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Make The Change Empowers Learners with Hands-on AR Design Using Apple Technologies At Make The Change, we believe that the best way to understand emerging technology is by creating with it. Recently, we had the opportunity to deliver a two-session Augmented Reality (AR) Workshop, introducing participants to the exciting world of immersive technology through Apple's creative ecosystem. Across the programme, learners progressed from understanding what augmented reality is to designing their own interactive AR experiences, discovering that AR is not just something to consume, but something they can build. Thanks to the generous support of Assemblr, every participant received access to Assemblr EDU licenses, allowing them to continue exploring and creating beyond the workshop. This partnership helped make advanced AR creation tools accessible to every learner. Session 1: Understanding Augmented Reality The first session focused on building a strong foundation. Participants explored: What Augmented Reality is and how it differs from Virtual Reality. How AR is already part of everyday life through education, gaming, retail, museums, and social media. Different approaches to creating AR experiences, from fully pre-built environments to fully custom experiences. Rather than only discussing the technology, students experienced AR firsthand, seeing how digital content can interact naturally with the real world. One of the key ideas introduced was that there are multiple levels of AR creation: Pre-built AR experiences, where users simply explore immersive environments already created by developers. Semi-custom experiences in which learners combine ready-made assets with their own creativity. Fully custom AR development, where every object, interaction, and animation is designed from scratch. Understanding these different approaches helped participants appreciate that AR creation is accessible regardless of their current skill level. Session 2: Designing Interactive AR Experiences The second workshop shifted from exploration to creation. Using Reality Composer and Assemblr EDU, participants learned how to build professional AR experiences without writing code. They explored how to: Navigate the Reality Composer workspace. Position and manipulate 3D objects. Build immersive scenes. Apply animations and physics. Design personalized AR projects, including face filters, name plates, and interactive environments. Throughout the session, learners quickly moved from experimenting with simple objects to building original interactive experiences, demonstrating both creativity and technical confidence. Learning Through Creativity One of the most rewarding aspects of the workshop was seeing participants realise that AR is much more than entertainment. By the end of the programme, many had gained practical experience in: Creating immersive digital experiences. Understanding spatial design and 3D thinking. Applying creative problem-solving. Using professional Apple creative tools. Seeing how emerging technologies can be used for education, communication, and storytelling. Participant Feedback The response from participants was overwhelmingly positive. The workshop received an average satisfaction rating of 4.39 out of 5, with: 50% awarding the workshop 5 stars 39.5% awarding 4 stars No ratings below 3 stars Participants highlighted several key learning outcomes, including: Building confidence using Reality Composer. Learning how to manipulate 3D objects and create interactive AR scenes. Understanding how augmented reality experiences are designed. Discovering new creative possibilities through immersive technology. Many also described the sessions as: Fun Interactive Easy to follow Engaging A valuable introduction to emerging technologies Several participants even shared that they wished the programme had been longer, a wonderful indication of how engaging they found the experience. The feedback also recognized the learning environment itself, with participants commenting on the friendly, supportive, and detailed facilitation throughout both sessions. Looking Ahead Augmented Reality is rapidly becoming part of education, design, marketing, entertainment, and industry. Introducing learners to these technologies today helps prepare them for the creative careers of tomorrow. At Make The Change, we are passionate about making emerging technology accessible through hands-on learning that inspires curiosity, creativity, and confidence. A special thank you once again to Assemblr,NUS, and raiSE for providing complimentary Assemblr EDU licenses that allowed participants to continue experimenting with AR beyond the classroom. Partnerships like these play an important role in expanding access to meaningful digital learning experiences. We look forward to helping even more learners discover what's possible when creativity meets technology. If you are interested in bringing this workshop to your school, please get in touch with us.

Today’s students will enter a world shaped by artificial intelligence, climate change, new forms of work and increasingly interconnected communities. Academic knowledge remains important, but young people also need the ability to think critically, adapt to change, collaborate with others and respond to challenges with empathy and resilience. These capabilities are central to Singapore’s Framework for 21st Century Competencies and Student Outcomes. They are also embedded in Make The Change’s Young Changemaker Programme. So, how do MTC’s Changemaker Skills support the competencies that MOE wants students to develop? Understanding MOE’s 21st Century Competencies MOE’s framework places values at the centre of students’ development. Its six Core Values are: Respect Responsibility Resilience Integrity Care Harmony Surrounding these values are five Social-Emotional Competencies: Self-Awareness Self-Management Social Awareness Relationship Management Responsible Decision-Making The framework also identifies three groups of Emerging 21st Century Competencies: Critical, Adaptive and Inventive Thinking Communication, Collaboration and Information Skills Civic, Global and Cross-Cultural Literacy Together, these values and competencies help students become confident people, self-directed learners, active contributors and concerned citizens. What are MTC’s Changemaker Skills? At Make The Change, we believe students learn best when they have opportunities to apply their knowledge to real situations. Our Young Changemaker Programme introduces students to social enterprise, social innovation and community impact. Through practical assignments and workplace exposure, students develop nine interconnected Changemaker Skills: Empathy Critical Thinking Creative Confidence Teamwork and Collaboration Communication and Storytelling Leadership and Initiative Systems Thinking Civic Engagement and Global Awareness Resilience and Adaptability These skills closely complement MOE’s framework by helping students put its values and competencies into practice. Mapping MTC’s Changemaker Skills to MOE’s framework MTC Changemaker Skill Alignment with MOE’s framework Empathy Social Awareness, Relationship Management, Care, Respect and Harmony Critical Thinking Critical, Adaptive and Inventive Thinking, Responsible Decision-Making and Integrity Creative Confidence Critical, Adaptive and Inventive Thinking, Self-Awareness and Resilience Teamwork and Collaboration Communication, Collaboration and Information Skills, Relationship