Youth and Leaders Confront What It Takes to Thrive in Singapore’s Next 60 Years at Education Forum

Panellists discuss how the youth can thrive in a rapidly changing world, as the nation marks its 60th year of independence

Press Release

30 July 2025

Singapore, 30 July 2025 — In a timely dialogue as Singapore celebrates its 60th year of independence, students, policymakers, educators and community leaders gathered at North London Collegiate School (NLCS) (Singapore) to reimagine how to prepare the next generation for the next four decades.

Pictured Above, From Left to Right: Chen Hui (Senior Manager, People’s Association) for National Youth Council), David Tay (Acting Director, Youth Leadership & Engagement, National Youth Council), Mr Bernard J. West (Governor, NLCS (Singapore) and Managing Director, Meraki Education), Mr Mohammed Abdullah Alhabshee (Patron, Arab Network @ Singapore), Mdm Halimah Yacob (Former President of Singapore. Chancellor, Singapore University of Social Science), Annisah Smith (Senior Manager for Strategic Partnerships at Stewardship Asia Centre), Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi (Member of Parliament), Rajeev Peshawaria (CEO of Stewardship Asia Centre), Omar Alattas (Head of Education, Arab Network @ Singapore)

Organised by the Arab Network @ Singapore (AN@S), in partnership with NLCS (Singapore), Stewardship Asia Centre and the National Youth Council, the Education Forum 2025 brought together intergenerational voices for a ground-up discussion on identity, belonging, and the role of education in fostering long-term well-being and unity.

With the recent rise in youth mental health concerns and questions around identity and belonging, the forum responded to growing calls for education to address not just academic outcomes, but also emotional resilience and purpose.

Held at the NLCS (Singapore) campus on 26th July, the forum began with a bursary and scholarship awards ceremony celebrating young learners who have demonstrated academic excellence and commitment to community growth. The awards were presented by Mdm Halimah Yacob (Former President of Singapore; Chancellor, Singapore University of Social Science) and Mr Mohammed Abdullah Alhabshee (Patron, Arab Network @ Singapore). The event transitioned into a thought-provoking keynote address by Rajeev Peshawaria, CEO of Stewardship Asia Centre, who encouraged youth to lead with purpose and inner conviction.

A panel discussion titled ‘Steward Leadership for Youth: Redefining Success, Purpose and Wellbeing’ followed, featuring Bernard West, Governor at NLCS (Singapore) and Managing Director at Meraki Education; Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, Member of Parliament; Annisah Smith, Senior Manager for Strategic Partnerships at Stewardship Asia Centre; and Omar Alattas, Head of Education at AN@S. The conversation, moderated by Chen Hui, Senior Manager, People’s Association, tackled the urgent questions facing youth today: “Who am I; where do I belong? And how can I contribute to a collective, inclusive future?”

“Singapore has a world-class education system. Yet in the face of the complexities the youth face today, academic rigour alone is not enough to equip them for lasting success,” shared West. “The path to identity and purpose can feel increasingly unclear, and we need to acknowledge that learning must include emotional and social dimensions too. It’s easy to default to devices and performance metrics, but real growth in education happens in human connection, when peers support each other, when teachers create space for reflection, and when we see failure as part of the journey forward.”

In response to a rise in youth mental health challenges and suicide rates over the past few years, the forum shone a light on the role of education in identity formation and community stewardship. Panellists spoke on the importance of intergenerational healing, inclusive spaces, and cultural confidence as key enablers for young people to thrive.

“Everyone has the same amount of time, it’s how we use it that matters. Great steward leaders focus on reflection and action, not just reaction. That’s how they create real value and drive change,” shared Omar Alattas. 

“As Singapore looks to the next 60 years, it won’t be capability alone that defines its future, but the courage to lead with values. In an increasingly polarized region, its youth must make tough decisions with empathy and conviction. Steward leadership equips them to drive not just economic growth, but ethical and inclusive progress that is grounded in interdependence, long-term view, creative resilience, ownership mentality, and ethical integrity,” said Peshawaria.

The Forum supports the development of the SG Youth Plan, a five-year action plan that holds the hopes and aspirations of young Singaporeans for themselves and for Singapore, and outlines how youth, supported with opportunities, platforms, and resources, can take action to do good for Singapore with the support from the rest of society.

The discussion served as a reminder that national progress must go hand in hand with youth well-being, identity and empowerment. The conversation marked a meaningful step forward in shaping a shared vision of the future, one where young Singaporeans are seen not just as beneficiaries of progress but as architects of a more compassionate and united society.

“The objective here was also to share and expand youth scholarship and commitment to a national audience,” shared Khadijah Alattas (President, Arab Network @ Singapore). “The SG60 commemoration gives us a well-timed platform to share various forms of Arab culture, and as a minority ethnic group with a long presence in Singapore, we advocate cultural diversity and exchange as a way to promote social cohesion and strengthen nation building.” 

About North London Collegiate School (Singapore)

Founded in August 2020, North London Collegiate School (Singapore) is a British international school offering the academically ambitious NLCS curriculum, followed by the International Baccalaureate’s Middle Years Programme and culminates in the IB Diploma Programme.

Drawing upon 175 years of educational heritage from its founding school in the UK, NLCS (Singapore) nurtures individuals to be intellectually curious, socially confident, and grounded in compassion. Every student is known, challenged, and celebrated through a rigorous academic framework, rich co-curricular opportunities, and exceptional pastoral care.

About Stewardship Asia Centre

Stewardship Asia Centre is a non-profit organisation dedicated to enabling business growth and societal prosperity through education and advisory on Steward Leadership. We are part of the Temasek Trust ecosystem for good that aims to advance sustainability and impact for a better future. Temasek Trust is the philanthropic arm of Singapore-based global investor Temasek Holdings.