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 3

R D
Contents
R E WO
Foreword
Citizen Engageme
Engaging the Gove
nt
rnment: FAQs
3
4
6
FO
nior
All About the Ju 13
AC H Am ba ss ad or Programme
RE
perience 20
The Engagement Ex Young people are always so full of energy, passion, and dynamism. These are the
30 qualities which we need to build a brighter and better future for Singapore. For
Let’s Get To It
without them, we may falter, and be overtaken by others. But with them, we can
scale unimaginable heights and conquer all the odds.

REACH recognises the importance of engaging this segment of our population

to tap on their dynamism and exuberance. And as part of our overall
efforts to reach out to more Singaporeans, we have actively sought
to engage our youths.

This handbook is part of that effort – produced in

collaboration with some of our active youth contributors.
It celebrates not only the accomplishments of our first
batch of Junior REACH Ambassadors (JRAs) - young
Singaporeans who willingly contributed their time and
Azlina Abdul Aziz, Stephanie Koh, Jae Lim, Harinder Kaur Grewal

intellectual and physical energy to help shape the future

of our nation and be engagement leaders to their peers.
It also lays out the principles of engagement for the
Designed and produced by 99 Degree Communications LLP

benefit of all youths.

With this handbook, we aim to enhance the

understanding of our young citizens on engagement,
and show how you can come forward to share your
REACH Youth Outreach and Editorial Team:

views on issues that matter to you.

Your say today may become tomorrow’s reality, and

REACH is ready to hear what you have to share.

So what are you waiting for? Act now!

Dr. Amy Khor

Chairman
REACH
Youths Engage! 5

Citizen
Engagement
So, how exactly does REACH factor in citizen engagement?
In a nutshell, REACH or reaching everyone for active citizenry @ home, is the set-
up through which citizens and the Government can engage each other. Originally
established as the Feedback Unit in 1985, REACH was restructured and reinvented
as REACH in 2006.

JUST what is citizen engagement?

What is citizen engagement? And how can youths like you take
Along with the change in name has been a significant step-up in the effort to
go beyond just gathering feedback to becoming the lead agency for public
consultation. And this includes the adoption of ever-evolving new media platforms
the first step towards engaging the Government? How can you be as our channels of engagement: Facebook, blogs, Twitter, YouTube – you name it,
an agent of change, to make a difference? But first, what exactly we’ve probably explored it!
is public consultation?
Cool! So how do I get started???
Quite simply, it is the process of engaging, and of being engaged Well, that’s what this handbook is all about. So read on!!!
by the Government, on matters that matter to you. It is about
Singaporeans working hand-in-hand with the Government to
shape the Singapore that they wish to live, work, and play in.

Your views and suggestions matter, and public consultation is the

means by which to feature them in the policy-making process.

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, be the change that you want

to see in the world!
??
Youths Engage! 7

???
Any rules I’ll have to observe?

Engaging
the Government:
Anything goes, as long as you do not break the
law! But as in any other discourse, treat others with
respect, and they will more likely than not return
the favour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of
feedback can
I give? Will all
feedback be
accepted?
Feedback on all issues
and in all formats is
welcome! But just as

???
there are two sides to
every coin, there are
multiple views on any
one issue. So while
some feedback may be
accepted right away, it
may not be the case for
others. But do not let
that stop you - do your
part by speaking up
and making your voice
count!
 ?
Youths Engage! 9

?
How may I submit my feedback to REACH?
You can send your feedback to us through a variety of channels – e-mail,
the REACH Discussion Forum, Facebook, Twitter, and of course the more

?
traditional options of our hotline and snail mail. You can refer to page 30 for a
complete listing of our feedback channels..

REACH. So what now?

??
I’ve submitted my feedback to

Your feedback will be relayed to the owner-

?
agency for consideration, who may contact you
to seek clarification, or to eventually share with
you the outcome of your feedback.
Youths Engage!

Is my feedback censored or edited before being

?? 11

relayed on?
Feedback is forwarded on without any censorship, so you can
be assured that the essence and nuance of your feedback will
remain exactly as you intended.
?

Will the Government really listen to my

feedback? I’m only a kid, after all...
Feedback from ALL Singaporeans matters. In fact, as
the future of Singapore, you have every right to have
a say on what the Singapore of your future will be. So
your age is no excuse to remain mum!
 ?
Youths Engage!

Will anonymous feedback be accepted?

Absolutely! You can choose to remain anonymous or All About thessador
13

Junior REACH Amba

use a pseudonym if you so wish. But if you believe
in your point of view, why not have conviction in
your beliefs, and be prepared to stand by them?