Management and Harmony Communication and Storytelling Communication, Collaboration and Information Skills, Social Awareness, and Civic, Global and Cross-Cultural Literacy Leadership and Initiative Self-Management, Responsible Decision-Making, Relationship Management and Responsibility Systems Thinking Critical, Adaptive and Inventive Thinking, Responsible Decision-Making, and Civic, Global and Cross-Cultural Literacy Civic Engagement and Global Awareness Civic, Global and Cross-Cultural Literacy, Social Awareness, Responsibility and Care Resilience and Adaptability Self-Management, Resilience, and Critical, Adaptive and Inventive Thinking The relationship is not limited to a simple one-to-one match. Each Changemaker Skill can reinforce several values and competencies at the same time. Empathy: Understanding before acting Positive change begins with understanding people. When students practise empathy, they learn to listen carefully, consider experiences different from their own and recognise the needs of the people affected by an issue. This supports MOE’s Social Awareness and Relationship Management competencies. It also brings the values of care and respect to life. For a young changemaker, empathy is not only about feeling concern for someone. It means allowing that understanding to shape the solution being developed. Critical Thinking: Looking beyond the obvious Social challenges are rarely simple. What appears to be the problem may only be a symptom of something deeper. Critical Thinking teaches students to examine information, question assumptions and consider different explanations. It supports MOE’s emphasis on Critical, Adaptive and Inventive Thinking and Responsible Decision-Making. Students learn to ask important questions: What evidence do we have? Whose perspective may be missing? What are the possible consequences of this decision? Is our proposed solution addressing the real problem? This helps young people make decisions that are both informed and responsible. Creative Confidence: Turning ideas into possibilities Students sometimes believe creativity belongs only to artists or designers. Creative Confidence helps them understand that everyone can generate, test and improve ideas. It encourages students to approach uncertainty with curiosity rather than fear. They learn that an early idea does not need to be perfect and that feedback is part of the creative process. This directly supports inventive thinking while also building Self-Awareness and Resilience. Teamwork and Communication: Creating impact together Meaningful social impact is rarely achieved by one person acting alone. Through Teamwork and Collaboration, students learn to share responsibilities, contribute their strengths and manage different opinions. Communication and Storytelling help them explain issues clearly, present solutions and inspire others to participate. Together, these skills reinforce MOE’s Communication, Collaboration and Information Skills as well as Relationship Management and Social Awareness. Students also discover an important lesson: communication is not only about speaking confidently. It also requires listening, understanding the audience and representing other people’s experiences responsibly. Leadership and Initiative: Taking responsible action At Make The Change, leadership is not defined by a title. A student demonstrates leadership when they recognise a need, step forward, take responsibility and help others work towards a common objective. This kind of leadership develops Self-Management, Responsible Decision-Making and Relationship Management. It also strengthens the value of responsibility. Students begin to see themselves as active contributors who can play a role in improving their schools, communities and society. Systems Thinking: Seeing the bigger picture Community and global challenges involve many interconnected factors. Systems Thinking helps students understand the relationships among people, organisations, policies, behaviours and environments. Instead of focusing only on the most visible part of a problem, they investigate its underlying causes and wider effects. This supports Critical, Adaptive and Inventive Thinking as well as Civic, Global and Cross-Cultural Literacy. It also helps students design more thoughtful solutions and recognise that changing one part of a system can affect many others. Resilience and Adaptability: Learning through challenges Real-world projects do not always go according to plan. Ideas may fail. Information may be incomplete. Team members may disagree. Feedback may require students to rethink their work. Through these experiences, students learn to manage frustration, adapt their approach and keep moving forward. They discover that setbacks are not necessarily the end of a project; they can be valuable sources of learning. This reflects MOE’s value of resilience and supports both Self-Management and Adaptive Thinking. Civic Engagement and Global Awareness: Becoming concerned citizens Changemaking helps students recognise that they are part of something larger than themselves. By exploring community and global issues, they learn to appreciate cultural differences, understand interdependence and consider their responsibilities towards others. This closely supports MOE’s Civic, Global and Cross-Cultural Literacy. It also reflects the values of responsibility, care and harmony. Most importantly, students move from simply knowing about an issue to considering how they can contribute. From competencies to real-world action The strong alignment between the two frameworks becomes especially clear when students undertake a changemaking project. During the process, a student may need to: Listen to the people affected by an issue. Research and analyse the problem. Identify its underlying causes. Develop and test possible solutions. Collaborate with teammates and community partners. Communicate the idea to different audiences. Adapt the project in response to feedback. Take action and reflect on the results. One project can therefore develop values, social-emotional competencies and Emerging 21st Century Competencies together. Preparing students for the future The alignment between MTC’s Changemaker Skills and MOE’s 21st Century Competencies reflects a shared understanding of what young people need to thrive. Students must be able to think critically, communicate clearly, collaborate across differences and respond constructively to change. They also need empathy, integrity and a sense of responsibility towards their communities. Through hands-on learning in social innovation and social enterprise, the Young Changemaker Programme gives students a meaningful environment in which to practise these capabilities. They do not only learn what empathy, resilience or responsible leadership mean. They experience what it takes to apply them while working towards positive change. Every changemaker starts with one step Make The Change works with students, schools and organisations to create engaging learning experiences that build future-ready skills through real-world action. Would you like to help your students develop the confidence and capabilities to become changemakers? Learn more about the Young Changemaker Programme or contact Make The Change to explore a programme for your students. This article presents an interpretive alignment between MTC’s published Changemaker Skills and MOE’s Framework for 21st Century Competencies and Student Outcomes. It does not imply formal accreditation or endorsement by MOE.

