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We had two batches of students from Zhenghua Secondary School participating in the Young Changemaker Programme from 3 -14 November. Throughout their internship, these students contributed meaningfully and passionately while gaining a deeper understanding of community impact. Their Experience Iva, Jia Yin & Li Qing One of the most insightful activities from the first batch of Zhenghua Secondary students was a field visit to Forward Coffee at Temasek Shophouse. They experienced first-hand how a social enterprise embraces disability and normalises inclusion through hiring Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). During their visit, they learned that even PwDs can perform a broad range of tasks as effectively as everyone else, while also admiring their perseverance and creativity. Following their visit, they consolidated their key takeaways and shared their learning with their peers. Meanwhile, the second batch of Zhenghua Secondary students took part in the Social Innovation Hackathon at Apple as part of the Media Coverage and Learning Station teams. They contributed by documenting participants' learning experiences and assisting facilitators in guiding the students through hands-on video production activities. Reflections “I learnt how to use new software, how to think of creative solutions, how to network with people, how to grab the attention of your audience and many other skills.” - Iva "This internship has also made me feel more confident to improvise and present in front of a large group of people. In the end, I am very grateful that I was given this opportunity to come down to learn about the different skills while using them to help others." - Jia Yin “This internship made me more aware of my surroundings as to whether it’s more inclusive to the PwDs.”- Liqing “ This internship helped me to get out of my comfort zone and socialise and work with people from different age groups and schools/places whom I do not know, which helped me to communicate a lot better.”- Yynn Huih “ This internship was highly focused on the value of empathy, which taught me to truly empathise with people of all walks of life and brainstorm solutions for the underprivileged.” - Kayla "MTC encourages us to zoom in on a disability and research about it, which I thought was nice as we were able to learn more about it, learn how to act when interacting with them and learn about their employment problems.” - Candice We would like to express our gratitude to the students from Zhenghua Secondary for taking their time and effort to contribute to MTC, through the display of compassion and creativity. We believe they will continue to apply what they have learnt in back in school, their communities and beyond!

In November 2025, we had our Young Changemaker Camp again! Through hands-on activities, digital storytelling and real world exposure to social enterprises, the participants were challenged to think deeply about the world around them 💡 What’s in store this time? Social Enterprise Scoping - Day 1 The camp began by introducing students to the idea that everyday choices can create impact . From choosing inclusive cafes and restaurants to sourcing gifts and entertainment from mission-driven businesses, the youths learnt how purpose can be embedded into even the simplest celebrations. Thinking Deeper, Designing Solutions - Day 2 The second day shifted the focus towards critical thinking and problem solving . They were introduced to digital tools such as Miro , Procreate to map out cause-and-effect relationships and visualise how different factors are connected. These exercises pushed students to move beyond surface-level thinking. Learning from Real Changemakers - Day 3 A highlight of the camp was the social enterprise visit to Foreword Coffee , a cafe that empowers persons with disabilities through meaningful employment. By Jiayin, Iva & Liqing from Zhenghua Secondary School These three days proved that the youths today are the changemakers of this generation. What started as a three-day camp became a reminder that when they're given the space to explore, create and communicate, they don't just imagine change. They begin to lead it! We'll be running more Young Changemaker Camps in 2026, and we would love for you to be a part of it. See you in the next run!

Tiffanie (centre) We had the pleasure of having Tiffanie and Shajarah, two students from Sengkang Secondary School , to join MTC as interns from 10-14 November 2025. Throughout their internship, they displayed adaptiveness and compassion in various projects while gaining a deeper understanding of MTC’s purpose. Their Experience One particularly insightful experience they had was their facilitations at the Social Innovation Hackathon (Primary School edition), where the participants develop crucial apple technology skills aligned with 21st century competencies. Tiffanie participated in the Media Coverage Station, whereby she took photos of primary school students relishing themselves in the hackathon. On the other hand, Shajarah took on the role of a mentor , coaching the participants on useful digital techniques with patience and enthusiasm. Through these roles, both of them stretched themselves to learn beyond what they were familiar with, grew in confidence and demonstrated great leadership. We are incredibly proud to see them shine in their element, embracing new challenges. Additionally, they designed a deck of slides utilising the “Empathy Map” framework, to analyse the problems that the elderly individuals face due to an ageist workplace policy that limit their employment opportunities. Thus, both Tiffanie and Shajarah then brainstormed practical solutions to mitigate such issues. Through this activity, they deepened their understanding of the struggles the seniors in Singapore face, while strengthening their research and idea-organisation skills. In Their Own Words “Through inspirational talks by mentors/staff, I've gained insights on change making as well as motivation to keep pushing through my internship.”- Tiffanie Michelle Lim (CEO & founder) “From helping primary school kids during the hackathon to collaborating on activities at Riverside Point, I learned a lot about teamwork, empathy, and creativity.” - Shajarah The Journey Continues The Young Changemaker Programme is more than just an internship, it’s a platform for young minds to think critically, engage meaningfully, and take action. For those considering to join this programme , d on’t wait! Sign up now!