Programme
Additionally, it would also enable the owner-agencies
to close the loop with you.

Junior REACH
Ambassador Programme:
The ORIGINs

Pioneer JRA
In February 2008, REACH
schoolS
set out to bring on board a
Bukit Batok Secondary School
bunch of active, enthusiastic,
Hai Sing Catholic School
and inspirational youths to
Hwa Chong Institution
become our first ever Junior
Nan Chiau High School
REACH Ambassadors (JRAs).
Yishun Town Secondary School
Their mission: to serve as
Zhonghua Secondary School
engagement leaders to their
Jurong Junior College
peers.
Tampines Junior College
Victoria Junior College
Our search yielded 70
Yishun Junior College
young ladies and gentlemen
ITE College East
from 14 secondary schools,
ITE College West
Junior Colleges, ITEs and
Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Polytechnics, who were
Singapore Polytechnic
game enough to take up
the challenge of this unique
appointment.
Youth Engangement
Youths Engage! Handbook 15

Junior Our pioneer JRAs kicked off their two-year term with workshops
on leadership skills and citizen engagement. But all work and
REACH no play would’ve made a JRA a dull boy, and we couldn’t have
that, could we? So a good dose of fun was thrown into the mix
Ambassador in the form of team-building activities. Suffice it to say that

Programme: along with the active exchange of ideas, much laughter was
had, bonds were made, and contact and Facebook details were Junior REACH
exchanged!
The Fun Ambassador Programme:
The Work
Then it was on to the serious
stuff: projects and activities.
One More
But being their ever-innovative
and resourceful selves, they Photo
managed to resolve the eternal
clash between work and play by
ensuring a healthy dose of each
in their projects! Fun was had in
the planning and executing of
various projects. Read on for more
details on these activities… . . .

• Kopi with the MP: Noting that in Singapore,

much sharing on Government policies takes
place in coffeeshops over a cup of kopi, the
JRAs from Hwa Chong Institution believed that
this would be the perfect setting for a series of
dialogue sessions. Calling their initiative “Kopi
with the MP”, they organised a series of lively
and engaging chats with political leaders, for
their peers to share their views and concerns with
young politicians they can relate to, including
Senior Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of
Community Development, Youth and Sports Mr
Fun all round at the JRA training sessions
Teo Ser Luck, MP for Pasir Ris - Punggol GRC Mr
Michael Palmer, and MP for Sembawang GRC Dr
Lim Wee Kiak.

The relaxed and café-like ambience certainly

put everyone at ease, and views were exchanged
freely, on issues such as the education system, The stu
the impact of new media on Singaporeans, sports dents in
Mr Teo teractin
Se g with (t
in Singapore, and our hosting of the first Youth Palmer r Luck, Dr Lim op to b
ottom
at the K Wee Kia
Olympic Games. opi with k and M )
the MP r Micha
session el
Youths Engage! 17

panel
views with the
to share their
Students eager g JC JRA Ele an or Mok,
ht) Juron College
(from left to rig y Khor and ITE
rishnan, Dr Am
Dr Vivian Balak
ie Lim
West JRA Natal

• Survey on Budget 09:

JRAs from Ngee Ann Polytechnic conducted
a campus-wide survey on students’ reactions
to the Resilience Package and other measures
announced in Budget 09. The results of the survey
were subsequently included in REACH’s report
on feedback received on the issue, and submitted
to the Ministry of Finance.

• Student Forum 09:

Our JRAs from Victoria Junior College wanted views the
Students eager to share their
more than just the usual dialogue session, when traditional way...
they set out to organise a Student Forum on the
• Student Forum 08: Prime Minister’s National Day Rally 09. And what
Our JRAs from ITE College West and Jurong Junior College paired they came up with was hardly a typical session!
up to organise a dialogue session on youths’ reactions to the Prime
Minister’s National Day Rally 08, with ITE College West JRA Natalie For, with a live webcast of the event on Youth
Lim and Jurong Junior College JRA Eleanor Mok charing the session Vibes and a real-time Tweet session at #reachsg,
with Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Dr they managed to engage not just the 100-odd
Vivian Balakrishnan as well as REACH Chairman Dr Amy Khor. youths who were physically present, but also
many others who were not.

