Developing Values and Skills Through Youth Education and Volunteerism
Standing before a simple wooden structure in rural Cambodia, Mr Aniq Thaqif Bin Mohamed Rezdwan felt a world away from the familiar skylines of Singapore. For the Year 2 Institute of Technical Education (ITE) student, the trip offered a profound shift in perspective.
“I feel incredibly privileged,” he reflected, noting the stark contrast in living standards that gave him a newfound appreciation for the comforts of home.
For Ms Nurul Fatheen Syuhadah, a fellow student participant, the "lesson" was one of physical and mental endurance, as well as finding the strength to complete their tasks despite the heat and demanding conditions.
Another student, Ms Nur Asyura Binte Mohd Azli said: “I feel very proud of myself for trying my best and completing what needed to be done. It was not easy, and if I did not have this opportunity, I don’t think I would ever have done it.”
She added: “My volunteering effort does not end here; I want to help more people build the necessities they need and appreciate what we have back in Singapore.”
Aniq, Nurul, and Asyura represent a group of seven Singaporean students who participated in the Singapore International Foundation’s (SIF) five-day Water for Life project in Cambodia. While their primary goal was to provide essential clean water access to underserved communities., it also served deeper purpose of nurturing heart-led values like gratitude, empathy, and accountability through hands-on service.
The cohort was supported by the Mr and Mrs Ko Oen Tjiang Youth Development Fund, established at the SIF with a generous S$100,000 gift from Mr and Mrs Ko to nurture students from Singapore's Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) while supporting the Foundation’s mission. Designed to uplift underprivileged communities through SIF’s Service-Learning Programme, the Fund enables student participants to create meaningful impact overseas while developing a deeper understanding of cross-border community needs. It also enhances their real-world skills by pairing them with experienced Singapore volunteers who serve as specialist mentors in their respective fields. The Mr and Mrs Ko Oen Tjiang Youth Development Fund will support at least 40 IHL students on these transformative volunteering trips.
Having witnessed the students’ growth first-hand, ITE College East Project Manager Mr Sim Hong Kwang noted that experiences like these help them "reduce doubt on their own abilities."
This newfound confidence is exactly where the "ripple effect" of Mr and Mrs Ko’s gift takes root. Their four-year commitment is an investment in a sustainable future — one that nurtures resilient, socially conscious young citizens who are prepared to lead and meet regional challenges with empathy.
