Eunos Youth Club Blog

Eunos Youths lead fight against Dengue

2012-01-22T13:33:00.000+08:00

With the looming possiblity of a dengue pandemic, members of the Eunos Youth Club initiated a Fight Dengue Awareness campaign to inform residents on Dengue prevention.

The outreach drive was conducted on 18 September 2011.

"Let's Fight Dengue!"

Se Yong explaining to residents on how to prevent mosquito breeding at home

Don't give Dengue mosquitoes a chance to dance!

Atiqah spreading the word at the market

For more information on Dengue, you can visit http://www.dengue.gov.sg/

More photos could be viewed via http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.246750572039221.60320.111561025558177

Eunos Youth Club hosts Vietnamese Youth Delegation

2012-01-22T00:58:00.000+08:00

The Eunos Community Club (CC) Youth Executive Committee (YEC) partnered with the International Youth Club (IYC) of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union in organising the SKY 2011 English Summer Camp, which saw members of Eunos Youth Club playing host to over 30 youth delegates from Vietnam.

The theme of the visit was "Moving Green". The Vietnamese youth delegates visited Singapore for 6 days from 6 to 11 August 2011.

Welcoming our friends from Vietnam

YEC Vice-Chairman Chee Lee pinning on the friendship badge

Norizam leading the ice-breaker activity at NACLI

Awaiting breakfast at NACLI

YEC Assistant General Secretary Yi Feng giving the programme brief

Hafidz imparting a hilarious cheeky dance

Visit to Marina Bay Sands

Bedok North Secondary School Vice President Mr Yee welcomes delegates

Mr Vu Anh Tuan, head of the Vietnamese youth delegation, gives a speech

A Love Song melts the ice

Introducing Podcasting as a way to learn English

Vietnamese youth delegate thanking BNSS students

Team Eunos leading the delegates to a City Tour (Orchard/Chinatown/Bugis)

Discovering the greenery of Singapore at the HortPark

"Master Jun" (Jun Hong) briefing youth delegates on the teambuilding games

Trekking the Southern Ridges

YEC Chairman Hock Rong summing up the learning points from the activities

Tasting Singaporean food at Seah Im Food Court

Jun Hong gives a briefing on the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) prior to our visit

Group photo at Eunos CC before the Homestay Matching Ceremony

SKY 2011 Organising Chairman Yoong Kheong addresses host families and youth delegates

Wei Li gives a presentation on the People's Association Youth Movement (PAYM)

Presentation on the International Youth Club & Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union

Exchange of gifts between Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union & PAYM

Fashion Parade

Anxious host families

Yay! We are FAMILY!

Presentation of the Vietnamese straw hat by Ms SKY 2011 to Mr Sim Wai Chin BBM, Eunos CCC Chairman

Grassroots Adviser Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed with youth delegates at Eunos National Day Observance Ceremony

Taking the Organising Committee members (OCs) around the city

Trying out mooncakes

Singaporean Host Mother bidding farewell to Vietnamese child

Let's see the Kampong side of Singapore at Pulau Ubin!

Wow! International Superstar Chow Yun Fatt!

"Yay, I caught a .... baby crab!"

Let's get wild at Wild Wild Wet!

Gorgeous and Suave at the Farewell Dinner

The people that made it happen - Team Eunos CC YEC

Mass singing of Singapore songs led by Eunos CC YEC

Grassroots Adviser Mr Zainul graces the occasion

Head of Delegation Mr Tuan giving an appreciation speech

"Mum, we will MISS U!"

Organising Chairman Yoong Kheong expressing gratitude to OCs and host families

Presentation of certificates to volunteers

Exchange of gift between PAYM and Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union

Exchange of gift between Eunos CC YEC and Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union

Enjoying the last night stay in NACLI

Visit to National Youth Council

Visit to *Scape

We will Miss all of you!

One of the SKY 2011 youth delegate, Ngo Nguyen Khanh Uyen, has this to say, "Well, I love every single thing about SKY 2011 programme in Singapore, everything is memorable. It is one of the most memorable transition in my life. It not only helped me expand my knowledge but also brings me many new lovely friends despite language and culture barrier. I have experienced and witnessed many interesting things. Thank you so much for the warm welcome from Eunos CC YEC members, especially your enthusiasm. From the bottom of my heart thank you so much :) ♥"

Says another youth delegate, Lâm Thị Thanh Trúc, "Being able to be on my own and having had to do things by myself may be the best things I've learnt from this trip. Knowing more about your country through the homestay programme helped a lot to widen my knowledge and being a Singaporean for a day was very interesting. Thank you very much for organizing a nice trip for all of us :D"

The SKY 2011 English Summer Camp was also featured in Vietnam media.

Interested to play host to Vietnamese youth delegates of SKY 2012? Contact us at eunosyec@gmail.com

Eunos Youths display patriotism as flag bearers

2011-10-04T23:40:00.000+08:00

What makes this year's annual Eunos National Day Dinner special from the previous years is the marching in of flag bearers into the event venue. Eunos youths were proud to be part of this patriotic moment.

YEC members Darwin and Wei Kiat participated as flag bearers

About 800 residents and friends of Eunos packed the Eunos National Day Dinner dinner venue at Bliss Garden, Expo on 30 July 2011.

Eunos Youths in red... (one has a red face)

Adviser Zainul Abidin Rasheed led the cake cutting to signify the birthday celebration for our nation.

Proud to be Singaporeans

14th Biennial General Meeting ushers in 12 new youth leaders

2011-09-11T19:57:00.000+08:00

Bringing youths together... A common mission of all the volunteers of the People's Association Youth Movement (PAYM).

Here at Eunos Community Club (CC) Youth Club, the 13th term Eunos CC Youth Executive Committee (YEC) ended with spectacular achievements. From 2009 to 2011, the YEC participated in about 70 activities, collaborated with other Eunos Grassroots Organisations as well as the Bedok North Service Learning Club (SLC) in extending outreach to youths via new media, sports & wellness, community engagement and community service programmes.

The efforts that our youth leaders and volunteers put in culminated in the Eunos CC YEC being awarded the PAYM Youth Club Meritorious Youth Club Award 2010. Our SLC, under the mentorship of the YEC, also did well and received the PAYM SLC Project Accolade in 2009 and 2010.

Briefing our Presiding Officer, Mr Stephen Chia PBM

The 14th Biennial General Meeting (BGM) was held on 23 July 2011 at Eunos CC Theatrette. The BGM is held once in 2 years and it is the time when the past term YEC hands over to the new term YEC.

Friends of YEC

YEC members interacting with PAYM Director Clarin Wee

Youths registering themselves for the BGM

Student Advisory Centre Executive Director Trevor Xie looks on

Master of Ceremony Pang Toh Wee

13th term YEC Chairman Sear Hock Rong delivers a welcome address

Presentation of reports by 13th term YEC's Chairman, General Secretary & Treasurer

After the reports were presented, Presiding Officer Mr Stephen Chia PBM, who is also the Vice-Chairman of the Eunos CC Management Committee, announced the dissolution of the 13th term YEC and introduced the members of the 14th term YEC.

Our youngest YEC member, Teo Wei Kiat (15 y.o.) introduces himself

Adviser Zainul Abidin Rasheed congratulates the 14th term YEC and encouraged youths to step forward to serve the community

Presenting the 14th term Eunos CC YEC

Presenting the new PAYM corporate tee as an appreciation gift to our Adviser

Jasmine Koh presents gift of appreciation to Presiding Officer

After the refreshments, the 14th term Eunos CC YEC held a Key Office Bearers' meeting, in which the YEC line-up was confirmed as follows:

Chairman: Sear Hock Rong
Vice-Chairpersons: Fong Yoong Kheong, Kam Chee Lee
General Secretary: Pang Toh Wee
Assistant General Secretaries: Khoo Yi Feng, Jordan Ng, Jasmine Koh
Treasurer: Tan Kai Ming
Assistant Treasurer: Darwin Nasir Chua
Honorary Auditor: Tan Jun Hong
Sports & Wellness Secretary: Nur Atiqah
Social & Community Service Secretary: Norizam Baharon
Social Development Secretary: Teo Wei Kiat
Publicity & New Media Secretary: Faiq Djasin
Children's Programme Secretary: Choong Pei Wen
Public Relations Secretary: Ng Chee Jian
Membership Secretary: Janice Huang
Service Learning Secretary: Low Jia Hao
Arts & Culture Secretary: Mohd Huzaifi
Adventure Secretary: Ng Yong Quan
Environmental Secretary: Lim Zheng Hao
Recreation Secretary: Noor Abdillah

13th term Eunos CC YEC General Secretary is our Poster Girl

2011-08-02T23:26:00.003+08:00

When you read the latest PAssion magazine, don't be surprised to see someone familiar!

Our 13th term Eunos CC YEC General Secretary Pristine Chan is featured on the magazine for PAssion members (in red dress)!

You can access and read the online version of the magazine.