We are deeply honoured to share that Make The Change has been awarded the 10 Year Membership Award by raiSE . This milestone is more than a number. It represents a decade of belief, collaboration, learning, and collective action within Singapore’s social enterprise ecosystem. Growing Together Since the Beginning From the early days of raiSE, Make The Change has had the privilege of being part of a growing movement of purpose driven organisations committed to doing business differently. Being part of the ecosystem since its formative years has allowed us to witness first hand how social enterprises in Singapore have evolved in scale, impact, and ambition. raiSE has played a critical role in nurturing this ecosystem. Through capacity building, funding support, partnerships, and advocacy, raiSE has helped social enterprises turn ideas into sustainable models that create real and measurable impact for communities. A Shared Commitment to Impact Over the past 10 years, our journey with raiSE has reinforced what we believe deeply at Make The Change. That creativity, technology, and business can be powerful forces for good when guided by purpose. As a social enterprise, our work with youths, seniors, persons with disabilities, schools, and communities has always been shaped by the values championed within the raiSE ecosystem. Collaboration over competition. Long term impact over short term gains. And inclusion as a foundation, not an afterthought. This recognition affirms the importance of staying committed to these values even as the work becomes more complex and the challenges more urgent. Gratitude to the Community This award belongs not just to our team, but to the wider community that has walked alongside us. Fellow social enterprises, partners, mentors, funders, educators, and community organisations who continue to inspire us with their courage and dedication. We are especially grateful to raiSE for being a constant anchor in the ecosystem. For believing in social enterprises before it was mainstream, and for continuing to champion innovation with heart. Looking Ahead As we reflect on the past decade, we do so with humility and optimism. The challenges facing our communities and our planet demand even deeper collaboration and bolder ideas. We remain committed to growing alongside the social enterprise ecosystem, supporting changemakers of all ages, and using creativity and technology to enable meaningful social impact. Thank you, raiSE, for 10 years of partnership, trust, and shared purpose. It has truly been our privilege to be part of this journey from the very beginning.

Have you ever wondered how digital art can open doors beyond creativity? The Digital Arts For All initiative transforms that idea into reality by empowering people of all ages and abilities to express themselves, build confidence, and navigate the digital world with greater ease. Highlighted recently in an inspiring video, this programme goes far beyond drawing on screens. It blends artistic exploration with essential skills needed to be safe, smart, and kind online. What is Digital Arts For All? Digital Arts For All is an inclusive ecosystem that uses digital art as a bridge to teach media and digital literacy. It invites participants from diverse communities including seniors, persons with disabilities, youths, and schools to discover their creative voice while learning to interpret and engage with digital spaces more thoughtfully. Instead of a traditional classroom setup, the programme embraces hands-on workshops where participants use iPads, styluses, and apps like Procreate to bring their ideas to life. Through artmaking, they also explore how to spot online scams, set privacy settings, and understand their digital footprint. How It Works Each session is designed to be welcoming and accessible: Tools and techniques are introduced in friendly, beginner-level steps Digital art exercises double as platforms to practise online safety habits Creativity is celebrated regardless of prior experience Artwork produced can animate ideas like kindness and responsible digital behaviour By the end of the workshop, participants not only have new digital art pieces to be proud of but also a deeper understanding of how to live confidently in today’s connected world. Real Impact One of the most meaningful aspects of this programme is how it supports tailored needs. For example: Workshops for people with limited mobility include accessibility features and adaptive tools Seniors build confidence with tablets and learn to recognise misinformation Youth contributors help shape experiences that connect generations These shared experiences build community and prove that digital art can be a powerful tool for connection, learning, and self-expression. Why It Matters In a world where technology plays a central role in daily life, digital literacy is no longer optional. By embedding critical skills into creative practices, Digital Arts For All equips participants not just to create, but also to understand and contribute responsibly to online spaces. This approach reflects the programme’s core values to be safe, smart, and kind online and beyond. Call to Action Whether you’re an educator, caregiver, or community member, there’s a role you can play. Get involved by joining a workshop, sharing this story, or bringing the programme to your network. When creativity meets digital confidence, everyone benefits. Contact us if you are interested.

