When was the last time you felt truly, deeply inspired?
For me, it was at the TIYA Conference in Singapore last weekend. This three day conference was filled with workshops, speakers, and collaborative action that empowered young people from across the Asia Pacific Region to lead inclusive, sustainable change for people and planet through cross-sector collaboration and values-driven action.
They left the conference with:
new connections,
a wealth of knowledge from #changemakers in different fields,
and an action plan to work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
That’s a lot for three short days!
One of the most meaningful takeaways for me was simply being surrounded by so many passionate, #visionaryyoungpeople who are dedicating their energy to shaping a better world. To witness their projects, ideas, and commitment was both humbling and motivating.
Some highlights for me included:
✨ Emceeing with Yu En Tay for Day Two’s Cultural Night, where everyone showed up in fabulous traditional and cultural attire – from colorful kebayas to traditional qipaos – and really brought the energy cheering for our delegates who performed a talent at AP’s Got Talent.
✨ A powerful conversation with Niharika Kapoor, Jessica Cook about having the audacity to take up space, navigating being a young woman in male-dominated spaces, and the importance of advocacy and sticking to our values.
✨ The positive, collaborative spirit of the Tzu Chi Foundation‘s Humanistic Youth Centre team, it was truly infectious!!
I was so happy I could #volunteer and bring my skills as an emcee and facilitator to a cause I truly believe in: young people being change makers of the future. It was also a pleasure to connect deeper with my roots in Asia Pacific, just the beginning of my journey to be more present there in my work and in life!
Leaving TIYA with a full heart, renewed inspiration, and a strong reminder of the power of youth-led change. I wonder where my next source of inspiration will be next…💡🌏
#TIYAConference2025 #YouthLeadership #Changemakers #Collaboration #SustainableDevelopmentGoals #ClimateAction #YoungPeople
Elana Shyong 