At Make The Change, we believe that digital skills should empower everyone to participate, create, and thrive in today's world. That is why we were honored to be recognized at the recent Digital for Life Appreciation Event, where our team received an award celebrating our contribution to Singapore's growing digital inclusion movement. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our trainers, partners, volunteers, and participants who have helped shape our Digital Arts For All program into what it is today. Creating Opportunities Through Creativity Digital Arts For All was created with a simple belief: creativity can be a powerful gateway to digital confidence. Through hands-on learning experiences using iPads and creative applications, participants explore digital drawing, visual storytelling, animation, and other forms of digital expression in an inclusive and supportive environment. Our programs are designed to ensure that people of different ages, backgrounds, and abilities have the opportunity to develop practical digital skills while discovering their creativity, confidence, and potential. Over the years, the program has continued to evolve as new technologies emerge, allowing us to introduce participants to innovative creative tools while ensuring that every learning experience remains engaging, accessible, and meaningful. More Than Digital Skills At Make The Change, we see digital inclusion as much more than learning how to use technology. It is about helping individuals build confidence, connect with others, express their ideas, and participate meaningfully in their communities. Every workshop reminds us that when learning is accessible and engaging, participants often achieve far more than they initially imagined. Whether creating their first digital artwork, collaborating with peers, or sharing their stories through technology, these moments demonstrate the positive impact of inclusive learning. Our goal has always been to use creativity as a catalyst for inclusion, empowering individuals to see themselves not just as technology users but as creators, storytellers, and contributors to society. A Community Effort This recognition belongs to everyone who has supported this journey. We sincerely thank the Digital for Life movement for championing digital inclusion across Singapore, as well as the many community organizations, schools, corporate partners, and volunteers who have worked alongside us to make these opportunities possible. Most importantly, we thank every participant who has joined our programs. Their enthusiasm, resilience, and creativity continue to inspire us to innovate and improve the experiences we deliver. Together, we are building communities where technology becomes a bridge to greater confidence, stronger connections, and new opportunities. Looking Ahead As technology continues to evolve, so does our responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind. Artificial intelligence, digital creativity, and emerging technologies are creating exciting new possibilities, but they also make digital inclusion more important than ever. We remain committed to designing programs that equip people with the confidence and skills to participate fully in an increasingly digital world. Our vision is simple: to create a more inclusive Singapore where everyone has the opportunity to learn, create, and contribute, regardless of age, background, or ability. Join Us in Building a More Inclusive Digital Future Digital inclusion is a shared responsibility, and meaningful change happens when organizations, businesses, schools, and community partners work together. If your organization is looking to empower the communities you serve through creative technology, digital literacy, or inclusive innovation, we would love to collaborate. Whether through community workshops, corporate volunteering, CSR initiatives, or long-term partnerships, together we can create learning experiences that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and ensure that no one is left behind in Singapore's digital future. To learn more about our Digital Arts For All program or explore partnership opportunities, contact us or visit our website. Together, let's continue making technology a force for inclusion and positive social impact.

At Make The Change, we believe that meaningful change happens when people come together to share stories, ask honest questions, and learn from one another. Recently, our Co-Founder and Community Development & Impact Director, Pedro Adrian Aguirre, was invited to speak at Coffee & Connection: Human Library with B Corp Founders, an event organised by B Lab Singapore and hosted at Swapaholic, Clarke Quay. The session brought together founders, changemakers, professionals, and curious learners for a morning of conversation around business, sustainability, and social impact. Designed as a “human library”, the event created space for participants to engage directly with founders building businesses with purpose and impact at their core. Sharing the Make The Change Journey As one of the invited “human books”, Pedro shared Make The Change’s journey as a social enterprise and certified B Corporation, including how we continue to grow our work across education, community development, creative services, and impact consultancy. The conversation explored what it means to build a business that balances purpose and sustainability, while staying true to its mission. For Make The Change, this means designing programmes that empower youths, persons with disabilities, seniors, and communities with the skills and confidence to participate meaningfully in society. It also means continuously asking ourselves how our work can create value not only for clients and partners, but also for the communities we serve. Learning Beyond the Panel One of the most meaningful parts of the session was the opportunity for our Young Changemaker interns and Make The Change staff to attend and be part of the conversation. For our interns, the event was a valuable opportunity to learn directly from B Corp founders and purpose-driven business leaders. They were able to hear first-hand about the realities of building a values-led organisation, from navigating challenges to making decisions that align with impact. These learning moments are important to us. Through the Young Changemaker Internship, we aim to expose youths to real-world conversations about social impact, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Events like this show them that changemaking is not just an idea. It is a practice that requires courage, reflection, collaboration, and action. The Power of Community in the B Corp Movement As a certified B Corporation, Make The Change is proud to be part of a growing movement of businesses that believe in using business as a force for good. The event was a reminder that the B Corp journey is not only about certification. It is also about community. It is about learning from others, sharing openly, and continually improving how we create impact through our work. We were inspired by conversations with fellow founders across sectors, including retail, circularity, creative services, education, and consultancy. While each organisation has its own journey, we share a common belief that businesses can play a meaningful role in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future. Continuing the Conversation We are grateful to B Lab Singapore and Swapaholic for creating such a warm and thoughtful space for connection, reflection, and learning. Thank you also to everyone who attended, asked questions, and contributed to the conversation. At Make The Change, we will continue to create opportunities for our team, interns, and community to learn from purpose-driven leaders and take part in conversations that inspire action. Because building a better future requires more than good ideas. It requires people, community, and the willingness to keep learning together.

