Generational impact: How Singapore’s youth are charting a new way forward
Co-founder and president of Advisory Singapore Mock Yi Jun believes every young person has unique strengths and the capacity to do good. Photos: Advisory Singapore
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With guidance from their predecessors, the nation’s young people are ready to pursue meaningful careers, inspire change and define their own success.
In 2013, Mr Mock Yi Jun had a life-changing experience while watching a thousand doves ascend at a peace memorial ceremony in Hiroshima, Japan. It was a moment that made him realise the transient nature of life and the importance of making a positive impact. “We should strive to leave this world a little better than we found it,” said the 26-year-old, reflecting on the experience that inspired his future path.
As co-founder and president of Advisory Singapore, a youth-led charity supported by the National Youth Fund, Mr Mock leads the country’s largest pro bono careers-based mentorship programme for students. This dedication earned him and his co-founders, Mr Brendan Loon and Mr Ng Yau Xuan, a place on Forbes’ 30 under 30 Asia 2024 list in the Social Impact category.
Having grown up in Singapore, Mr Mock values the quality education and healthcare he receives, which drives his commitment to giving back. “Not everyone is as lucky and I believe we have a responsibility to pay it forward,” he said.
This desire to make a difference is shared by many young Singaporeans, as revealed by the latest National Youth Survey conducted by the National Youth Council (NYC) in 2022.
MAKING AN IMPACT THROUGH MENTORSHIP
The National Youth Survey showed that four in five youths regard helping the less fortunate and contributing to society as important life goals. Mr Mock, along with Mr Loon and Mr Ng, share these aspirations and are actively pursuing them by providing a platform for youth development.
Recognising the need for better career guidance, the team launched Advisory Singapore to help young Singaporeans connect with the people and organisations they aspire to emulate or join. An affiliate of Youth Corps Singapore, the charity is supported by NYC.
“Advisory Singapore was born from the belief that every young person, regardless of socio-economic circumstances, family background or schooling history, should have the support they need to pursue their passions and find meaningful work,” said Mr Mock.
Since its establishment, the nonprofit has engaged more than 200,000 students and youth. “The Advisory Singapore Mentorship Programme helps young people transition from school to the workforce,” said Mr Mock. “Since 2020, we’ve delivered over 14,000 hours of mentorship for over 3,800 mentees. Mentees have gone on to secure internships and jobs; conversely, some have pivoted away from industries and roles that weren’t a good fit, thanks to their mentors.”
Experienced professionals play an essential role in this process, guiding, encouraging and listening to young Singaporeans. “Each generation brings fresh perspectives and solutions. When youth have important ideas or contributions to share, people listen,” he observed.
Many older Singaporeans also share this view. According to the Youth Sentiment Poll conducted by NYC in 2022, just over 50 per cent of non-youths feel that young Singaporeans have the courage to make change in society, and 64 per cent acknowledged the value of their creativity.
In turn, 52 per cent of youth in Singapore said they appreciate the life experiences of older people, while 41 per cent recognise the established pathways to success paved by their predecessors. This demonstrates mutual respect and appreciation across generations.
RESHAPING THE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS FOR GREATER INCLUSIVITY
The 2023 Forward Singapore report by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth noted that success for most youth is no longer limited to high salaries or job prestige.
The Youth Sentiment Poll also revealed that over seven in 10 people, both youth and non-youth, observe significant differences in views on education and career pathways across age groups. Nevertheless, older individuals acknowledge that the younger generation is creating its own alternative pathways to success.
The digital world has proven to be a rich source of ideas and inspiration for youths as they grow and define success for themselves.
“Advisory Singapore publishes online stories to help young people learn about various occupations,” said Mr Mock. “For example, we interviewed Sophia Kang, who was then the head bartender and the first female bartender at her workplace. Stories like hers help young people connect with diverse role models.”
Mr Mock defines success as “chasing your passions, achieving your fullest potential and contributing to society”. He cites his friend Josh Wei, managing partner of recording company Snakeweed Studios and co-founder of jamming studio Tumbleweed Studios, as an example of someone who is successful on his own terms.
“With discipline and commitment, Josh has turned a passion for music into a career, working with some of the biggest names in Singapore music as well as leading international artists like CL and Stray Kids,” he shared.
While these definitions of success may deviate from the beaten path, providing the right support will help young Singaporeans thrive amid evolving times. Equipped with future-ready competencies and confident in the value of their perspectives, today’s youth are prepared to write their own stories in this brave new world. They are ready to take on challenges ranging from climate change and poverty eradication to gender equality and diversity in the arts.
“Every young person has different strengths, but we all have the capacity to do good,” said Mr Mock. “What moves the needle is embracing the issues that resonate with us, finding avenues where we contribute best and doing our utmost to help solve these issues in our small ways.”
Learn more about the many ways the National Youth Council supports youth and their diverse aspirations.
