive on its own in 1965.
Together with our audience, he explored the nuanced societal issues and delved into policies within the context of Singapore and the global landscape.
Introducing our UWCSEA student panellists: Jeenaev, Emily and Mannat
Jeenaev, Grade 11, UWCSEA East
Background as Investment Society President and
IB Global Politics student
"Passionate about mobilising economic and financial activity towards accomplishing social objectives, and the role of governments and policy in accomplishing these objectives."
Emily, Grade 12, UWCSEA Dover
Background as Special Olympics Swim Coaching Service Group member and IB Global Politics student
"I've always felt drawn to socio-political issues and the roles of government and public policy in empowering and reducing inequality among prejudiced groups, specifically women."
Mannat, Grade 12, UWCSEA Dover
Background as IB Global Politics student
"My passion for public policy stems from its ability to bridge divides, empower marginalised communities, and build a stronger, more inclusive society."
When our student panellists asked about how Mr Janadas Devan manages his dual positions in the government and as a think-tank concurrently, he shared:
"We are in the field of applied research, we are looking at the practical difficulties of implementation of public policy. We work with the government for contracts, commissions and grants. But in order to be convincing and for it to have any utility, it has to measure up, be honest, be as objective as possible and be open to being questioned and challenged–which is what we do."
Emily, Grade 12, UWCSEA Dover
Participating as a student panellist at the KMSS event was an enriching experience, one for which I am immensely grateful. I particularly enjoyed meeting and engaging with Janadas Devan, a figure whom I respect and admire. The highlight for me was crafting questions alongside the intelligent student panellists to ask Mr. Janadas, contributing to a conversation on the timeline of Singapore’s political development.
While speaking to such an accomplished figure in front of an audience was daunting at first, my biggest piece of advice for future panellists joining KMSS would be to simply try and enjoy it. This opportunity is not only for learning but also for personal growth, so try to gain as much as you possibly can from it.
Jeenaev, Grade 11, UWCSEA East
I most enjoyed being able to interact and discuss with Mr. Janadas Devan about topics, issues, and questions I specifically was interested in and curious about.
To future student panellists looking to join: come in with an open and inquisitive mind!
Mannat, Grade 12, UWCSEA Dover
As a student panellist who engaged with Janadas Devan, I found the experience incredibly enriching. What I enjoyed most, especially as a Global Politics and Economics student, was the ability to get a taste of the true complexity and multifaceted nature of politics intertwined with economics with someone as knowledgeable and influential as Mr. Devan as he delved into intricate discussions about Singapore's trajectory. His insights provided valuable perspectives on governance, national identity, and the challenges and opportunities facing Singapore.
To future student panellists at KMSS, I would encourage embracing the chance to engage with experts like Mr. Devan fully. Prepare thoughtful questions, actively listen, and seize this opportunity to broaden your understanding of politics, economics, and more.
Questions that were raised during Q&A:
How do you balance the need for transparency and accountability in governance while still maintaining national security and stability?
What are some difficulties Singapore had to overcome and potential future issues you think may arise being an outlier?
Considering Singapore's history/past or Singapore as a post-colonial nation-state, what was/is it about Singapore that made it so unique in its success?
What strategic plans do you think benefit Singapore's development the most?
EDUCATION AS A FORCE: THE FUTURE OF THE UWC MOVEMENT
As the current Executive Director at United World Colleges (UWC) International, Faith Abiodun has a diverse professional background spanning education, social enterprise, international affairs, journalism, and public speaking. With a decade of experience, he has established initiatives like the ALA Model African Union, working with 1,500 young leaders worldwide while his journalistic endeavours include contributions to renowned outlets like The Guardian and BBC, as well as his engagement with the Common Action Forum.
Now leading the UWC Movement's future, Faith's dedication to nurturing young minds shines through his work with the UWC International Council and Board, amplifying UWC's global impact beyond 18 schools, 155 national committees, and 60,000+ alumni.
"It’s the fact that UWC offers an education that goes way beyond the classroom: it connects students to society, to issues around the world and to the environments in which they live. That’s education! I could spend my days dreaming about that."
"What does it mean for education to be a force?"
Reflecting on the UWC Mission, Faith drew parallels to physics, emphasising how a force changes an object's velocity and direction, just as education can redirect global trends towards unity.
With a touch of humour, he noted, "I wasn't great at physics, but I understand that force can change direction and speed—much like our Mission with education." He highlighted that education must counteract divisive forces to unite people, nations, and cultures, striving for peace and sustainability.
Introducing our UWCSEA student panellists: Besufikad, Deng, Harshini and Maria
Besufikad, Grade 11, UWCSEA Dover
Student representative in UWC International's Students Council, member of African Global Concerns and Black Students Union (BSU)
"I am deeply passionate about the transformative influence of the UWC Movement within global education systems, shaping a better world for future generations."
Deng, Grade 11, UWCSEA East
Speaker for the Boarding House Social Committee, member of East Football Academy U19 Team and Initiative for Peace
"I aspire to be a catalyst for positive change in South Sudan and beyond. To me, education is an opportunity to unite societies, inspire minds, and build a sustainable future."
Harshini, Grade 11, UWCSEA East
Chair of the Investment Society and i-India Global Concerns member
"I believe that education can bridge societal gaps, reduce poverty and enhance economic. prosperity."
Maria, Grade 11, UWCSEA Dover
Casa de Amizade Global Concerns member and Initiative for Peace Conference facilitator
"I am dedicated to creating equal opportunities for all youth to reach their full potential regardless of their background and making a positive impact on their communities."
Our student panellist Maria asked, "How do we manage the feeling that we're not superheroes and can't change everything? Many students feel they should have a bigger impact."
Faith responded with encouragement, emphasising the power of small actions, saying:
"The key to doing great things is to do lots of small things very well. Just lean into what you're doing now, and the next step of your journey will reveal itself."
Deng, Grade 11, UWCSEA East
One of the aspects I enjoyed the most as a student panelist during the KMSS session was the overwhelming appreciation from the audience. It was incredibly gratifying to have almost everyone come to the stage to meet us and express their thanks for our contributions. Additionally, I deeply valued the opportunity for self-discovery and the learning that took place. Engaging with Mr. Faith, the audience, and my fellow panelists provided me with new perspectives and insights, making the experience both enriching and memorable.
To future student panellists:
1. Be Yourself: Being Authentic really resonates well with people. Share your genuine thoughts and experiences, as this can make your contributions more impactful to the audience.
2. Collaborate with Fellow Panelists: Work as a team with your fellow panelists and have respect on their viewpoints and build on each other’s ideas to create a richer discussion.
3. Stay Open to Learning: Use the experience as a learning opportunity. Be open to new perspectives from the audience, your peers, and any mentors present.
Harshini, Grade 11, UWCSEA East
Listening to Faith Abiodun and the other student panelists' stories was an enriching experience. I could understand how their backgrounds and interactions with people have influenced their thoughts on the value of education.
To KMSS future panelists, I would advise you to treat the experience like a conversation and opportunity for discussion. In this way, it's easier for the audience to relate to what is being discussed and you will also be able to get the most from the experience.
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