In collaboration with Touch Cyber Wellness  and AsiaPac , Make The Change hosted our Social Innovation Hackathon : an event where youth from all over Singapore gathered to tackle a problem statement using Apple Technologies a t the Apple Developer Centre . There was enthusiastic participation, with teams from 17 primary schools and 11 secondary schools.   Changemaker Competencies: Building Empathy and Understanding Introduction Segment Brainstorming and Discussion Session The problem statement given was based on a very real and relevant issue faced by society today, technology management for children , challenging the students to form actionable solutions for real-life situations they themselves have experienced. To start the event on the right note, we began with a games section to excite the students and a presentation on cyber wellness to provide context for the problem statement. The students then broke into their teams to engage in discussions guided by their teachers. They brainstormed solutions and video ideas, using their newly-developed understanding of the problem statement to think of the best approach.  Utilising Apple Technologies — Pushing Creative Boundaries iMovie Special Effects Learning Station Shooting and Production Learning Station The event was held in the Apple Developer Center , giving us ample space to set up different learning stations. Students with all levels of proficiency in Apple Technologies were welcomed to participate, with a comprehensive skills fair that equipped them with all the necessary skills to bring their vision to life. Firstly, the iMovie Basics , and Shooting and Production stations prepared students with the foundational skills needed to utilise Apple Technologies and to create a video of their own. Beyond that, the iMovie Special Effects station taught students skills like green screening and teleportation transitions to further enhance their videos, adding production value and wow factor. The Augmented Reality learning station walked students through the use of AR Makr  and Sketchfab , platforms which allowed them to elevate their videos with 3D models. Using these different Apple Technologies, the students made videos with layers, transitions and 3D elements , allowing them to express themselves in more creative ways. Meet the Winners of the Hackathon It's time to reveal the winners! Bedok Green Secondary School   Yew Tee Primary School Runner ups for the primary school category were… Rosyth School Springdale Primary School North Vista Primary School Anchor Green Primary School Runner ups for the secondary school category were… Xinmin Secondary School Combined team with students from Ang Mo Kio , Christ Church  and Mayflower Secondary School Every team’s submission showcased creativity and innovation , but a few truly rose above the rest. While not every student received an award, each and every one with fresh perspectives, new skills and a drive to continue changemaking ! These skills, both in video creation and changemaking, are useful tools that will empower them to tackle societal issues with social innovation. Everyone is a changemaker, so get equipped with the necessary skills to make a difference through our workshops and events. Take the chance, make the change!

In January 2025, we had the pleasure of hosting a student from Middleton International School for a two-week internship at Make The Change. Though brief, his time with us was rich in experience, leaving an impression not only on our team but also on his own understanding of social innovation and education. Making Sense of Data: From Numbers to Insights One of the key highlights of his internship was his deep dive into data analysis . Tasked with interpreting both qualitative and quantitative data from the Young Changemaker Programme , he demonstrated a thoughtful approach in drawing meaning from the responses. His final output, an infographic, was not just visually appealing but also effectively communicated the programme's impact. A Pen for Purpose As part of his exposure to communications, he also dabbled in article writing . Through this, he explored how storytelling and language can shape narratives around social causes and amplify meaningful work. Voice for Change In line with our New Media Programme , he also explored audio content creation . Using GarageBand on the iPad, he produced a mock audio, experimenting with voice, scripting, and editing, learning how media can be a powerful platform to inform and inspire. A Meaningful Takeaway Reflecting on his experience, he shared: “Most importantly, the internship deepened my understanding of the profound impact that education and creative initiatives can have on fostering positive societal change.” His journey reminds us that even short-term internships can spark long-term growth when learners are given space to explore, reflect, and create. We’re grateful to have played a small part in his learning journey and look forward to continuing to empower more young minds in the remaining months of 2025!

