The Dou Yee Service-Learning Fund at SIF: Nurturing Young Singaporean Changemakers for Tomorrow
Over five days in January 2026, eight students from ITE College East’s School of Chemical Process Technology stepped beyond the classroom to make a meaningful impact – one that no classroom experience in Singapore could replicate. In Angkor Thom District, Siem Reap, Cambodia, they helped improve access to clean drinking water for rural communities.
The students participated in the Singapore International Foundation’s service-learning programme, Water for Life (WFL). Guided by SIF’s Singapore International Volunteer Mr Seluasundram s/o Nagalingam and their lecturer, Ms Felicia Lim, they installed bio-sand water filters for 30 rural households. Additionally, they tested the water quality, engaged 120 Cambodian students through sustainability education and tree planting activities, and demonstrated the use of solar-powered lamps for home use.
The students were supported by the Dou Yee Service-Learning Fund, established at SIF through a generous S$100,000 gift from Dou Yee International, a global industrial solutions provider. In the months ahead, this Fund will support an additional 30 ITE and polytechnic students from Singapore across three more service-learning trips with SIF to underserved communities in Cambodia.
Reflecting on the experience, a student participant Mr Mohamad Nor Shahid said: “Witnessing the harsh living conditions, including the limited access to clean water and unsanitary surroundings, forced me to confront my own assumptions and privileges.”
Fellow participant Ms Heidi Ong added that her time at the floating village made her “more grateful” for the resources that she has enjoyed and “more aware of the importance of helping communities that do not have the same access”.
All eight students agreed that more of their peers should have the opportunity to participate in the WFL programme. Three of them – Ms Ong, Mr Danish Rye Anaqi, and Ms Markisha Izziandy – expressed interest to return for future WFL trips to guide new students.
On 25 February 2026, the students and their lecturer shared their experiences with Mr Soo Ye Wah, Executive Chairman of Dou Yee International, at an appreciation tea hosted by SIF. “I am glad you learnt something,” Mr Soo told the students, adding that seeing them return with such clarity of purpose was the most fulfilling outcome of the gift.
Expressing gratitude for Dou Yee International’s philanthropic support, SIF Chairman Mr Janadas Devan said at the event: “What makes this partnership especially meaningful is how Dou Yee and SIF are aligned in our values and the work we do.” He noted Dou Yee’s strong record of investing in the next generation, alongside SIF’s 35-year commitment to build lasting friendships between Singaporeans and communities around the world.
“This is truly a ‘full circle’ moment – where the students, supported by Dou Yee, are themselves stepping forward to give back,” he said.