Over 100 Eunosians support Earth Hour

2011-03-28T17:34:00.007+08:00

Never mind the numerous large-scale Earth Hour events happening around Singapore that night. Youths from the Eunos Heights Youth Network (Eunos Zone '3' Residents' Committee Youth Chapter) and Eunos Community Club (CC) Youth Executive Committee initiated and planned an Earth Hour celebration for Eunosians at Eunos CC.

Interactive Games

This is the first-ever Earth Hour event conducted within Eunos (Aljunied GRC) itself. The event was supported by Aljunied Town Council, which switched off the billboard lightings within Eunos; Eunos Community Club, which switched off most of the ground floor lightings; and the National Environment Agency, with informative collaterals for participants.

The principal objective of the 2-hour event was to create awareness to the Earth Hour movement to the grassroots. Some participants got to know about this global movement that evening.

Participants also gathered to make a pledge to protect the Environment by forming a large "60" (the symbol of Earth Hour).

Vegan buffet dinner was served.

Thanks to our volunteers and participants for making this historical moment possible!

The SSEAYP Experience - Goodwill Mission to Japan & ASEAN

2011-01-29T23:12:00.009+08:00

Eunos CC YEC Vice-Chairman Fong Yoong Kheong participated in the 37th Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Programme (SSEAYP) 2010. SSEAYP is an annual programme sponsored by the Japanese Government and supported by the member-countries of ASEAN. It brings together more than 300 youths from ASEAN countries and Japan, providing them with the unique opportunity to live together on board the ship Fuji Maru for over 40 days. This year's theme for SSEAYP is "Youth Participation in Social Activities".

Yoong Kheong was the Chairperson of the Discussion Committee & Webmaster for the Singapore Contingent. During the programme, he represented the contingent as a member of the Discussion Programme Steering Committee.

Let's have a glimpse of what goes on before and during the 53-day life-changing journey!

At Changi Airport

After the SSEAYP selection process, the 28 Singapore Participating Youths (SPYs) had to undergo a 2-month long pre-departure training, which equipped them with basic cultural knowledge of the other ASEAN & Japan, and allowed them to source for sponsorships and prepare the materials/logistics required for the programme. The SPYs also had to prepare cultural performances to be showcased during the programme.

Inauguration Ceremony

Ceremonies

The 37th SSEAYP brought the PYs to Tokyo, Port Klang, Bangkok, Jakarta, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City.

Performance graced by Her Highness Princess Akishino

In Tokyo, the PYs participated in the Japan-ASEAN Youth Leaders Summit 2010 together with over 100 Local Youths from Japan.

On board the ship Fuji Maru, there are various activities for participants to take part in.

Participants are divided into Solidarity Groups (SGs). Each SG has a more or less equal representation of gender and nationalities.

Solidarity Group A

SG A at Temasek Polytechnic

Morning Exercises keep participants healthy and provide a platform for the Solidarity Groups to lead and share ideas.

Through Club Activities, participants showcase their cultures to the other participants.

Tea Ceremony

Each participating country is given a night to showcase their culture via the national presentation.

Singapore National Presentation

Participants exchange national attires

Participants are divided into 8 Discussion Groups, with topics ranging from Corporate Social Contributions to Youth Development to HIV/AIDS Prevention, etc. Each contingent needs to commit to a post-programme project related to any of the given themes.

When the ship called on the port, participants go for insitutional visits.

Visit to ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta

Visit to House of Representatives in Jakarta

Apple-picking at Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, Japan

Salted Egg Making in Bangkok

Constructing the Fuji Maru model using recycled cans at Temasek Polytechnic

Visit to Foreign Trade University at Ho Chi Minh City

Doing the gangway cheer

Participants get to experience homestay in port-of-call countries.

Homestay Matching Ceremony in Iwate Prefecture, Japan

With Malaysia Host Family

With Indonesia Host Family

Participants with our Adviser Zainul at a Eunos grassroots event

With Vietnam Host Family

Host family and Participants' friends and family members were invited to tour the ship.

Not forgetting birthdays on board!

Where else would you have a chance of homestaying in 5 countries, have fun for 53 days and live with hundreds of great friends on a ship?

Join Eunos CC YEC and explore infinite possibilities!

PA aims to rope in 125,000 young members

2010-10-12T23:50:00.005+08:00

As reported in The Straits Times on 9 October 2010:

THE People's Association (PA) has embarked on a drive to recruit 125,000 young people in the next five years, a move seen by some as an ambitious bid to renew grassroots ranks.

It wants every one of its more than 500 residents' committees (RCs) to set up a youth chapter, each with 250members.

These youth chapters - for residents between the ages of 12 and 35 - are meant to help strengthen 'community bonds among young neighbours', the PA told The Straits Times.

Grassroots leaders also view the youth chapters as a source of future leaders for grassroots groups facing the longstanding challenge of leadership renewal.

As of July, only 20 per cent - or 5,300 - of PA's existing 30,000 leaders were aged 35 or younger.

The PA said yesterday that the average age of grassroots leaders has fallen, from 54 in 2005 to 49. Of the 4,115 new volunteers last year, half or 2,046 were 35 years old or younger.

In another sign of the dearth of new leaders, posts within RCs and constituency-level Youth Executive Committees (YECs) and Citizens Consultative Committees are sometimes held by the same people.

To give the RCs a fillip, the PA will give a seed grant of $1,500 to each of them to get their youth chapters started.

About 40 such youth chapters have been set up, with the first 10 piloted in Sembawang GRC in July last year.

Others are in wards from Pasir Ris to Geylang Serai, with a total of 335 core members to date, said the PA.

Some grassroots leaders believe the 125,000 target by 2015 is too ambitious. They point to a similar PA attempt about a decade ago, called 'Young RC', which received mediocre success.

Supporters, however, believe the 'free and easy' nature of the youth chapters, without a rigid structure, will draw the young.

Rather than a sense of duty to serve, which drives many grassroots leaders, the youth chapters will be 'interest-driven' to appeal to members of Generation Y.

'We can recruit them through community activities,' said Geylang Serai YEC chairman Eddie Chen. 'But it will be different interests that attract them to stay.' He cited weekly basketball games or fishing as examples.

RC chairmen work with their wards' YECs to identify young people who can form their chapters' core members.

Activities are organised to coax them to be members, with the ultimate aim of having this core group drive RC-level activities.

Also, they will not be burdened with responsibilities or meetings to attend, as are required of YEC members, said Eunos YEC chairman Sear Hock Rong.

'As and when they feel they have the time, they come,' he said.

Mr Edmund Ng, 34, who volunteers in Whampoa, felt however that the target of 250 people per RC is 'too ambitious', especially for mature wards like his with fewer young people.

So far, the RCs in his ward have no plans to start youth chapters, he said.

The Straits Times understands that the PA settled on the number after ascertaining, from national demographic statistics, that there are more than enough young people in each RC to reach the target.

Eunos' Mr Sear also defended the youth chapters against comparisons with the 'Young RC' initiative. He said the latter was merely a sub-committee to which young RC members were channelled.

Hopes remain high for the youth chapters to be a source of fresh blood, a way to foster gotong royong (neighbourly mutual help), and a plain and simple membership drive for the PA.

'It will open doors for us to get to know the young people in the estate better,' said Geylang Serai's Mr Chen.

One of them is undergraduate Nur Naadhirah, 21, who got involved in the Geylang Serai Youth Chapter through her mother, an RC member. She and the other 30 or so youth chapter members enjoy hanging out together.

But would she be interested in becoming a full-fledged grassroots leader?

'Maybe later. But now, I am still in school,' she said.

Eunos Youth Club dazzles at PAYM Awards & CYC Installation Ceremony 2010

2010-06-01T16:12:00.005+08:00

If Stars Awards were the most glamorous function for local TV celebrities, the PAYM Awards & CYC Installation Ceremony 2010 would be the grandest for members of PAYM Youth Clubs. Interestingly, both ceremonies were held at Resorts World Sentosa.

Flash mob dancers surprised everyone by simultaneously dancing the same steps alongside with Central Youth Council members. That was a fantastic start to the glitzy evening.

The Guest-of-Honour was Ms Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State for National Development & Education as well as Member of the PA Board of Management.

Two years ago, after some of us attended the PAYM Awards & CYC Installation Ceremony 2008, we set ourselves a goal - to clinch the Meritorious Youth Club Award. The Award is given to one of the top Youth Clubs in Singapore. There are about a hundred Youth Clubs under PAYM.

Two years later, the Eunos Youth Club not only received the Award, our YEC Chairman also received his appointment letter to the Central Youth Council.

Eunos CC YEC members with Mr Yam Ah Mee, PA Chief Executive Director - Designate

YEC Chairman Sear Hock Rong receives CYC appointment letter

Even though project "YouthOUT! 2009" did not win the Special Projects Award, the project made it to the top 12.