Gerard, Sandie (RGS) , Fredrick (from left to right) In December 2024, we had the pleasure of welcoming two passionate student interns from Hwa Chong Institution . Their energy, creativity, and commitment brought a fresh perspective to our year-end activities and set a strong foundation for the exciting work ahead in 2025. Let's have a look at their contribution! Intern Year-End Party To celebrate the close of the year, we threw an Intern Year-End Party for all current and ex interns. It was a chance to reflect on shared memories and appreciate the friendships and growth made along the way. Since it was Christmas week, we also embraced the festive spirit with a Secret Santa gift exchange. It was a beautiful way to wrap up the year! Digital Drawing Programme The interns played a hands-on role in supporting our Digital Drawing Programme , guiding participants closely. Their involvement showcased the power of peer-to-peer learning, especially when it comes to engaging in creative exploration. Augmented Reality (AR) with iPad Workshop Although the AR with iPad Workshop  was primarily designed for our trainers under the New Media Programme , our Hwa Chong interns joined in and embraced the challenge. They picked up new digital skills and concepts—ranging from augmented reality tools to interactive storytelling—that will surely enrich their learning journey and broaden their digital fluency. Brainstorming for Social Good Lastly, they wrapped up with a powerful brainstorming session for our annual Competitions 2025 . Alongside our team, the interns contributed ideas on social causes that matter to them, exploring themes like environmental awareness, mental health, and community inclusion. Their insights reflected a strong sense of empathy, responsibility, values we hope to amplify as part of the topics in the upcoming 2025 competitions. We're incredibly grateful for the heart and initiative these two students brought to our space. Here’s to more youths stepping up, speaking out, and sparking change in the year ahead!

Adriana & Shreya Before starting their next chapter at Temasek Poly, two students from St. Anthony’s Canossian Secondary School  spent two weeks with us this January. They were eager to learn and contribute, taking on meaningful roles that supported our event planning and content creation efforts. What were they involved in? They supported outreach efforts for media coverage for our Youth For Change Final Showcase , a key event celebrating the projects of young changemakers across Singapore. They were also present as youth volunteers during the event itself, assisting in operations and interacting with various stakeholders. Their contribution helped ensure the event ran smoothly and received the attention it deserved. The students were exposed to important operational tasks that kept things running smoothly behind the scenes. From helping with vendor selection for our competitions , to ensuring that our internal databases are up to date, they gained a broader understanding of how minute details contribute to the success of a larger initiative. One unique aspect of their internship was the chance to observe trainers in action during workshops. Through their observations, they shared thoughtful feedback on the trainer's overall delivery. " They gave me a huge opportunity to learn and grow as a person personally and professionally" - Shreya " Hearing the story of a photographer who used his skills to empower migrant worker communities, I realised we didn't need to be incredibly skilled to make a difference. Just working with our existing talents could be enough to benefit society." - Adriana This internship not only exposed them to the mechanics of programme planning and communications, but also empowered them to think critically and contribute meaningfully.

Anshi, Rianne, Hwee Qi and Joel (from left to right) This June, we had the pleasure of welcoming 4 aspiring changemakers from Temasek Junior College for a 2-week internship filled with learning, collaboration, and meaningful engagement. Among them was a familiar face, one student returned for her second internship with us, having first joined the January 2025 batch . Her decision to come back speaks volumes about the impact the programme had on her. Their Experience The students explored the complex challenges faced by diverse communities. Using the design thinking approach, they brainstormed and proposed creative yet pragmatic solutions to address the various needs and wants of these groups. At a Procreate Workshop at Apple Orchard, the interns learned how to draw their self-portrait. They then applied these new digital art skills to sketch visual solutions to help reduce exam stress for students – an innovative way to combine creativity, empathy and technology for social impact. Beyond these milestone activities, Anshi and Rianne focused on research regarding refugees, PWDs and seniors. They mapped out potential partners, contact points and outreach opportunities, as well as proposed workshop ideas tailored to each group’s strengths, interests and challenges. Through this project, they not only deepened their understanding of the challenges and needs of refugees, but also honed their creative and strategic thinking skills. These findings serve to help MTC expand our network and partnership with these communities, to better value-add and complement existing efforts. Meanwhile, Hwee Qi and Joel were involved in hands-on media work, where they were able to plan, film and edit their social media reels to raise awareness about MTC’s initiatives. These creative projects not only enhanced their storytelling and content creation abilities, but also gave them a chance to collaborate, laugh and celebrate milestones, like Joel’s birthday.  Reflections "My favourite part was gaining exposure to Procreate and making new friends from other schools. This internship gave me a well-rounded insight into the practical side of social innovation." – Anshi "We had to struggle for ideas and improve using feedback. Although there were challenges, the support from my fellow interns and mentors helped me to make the most out of this journey." – Hwee Qi "The experience has allowed me to strengthen my soft skills like adaptability, responsibility and presentation. Overall, this internship was deeply meaningful and enriching." – Rianne "Initially, I was unsure of what to expect. However, after joining the social media team, attending workshops and completing tasks like empathy mapping, I picked up skills in organisation, design and innovation. This was a great first inership experience." – Joel From community-based ideation to creative expression and digital media, our interns demonstrated curiosity, compassion and creativity throughout their time with us. We are incredibly proud of the progress and passion these young changemakers have shown and are excited to see how they continue to apply what they’ve learnt within their schools, communities, and beyond.