At Make The Change, we believe entrepreneurship is about much more than starting a business. It is about developing confidence, creativity, resilience, communication and the ability to solve real-world problems. We were delighted to partner with PPIS to deliver the Young Entrepreneurs Lab for children across two of its centres. Established in 1952, PPIS is a Singapore non-profit organization that supports women, children, and families through community-based programs and services. Across two engaging sessions, participants stepped into the role of young entrepreneurs. They explored how to transform an idea into a business while developing valuable skills that can support them in school, future careers, and everyday life. Thinking Like an Entrepreneur The programme began by introducing participants to one of the most important entrepreneurial mindsets: understanding people. Instead of immediately creating products, the children first learned how successful businesses observe customers, ask thoughtful questions, and identify what people genuinely want. Through interactive discussions and visual comparisons of different business booths, participants considered questions such as: What makes someone stop and look at a booth? Why might customers choose one business over another? What makes a booth feel attractive, friendly and trustworthy? How can businesses create value for customers? They discovered that successful booths are not only visually appealing. They are also clear, organised, welcoming, creative and easy for customers to understand. The key lesson was simple: Successful businesses are not only about making things. They are about understanding people. Discovering What Customers Want Participants were then introduced to market research. They learned that businesses do not need to guess what customers want. Instead, entrepreneurs can observe people, ask questions, listen carefully, and use feedback to improve their ideas. Working with their teammates and classmates, the children explored: The types of craft products customers preferred How much customers might be willing to pay Which colours were most attractive Whether customers preferred cute, colourful or sporty designs This helped them understand that strong business ideas are shaped by customers, trends, needs, and value. Turning a Group into a Company After completing their market research, participants formed small companies. Each group worked together to decide: A company name A company logo Their product idea Their target customer Their preferred price range The responsibilities of each team member Participants took on roles such as designer, maker, promoter, manager and cashier. Although each person had a specific responsibility, every team member needed to communicate, contribute, and support the group. Through this process, the children learned that entrepreneurship is rarely an individual effort. Successful businesses depend on collaboration, shared responsibility and people using their different strengths. Learning About Marketing and Branding The young entrepreneurs also explored how marketing and branding help customers recognize and remember a business. Using familiar brands such as McDonald’s, Starbucks, and LEGO as examples, participants examined how companies use consistent logos, colors, products, and experiences to create a strong identity. They then applied these ideas by developing their own: Company names Logos Product displays Posters Signs Booth themes This encouraged participants to consider not only what they were selling, but also how they wanted customers to feel when seeing their business. Understanding Cost, Price and Profit Financial literacy was introduced through simple, visual, and age-appropriate examples. Participants learned the difference between three important concepts: Cost is the amount of money required to make a product. Price is how much the business charges the customer. Profit is the money left after paying the cost. For example, if a bracelet costs $2 to make and is sold for $5, the business earns a profit of $3. Participants also took part in pricing games using products such as popcorn cups and friendship bracelets. They compared different selling prices and discussed whether each option was too cheap, fair, or too expensive. These activities helped them understand that a successful price must work for both the business and its customers. A price that is too low may not cover the cost of making the product. A price that is too high may discourage customers from buying it. Earning and Managing Resources To make the experience even more immersive, the programme introduced a token-based resource system. Participants completed games and challenges to earn tokens, which they could then use to obtain materials for their products and booths. They needed to think carefully about how to use limited resources, which materials were most important, and how their choices would affect the final product. This added an engaging layer of strategy and decision-making while reinforcing the idea that entrepreneurs must manage time, money, and resources responsibly. Preparing the Mini Business Booths During the second session, the children transformed their ideas into physical business booths. They explored how items such as tablecloths, baskets, display racks, posters, products, and decorations could help create an attractive and welcoming setup. Each team worked together to: Arrange its products Display its company name and logo Create signs and promotional materials Organise the booth clearly Prepare a customer-friendly presentation The classroom gradually became a lively mini marketplace filled with colour, creativity and excitement. Communicating with Customers Before opening their booths, participants learned to pitch and present their products confidently. They practised a simple three-part approach: 1. Welcome the customer Participants learned to greet customers warmly and introduce their booth. For example: “Hi! Welcome to our booth. Please take a look at our handmade products.” 2. Explain what makes the product special They practiced sharing the story, creativity, or effort behind their products. 3. Close with a gentle invitation Rather than pressuring customers, participants learned to ask friendly questions and guide interested customers towards a decision. This gave them opportunities to practice speaking clearly, listening carefully, and presenting their ideas with confidence. Opening the Mini Marketplace The programme culminated in the opening of the children’s mini business booths. Participants became sellers, promoters, cashiers, and customers. They showcased their products, explained their ideas, made decisions, and experienced the excitement of running a small business. A particularly memorable highlight was the opening of a special booth, which created additional excitement and became one of the most enjoyable parts of the experience. This final activity brought all the programme’s learning together. Participants applied customer understanding, creativity, branding, teamwork, communication, pricing and decision-making in a realistic but supportive environment. Developing Skills Beyond Business Although the children were building companies and operating booths, the programme outcomes extended far beyond entrepreneurship. Throughout the Young Entrepreneurs Lab, participants developed: Creative thinking Problem-solving Teamwork Communication Customer empathy Leadership Financial literacy Resource management Decision-making Confidence in presenting ideas These transferable skills can support children in school, relationships, future careers and everyday life. What PPIS Shared About the Programme Positive energy and engagement shown by the children were also reflected in the feedback received after the programme: “Thank you for the incredible entrepreneurship programme. Thank you, Make The Change, for conducting the programme for both centres.The Young Entrepreneurship Programme was a resounding success. It met our expectations. The whole team brought so much energy, warmth and creativity, which made a truly positive impact on our children.It was wonderful to see them so actively engaged, smiling and learning throughout the entire session, especially when the ‘special booth’ opened.We truly appreciate the time, effort and resources you dedicated to creating such a meaningful and memorable experience for them. Programmes like yours are vital in bringing joy and valuable growth opportunities to the children in our care.Thank you once again for your kindness, generosity and wonderful support. We would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with you again on future initiatives.” We are grateful to PPIS for its trust and partnership, and to Ashley and the supporting interns for bringing such enthusiasm, warmth, and encouragement to both centers. A Meaningful Collaboration with PPIS The programme reflected the shared commitment of PPIS and Make The Change to providing meaningful growth opportunities for children. By combining PPIS’s work supporting women, children and families with Make The Change’s hands-on educational approach, the workshop created an environment where participants could experiment, collaborate, solve problems and grow in confidence. The children were not simply listening to lessons about entrepreneurship. They were actively experiencing what it means to build something together, understand customers, make decisions, and bring an idea to life. Empowering the Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow The Young Entrepreneurs Lab is more than a business workshop. It is a learning experience that empowers children to become confident communicators, creative thinkers, responsible teammates, and resourceful problem-solvers. By combining entrepreneurship, financial literacy, communication, and teamwork in an engaging hands-on environment, we hope to inspire the next generation of innovators and changemakers. We look forward to future opportunities to collaborate with PPIS and other community partners to create meaningful learning experiences for young people. Bring Young Entrepreneurs Lab to Your Community Looking for an engaging entrepreneurship program that combines creativity, teamwork, communication, and financial literacy? The Young Entrepreneurs Lab can be adapted for primary school students, community groups, and youth organizations. Participants learn through practical activities as they research customers, create companies, develop products, build brands, and run their own mini business booths. Contact Make The Change to explore how the program can be customized for your school or organization.