Besides YEC members, those present at the Ceremony included Eunos CCC Chairman Mr Sim Wai Chin BBM, Eunos CCMC Chairman Mr Lin Tze Kin PBM as well as teachers and members of the Bedok North Secondary School Service Learning Club.

YEC members with Mr Han Tan Juan, PA Group Director (Grassroots-Sector 1)

The journey towards youth engagement and empowerment does not stop here.

Join our Cause. Be Part of our Family.

Visit http://www.eunosyec.org.sg to find out more about Eunos Youth Club.

Fong Yoong Kheong
Vice-Chairman, 13th term Eunos CC YEC

Eunos CC YEC 1 of 5 YECs to mentor PA YOUTHSLead participants

2010-05-19T12:03:00.005+08:00

In line with its plan to discover and nurture new generations of grassroot leaders, People's Association has pushed out its flagship training programme, third year in its running. Designed to introduce outstanding individuals in their own fields to the rigours of being grassroots leaders, the PA YOUTHSLead programme bring together its extensive training vendors to equip participants with an appreciation of factors affecting the community and punctuate how these promising individuals can contribute to nurturing a better home they live in. Roping in partners like Outward Bound Singapore and the National Community Leadership Institute, the programme also aims to introduce participants to the resources at their disposal in pushing community initiatives.

Eunos CC YEC is proud to be selected as one of the five mentor YECs where a number of the participants would convene to perform their grassroot organization attachment. Our YEC believes in experiential learning, i.e. learning through doing. We aim to give participants a direct immersion into the activities and organizations governing the community. We will do this by encouraging participants to attend all meetings and activities upon their attachment. In addition, the YEC intends to liaise with the Citizens' Consulatative Committee, Comunity Club Management Committee, various Residents' Committees and allow participants to sit in ccommittee meetings to help them obtain a top-down understanding on how each community is run. Above all, our YEC would work closely with the participants and provide them with resources to propagate an initiative as part of the practical aspect of their training.

Our YEC hopes to learn from the participants and their unique experiences. We hope to demonstrate how the community is run from the Eunos perspective. More so, we actively look forward to promoting a unique initiative with the participants! Ultimately, the YEC hopes to introduce the participants to an experience of service in the community and hopefully welcome them into the big family of youths enacting action for the homes they live in.

Khoo Yi Feng

Training & Development Secretary, 13th term Eunos CC YEC

PAYM CYC Retreat @ Orchid Country Club

2010-05-18T00:05:00.002+08:00

PAYM Central Youth Council Member and Eunos CC YEC Chairman, Mr Sear Hock Rong attended the PAYM CYC Retreat held at Orchid Country Club from 15-16 May 2010.

During the Retreat, CYC members mingled and brainstormed ideas for major projects. They discussed ways to attract more YOUths to major events such as Chingay and Asia’s largest street party, City Alive! YOUths can also look forward to an exciting 2011 with activities lined up to celebrate PAYM’s 40^th Anniversary.

It was not all work on Day One. After dinner and rehearsal for a surprise item at the upcoming PAYM CYC Installation and Awards Ceremony, CYC members went for a karaoke session at Yishun SAFRA Club.

It was amazing they were able to stay up till very late and had to wake up early next morning for an aerobic work-out led by fitness instructors from California Fitness before practicing a flash mob dance with students of Nanyang Polytechnic. After all the exercise in the morning, CYC members spent the later half of the day with interesting energiser activities and group discussions.

It was a surprise when PAYM presented every CYC member with a photo momento and bought herbal drinks for everyone who stayed up late the previous night. CYC members went home tired but satisfied with the fruitful and memorable Retreat.

Aljunied GRC Zero Litter Month Launch (Eunos Division)

2010-05-17T23:15:00.004+08:00

Over 500 residents joined Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed and Mdm Cynthia Phua at the Aljunied GRC Zero Litter Month Launch for Eunos Division held on 15 May 2010. Spearheaded by Eunos Community Club (CC) Youth Executive Committee (YEC), this year’s launch was part of the Aljunied GRC YECs’ plan to roll out a series of environmental activities for both the young and old.

This year’s theme for the Zero Litter Month was “A Cleaner and Safer Aljunied GRC”. To help promote this message, the Organising Committee engaged Mediacorp’s Auntie Lucy and Y.E.S 93.3FM DJ, Siau Jiahui to talk about how residents can do their part in keeping Aljunied GRC litter-free. Youths were also excited to hear lovely songs sung by Project Superstar Finalist, Ruth Chua.

While waiting to catch a glimpse of the celebrities, families turned up early to visit educational booths set up by Aljunied Town Council, NEA, HDB and Eunos CC YEC. More than 100 children participated in the colouring contest and games. Many went home happily with balloons, goodie bags and shopping vouchers. It was also a pleasant surprise for the many Mothers who received carnation flowers from the MP, Mr Zainul after his visit to Blk 608 to educate residents on the dangers of killer litter.

Eunos CC YEC Vice-Chairman, Mr Fong Yoong Kheong shared: “As youths, there are so much more we can do to spread the zero-littering message. The YEC hopes to recruit more young people into our Eco-Savvy Interest Group where they can brainstorm interesting ideas and do something for the environment.”

On what plans the YEC have for the Zero Litter Month, Eunos CC YEC Chairman, Mr Sear Hock Rong said: “We are working closely with Bedok North Secondary School (BNSS) and local Residents’ Committees to organise more outreach activities. The YEC will be going door-to-door with students from BNSS Service Learning Club to educate residents on zero-littering. There are also plans to partner RCs to organise a Fashion Show where participants will dress up in recyclables such as plastic bottles and shoe boxes.”

Catch youths in action on Saturday, 22 May 2010, as they take the lead in picking up litter in Eunos Zone ‘6’ RC precinct and visiting residents to spread the message of keeping their estates clean and safe!

See Lianhe Zaobao's article on the launch event below:

No East No West @ Melaka, Malaysia

2010-05-04T00:13:00.004+08:00

Eunos CC YEC Chairman, Hock Rong and Telok Blangah CC YEC Vice-Chairman, Alvin represented Singapore at the recent No East No West International Conference on Intercultural Dialogue: "Fostering Understanding and Building Bridges Across Cultures Among Young People of Asia and Europe" held in Melaka, Malaysia from 26th April to 30th April 2010.

This international conference saw youths from over 20 countries come together to discuss issues related to culture, religion, new media, education, leadership, business, and governance. Many participants were curious about Singapore's clean and efficient Civil Service. They also wanted to know how Singapore was able to become where it is now in less than 50 years of independence. During the 5-day conference, Hock Rong and Alvin shared the Singapore experience on promoting inter-racial and religious harmony. They also spoke at length on the People's Association Grassroots Network and how community activities helped promoted social cohesion and racial harmony.

Hock Rong and Alvin were honoured to meet several government, business and religious leaders. Among them were Malaysia's Minister of Human Resource, Hon Datuk Dr S Subramaniam, Chief Minister of Melaka, Rt Hon Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, HE Kamal Malhotra, UN Resident Coordinator in Malaysia, Chairman of Malaysia Tourism Board, Datuk Dr Victor Wee and Datuk Yong Soo Heong, Editor In Chief of Bernama Malaysia.

As part of the Conference, they also toured Melaka, Malaysia's historical city. They went on the river cruise, visited several tourist attractions, religious institutions and tasted local food.

Hock Rong found new friends and developed a greater understanding of the history and cultures of different countries. Most importantly, he realised how fortunate Singaporeans are and how important racial and religious harmony are to maintaining a peaceful and prosperous country.

He particularly liked what the Chief Minister of Melaka shared at the Conference's welcome dinner, "A global event has a local impact. Similarly, a local event has a global impact. One good example is the recent volcano eruption in Iceland."

The Chief Minister of Melaka was refering to how a volcano eruption can stop some European delegates from travelling to Malaysia and how an international conference can help delegates go back and make a difference in the society they live in.

PAYM provides many opportunities for YEC members to participate in international conferences and youth exchange programmes. Be part of the action. Be part of the Youth Movement. As the PAYM tagline says, "It's all about YOUths!"

Community Leadership Conference @ RI

2010-04-30T00:41:00.000+08:00

Organised by The Youth Club @ Boon Lay, the Community Leadership Conference was held on 24 April 2010 at Raffles Institution for Junior College and Secondary School student leaders.

YEC Chairman, Hock Rong was invited to share his experience at this Conference and give tips on organising successful community projects.

Hock Rong shared about the lessons he picked up from organising major school events as a student, to taking part in the NYAA programme, to participating in WITS and business plan competitions, and to setting up a LAN gaming co-operative business in school for his peers. He also shared how he continued to serve the School and Community while studying in Ngee Ann Polytechnic and serving National Service.

Hock Rong spoke about how he was roped into the Residents' Committee and mentored by senior Grassroots Leaders after volunteering for about six months at the weekly Meet-the-People Session. He also encouraged participants to take up the challenge to join the Grassroots Network, especially Youth Executive Committees where there are bountiful opportunities for everyone to network, learn and put their skills into practice.