Those present at the dialogue also had the

opportunity to engage Chairpersons Minister
Vivian Balakrishnan and Dr Khor in person as well
as virtually, courtesy of the provided laptops with
wireless connection, as well as large projector
screens which enable them to follow the tweets …and v
ia Twitte
live as they streamed in. r

The discussion got the

students entranced!
Youths Engage! 19

.
ss yourself..
t h SpeCaokrner where you can expre
• virtual Speaker’s
Y o u
A
, and
ryon e to see
It t for eve
story ou n!
• Blog ou can
g e t yo u r
ssom into
fruit io
Where y see it blo
e e ve n
mayb
to
t matter
sues tha
ndbytes
•• Soheure you can check out sn
ippets o
n the is

W
youths...
od d
J o u r n al ad articles, commentaries,
• Yoheuretyh d re
Leonard Yong (left) and Kwan Jin Yao
share an
(extreme right) showing the Youth ou can peers. ans
W our pore
Vibes site to Minister and Dr Khor s from y ng Singa
following its launch (below) rambling o re g ro u p of you . Armed with
up is a c f the site nce, these
f the set- pkeep o e
t th e heart o e content and u es and confid ities,
A
o ve rs ee th m ic ro phon n R E ACH activ
wh o
c a m e ra s, d re p o rt o
fo r th e site.
eo d an d events
their vid in-training atten -r e la te
• REACH-initiated activities s- er youth
journalist rences, and oth
The JRAs also played a big ss c o n fe
pre
part in REACH-initiated
activities, including the
launch of the REACH
Roving Exhibition which
was officiated by PM Lee
Hsien Loong in Jun 08,
and the development of
the Youth Vibes website
for youths in 2008-09.

Junior REACH
J unior REACH Ambassador Programme:
A mbassador Programme: Version 2.0
True to form, our pioneer batch of JRAs have taken it upon themselves
The Virtual Voyage to share with us ideas to improve the JRA programme for a more
fruitful run, and many of their suggestions have been incorporated
in our JRA Programme Version 2.0.
Wouldn’t it be fantastic if youths had a virtual space to call their own, where they can reflect on and
discuss national issues close to their hearts, with other like-minded youths? Well, they do! Have we mentioned that they are an awesome bunch? Flip over the
next few pages to get to know some of them better...
Conceptualised, developed, and managed by our JRAs, Youth Vibes (http://www.reach.gov.sg/Youth-
Vibes) is an exclusive youth-only zone on the REACH website, for all youths to share their views in a
multitude of ways, from blog entries, photographs, and even audio and video media files:
Youths Engage! 21

Hello! My name is:

Soh Yi Da
I am: Organised

I love: Cycling, reading and organizing events

I would like to: Make more things happen

Soh Yi Da is a human bumblebee; full of energy, buzzing about

everywhere. His involvement with REACH started in 2003 at the
tender age of 14, as a shy, quiet teenager who would listen
intently as Singaporeans from all walks of life shared their
views on various national issues. His keen interest in the
policy-making process was clear for all to see even then.

Today, Yi Da is a poised young man who no longer only listens,

but also confidently shares his views on important issues. His
contributions over the years have been constant and consistent,
and in Mar 2010, he was conferred the inaugural Outstanding
REACH Contributor Award by PM Lee Hsien Loong.

Even though he was never a JRA himself, Yi Da has come to be

an engagement leader to the pioneer JRAs, dispensing advice
and guidance as needed. Most recently, he organised a dialogue
session titled “Doing Our Part to Enrich the Learning of Mother
Tongue” for active young citizens with the help of REACH. The

a g e m e n t session, which was chaired by Government Parliamentary Committee

The Eng e
(GPC) Chairman for Education and Vice-Chairman of REACH Mrs
Josephine Teo and Yi Da himself, was attended by 45 young
participants aged between 14 – 25, who actively stepped forward

c
to share their views and suggestions on this issue.

E x p e r i e n Yi Da looks forward to organising more feedback sessions in

future. “I hope to organise a nationwide consultation exercise
to seek ideas from young Singaporeans on how they envision
Singapore to be like in 2020 and urge them to play an active
role in shaping Singapore’s progress over the next 10 years.”

“REACH has provided me with opportunities to meet with like-

minded youths interested in making a difference and contributing
to society. Citizens’ feedback is vital to nation-building and
young citizens have the ability to spearhead changes.”

Yi Da at the Prime Minister’s Forum with REACH
Contributors where he was conferred the Outstanding
REACH Contributor Award 2010
To those who think that their inputs will not have any impact on
Singapore’s future, he says: “Step forward, challenge the status
quo and venture into new frontiers. Be the change you want to
see in the world!”
Youths Engage! 23

Hello! My name is:

Gaille Teo
I am: Optimistic beyond question

I love: Organising stuff, and doing the best in everything, every time.

