Sowing the seeds of harmony

Written by: Jolin Low

Singapore is home to over six million individuals, each unique yet united in embracing the Singaporean spirit. As we celebrate the nation’s multicultural diversity in July, we are reminded of the dynamic blend of cultures that make up our country. 

When we think of Racial Harmony Day, dressing up in traditional ethnic wear and learning about each other's culture comes to mind. But what if fostering racial harmony involved planting trees? This idea may seem unusual, but it has come to fruition. 

Photo Credit: Flickr/HarmonySG

Youth leaders from Singapore and Indonesia collaborated on an initiative called ‘Planting Trees of Harmony’ in 2022. This project raises awareness about climate change while promoting intercultural collaboration. It unites individuals of different racial and religious backgrounds towards a common goal in the fight against climate change.

Photo Credit: Flickr/Harmony Circle SG

The project emerged as one of the three finalists for the 2022 Young Leaders’ Programme (YLP), which is part of the International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS).

One of the programme’s participants and brainchild behind the project was Mr Yen Sheng Xiang. He was introduced to the YLP by community organisations and leaders who believe it could enhance youth development and leadership training. Eager to broaden his understanding of community issues, he decided to participate in the 2022 YLP. 

Photo Credit: Flickr/Harmony Circle SG

The 34-year-old is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Blossom World Society (BWS). He actively leads this charity organisation which provides leadership development and volunteering opportunities for youths.

Mr Yen’s journey with BWS dates back to 2008 when he joined as a volunteer, since he was keen to be part of a movement that empowers youths.

Balancing the programme’s demands with his responsibilities at BWS was no easy feat, but he persevered.

“I overcame these challenges by prioritising my tasks, seeking support from my team, and maintaining open communication with the YLP facilitators.”

Through the YLP, he gained valuable insights into the importance of collaboration, innovative thinking and diverse perspectives. This enhanced his leadership skills and equipped him with the tools needed to lead BWS more effectively.

Moreover, it deepened Mr Yen’s understanding of racial harmony. Reflecting on the experience, he remarked, “I gained deeper insights into the complexities of race relations and the importance of fostering inclusivity.”

Photo Credit: Yen Sheng Xiang

One key segment of YLP was ‘The Pitch’, which provides delegates a platform to propose and enact solutions through funding from the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY).

This segment birthed the idea of Planting Trees of Harmony (PTH), a collaboration between participants from Singapore and Indonesia.

The Indonesia team included members from doctorSHARE, who worked alongside BWS members. They partnered and leveraged each other’s expertise to develop the project.

Mr Yen met and joined forces with Dr Ona Nabila from Indonesia, who was then representing doctorSHARE. He described this cross-border collaboration as enriching, as it brought about diverse perspectives and resources.

Mr Yen explains that the inspiration for PTH stemmed from the “desire to create a tangible and symbolic representation of harmony”.

“Trees, with their deep roots and expansive branches, symbolise growth and interconnectedness. By planting trees together, we aimed to foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility among participants from diverse backgrounds,” he adds.

Photo Credit: Yen Sheng Xiang

The project was inaugurated at Changi Beach Park on Apr 29 last year, with 50 trees planted. Since then, it has expanded to include other tree-planting sessions along the Park Connector Network, welcoming individuals of all races and religions to participate.

Photo Credit: Flickr/Harmony Circle SG

Mr Yen believes participating in diverse community activities and attending cultural events can expand one’s worldview and cultivate empathy. He advises youths to “embrace diversity, be open to learning from others,” and “take the initiative to contribute to a more harmonious and inclusive society”.

Some other initiatives that BWS offer include the Commence Plastic Reduction programme, which involves volunteer beach clean-ups. Individuals interested in connecting with seniors can also consider volunteering for the Blossom Home Refresh programme. Youth volunteers may provide care to seniors through painting and cleaning their homes.

Those interested in joining this growing community of like-minded individuals may visit https://www.instagram.com/blossomworldsg/ to check out their latest event updates.

Photo Credit: Yen Sheng Xiang

Youths who are keen on promoting harmony and enacting change in the community may check out the Young Leaders Cha Cha Cha (YLCha³) programme. This day camp, which runs from Aug 16 to 18, exposes participants to multicultural perspectives through a multitude of curated activities.

To find out more about the YLCha³ programme, explore https://www.go.gov.sg/youngleaderscha3.

For youths who are passionate about making a difference and championing other causes, do also check out the Youth Action Challenge (YAC). With guided mentorship from industry experts, participants can turn ideas into meaningful action.

For more details on YAC, visit https://www.nyc.gov.sg/youth-action-challenge.