We have all met individuals who seem effortlessly good at everything — whether it's commanding a stage during public speaking, leading a team project, or writing a flawless code. It is just easy to look at them, experience a flash of imposter syndrome, and conclude, "I'm just not cut out for this." But behind every seemingly "natural" talent is an invisible mountain of effort. The truth is, raw talent can only get you to the starting line. A growth mindset is what actually takes you further in distance. Pioneered by psychologist Carol Dweck, a growth mindset is the deeply held belief that intelligence and abilities aren't fixed traits; they are muscles that can be developed through dedication, strategic hard work, and resilience (Dweck, 2006). Cultivating a growth mindset isn't just a psychological asset — it is a survival skill, especially for youths today who are navigating a rapidly evolving world. Here's why: It Changes Your Perspective of Obstacles: Without a growth mindset, a single failure feels like a personal verdict, shouting that you aren't smart or capable enough. But with a growth mindset, a setback transitions from a roadblock into data. Instead of sinking into defeat and asking, "Why is this happening to me?" ; you develop the cognitive agility to ask, "What is this problem teaching me, and what leverage do I have to solve it?" It Silences the Fear of Judgement: One of the heaviest anchors holding young people back today, is the fear of social anxiety and the pressure to look perfect online and offline. A growth mindset acts as a shield against this anxiety. It serves as a constant reminder that every expert was once a beginner. By reframing learning as a process rather than a performance, it gives you the courage to take creative risks, pitch unconventional ideas, and confidently ask for support when you need it. It Prepares You for an Unscripted Future: The global landscape is shifting faster than ever, driven by technological leaps and changing socio-economic demands. The technical skills in high demand today might be completely automated or might no longer be relevant in a few years. A growth mindset makes you fundamentally adaptable. It ensures you remain curious, flexible, and eager to continuously unlearn and relearn, making you future-proof regardless of how the industry pivots. Activating the Growth Mindset : From Theory to Action at Make The Change 🙌🌱 Understanding the value of a growth mindset is great first step, but the real challenge lies in the execution. Shifting your mental habits requires a safe, high-stakes environment where you are allowed to fail forward. This is exactly where Make The Change steps in! At Make The Change, we don't expect anyone to walk through our doors with all the answers. We recognize that true education extends far beyond memorizing facts, but to prepare future young changemakers to navigate the unknown. Our Growth Mindset Learning Programme is specifically designed to complement every teacher's classroom efforts, serving as a dynamic launchpad where students can actively push past their comfort zones. Whether they are looking to pilot a grassroot initiative, develop new digital literacy competencies, or advocate for a social cause, MTC offers the ultimate real-world sandbox. We provide a structured space for your students to test their ideas, learn from constructive setbacks, and cultivate genuine resilience alongside a community of purpose-driven peers. Moving past a fixed mindset is a major shift, but it becomes second nature when students have a vibrant, purpose-driven community backing them up. Find out exactly how our highly interactive workshops bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world impact. Explore our Growth Mindset Programme and , reach out to us and have a conversation to co-create an unforgettable learning programme for your students!

Artificial Intelligence is transforming how we communicate, create and work. From social media and marketing to video production and digital storytelling, AI-powered tools are becoming part of everyday creative workflows. However, access to these new opportunities is not always equal. At Make The Change, we believe persons with disabilities should have the opportunity to build future-ready skills, express their creativity and participate meaningfully in the digital economy. That is why we developed the AI Content Creation Skills Pathway, an inclusive and practical training programme designed specifically for persons with disabilities in Singapore. Turning creativity into opportunity The programme goes beyond learning how to use AI tools. Participants will explore how technology can support their ideas while developing the creative, digital and workplace skills needed for real-world projects. Through guided, hands-on activities, participants will learn how to create content such as: Social media posts AI-generated graphics Short-form videos Podcast episodes Marketing campaigns Digital storytelling projects No previous content creation or AI experience is required. The programme is structured to support learners with different levels of confidence and experience. A two-part learning pathway The pathway consists of two complementary programmes. AI Content Creation Skills Foundations The first programme introduces participants to essential creative and digital skills. Learners will explore AI tools for creativity, digital storytelling, social media content, communication and collaboration. Through guided projects, participants will build their confidence and discover how AI can support their creative process. AI Content Creation Skills in Practice The second programme helps participants apply their skills to projects inspired by the creative and digital industries. Learners will explore content production, video and visual creation, workplace communication, creative workflows, problem-solving and portfolio development. They will also gain experience responding to project briefs and working collaboratively. Together, the two programmes create a progression from learning the foundations to applying those skills in practical settings. Developing skills for the workplace Technical knowledge is only one part of preparing for employment. Participants will also develop transferable workplace skills, including: Communication Teamwork Adaptability Problem-solving Project planning Digital collaboration Creative confidence These skills can support participants as they explore opportunities in content creation, social media support, digital media, video editing, and creative production. Graduate with a portfolio Throughout the programme, each participant will create a collection of digital projects demonstrating their abilities. By the end of the pathway, learners will have a portfolio they can use to showcase their creativity, technical skills, and progress to potential employers, internship providers, and collaborators. Where opportunities are available, participants may also