As a parting shot, he emphasized the importance of teamwork and how each member in the team can make a difference. At the end of his talk, participants are more informed of the People's Association Grassroots Network and how they too, can make a difference in the lives of others.

Over 1,500 youths celebrate SYOG & PA50 @ Eunos

2010-04-25T14:40:00.008+08:00

Sounds of basketballs entering the hoops and soccer balls entering the back of the net, along with much cheerful laughter were the alarm clocks for many residents on 10 April 2010. Bedok North Secondary School (BNSS) Service Learning Club (SLC) along with Eunos Community Club (CC) Youth Executive Committee (YEC) co-organized not one, not two, but three major events together that day for all residents to gather and enjoy!

BNSS SLC and Eunos YEC organized Sportacular and YouthOut! 2010. Sportacular was held in the morning in support of Singapore's hosting of the first-ever Youth Olympic Games, while YouthOUT! 2010 happened in the evening in celebration of People's Association 50th birthday. Sportacular is a 2-in-1 Sports event consisting of a sports league and a carnival. Youthout! 2010, held in its 5th consecutive year, is an outdoor dance party where residents let their hair down and dance into the night!

In the early morning on the 10th, participants of the sports leagues were already fighting their hearts out to obtain the top prizes in the under 18 and under 25 soccer and basketball leagues! Players came in all shapes and sizes, with our youngest players aged around 12! But nonetheless, all participants came ready to put forth their best foot and let their opponents taste their skills!

It was definitely a thrilling morning of sporting talents pitting themselves against one another. Fierce battles were brought out to the courts and no mercy was spared for everyone lying in the way even if they were friends off the court. Not long before the heated competitions began, dark clouds started to gather, as if wanting to cool down everyone and lower the tension. When the rain started to pour, the basketball league was relocated to Eunos Community Club where they continued their intense matches in the sheltered court. The soccer maestros were not so lucky as they needed to wait for the rain to stop. Luckily, the rain did not last very long and normalcy was reinstated quickly.

While the sports league involved many heated battles bringing sorrow and joy to many people, the carnival at the Eunos Petal Garden definitely brought joy and smiles to all the residence who were present! Stage performances like Taiji and Chinese dance were definitely interesting and attractive enough to wow the crowds! Also, the H20 walker, inflatable and game stalls also gave children and adults a fun time! Attractive prizes such as water bottles and towels were up for grabs at the many game stalls!

One other attractive aspect that residents looked forward to was the arrival of Lyo and Merly! The mascot for the very first Youth Olympic Games! Participants of Sportacular were delighted to see the arrival of the mascots of the first ever YOG! Photos were taken with Lyo and Merly as they walked around bringing joy to everyone!

Also, our Guest-of-Honour, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs & our Adviser Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed, also unveiled a YOG Wall designed and painted by students from BNSS. The wall is located at Blk 616 Bedok Reservoir Road. The wall is designed in commemoration and celebration of the first-ever YOG.

As Mr Zainul went around the different booths, the respective sport leagues were already reaching their closure with the finals and 3rd/4th placing matches underway. Eventually, only one team was to emerge triumphant!

Following the closure of Sportacular, preparations were made for YouthOut! 2010. It was the 5th year that YouthOut! was organized and it promised to be a much larger event compared to years before!

The emcee for this dance party was none other than Jeff from Love 97.2 FM! Jeff dazzled the crowd with his charisma and charm. The crowd were all hyped up and ready to go as Jeff took the stage!

Free-flow of drinks and popcorn were available for all participants of YouthOut! as they admired the wonderful performances of the various groups participating in the hip-hop dance competition! As the performers took the stage, music started to play and the crowd was just mesmerized by the performance!

The cheers for the performances got louder by the seconds as each performance was even more heated and exciting in their own aspects! Spectators also casted their votes via SMS for their favorite teams!

After all the teams participating had performed, the dance flow was opened for everyone to let their hair down and dance to the latest hits! Participants were even more thrilled with the appearance of stilt-walkers as Sean Kingston’s hit song “Fire Burning”! Some even ventured onto the stage to dance with the participating teams! It was definitely a dance party that everyone enjoyed!

As the dance floor closed for the announcement of the winners for the hip-hop dance competition and lucky draws, anxiousness started to show on everyone’s face as they hoped that their favorite team would win! And the final winner was………..FRESH ELEMENT! Huge cheers could be heard as everyone shared their joy! Eventually, huge cheers of “encore” could be heard as Fresh Element performed their winning routine once again much to the joy of everyone!

After the lucky draw prizes were distributed, the dance floor reopened as everyone started dancing into the night……

Jordan Ng

Executive Member, 13th term Eunos CC YEC

Youths reject gender quota at PAYM Policy Forum @ Aljunied GRC & Hougang SMC

2010-04-22T18:03:00.005+08:00

"We shouldn't set gender quota because then we wouldn't know if women got into the position based on merit or quota," a youth participant shared, with nods from fellow participants.

The youth participant was speaking at the PAYM Policy Forum @ Aljunied GRC & Hougang SMC: "Women's Leadership Role in Today Society", held at the Giraffe Restaurant @ Istana Park on 3 April 2010.

The Guest-of-Honour is Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Minister, Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for Finance & Transport, MP for Aljunied GRC & Adviser to Serangoon Grassroots Organisations.

Along with her are panelists: Ms Genecia Lou, South East Asia Woman of Excellence 2010, Ms United Nations Singapore 2010/2011 & Miss Singapore International 2006/2007; Ms Sophia Pang, the first Singaporean woman to reach the South Pole; Ms Merry Riana, Winner of Spirit of Enterprise and best-selling author.

The panelists shared their experience of the road to success as a woman, highlighting the strengths and disadvantages of being one. They inspired many of the participants who are mainly young working women who just stepped into society.

One of the highlights of the forum is the presentation by Ms Sophia Pang on the tedious trainings that she had to endure prior to her expedition and the obstacles she had to surpass during the process.

Invitation to Adviser Zainul's daughter's wedding

2010-04-22T17:26:00.006+08:00

YEC members, along with other Eunos Grassroots Leaders, were invited to our Adviser Zainul Abidin Rasheed's daughter's wedding on 3 April 2010 at the Malay Heritage Centre.

Besides the yummy food (YUMMY!), we also witnessed the traditions and customs of a Malay wedding!

North East Region YECs foster friendship with Bowling

2010-04-22T12:59:00.005+08:00

YEC members of the North East Region gathered for a friendly bowling match at the National Service Resort & Country Club on 28 March 2010. Teams were staffed with members from different YECs. After a little bit of ice-breaking, the teams began their new friendship by starting the ball rolling, literally.

Some lucky draw prizes were given out and Eunos CC YEC happens to be a big winner with three of our members winning the prizes. They received the lucky draw prizes from the event's Organising Chairperson Daphne Goh, who is also the newly elected Regional Coordinator for the North East Region YECs.

Congratulations to our YEC Chairman Sear Hock Rong who was elected the Deputy Regional Coordinator for the North East Region YECs at the bowling event.

Hip-Hop Dance IG performs at HDB 50th Anniversary Celebrations

2010-04-19T11:31:00.004+08:00

The Housing Development Board celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a community carnival at the open field beside Eunos MRT station on 21 March 2010.

Our Eunos CC YEC Hip-Hop Dance Interest Group was proud to be able to perform at the event, which was graced by Senior Minister S. Jayakumar and Members of Parliament, including our Adviser Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed.

Besides stage performances, there were also exhibits on the changing faces of the HDB over the past 50 years.

Happy Birthday, HDB!

PSB Academy student writes about "Fun With Facebook"

2010-03-13T21:54:00.004+08:00

As part of her school project for CMNS 1280 (Introduction to Journalism), PSB Academy student Shasikala wrote a news story on "Fun With Facebook". Shasikala has kindly allowed us to publish her article here:

Senior citizens are encouraged to attend ‘Fun with Facebook’ to learn how to connect with the younger generation.

The training program on how to use Facebook, will be conducted on 13 March from 9.30am to 12pm.

Vice-Chairman of Eunos Community Club Youth Executive Committee Mr Fong Yoong Kheong said this program aims to train our residents on how to use Facebook.

“By teaching the middle age group and the senior citizens how to use the online platform, we aim to bond the residents,” Mr Fong said.

“We will guide the participants on how to use Facebook, how to create a Facebook account and how to set their privacy settings.”

The organising committee hopes to promote Facebook in a good light.

Mr Fong said the program will help to show that Facebook serves as a good social networking platform.

“Facebook is not all about playing games or posting your pictures online.

“It has many other functions and it is a good way to connect with the younger generation.”

The program will be held at Bedok North Secondary School’s computer lab.

Mr Fong said that around 30 participants are expected and if places are not enough, participants can share computers as more people are expected to join closer to the event date.

“We will teach the participants how to use Facebook in a simple form and we will make it fun for them to learn how to operate Facebook.

