SIF Connects!
Reconnecting with old friends and making new ones is what SIF Connects! is about.
Held in cities such as Bangkok, Bangalore, Ho Chi Minh, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, London, Manila, Melbourne, Phnom Penh and Tokyo, the series of events allows us to strengthen our relationship with programme alumni, forge new friendships and grow Friends of Singapore (FOS) communities across the world.
The SIF Connects! events, which have feature screenings of films about Singapore, performances and exhibitions by Singapore artists, as well as exchanges between people from Singapore and around the world, also showcase insights to promote understanding between Singaporeans and world communities.
At the inaugural Singapore reunion, dozens of SIF programme alumni from 11 countries were able to reconnect with each other and rekindle the bonds of their shared experience; encourage, inspire and learn from each other; and explore collaboration opportunities to enrich lives and effect positive change in the region.
Cambodian businessman Lux Mean was one such returning alumnus.
Attending the SIF-Asean Student Fellowship programme in Singapore in 2002, he says, changed his life, inspired him “to do something great” and showed him that “everyone can contribute to society”.
Together with other SIF alumni, he co-founded Volunteers Without Borders in his home country in 2003 to help needy children through programmes like providing supplies and equipment to rural primary schools, and to promote volunteerism among young people.
“It was a special moment in my life to come here so I wanted to make the most out of it,” the 31-year-old recalled as he shared stories and inspirations with other alumni at the Singapore event.
Whether you’re an alumnus like Lux, a new friend or just interested to find out more, we’d love to connect with you.