I would like to: Learn how to play soccer and sepak takraw

Singapore played host to the Asia-Pacific Economic

Cooperation (APEC) summit meetings from 9 to 15 Nov 09,
and high-spirited youth contributor Gaille Teo had the
honour of being one of two REACH contributors picked to
represent Singapore and REACH at the APEC ‘Voices of the
Future’ (VOF) 2009 – a parallel platform for youths in
APEC economies to engage government and business leaders
through business meetings, interviews with foreign
ministers and leaders.

As she gushed, “I was delighted and excited at being

shortlisted! The opportunity to interact with inquisitive
and open-minded youths from all over the world, and to
meet political and business leaders has certainly been a
great experience, and I am very happy to have been given
this very unique opportunity.”

“In a quick chat with world leaders over tea, I learnt

that they were more interested in my viewpoints than
facts and figures. This made me realise that leaders from
all over do indeed value the opinions of young people,
and that we need to ensure that we make the effort to
communicate with them.”

“Many in Singapore see the political apathy of our youths

as a major problem for our society. But youths aren’t
apathetic – they just don’t know the right channels to
share their thoughts, and this frustrates them. This is
where REACH bridges the gap,” notes Gaille.

Gaille’s pearls of wisdom for other young Singaporeans?

“We will inherit a world shaped by today’s decisions, so
let our voices be heard. Let us get active not only in
pursuit of our own personal interests but also seek to
fulfil social and civic obligations for the common good.
Dare to speak out! Dare to be!”
Gaille (extreme right) with friends from other APEC
economies during their visit to the Istana
Youths Engage! 25
Hello! My
name is:
ame is: han E leanor Mok
Hello! My n
usp a nat Shu Ya
inaya P s
g opini
on I am:

Ab Mell ow at times b
ut I’ ve stron
e races, and volunte
ering. I love:
Someone wh

Reading an
o enjoys ch
allenges

mula On d creative
I am: watching For I would li writing
,
Writing ke to: Take
up boxing
ove: and sailin
I l ccer g
k up so
like to: Pic
I would