“We don’t want them to feel that learning about technology is tough.

“In the publicity outreach we did, we explained to the residents the benefits of learning about Facebook and the importance of staying connected in today’s digital age.”

This event is organised by the Eunos Community Club Youth Executive Committee (YEC) and Bedok North Secondary School Service Learning Club.

It is supported by the Eunos CC Malay Activity Executive Committee (MAEC) and Indian Activity Executive Committee (IAEC).

Huijing shares her experience at the Istana Lawn CNY Reception

2010-03-05T17:22:00.004+08:00

It is my great honour and pleasure to be able to attend the Chinese New Year Reception at the Istana Lawn on the 28th of February 2010. This is my very first time stepping into Istana, and attending such a prestigious event.

Before the dinner, I thought that the event was going to be quite an elaborate affair. Indeed it was! The reception was a buffet-styled dinner, with delicious food and pastries. After we had our dinner, projected screens installed around the lawn allowed grassroots leaders to watch Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong deliver his speech on the stage. For a moment, I felt I was watching television at home. But actually, PM Lee was just 50 metres away. It felt so surreal.

Huijing with Senior Minister of State (Foreign Affairs) Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed

During the dinner, PM Lee addressed issues with regards to foreign talents and immigration. This made me realise that Singaporeans should be more open minded with the policies that the Singapore government has adopted as the benefits reaped will eventually benefit all Singaporeans and not only the foreigners. I have also learnt that Singaporeans must constantly upgrade their skills so as to increase their productivity as a way forward for the economy. It is very important for us to keep pace with international changes so as to gain a competitive edge in this globalised economy.

The most memorable part about the dinner was actually being able to take pictures of Istana and getting to see how it exudes its charm at night.

Huang Huijing

Sports & Wellness Secretary, 13th term Eunos CC YEC

Zaobao features PAYM Policy Forum @ Aljunied GRC & Hougang SMC

2010-01-25T20:02:00.005+08:00

Lianhe Zaobao (25/1/10)

Minister Lim Hwee Hua: There should be no differentiation between "Old" and "New" Citizens

Although the government has differentiated the benefits of permanent residents and citizens, there should be no divide between "old" and "new" citizens, once foreigners take up Singapore citizenship.

Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Minister, Prime Minister Office and Second Minister for Finance and Transport, attended the People's Association Youth Movement (PAYM) Policy Forum @ Aljunied GRC & Hougang SMC as Guest of Honour. The topic for the forum was "Foreign Talent and Integrating New Citizens". During the dialogue, Mrs Lim noticed that there were some Singaporeans who feel that local-born and bred Singaporeans ("old" citizens) should have more benefits than "new" citizens.

"The obligations of foreigners differ from those of citizens, hence the disparity in benefits of both groups. However, as citizens who share the same obligations, there should no difference in entitlements. If we need to demarcate between "old" and "new" citizens, how do we justify how "new" is "new" and how "old" is "old"? 5 years? 10 years? Or 15 years? It's hard to justify," said Mrs Lim.

Mrs Lim also pointed out that the government uses the term "new citizens" to emphasise that they might experience difficulties in integrating into society, and might require tolerance and assistance of locals. The term is not used to mean any division between "old" and "new" citizens.

Responding to a point raised by a participant that "new" citizens prefer to associate with members of their own groups and that they are not willing to integrate with Singaporeans, Mrs Lim posed a question. "How many of you have studied or worked abroad? How many of you could blend with the locals there instantaneously?" Using this example, she told participants that it is important to put themselves in the shoes of "new" citizens" in considering these factors.

Our forefathers who came to Singapore also had to undergo a process of integration into society, taking time to understand the local culture and develop a sense of belonging. During this process, mutual understanding is needed, said Mrs Lim.

Regarding those Singaporeans who study or work abroad, Mrs Lim said that the government has not forgotten the importance of local talents, but it is not practical for the government to prohibit Singaporeans from venturing abroad. "We need to retain foreign talent, and also instil a sense of belonging to Singaporeans living abroad by various measures, including setting up contact points to connect Singaporeans together and providing them with information about the country. This way, no matter where Singaporeans are, they could still contribute to the country."

Hosting Minister of the forum, Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed, who is also a Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, also stressed that in this globalised economy, every country is attracting and losing talents. Competition cannot be avoided. "Instead of losing foreign talents who go on to work for other teams, why not attract them to be part of our team?"

Mr Zainul also pointed out that during periods of economic downturn, Singaporeans tend to feel that foreign talents snatch away their rice bowls, but they forgotten the fact that foreign talents also contribute in economic recovery. Therefore, youths should look in the long term to adjust their mindsets.

A total of 70 youths participated in the policy forum, of whom some were permanent residents and new citizens. Permanent resident, Sarah Pham, 23, who came from Vietnam, said, "Through today's forum, I feel that integration requires efforts from both parties. No matter whether you are a foreigner or a Singaporean, you need to interact more to prevent misunderstanding."

Hock Rong elected to PAYM CYC

2010-01-20T23:42:00.002+08:00

At the People's Association Youth Movement (PAYM) Central Youth Council (CYC) Biennial General Meeting conducted on 20 January 2010 at People's Association Headquarters, Eunos CC YEC Chairman Sear Hock Rong was popularly elected as a member of the CYC.

The CYC members are elected by districts. In the North East District, Chairpersons from Aljunied GRC, Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, Tampines GRC and Hougang SMC voted for their nominees. Each Chairperson can vote up to four names. Out of the 6 nominees standing for election, only 4 were voted in.

Besides Hock Rong from Eunos CC YEC, the other North East District CYC members are Lina Chong from Pasir Ris-Elias CC YEC, Daphne Goh from Tampines Central CC YEC and Tang Wey Lin from Serangoon CC YEC. They will serve a 2-year term in the CYC.

Hock Rong had also won a Stars of Shine award in 2009, and had been featured in the Spring Magazine a few months back.

The CYC members will convene the Office Bearer Meeting on 5 March 2010.

Eunos CC YEC extends its warmest congratulations to our Chairman.

Join in Singapore's LARGEST Street Dance Party

2010-01-20T16:53:00.003+08:00

How does the idea of dancing on the F1 Track sounds to you? Slightly cool.

Then how about that of joining thousands of youths in dancing on the F1 Track? Definitely cool!!!

For the first time, City Alive! 2010 will be held at the F1 track. City Alive! 2010 is an annual post-Chingay mega street dance party.

Limited tickets selling out fast.

Grab your City Alive! 2010 tickets now at Eunos Community Club!

P.S.: Be There or Be SQUARE

YEC & SLC Members Lunch in with SMS Zainul

2010-01-17T18:02:00.002+08:00

9 January 2010

What do you get when you have done something very special? What kind of reward should one receive from winning 2 meritorious awards at the inaugural PAYM Service Learning Festival 2009? Well, a simple pat on the back, a hug and a congratulation handshake is what most would receive. But, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed went one step further and invited all SLC members for lunch at Velu's Family Restaurant, Eunos Community Club. YEC members also joined in the appreciation lunch session.

It was an afternoon of spice and sweat. Everyone was treated with servings of Indian food. There were dishes like fried fish and curry! But, all these delicious dishes were packed with a punch! They were all very spicy! Most students and YEC members were continuously asking for drink refills just to cool their body down!

After lunch, Mr Zainul and YEC Chairman Hock Rong both gave their speech before souvenirs were handed out to everyone present before a group photo was taken.

It was definitely an exciting afternoon and lunch filled with many ‘hot’ things!

Jordan Ng

Executive Member, 13th term Eunos CC YEC

For the YOung and YOuthful - YoSpinz on PA's website!

2010-01-12T04:28:00.008+08:00

After another successful performance at the recent "Happy Smiles, Joyous Hearts" organised by five PAYM Service Learning Clubs and supported by Eunos CC YEC, there was another piece of good news for YoSpinz, a yo-yo Interest Group under Eunos CC Youth Club. YoSpinz gets featured on the People's Association website!