This November, we welcomed Afzal from Victoria School for two weeks. Afzal's contributions, leadership and initiative left a lasting impression on our team, partners, and the youths he worked with. Right away, he worked alongside students from Zhenghua and Serangoon Garden Secondary school students on an Empathy Mapping Presentation. In this process, he demonstrated strong leadership by guiding discussions and facilitating conversations with empathy and clarity. Afzal also took the initiative during a visit by Nan Hua High School teachers, who came to MTC office as part of their Professional Learning Day: Learning Beyond School . As we shared about our Changemaker Skills Framework , he contributed by sharing his own internship journey. Drawing from his experience, he articulated how these values are consistently practised across our initiatives. He spoke confidently about how the programme shaped his mindset, and how such structured frameworks empower students to identify community challenges, and create meaningful impact. As he continued his internship, he picked up several digital tools which were part of the 3-day Young Changemaker Camp that he attended. Rather than stopping at learning, he proactively applied these skills during his second week at our Social Innovation Hackathon using Apple Technologies 2025 (Primary Schools edition). At the hackathon, he took on multiple responsibilities, including supporting the registration booth and facilitating a learning station focused on iMovie Special Effects . His preparedness and calm coordination to guide participants showcased his reliability and leadership under pressure. Notably, he chose to extend his internship by an addition day. He wanted to be a part of the Graduation Ceremony for PWD students from our Content Creation using AI Programme . During the ceremony, he went on to co-facilitate activities for an Effective Communication session , confidently engaging participants throughout. Afzal’s reflection "It was a great opportunity to connect with others and build relationships. I enjoyed facilitating the Social Innovation Hackathon as it allowed me to improve on my leadership skills and talk with others who worked at Apple. I would really like to take part in such events again." Over the course of two weeks, Afzal demonstrated the changemaker spirit we aim to cultivate in every youth that walks through our doors. We are grateful for his contributions and excited to see how he continues to grow as a young leader!

We are excited to kick off the very first episode of our Youth Matters series  on Conversation of Change! This new series spotlights young people who are driving meaningful social impact in Singapore and we couldn’t have chosen a more inspiring story to begin with. In our debut episode, featuring Aarav and Dylan , the co-founders of Expedition Joy , a youth-led initiative dedicated to creating memorable birthday celebrations for children and seniors. What started as a simple idea between two friends has blossomed into a movement of kindness, connection, and community-building. A Journey Rooted in Compassion During the conversation, Araav and Dylan open up about how Expedition Joy first began, the early challenges they faced from fundraising hurdles to learning how to work as a team and the heartwarming moments that remind them why their mission matters. Their stories reflect the resilience and sincerity that define many youth-led projects today. Small Acts, Big Impact Beyond their personal journey, the episode also shares practical ways for listeners to get involved . Whether you’re interested in volunteering, contributing resources, or supporting their expanding efforts, there are many ways to help spread joy to more communities across Singapore. Why Youth Voices Matter Youth Matters aims to showcase how young people are not just future leaders. They are already creating change in real and powerful ways. Expedition Joy is a beautiful example of what happens when passion meets purpose, and when empathy is turned into action. If you’ve ever wondered how youths can spark meaningful social impact, this episode offers a heartfelt and hopeful glimpse into the possibilities. Discover our podcast on your favourite audio apps now! 🎧  Apple Podcasts:   https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/make-the-change-conversation-of-change-podcast/id1511455099 🎧  Spotify:   https://open.spotify.com/show/1FPfumkodY86gN9wUBUgYV?si=ff0560b50aff4c30