be connected to internships, mentorship, and employment pathways. Making training more accessible The programme is approved and eligible for SkillsFuture Credit. The published course fee is S$3,276.40 per programme, or S$163.82 per programme after the applicable subsidy, excluding GST. Eligible participants may also receive a training allowance, subject to attendance and other applicable terms and conditions. Funding is available to eligible persons with disabilities who are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents. This includes persons with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, hearing impairment or visual impairment. Programme details Start date: 29 August 2026 Duration: Six months Schedule: Saturdays, 10.00am to 5.00pm Experience required: No prior experience needed Venue: Enabling Village and MAD School Creating a more inclusive digital economy Persons with disabilities bring valuable ideas, perspectives, and creative strengths to the workplace. With accessible training, practical experience, and the right support, these strengths can translate into meaningful contributions across the digital and creative sectors. Through this program, Make The Change hopes to help participants build confidence, develop relevant skills, and take their next step towards further learning, internships, or employment. Build your portfolio. Showcase your skills. Open doors to new opportunities. Learn more and register for the AI Content Creation Skills Programme

Ever sat in the audience of a business conference, listening to a panel discussion, and wondered if you could just ask the founders the real questions instead? The ones about the hidden failures, the late-night doubts, or what actually happens when purpose collides with profitability? B Corp Singapore and Swapaholic are teaming up to host a unique interactive session: Human Library with B Corp Founders. Held at the vibrant Swapaholic space in Clarke Quay, this event redefines networking by turning experienced entrepreneurs into open, borrowable "books" that shares their knowledge to "readers". We are incredibly proud to share that Make The Change's Co-Founder and Director of Community Development and Impact, Pedro Aguirre, will be stepping up as one of the featured "human books" for the morning! 🙌 What is a Human Library? 📚💬 If you have never experienced a Human Library before, the concept is simple yet transformative. For a designated session, you sit down in a group setting to have an open, unfiltered conversation with the speakers. You get to ask the burning questions, challenge assumptions, and hear raw stories from the front lines of ethical entrepreneurship. It's an interactive, organic exchange where no question is too tough or off-limits. Real Conversations, Zero Fluff 🗣💡 Building a brand that balances the planet and people with profit is a rewarding path, but it is rarely a straight line. During this morning session, Pedro and his fellow B Corp founders will be opening up their personal chapters to have honest conversations about: ⚖️ Purpose vs. Profitability: The structural and financial realities of maintaining professional, high-impact social standards without sacrificing your business’s bottom line. 🌱 Authentic Impact: Moving past the creative marketing buzzwords and looking at what actual, legally accountable metrics look like on the ground. 🛑 Failures & Hard Lessons: Shining a light on the missteps, the close calls, and the resilience it takes to recalibrate when things don’t go according to plan. 🗺️ The Entrepreneurial Blueprint: Practical ground-level advice for aspiring changemakers, creatives, and educators looking to build their own social impact initiatives. Whether you’re a fellow business owner trying to steer your company toward a sustainable future, a student building your social innovation portfolio, or simply someone curious about the B Corp movement in Singapore, we would love to see you there! Event Details: 🗓️ Date: 16 July 2026, Thursday ⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM 📍 Venue: Swapaholic @ Clarke Quay 🎟️ Admission: FREE (RSVP is mandatory as spaces are limited!) 🔗 RSVP Here Now!

Last weekend, Make The Change was delighted to be part of Mountbatten Got Talent, a vibrant community event organised by Mountbatten Community Club. At our booth, participants of different ages had the opportunity to explore digital drawing using iPad and Procreate. For some, it was their first experience creating digital artwork, while others quickly applied their existing artistic skills to a new creative medium. Discovering the Possibilities of Digital Drawing Throughout the event, our booth welcomed a steady stream of curious and enthusiastic participants. With an iPad and Apple Pencil in hand, they experimented with brushes, colours, layers and other digital tools to bring their ideas to life. We were especially impressed by the quality and variety of the drawings created. Each artwork reflected the participant’s individual imagination and style, showing how accessible technology can encourage people to express themselves creatively. The strong interest also demonstrated that digital drawing can be engaging for participants across different ages and experience levels. With simple guidance and the freedom to explore, participants quickly gained confidence and enjoyed seeing their creations take shape on screen. More Than Just Learning an App At Make The Change, our digital drawing programmes go beyond teaching participants how to use an application. Creative technology can help people develop valuable skills such as: Creative confidence Visual communication Focus and attention to detail Experimentation and problem-solving Digital literacy Self-expression Platforms such as Procreate allow participants to test ideas, make changes and try again without being afraid of making mistakes. This encourages a playful and resilient approach to learning. Bringing Creative Technology to the Community Events such as Mountbatten Got Talent create valuable opportunities for residents to connect, discover new interests and celebrate the talents within their community. We are grateful to Mountbatten Community Club for inviting Make The Change to be part of the event. It was wonderful to meet so many participants and witness their enthusiasm for digital creativity. Thank you to everyone who visited our booth and shared their artwork with us. We left the event inspired by your imagination, curiosity and willingness to try something new. Make The Change offers digital drawing and creative technology workshops for schools, community organisations, seniors, youth and inclusive learning groups. Through accessible, hands-on experiences, we help participants build confidence and turn their ideas into meaningful creative work. Interested in bringing an iPad digital drawing experience to your school, organisation or community event? Contact Make The Change to explore a programme for your participants.

