09/07/2026
Our Y.LEAD participants attended panel discussions to learn more about arts, culture and heritage, regional and global affairs, innovation and AI, social compact, and sustainability. Â
Here’s who they got to learn from ➡️
🏛️Arts, Culture, and Heritage
From our alumnus Mr Yong Min Ho, a heritage educator, who highlighted the need to make heritage come alive for a whole new generation, to Mr Royston Phang, Adjunct Lecturer at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and UX Designer, who showed how art and design can be harnessed as tools for environmental change, and Mr Sarafian Salleh, President of the Bugis Malay Society Singapore, who shared about reviving Bugis traditions, our participants left with a deeper appreciation of how culture and creativity can drive meaningful change.
🌏 Regional & Global Affairs
Associate Professor Walid Jumblatt Abdullah from Nanyang Technological University gave keen insights on Artificial Intelligence and the importance of political affairs within the region, while Mr Keith Yap, Founder and Host of the Front Row Podcast, inspired our participants to play a part in strengthening Singapore’s role as the region’s intellectual hub. Our alumna Ms Christy Tan, Managing Director and Senior Investment Strategist at the Franklin Templeton Institute, also spoke about the impact of shifting global markets.
🤖 Innovation & AI
Mr James CK Kok, Head of Strategic Partnerships at AI Singapore, shared about enabling governments, universities and public institutions to build sustainable AI capability, giving our participants a glimpse into how AI is being shaped at a global scale.
🤝 Social Compact
Our participants walked away with fresh perspectives on health equity and youth empowerment from Mr Piragathesh Subramanian, Deputy Director, HIV Programming, World Health Organisation, while Ms Zoe Tee, Deputy Head of Youth Department at Fei Yue Community Services, and Ms Khim Tan, Head of Programmes at Access Singapore, spoke passionately about youth empowerment, and bridging opportunity gaps. Â
Environment and Sustainability 🌿
Our alumna Ms Tang Wan Zhen, General Manager of Kranji Water Reclamation Plant PUB, offered valuable insights into Singapore’