“Being a JR
A is a wond
opportunit erful
y for us yo
as a bridge uths to ac
between ci t
the Govern tizens and
ment, and
Singapore help shape
through ou
“The JRA programme has been a enthuses El r actions,
eanor. ”
fantastic opportunity for me to
get to know the Government, and The role ha
s also enab
to express my opinions on public to learn mo led her
re about Si
policies. To have such influence at and she is ngapore,
deeply appr
my age is a gift, which is why I of how the eciative
Government
cherish my JRA experience so deeply. values feed genuinely
back from
Being a part of the Youth Vibes Crew, especially the ground
from youths ,
and especially a roving reporter, has REACH. As , through
she shares
been a highlight of the experience, past two ye , “Over th
ars, I’ve e
for I had the opportunity to report a better un developed
derstandin
on an exclusive press conference with Government g of
policies an
Ministers!”, raved the aspiring young impact of d seen the
active citi
writer who will be studying law at want to co zenry. I
ntinue to
the National University of Singapore and respon be an acti
sible citi ve
come Aug 2010. Singapore zen, as
is my home
after all.
”
Abinaya’s experience with REACH has For Eleano
r, the high
left an indelible mark on her. As of her stin li ght
t with REAC
she shares, “Every session presented attending H was
the Nation
me with a broader perspective of 08 and hear al Day Rall
first-hand y
the difficulties faced by decision- delivery of PM Lee’s
the Rally.
makers, and exposed me to many real me realise “It made
my responsi
issues the nation faces. I also a Singapor bility as
ean, and ho
got to meet many like-minded young contribute w I should
to Singapor
individuals and was able to engage in alacrity,” e with
she shares
purposeful discussions. I must say, .
my involvement with REACH has truly For the pa
triotic El
stretched my mental horizons!” is her shou eanor, this
t-out to al
Singaporea l young
ns: “With
And her parting shot to young like REACH channels
available
Singaporeans? “If you have something one’s view to air
s, there is
to say, say it!” to hold ba no reason
ck from sp
mind. Dare eaking your
to be opin
ionated!”
Youths Engage!
Hello! My name is: Hello! My name is:
Joyce Lee
I am:
I love:
Outgoing and gregarious
Shopping and watching movies
I would like to: Be better at tennis and squash
“I have emerged as a more engaged youth. No longer do I hold an
apathetic attitude towards policy-making,” shares Joyce about
her experience as a REACH youth activist, which has seen her go
from being “bo chap” to someone who is passionate about what is
happening around her.
Indeed, for someone who has the “joie de vivre” like Joyce, the
JRA programme has been an amazing launch pad for self-discovery.
She initiated the set-up of the Current Affairs Club in Ngee Ann
Polytechnic, to cultivate in her schoolmates an interest in local
and global issues. She and her fellow JRAs from Ngee Ann also
conducted a campus-wide survey to seek the reactions of their peers
to Budget 09, with the findings of the survey being shared with the
relevant Ministries.
Despite having reached the end of her term, Joyce intends to
continue her journey in active citizenry. Her words of advice to
the new crop of JRAs: “Make the most of the JRA programme. Start
small, with your friends, and work your way up. Engage other young
Singaporeans so that they can understand and appreciate what’s
happening around them and what they can do to better society.”
27
Nur Saliyana Munira
Tuliman
I am: Warm and jovial
I love: Cooking, baking and reading
I would like to: Always speak my mind and share my thoughts
In her wildest dreams, Saliyana never imagined that she would be an
ambassador for active citizenry. But with some persuasion from her lecturer
at ITE College East, the boisterous but approachable teenager decided to
give it a shot. And she has not looked back.
Adopting a personal approach, Saliyana took it upon herself to be the
channel through which her peers’ voices could be heard. As she shared,
“Citizens can voice out their opinions on current issues through the JRAs.
When they feel comfortable talking to us, they can share their feedback
with us and we can help relay their feedback to REACH!” It was in fact her
lecturer who noted that her warm and engaging personality would make her a
natural listening ear.
Saliyana has even taken this role with her to Republic Polytechnic, where
she is now pursuing a course in Supply Chain Management. As she exhorts to
her new schoolmates, “Take a step forward and you will realise that many
behind you share the same view, the same goal. Only when youths get together
can our voices be amplified, and we can make a difference!”
Youths Engage!
Hello! My name is: Andy Lua
Natalie Lim
I am: Outgoing, well balanced and terribly sporty
I love: Swimming, Badminton, Martial Arts
I would like to: Train as a lifeguard
“Being a JRA challenges me to stay abreast on current issues, and
raise questions on the Government’s plans for the future. I can also
reach out to my fellow schoolmates to understand their concerns.”
Appointed by ITE College West as a JRA in Feb 08 when the programme
was introduced in her school, Natalie accepted the position
despite some initial reservations. Before long, however, she was
experiencing her most fulfilling JRA moment, as follows: “Organising
and chairing the Post-National Day Rally Student Forum 08 with
Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and REACH Chairman Dr Amy Khor”.
Natalie also attended the Prime Minister’s Forum with REACH
Contributors in March 2010, and shares that it was certainly
refreshing to hear PM Lee share first-hand his perspectives on
national issues and concerns.
Looking forward, Natalie hopes that more young Singaporeans will
come forward to engage the Government actively.
29
Hello! My name is:
I am:
I love:
On a roll, all the time
Aeroplanes. Would love to be an aviator
I would like to: Be a better volleyball player
Friends have described 17-year-old Andy as a lightning bolt of pure
excitement. And he put this trait to good use as a JRA at Hai Sing
Catholic School, being effervescent in encouraging his peers to share
their views and participate actively on the Youth Vibes site he had a role
in developing.
And he describes it as a truly enriching experience, “I’ve forged many
wonderful friendships through this experience, and also gained greater
insights into how the voice of the public can help to shape policies. It
got me interested to learn about how our country is run. I also saw it as
an opportunity to hone my leadership and interpersonal skills, and serve
Singapore in every small way I can,” said Andy.
As for his finest moments, nothing beats the encounter he had at the Post-
Budget 2008 Forum. “I had the honour of sitting next to and chairing the
session with Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan. Another major highlight was
meeting PM Lee Hsien Loong at the REACH Roving Exhibition and speaking to
him about REACH’s framework.”
To other young Singaporeans, Andy has this advice, “Passion is what keeps
you going in the face of tribulations. Be passionate in what you do, put
your heart into it and you will achieve!”
Youths Engage! 31

Let’S
GET TO IT
As we hope you’ve realised by now, engaging the Government need
not be a scary or daunting task.

We want to hear your views, and have made available a whole host
of channels through which you can, easily.

And we don’t even expect earth-shaking suggestions.

Start simple, start small.

Email: reach@reach.gov.sg
Website: http://www.reach.gov.sg
Youth Vibes: http://www.reach.gov.sg/YouthVibes
Twitter: @REACH_Singapore
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/REACHSingapore
SMS: 9-Speak-Up (9-77325-87)
(Normal SMS charges apply)

Mail: 512 Thomson Road, MCYS Building, #15-00 Singapore

298136
Fax: (65) 6354 8128

Phone: 1800 353 5555

8.30 am – 5.30pm (Mondays to Fridays)
9.00am – 1.00pm (Saturdays)

Now that you know how we can be REACH-ed (pun intended), what are you
waiting for? Let’s make engagement a way of life!