For the YOung and YOuthful - 11 January 2010

It goes down, and it comes up. Just like playing the yoyo, the sport has its seasons. Playing the yoyo in Singapore was popular in 1997. The hype died down shortly after, only to pick up again, in 2003, when Singapore had its first ever professional “Singapore Yoyo Championships”. The trend started declining soon after but it has picked up momentum again.
Just last year, Singapore played host to the Asia Pacific Yoyo Championships (from 31 October 2008 – 2 November 2008) at Takashimaya Square. The event was organised by Ulu Pandan Community Club Youth Group and Spinworkx. It attracted up to more than 2000 spectators who enjoyed performances by the various youthful players from all over the world.
Capitalising on the revived interest in yoyo, Mr Fong Yoong Kheong, 23, Vice-chairman of the Eunos CC Youth Executive Committee (YEC) initiated a yoyo interest group at his CC.
He thinks an interest group is an effective way for the YEC to reach out to more youths. He also believes that when people are grouped together by interest, it will allow more interaction and for them to bond together.
“I was walking around the neighbourhood, and I noticed bubble tea shops selling yoyos,” Mr Fong recalled. Not only that, he also saw many young children playing the yoyo while walking back home from school. So, his YEC placed banners near schools, recruiting members for the yoyo interest group, hoping for at least 30 participants before launching the group.
Within three weeks, there were already more than 30 members. Mr Fong was pleased with the response, and the group, month-old group, YoSpinz, meets every other Friday.
At each meeting, the members are arranged in smaller groups according to their proficiency levels. The younger players go through training, with the help of the more skilful yoyo players, while they rehearse for upcoming performances. Their last performance was at Eunos International Volunteers Night.
“After a few gatherings, the members know each other better. Nowadays, people do not interact with each other as much as in the past. With this interest group, they get to interact and learn from one other. I also notice a trend that these players don’t stop at yoyo gatherings, but they go online, add each other on Facebook, and form friendships.”
Are you a yoyo fanatic as well? Anyone below the age of 35 can join the YoSpinz. Currently, the youngest member in the group is seven years old! Registration forms are available at Eunos CC or you can download the forms here. For more information, contact Eunos CC at 6448 6971.

PAYM SLC Community Service Project featured in Berita Harian

2010-01-11T19:36:00.009+08:00

"Happy Smiles, Joyous Hearts" - a People's Association Youth Movement (PAYM) Service Learning Club (SLC) Community Service Project, organised by 5 SLCs and supported by Eunos CC YEC - featured in Berita Harian.

11 Jan 2010

SINGAPURA

Luang masa suntik kegembiraan

Oleh
Hisham Hasim

MEREKA bercita-cita menjadi jururawat dan membantu golongan miskin dan memerlukan.

Lantas Amirah Ahmad dan Siti Soleha Borhan, kededuanya 16 tahun, melibatkan diri dalam kegiatan kemasyarakatan untuk mendekatkan diri mereka dengan golongan susah.

Mereka adalah pelajar Sekolah Menengah Telok Kurau dan menganggotai Kelab Kemahiran Khidmat (Service-Learning) Gerakan Belia Persatuan Rakyat (PAYM) - sebuah kegiatan kokorikular yang ditubuhkan di sekolah-sekolah.

'Kami sebagai remaja sering ambil mudah akan kehidupan di sini, tetapi sebenarnya banyak lagi unsur-unsur kehidupan yang belum kami kenali,' kata Amirah, pelajar menengah empat.

Atas kesedaran itu, selama lebih dua jam semalam, beliau bersama 35 pelajar lain mendampingi sekitar 250 hadirin terdiri daripada kanak-kanak dari Rumah Kanak-Kanak Jamiyah, dan para penduduk dan peserta sebuah program sarapan pagi 'Happy Happy Sunday'.

Tujuan mereka ialah menghiburkan golongan susah dalam kawasan GRC Aljunied.

Keseluruhan acara itu dirancang dan dilaksanakan sendiri oleh para pelajar daripada lima sekolah menengah dan pemimpin belia daripada Kelab Kemahiran Khidmat PAYM dan juga cabang belia Kelab Masyarakat Eunos [Eunos CC YEC].

Usaha yang dilakukan ini adalah lanjutan daripada lawatan amal ke Perak dari 10 hingga 14 November lalu bagi mengunjungi sebuah rumah anak-anak yatim di sana.

'Kami membantu menaiktaraf pusat tersebut, seperti mengecat dinding dan membaik pulih bilik belajar kanak-kanak itu. Kami mendapat kepuasan melihat kegembiraan di wajah mereka,' kata Siti Soleha.

Tetamu terhormat acara itu adalah Menteri Negara Kanan Ehwal Luar dan Anggota Parlimen bagi GRC Aljunied, Encik Zainul Abidin Rasheed.

Make A Wish This X'mas!

2009-12-30T14:38:00.006+08:00

Christmas carols could be heard coming from the pavilion between Block 622 and 623 at around 6 pm in the evening. Eunos CC YEC and Zone ‘3’ Residents' Committee (RC) co-organized a Christmas party for Eunos residents to get into the joy of the Christmas season!

A wide range of participants ranging from the youths to the elderly was hyped up about the party right from the beginning. With Christmas songs in the background, the Emcees Huijing and Megan brought the participants through many rounds of interesting events such as Musical Chairs and Santa Make-over.

The Guest-of-Honour, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and MP for Aljunied GRC & Adviser to Eunos Grassroots Organisations, Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed was also present at the event to launch the yo-yo interest group, Yo-Spinz! Everyone present was treated with a spectacular round of yo-yo tricks by our very own yo-yo interest group.

The main event came as a wonderful surprise to all participants as one of our YEC members, Chee Lee, appeared as Santa Claus! He distributed goodie bags to all participants and brought smiles to all faces with his unique Santa Claus impersonation.

It was a fun-filled Sunday which brought joy and smiles to all participants. But, the organizing committee had the biggest smiles as we were glad we were able to bring joy to everyone else this festive season!

Merry Christmas! (:

Jordan Ng
Executive Member, 13th Term Eunos CC YEC

Let's Hang Our Love on the Tree!

2009-12-30T14:28:00.002+08:00

People's Association features Eunos CC YEC's Christmas tree at Botanical Gardens.

Spring Magazine features Hock Rong

2009-12-18T12:48:00.004+08:00

The Nov/Dec 2009 issue of the Spring Magazine - Living in the North East featured Eunos CC YEC Chairman Sear Hock Rong. Click on the images below to enlarge them and find out more about this "Village Head" and "People's Man".

Happy 38th Birthday, PAYM!

2009-12-03T23:30:00.005+08:00

People's Association Youth Movement turns 38!

In appreciation of the contributions of YEC members, PAYM sent mystery gifts to all the YECs. It was kept so hush-hush that even our Youth Manager Jing Hui kept mum when asked during one of the meetings. During our December monthly meeting, we finally found out what the gift was. Yummy Sweets! How Sweet of PAYM!

YEC members are also invited to watch the Twilight movie marathon at GV, Vivocity on Friday (4 Dec).

Post your wishes on YEC Christmas Tree @ SBG

2009-12-03T09:57:00.004+08:00

Want to see your wish up on the Eunos CC YEC Christmas tree at Singapore Botanical Gardens? Send us your name & wish (within 25words) to eunosyec@gmail.com by 4/12/09, 9am!

Read more about the Eunos CC YEC Christmas Tree

Eunos CC YEC one of 30 GROs to decorate tree for SBG's 150th Anniversary

2009-11-30T21:23:00.005+08:00

In celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Singapore Botanical Gardens, Mr Mah Bow Tan, Minister for National Development will be lighting up 150 Christmas trees at the Botanical Gardens on 5 Dec 09.

Eunos CC YEC is honoured to be among one of 30 Grassroots Organisations invited to decorate one of the trees at the Botanical Gardens. Embassies, Schools and other Organisations will be decorating the remaining 120 trees.

Eunos Youths will be decorating the YEC's Christmas tree on 4 Dec 09 (Fri) at noon. Interested to be part of this historical event? Email eunosyec@gmail.com

Yoz! Watch my Yo-yo!

2009-11-24T11:20:00.003+08:00

20 November 2009

Members of the Yo-Yo Interest Group met for the first time at Eunos Community Club. The response of the interest group had been good, with more than 30 names in less than a month. Several members called the Eunos CC office now and then to check when the first meeting would be held.

Welcoming the members, Eunos CC YEC Vice-Chairman Fong Yoong Kheong conducted a short introductory session by explaining the purpose of the IG. Then, each of the members introduced themselves followed by a showcase of their best Yo-yo trick. It was an awesome display as they began splitting atoms, walking the dog, shoot rockets, and do bikinis (yea, it's not a typo).

Also in attendance were Eunos CC YEC Chairman Sear Hock Rong and Children's Programme Secretary Diana Chua.

After everyone introduced themselves, they were grouped according to their proficiency. They picked their group leaders and came out with their group names - Spin6, Yoyo Freakz, Laser, etc.

The "veteran" Yo-yo players then coached their peers into learning new tricks.

The next gathering would be held on 4 December 2009 (Friday) at Eunos Community Club. Feel free to join in!

Make-A-Wish Online Contest

2009-11-21T23:40:00.000+08:00

Design and Make a wish and stand to win attractive prizes! All submitted entries would also be pinned onto the Christmas nettings at the Pavillion between Blk 622 & 623 Bedok Reservoir Road throughout Christmas.

Click on the image below, then save the image file (right click + save as). Then, add some designs, wordings and photos on it.