We often hear educators encouraging students to adopt a "growth mindset" when tackling academic challenges or preparing for final exams. But how does this concept translate once we step outside of the school gates? 💭💡🌟 In an academic setting, problems generally have a more defined, singular solution hidden somewhere within a textbook or a lecture tutorial slide. Once we graduate and enter the real world, challenges become more unpredictable, ambiguous, and even chaotic. There is no specific grading rubrics for our lives, and mentors will not always be there to guide us step-by-step. Cultivating the Next Generation of Purpose-Driven Leaders: The Carol Dweck's Framework Model of A Growth Mindset 💡🌟 To create a meaningful societal impact, youths today must learn to apply the Carol Dweck's framework of a growth mindset to the complexities of adulthood (Dweck, 2006). Cultivating Resilience and Emotional Agility : In the professional and social spheres, setbacks are inevitable. A low event turnout, a rejected project proposal, or a failed initiative is not a reflection of personal capability; it is considered as data. Adopting a growth mindset allows you to decouple your self-worth from an outcome, process constructive criticism objectively, and pivot your strategy with agility. Shifting from Competition to Collaboration : Academic environments can inadvertently foster a hyper-competitive race for the highest GPA score. In contrast, real-world success relies heavily on cross-functional teamwork, empathy, and the integration of diverse perspectives. A growth mindset views the talent and success of peers not as a threat, but as an opportunity to learn and co-create better solutions. Navigating Ambiguity and Systemic Challenges : Societal, environmental and economic issues do not yield simple, quick fixes. Whether addressing sustainability, corporate inefficiencies, or community welfare, a growth mindset provides the cognitive endurance required to sit with complex problems. It encourages iterative testing and patient experimentation rather than immediate surrender when a solution isn't instantly obvious. Nurturing Future Changemakers: Discover How MTC is Changing "Potential" to "Action" 🌱🙌 Transitioning these habits from theory to practice requires the right environment. This is exactly where Make The Change's Growth Mindset Programme bridges the gaps! Make The Change provides a unique, experiential space where adolescents move beyond textbook theory into active creation. Through interactive activities, real-life examples and reflection, student participants will learn how does effort, feedback and perseverance can shape the way they approach learning and personal growth. Our programme equips youth with the practical tools needed to turn obstacles into opportunities. Empower your students for the world beyond the syllabus. As educators, we prepare students for more than just the next exam — we prepare them for their future life. Collaborate with us at Make The Change to bring the Young Changemaker Programmes to your school. Visit our website to see how our programmes can develop student's resilience, collaboration, and critical thinking skills that they need to thrive in an unpredictable future. Bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world impact. If you are interested to bring our Growth Mindset Programme to your school, feel free to reach out to us and have a conversation to see how we can better support you and your students!

How do you move from caring about a social issue to actually creating meaningful change? That was the question at the heart of a recent learning session hosted by Make The Change for students from the SMU Global Summer School programme. During their visit, students heard from Make The Change CEO Michelle Lim and Community Development & Impact Director Pedro Aguirre about what it means to build a purpose-driven organisation, how social entrepreneurship works in practice, and why Theory of Change matters when designing programmes, initiatives, and solutions for real-world problems. The session gave students a practical introduction to social entrepreneurship, impact design, and changemaking frameworks that can help turn good intentions into meaningful action. Learning about social entrepreneurship in Singapore At Make The Change, we often talk about social entrepreneurship not just as starting a business with a mission, but as a way of thinking and working. Social entrepreneurship is about identifying a real problem, understanding the people affected by it, and building solutions that create positive social impact. It requires more than creativity or passion alone. It also requires empathy, systems thinking, reflection, and a clear understanding of the outcomes you are trying to create. During the session, Michelle and Pedro introduced students to Make The Change as a Singapore-based social enterprise working across education, youth development, digital inclusion, community impact, and purpose-driven innovation. Students learned how our work spans workshops, learning journeys, youth programmes, digital skills initiatives, and creative projects designed to equip people with the tools to contribute to society in meaningful ways. For students exploring the role of business, innovation, and leadership in society, the session offered a real-world example of how a social enterprise can combine purpose with practical action. Why Theory of Change matters in social impact work A key focus of the session was Theory of Change. Theory of Change is a framework that helps organisations, educators, and changemakers think clearly about how change happens. Instead of only asking, “What activity should we run?” it asks a more important set of questions: What problem are we trying to solve? Who are we trying to support? What change do we hope to create? What needs to happen for that change to become possible? How will we know whether our work is making a difference? At Make The Change, Theory of Change is an important part of how we design and evaluate our work. It helps us stay focused on the real problem, not just run activities for the sake of it. It supports us in designing programmes with purpose, connecting learning to real-world outcomes, and making decisions about what to prioritise. It also helps us measure impact in ways that go beyond attendance numbers or satisfaction scores alone. This matters because in social impact education and community development, not everything important can be reduced to a single metric. Some of the most meaningful outcomes show up through stories, observations, learner reflections, behaviour shifts, confidence, participation, and examples of action over time. From workshops to meaningful outcomes One of the ideas we explored with the SMU students was that two activities can look very similar on the surface, but lead to very different outcomes depending on how intentionally they are designed. A workshop can be engaging and enjoyable, but if it is not connected to a clear purpose, it may not lead to deeper learning or meaningful impact. A Theory of Change helps turn an activity into an intentional pathway for change. For example, a programme about sustainability, inclusion, digital wellbeing, or youth leadership should not only ask whether students enjoyed it. It should also consider what they understood more deeply, what skills they developed, what mindsets shifted, and what action they are now more prepared to take. This is one of the reasons Make The Change integrates changemaker skills, reflection, and real-world relevance into our programmes. We want learning experiences to be memorable, but also meaningful. A hands-on Theory of Change activity for students To help students apply the ideas from the session, they participated in a group activity in which they were challenged to build their own mini Theory of Change. Working in small groups, students selected a cause and began mapping out a possible pathway for change. The themes included: Student mental wellbeing Inclusion on campus Sustainability on campus Digital wellbeing Career readiness for vulnerable youth This activity pushed students to think beyond broad statements like “we want to help” or “this issue matters.” Instead, they had to consider the underlying problem, the people affected, the outcomes they hoped to achieve, and the actions that could move that change forward. In doing so, they practised several important future-ready and changemaker skills: empathy, critical thinking, collaboration, systems thinking, communication, and problem framing. Building changemakers through social entrepreneurship education At Make The Change, we believe many young people want to make a difference, but they often need the right environment, tools, and support to turn that motivation into action. That is why we care deeply about creating learning experiences that go beyond awareness. We want participants to leave with clearer thinking, stronger skills, and a better understanding of how change can actually happen. For the SMU Global Summer School students, this session was not only about understanding Make The Change as an organisation. It was also an invitation to think more deeply about their own role in creating change, whether in business, education, policy, community work, or entrepreneurship. When students understand both social entrepreneurship and Theory of Change, they are better equipped to move from ideas to action, and from action to impact. Why universities and schools are exploring Theory of Change and changemaking Across schools, universities, and youth programmes, there is growing interest in helping students become more thoughtful problem-solvers and more socially conscious leaders. Frameworks like Theory of Change are useful because they help learners connect classroom ideas to community realities. They encourage students to ask better questions, think in systems, and understand that impact is not only about doing something, but about understanding what that action is meant to change. For institutions looking to develop students’ leadership, social innovation, and civic engagement skills, this kind of learning can be a powerful complement to academic study. Thank you to SMU Global Summer School We are grateful to the students and organisers from the SMU Global Summer School programme for visiting Make The Change and spending time with our team. It was a pleasure to share our work, our thinking, and our approach to social entrepreneurship and impact design. We hope the session gave students useful tools for thinking more intentionally about social change, and that it sparked new ideas about how they can contribute in their own communities and future careers. Looking for a social entrepreneurship workshop or learning journey in Singapore? Make The Change runs workshops, talks, learning journeys, and educational programmes on topics such as: Social entrepreneurship Theory of Change and Impact Design Changemaker skills and youth leadership Sustainability and community impact Digital storytelling and advocacy Future-ready skills and social innovation If your school, university, or organisation is looking for a social entrepreneurship workshop in Singapore, a Theory of Change learning session, or a student changemaker programme, we’d love to explore how we can support you. Get in touch with Make The Change to design a learning experience that helps students connect ideas, action, and impact.

