To the people who made us who we are, thank you

Some have planted trees. Some have come and watered the seeds within us. Someone along our leadership journey, through the hard knocks, rocky paths or turbulent skies was there for us. They gave us a word of encouragement, a reality check, a burst of inspiration and pushed us beyond what we thought was possible.

We are not who we are, without them.

We do not always remember to thank them. However, there are moments when we stop to reflect, remembering those who have made a difference in our lives.

On 11 October 2011 at Halogen’s Tribute Fundraising Dinner held at Conrad Centennial Singapore, we took time to remember family, friends, teachers, mentors and leaders who, in their own way, made a mark in our formative years.

Amidst the food, laughter, performances and videos, everyone took time to dispense advice when asked, “What are the 10 things you wished you knew in your 20s that would be crucial for you in your 30s?” The replies varied, with some funny, and others, practical:

• That being 30+ was even more exciting that being in my 20s.
• The satisfaction of giving.
• I wish I had a mentor, someone to confide in, learn from and be guided and inspired by. 
• I can!
• Good things in life are free.
• It’s never too early to start moisturising!
• Career progression isn’t linear.
• Follow your passions early.

While hindsight can be useful, sometimes what we could do with is a little foresight or at least, insight.

Leadership is, ultimately, a long-term enterprise. While the fruit might not be immediately apparent, we have seen stories from our labour.

There is the story of Stencil for the Better, consisting of four students from Ngee Ann Secondary School, who were inspired to start a project to help Autism Association Singapore after a workshop with Halogen. Veerappan Swaminathan who used to be a volunteer, is now a social entrepreneur. He credits Halogen for planting the seed in him to take action.

“Veerappan Swaminathan who used to be a volunteer, is now a social entrepreneur. He credits Halogen for planting the seed in him to take action.”

These stories encourage us, and show us the need to continue building young people. As Guest-of-Honour Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said, “(Halogen’s) partnership is even more valuable in the next phase of Singapore’s education journey: one that is student-centric and focused on values”.

Anita Fam, Chairman of Marriage Central, goes on to emphasise, “I realise leadership grooming is something that not many appreciate the value of. But I have seen through the years the impact it has made on young people’s lives… and I hope more people will learn to appreciate that value as the years go on.”

We believe in the value of developing young leaders. That is why many of us – staff, former staff, volunteers and board members – are doing our bit at Halogen. We want to give forward the efforts of the previous generation by serving the next. By serving these young leaders, we are, in very practical ways, also paying tribute to those who sowed into our lives.

Besides us all paying tribute to those who have made a difference in our lives, Halogen wants to pay tribute to all of you who have breathed life to our cause, be it by giving time, resources or simply yourselves.

Every charity can only fulfill its mission if it is supported by those who have confidence in the work it does. Thank you – each and every one of you – for believing in us.

“Every charity can only fulfill its mission if it is supported by those who have confidence in the work it does. Thank you – each and every one of you – for believing in us.”

Thank you for coming alongside us to build young leaders whom we hope will grow to be competent and compassionate leaders. It is your friendship and partnership that enables us to pay it forward and create a more compelling future for us and our future generations.