Judging Criteria

50% goes to Contents, 50% goes to Design

Entry Criteria/ Terms & Conditions

Make-A-Wish Online Contest is open to anyone aged 12-35, inclusive and/or Residents of Eunos Zone '3' (Blk 619-629 Bedok Reservoir Road)
Size of image file should be kept at 640x480 pixel
Entries must be submited to eunosyec@gmail.com or Eunos Community Club Constituency Office latest by 15 December 2009
For emails, the header should be "My Wish this X'mas" and you should send in these particulars: Name, I/C, Address, Email, Contact No.
Submitted entries must be original.
Eunos CC YEC and Eunos Zone '3' RC reserve the rights to use the designs
Decision of judges and organising committee is final. Winners will be notified by phone/email.

Deadline for submission: 15 December 2009

Submit your designs to eunosyec@gmail.com today!

BNSS SLC clinches 2 meritorious awards at inaugural S-L Fest

2009-11-19T21:49:00.003+08:00

17 November 2009

Bedok North Secondary School Service Learning Club (SLC) wins big at the inaugural People's Association Youth Movement (PAYM) Service Learning Festival! BNSS SLC won an award each in the school-level category as well as the community-level category.

Eunos CC YEC would like to congratulate our BNSS SLC for the outstanding performance.

Under the mentorship of the Eunos CC YEC, BNSS SLC successfully organised the "Are YOUths Stressed? To benefit or to get rid" forum which won the meritorious award under the community-level category.

The students spent about 6 months preparing for the forum. From designing the publicity materials to inviting schools to send students to attend the forum, the SLC students learnt a lot on event management and picked up many useful skills.

The Guest-of-Honour was Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of National Development, MP for Sembawang GRC & Adviser to Central Youth Council.

Out of all the winning teams, 4 presented their projects and BNSS SLC was one of them. Enjoy their presentation:

Service Learning Trip to Kampar, Malaysia

2009-11-19T21:44:00.003+08:00

Hock Rong led 19 students from five Service Learning Clubs (SLC) on a Service Learning trip to Kampar, Malaysia from 10 Nov to 14 Nov 2009. Of the 19 students, 4 of them were from our very own Bedok North Secondary School SLC.

This trip was the 2nd PAYM SLC Young Ambassadors' Programme. During the 5-day trip, SLC members embarked on a caving experience in Malaysia's largest cave and painted a huge classroom of a local Orphanage. At the Orphanage, SLC members also conducted interesting activities and games such as origami, art & craft, pick-up sticks and word games.

Although SLC members were not able to perform for the children at the Orphanage, they managed to make a 'flash' performance at the famous West Lake at Kampar, Malaysia. Many passer-bys stopped to watch our talented SLC members dance to the popular song, 'Nobody' by Wondergirls.

It was a wonderful experience and everyone looked forward to the next Service Learning trip!

Team Eunos upped 2 spots in Dragonboat Race

2009-11-19T20:43:00.003+08:00

8 November 2009

In 2008, Team Eunos Youths came in last in the youth category for the Dragonboat race. This year, we upped two spots, climbing up to the 4th position!

Other than the youth category, there was the RC, CCMC/CCC, WEC categories and the Aljunied Dragonboat Challenge.

Present for the event were Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo, Minister Mrs Lim Hwee Hua and our Adviser Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed.

Our team did three sessions of intensive dragonboat training and everyone enjoyed the sport. Indeed, some had requested to form an interest group so that everyone can meet once a month to row leisurely.

Team Eunos doing the Eunos cheer:

Exciting sport? Email eunosyec@gmail.com if you are keen to join in the dragonboat team!

Workplan Retreat at Downtown East Chalet

2009-11-19T20:22:00.002+08:00

30 October 2009

It was a thunderstorm outside the chalet at Downtown East, and we were all brainstorming on the YEC workplan for year 2010.

The strong wind didn't manage to cool the passionate flame burning robustly in the room. Each of the respective secretaries proposed their projects for the coming work year and everyone discussed about the direction of the YEC as a whole.

Some interesting project ideas were "Clubbing for a Cause" (proceeds from clubbing entrance fee donated to charity), sports carnival, Amazing Race and the list just builds on!

Have a project that benefits the community and want to see it executed? Communicate with us @ eunosyec@gmail.com !

Twins in Action (literally!) 2009

2009-11-19T19:55:00.003+08:00

10 October 2009

Eunos CC YEC supported the Twins in Action 2009, an event which saw more than 2o pairs of twins congregate in the Eunos Community Club Multipurpose Hall. If you didn't know it was an event featuring twins, you would have been confused and overwhelmed with the duplicating sights.

The twins ranged from aged 6 months old to 60+ years old. Several twins performed and showcased their talents for the judges and audience. The most talented twins performed a cowboy-cowgirl dance:

Youths celebrate Hari Raya with kampong music, dance and satays!

2009-11-19T19:29:00.005+08:00

4 October 2009

The smell of barbecuing satays, oil torches tied to the pillars, palm tree leaves combined with the traditional kampong music and dance perfomances threw everyone back to the kampong times.

Beside the backdrop that read "Sinar Lebaran di Perkampungan", members of the Eunos CC Youth Executive Committee were all in their kebayas and baju kurongs (Malay traditional costumes).

As the two lovely lady emcees declared the dinner to commence, YEC members began to serve the tasty kueh-kuehs to the tables.

We were at a Hari Raya celebration jointly organised by the YEC and Eunos Zone '2' Residents' Committee. The event was sponsored by Chuen Cheong Food Industries (Pte) Ltd.

The Guest-of-Honour was our Adviser, Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs & Member of Parliament for Aljunied GRC.

For the past few months, the organising committee led by Noor Abdillah, Assistant Treasurer of Eunos CC YEC, worked hard to prepare for the event.

It was an entertaining night where our Malay cultural group, Ayunda Lestari, and various artistes performed traditional Malay dances and songs.

Happy Happy Sunday

2009-10-14T23:21:00.002+08:00

27 September 2009

Our youths placed smiles on faces at the weekly Happy Happy Sunday held at the Old Temporary Market. Happy Happy Sunday is a project providing free breakfast to needy families residing in Eunos. Spanning 52 weeks long, the project is organised by Eunos Zone '2' & '5' RC and supported by the Bedok Reservoir Shop Merchants' Association.

In support of the project, Eunos youths organised a gameshow for the families. Participants were surprised when they came for breakfast. Were they at the right place? They wondered.

Hock Rong and Yoong Kheong co-hosted the gameshow which saw children performing the eyebrow-twitching to the tune of the Cadbury advertisement, as well as adults dancing the Korean hit song "Nobody".

It was a beautiful sunday, indeed.

1,000 celebrated Lantern Festival at Eunos

2009-10-14T23:14:00.003+08:00

26 September 2009

Sinar Lebaran Di Perkampungan 09

2009-09-21T00:42:00.000+08:00

From Sinar Lebaran Di Perkampungan 09

Ready, Get Set, ROW!

2009-09-16T09:22:00.004+08:00

12 September 2009

Nope, we're not ROWing for a dragonboat competition. Instead we are ROWing for a good cause.

On a bright Saturday morning, Eunos Youth Club members met at ITE College East (Simei) to volunteer at and support the annual Ramadhan-On-Wheels (ROW) 2009. Organised by the Malay Youth Literary Association or Persatuan Persuratan Pemuda Pemudi Melayu (4PM -read Empat PM), ROW 2009 was held in a different format this year.

While in the past, volunteer drivers would drive their vehicles loaded with food hampers to the needy, this year, volunteer drivers ferry needy families to the hypermart and allow them to do their own shopping. Prior to the event day, the beneficiaries participated in financial awareness talks so that they could develop healthy financial plans.

The Guest-of-Honour was DPM Teo Chee Hean. He was accompanied by Mayor Zainudin Nordin, Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs as well as Mr Harwazi Daipi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Manpower and Ministry of Health.

After the opening ceremony, everyone gathered at the basement carpark as we awaited for the flag-off ceremony.

Besides helping out at the event, non-Muslim volunteers also had a share of experience on fasting together with their Muslim counterparts as well as breaking fast together.

Fong Yoong Kheong,
Vice-Chairman, 13th term Eunos CC YEC

MacRitchie Nature Trail Walk

2009-09-11T12:38:00.004+08:00

30 August 2009

TreeTop Walk @ MacRitchie is organised by the Eunos CC YEC, led by Organising Chairman Sear Hock Rong.

The five senses are assaulted upon embarking at MacRitchie Reservoir Venus Drive. Lush greeneries greeted the eyes. Wide patches of resilent grass provided a teaser as to what would come. Following a light limbering exercise, the YEC Nature Trail gang of 30-odd "hikers" embarked on an adventurous treetop walk into the wilderness. Stepping foot into the soft, luscious soil, the heart is calmed instantly by nature's remedies. Greeted by cacophonies of cricket's chirping and sparse light seeping through the thick canopy overhead, the aroma of fresh air and nature's brews or odours assailed the noses. Mother Nature always hold surprises. With each soft footing, the trail proved to be an uphill challenge as hikers soon meet obstacles like steeper steps and uneven terrain. Even with the elderly amongst us, the "hikers" gang were upbeat and determined to embrace the walk. When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. Looking at the surrounding vegetation, one cannot be pacified by the numerous creepy-crawlies living amongst it. Monkeys (Long-tailed Macaque), pangolins, dragonflies, moths, beetles, Mynas shared the same habitat we tracked. It reminded us, that we, humans are actually a part of this shared nature and larger habitat that we reside in.