In a fast-paced world that frequently demands a linear, flawless trajectory toward success, choosing an unconventional path can feel like taking a massive risk. It is often through navigating unexpected disruptions and stepping far outside of our comfort zones, that the most profound change-making journeys are born. Earlier in March 2026, Make The Change had the privilege of inviting an insightful sharing session from Mr Imran Mean, the resilient 25-year-old founder of Signaturesofimran Group International and IM Volunteers Network (IMVN) at our Youth For Change Workshop 2026. Rather than recounting a predictable corporate climb, Imran shared a deeply personal, raw, and inspiring story defined by survival, entrepreneurial grit, and the courage to rewrite his own narrative. From School Struggles to Business Instincts: Finding Grounding in Chaos 💡🔥 As a young business pioneer himself, Imran didn't have an easy start. He faced severe challenges back in his secondary school days, and he had to be held back an academic year by an order from the Ministry of Education. Compounding the academic struggles, his family was experiencing severe financial instability after moving from Johor Bahru back to Singapore with zero assets, forcing them to stay in a shelter home before moving to a rental flat in Woodlands. However, it was precisely within all the challenges that his entrepreneurial spark ignited in Secondary 3. At just 16 years old, Imran launched Imran Snacks, selling viral street food like fried Oreos and corn dogs to his peers in school. When his school's discipline master halted his venture to force a focus on his N-Level Examinations, Imran chose to adapt and grow rather than stop. Upon moving onto his time at ITE, he pivoted entirely — shifting from physical products to a brilliant commission-based service brokerage model, proving that setbacks are often just setup points for smarter strategies. Steering Your Own Ship: Erasing Stigmas and Championing Second Chances 🌟 Imran's business instincts quickly expanded. Established in July 2018, the Signaturesofimran Group International grew to encompass over nine diverse brands operating across Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. But driven by a desire for a deeper and meaningful purpose, Imran chose to steer his ship toward a major social impact mission — which was founding the IM Volunteers Network (IMVN), an entirely youth-volunteer-led NGO. The network rapidly established specialized wings to address overlooked regional crises across the three Southeast-Asian countries: Singapore (IMVN SG) 🇸🇬 Focuses primarily on supporting youth-at-risks and fostering family development to those who are in need. Malaysia (IMVN MY) 🇲🇾 Launched actively around June 2023, the team focuses heavily on supporting the homeless community in Johor Bahru. Activities include providing feel haircuts, distributions of food (collaborating with major brands like KFC Malaysia), and the "Shop What You Want" initiative where beneficiaries are given monetary allowances to buy what they actually need. Their impactful work has recently earned them an official award from the Chief Minister of Johor, Datuk Onn Hafiz. Indonesia (IMVN ID) 🇮🇩 Focuses heavily on Batam, specifically aiding communities in Rumah Buluh (wooden stilt house villages) who face sudden displacement and homelessness due to sudden government demolitions. To scale this massive operational footprint, Imran made the conscious choice to look past systemic biases and perspectives. He intentionally built an alliance with unconventional community groups — including local biker networks, van groups, and wrestling communities such as GrappleMax — offering individuals from the felony community with a genuine pathway to give back. Rejecting social labels, Imran actively leaned on their logistics, motor vehicles, and determination to deliver critical food rations directly to needy families, cementing his deep belief in human potential and second chances. "I'm here not to support whatever you have done in the past, but I believe in second chances. If they have the vehicles and the drive to deliver food packs to families in need, why shouldn't we support them?" Charting New Horizons: The Non-Linear Road to Impact 🌍 Imran is far from finished charting his non-linear path. Looking to the immediate future, IM Volunteer Network is gearing up to pilot their next international chapter : IMVN Brunei 🇧🇳! The mission will focus heavily on improving community development and providing essential aid to the residents living within the unique, yet heavily isolated offshore water villages (Rumah Air). In a fast-changing world where uncertainty is often the only constant, Imran's journey serves as a living reminder that the non-linear path is frequently the most rewarding. By stepping past the fear of failure and transforming personal challenges into shared purpose, we can all take complete ownership of our own narratives and rewrite what it truly means to make a lasting change. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Imran for his generosity in sharing his time, his vulnerabilities, and the invaluable lessons from his non-linear path. His story reminds us that our past detours do not define our destination — they simply give us the unique perspective needed to build a more empathetic future.