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From 5 to 6 December 2013, programme alumni from 15 countries participated in the second SIF Connects! Singapore. During the two days, the Friends of Singapore (FOS) participated in a dialogue session with Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Communications and Information (MCI), engaging in a lively exchange of ideas on how friendships across borders can bridge world communities and result in collaborations for good. Indeed, these interactions provided a platform for the alumni to be re-acquainted with the head, heart and soul of Singapore and gain insights into new developments of the country – from social innovation and entrepreneurship to cultural vibrancy.

FOS with Minister Ibrahim after the dialogue, along with SIF Chairman Euleen Goh (front row, third from right), SIF Governor Peter Pang (front row, second from left) and SIF Executive Director Jean Tan (front row, third from left).

The two-day programme culminated in ShiOK! Nite – a celebration of food, friendships and fun. Guests reunited with fellow programme alumni, while enjoying performances by the talented FOS community.

FOS and programme alumni give the thumbs up to SIF Connects! Singapore.

This biennial reunion in Singapore is organised by SIF to create tangible opportunities for cross-cultural exchanges that inspire action for good to take place. Many FOS were delighted to network with fellow programme alumni and are looking forward to more collaborations with the common aim of building a better world - powered by international friendships and nurtured within the FOS network. Some of them shared at the event:

“Back in Thailand, we had the privilege of getting support from the Singapore-Thai Chamber of Commerce in one of our community development projects. So, this opportunity to network with other SIF alumni in Singapore is timely as we can explore other networks of support or even just to exchange some ideas on how we can make our work even more impactful,” said Ms Kanlaya Kampan, SIF representative in Bangkok.

“Hearing from other FOS about how their partnerships with SIF have helped in bridging world communities was a highlight for me. I am definitely looking forward to working more closely with the SIF on the Little by Little programme to enable the Australian community to deepen its engagement with the Singapore community through cultural exchanges,” said Mr Nicholas Hulett, Director of Public Affairs at Australian High Commission in Singapore.

Since 2011, ties among and within various FOS communities have been strengthened with the appointment of four SIF representatives, Mr Zhou Ji (Shanghai), Ms Kanlaya Kampan (Bangkok), Mr Moch Kurniawan (Jakarta) and Mr Chris Davis (London), who work tirelessly to promote collaborations between Singapore and the world communities to enrich lives and effect positive change.