Metropolitan YMCA Singapore M.Y Global: Leaders Evolving & Developing (LEAD) Youth Leaders Symposium 2025

Metropolitan YMCA Singapore
M.Y Global: Leaders Evolving & Developing (LEAD) Youth Leaders Symposium 2025

Metropolitan YMCA Singapore, who aims to create a better community through the young, have recently hosted 546youth leaders and staff (from Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong, YMCA Nagpur, YMCA India, YMCA Manila, Seoul YMCA, Osaka YMCA and Metropolitan YMCA Singapore) for an intentional 3D2N programme from 31 July to 2 August 2025.

Grounded in World YMCA’s Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the three-day programme was designed to equip, engage and empower youths for positive community transformation.

Youth delegates took part in dynamic training sessions focused on leadership, personal growth, communication, and networking, coupled with practical workshops on Measurement, Evaluation & Learning. Vision 2030 pillars were expounded in translating how real needs are addressed at local YMCAs.

LEAD Youth Leaders Symposium kicked off with a virtual welcome address by Mr Nam Boo Won (GS, APAY) . It was followed by a warm welcome from Ms Denise Chan (SGM, MYMCA), who highlighted the heartbeat to steward “a time for everything”. Ms Suyin Tay (Assistant Director, Bettr Group) delivered an inspiring keynote session with highly engaging panel session. Learnings were amplified by an experiential visit to Bettr Coffee, a social enterprise, where participants were offered real-world insights into community impact work. Youth leaders were introduced to small-group huddles and local attractions, providing space for reflection and collaboration, fostering a spirit of leadership, global citizenship and cultural appreciation.

Here are some testimonials from our youth leaders,

"My takeaway is connecting the others and acknowledge each other. By fun activities and meaningful lectures, we became a one time all over the world. It's very honor to join here and connect together. I really appreciate your preparation." - Jiyoung (Seoul YMCA, LEAD 2025 Participant)

"We are all more alike than different. I’ve learned a ton spanning from turning our talents to strengths, networking, urban farming, managing a social enterprise, to appreciating the privileges we have." - Czieloh (YMCA Manila, LEAD 2025 Participant)

“The M.Y Global Youth Symposium was such a fun and inspiring experience - through the workshops, cultural exchanges, and heartfelt conversations, I got to meet so many amazing friends from all over the world, swap ideas, and dream together about making a difference in our communities.” - Yee Kwan (MYMCA Singapore, Change Agent Cohort 6.0 & LEAD 2025 Participant)

Chela Suh
Executive, Community Engagement and Marketing
Active Community Transformation Services
Metropolitan YMCA Singapore