It was a well-awarded break when the contingent stop at the Ranger Station, for a breather before looking towards conquering the highlight of the trail. However, no matter how determined the hikers were, Mother Nature was more adamant to trump us. Overhead, dark clouds loom. And what trickle as a drizzle soon blew into a full-blown downpour. As torrents lashed out mercilessly, the YEC was forced to concede that the trail walk would probably end up in abandonment. Even as two YEC members (Toh Wee and myself) made a brief recee amid the downpour, to the entrance of the 250m HSBC Treetop Walk entrance and received the ranger's go-ahead sign, the lashing torrents, steep upslopes and slippery trails proved to be too big a deterrence.

Amid the thinning rain, the hikers retracted their path and headed back to Venus Link. Dampened but not disheartened, the YEC was warmed by the glowing encouragement of the residents who joined the team for the hiking trail. Nature has her wonders, and its these charms that make the forests around us, so interesting, so mysterious, so rich, so...

Khoo Yi Feng,
Training & Development Secretary, 13th term Eunos CC YEC

Be a President's Marksman!

2009-09-08T12:52:00.008+08:00

29 August 2009

YEC members were at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza on 29 August 2009 for President's Challenge 2009 - "Bridging Hearts, Connecting Smiles" The Charity Carnival organised by the People's Association Youth Movement. We were honoured to have President SR Nathan graced this event as Guest of Honour. Minister Lim Boon Heng and other Members of Parliament were also present to show their support!

Eunos CC YEC operated a game stall at the Carnival to raise funds for MILK! (Mainly I Love Kids!). At the game stall, members of the public can choose to play 'Bingo' (our all-time popular game at Eunos grassroots activities), 'President's Marksman' (ball throwing game) and 'Rubix Challenge' (solve the rubix cube game). Although YEC members had to work under the hot sun on a Saturday morning, it was heartening to see many people come to the booth to try our games.

The most popular game would probably be 'President's Markman' where participants try to topple all the cans using one ball throw to win themselves a big prize. One student from Siglap Secondary School was lucky to be a 'President's Marksman' and walk away with a DVD player.

"It was even more meaningful for me to do my part in raising funds for the needy, as I was fasting that day and the hot sun made us so thirsty and tired. I was glad we made it!"

Noor Abdillah Bin Ali
Assistant Treasurer, Eunos CC YEC

"Participating in a major event like this gives us the exposure and we can get to know more friends. Importantly, we can do our part in giving back to society."

Diana Chua Jia Ling
Children's Programme Secretary, Eunos CC YEC

There were a few other YECs who operated game stalls. Some sold food and drinks. Some sold products. Some provided live printing, henna drawing and song dedication. It was a perfect opportunity for YEC members to network and catch up with one another. In the evening, our CCC Chairman, Mr Sim Wai Chin BBM also came to lend his support. The Carnival ended at 10.00pm.

It was great to be able to participate in a meaningful event like the President's Challenge and everyone felt a sense of fulfilment when our game stall managed to raise some money for our beneficiary.

Sear Hock Rong,
Chairman, 13th term Eunos CC YEC

Eunos residents celebrate National Day

2009-09-07T13:37:00.005+08:00

9 August 2009

Eunos Youths joined in the National Day Celebrations together with residents and students of various schools at the annual National Day Observance Ceremony.

Participating schools included Bedok North Secondary School, Hai Sing Catholic School and Telok Kurau Primary School. Also present were children from the PCF Kindergarten, which held its annual Sports Meet after the ceremony.

Guest-of-Honour, Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and MP for Aljunied GRC, highlighted the importance of racial harmony and unity in this economic downturn and believed that Singaporeans would brave through the storm as we always did. He then led everyone to sing the National Anthem, recite the National Pledge and sing "Stand Up for Singapore!"

After the Ceremony, Mr Zainul also officiated the official opening of the Eunos Harmony Hub Skate Park. Now, Eunos youths have a new place to hang up at :)

Fong Yoong Kheong,
Vice-Chairman, 13th term Eunos CC YEC

800 danced to celebrate Singapore's 44th National Day

2009-09-03T20:46:00.006+08:00

31 July 2009

There are many ways to express your patriotism to the nation for National Day. Eunos chose dance!

In an extraordinary attempt, Eunos CC YEC did something that few would have heard of - a full-fledged dance party in the middle of the heartlands! Painted with rotating colorful lights, highly energetic music and exciting performances, the Eunos Petal Garden was truly a portrait full of life and happiness on the last day of July 2009.

YouthOUT! is an annual dance party event organised by the Eunos CC YEC. It had its roots as a void deck party 4 years ago. Last year, the event was held indoors at Eunos CC MPH. This year marks the first time YouthOUT! is held outdoors and at such a large scale.

YouthOUT! 2009 is spearheaded by the Eunos CC YEC and organised by Eunos Grassroots Organisations, in partnership with Eunos CCC Family Life Champion. For the first time, YouthOUT! is open to the young and old and the family. National Day is for everyone!

Led by Organising Co-Chairmen Sear Hock Rong and Fong Yoong Kheong, preparations for the event dated back to many weeks ago, since the idea was conceived. From late evenings door-to-door tickets sales by YEC members, courting of performers to rock the event down to the ground preparations, it was truly no mean feat. With an 800 strong crowd, stepping up to the night's energetic dances and grooving to the well-spun music, Eunos Petal Garden transformed into a dance floor!

Owing to a spontaneous programme list and flowing drinks, popcorn, chips, crackers, participants were truly entertained by the second. Performers include Hip-Hop dances by The Fizzy Fabulous, F2DM, UDC; Break dance by Cypher Crazed Crew; Beatbox by Bryan, Charles and Flavaone; Percussion band performance by Voodoo; Bhangra dance. Children were entertained by balloon sculpturing by Mr Lightning Finger and the inflatables!

As the party-goers grooved happily to the night's music and encouraged by the feedback from appreciative residents and grassroots leaders, YEC efforts have paid off.

Putting the success behind us and moving on, the YEC has countless people to thank but YEC will draw strength from the favourable responses from residents and party-goers. And organise more exciting activities that will make you yearn for more in the upcoming two years!

Khoo Yi Feng,
Training & Development Secretary, Eunos CC YEC

Youth Leaders voted into 13th term Eunos CC YEC

2009-09-03T12:52:00.005+08:00

25 July 2009

116 Eunos CC Youth Club members congregated at the Eunos CC theatrette to cast their votes for their ideal youth leaders for the 13th term Eunos Community Club Youth Executive Committee (YEC) at the 13th YEC Biennial General Meeting (BGM).

To be a Eunos CC Youth Club member, one needs to be a registered PAssion card holder of age between 12 and 35, inclusive.

At the registration counter, Eunos CC Youth Club members received the programme booklets, beautifully designed by the 12th term YEC's Publicity Secretary Mandy Loh. Among other information within the booklets are profiles of the 13th YEC BGM candidates as well as the events and financial reports for the 12th term YEC.

The Guest-of-Honour is our Adviser Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs & MP for Aljunied GRC.

The presentation of the Chairman's Report, Secretary's Report and Financial Report followed right after a short video about the 12th term Eunos CC YEC. Chairman Sear Hock Rong then called for the dissolution of the 12th term Eunos CC YEC.

Presiding Chairman, Mr Stephen Chia PBM, who is also Treasurer of Eunos Community Club Management Committee (CCMC), took over the meeting and called for the candidates to make their election speeches. After all had spoken, the casting of votes commenced.

As votes were counted, Emcee Azhar Rashid conducted gameshows "Are you a Movie Junkie?", and "Don't Forget the Lyrics" which kept member entertained.

Click here to view the 13th term Eunos CC YEC members

Hock Rong receives 2009 Stars of SHINE Favourite Nominee Award

2009-09-03T03:57:00.010+08:00

1 August 2009

Eunos Youth Club congratulates YEC Chairman Sear Hock Rong for emerging as the Favourite Nominee for the Stars of Shine Award 2009. Hock Rong received the award from Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports during the SHINE Festival celebrations.

Over the past few weeks, grassroots leaders and residents of Eunos logged onto the SHINE website to cast their votes in support of Hock Rong, who had volunteered his service to Eunos for the past 4 years.

The Stars of SHINE Favourite Nominee award is an annual award given to outstanding youths who are popularly voted online.

More about Hock Rong:

"Hock Rong first started to participate in community work when he was 14. Since then, he has never given up helping people and doing his part for the community. While pursuing his passion in community work, Hock Rong also took up the challenge of participating in the National Youth Achievement Award. He achieved the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards in 1999, 2000 and 2002 respectively.

When Hock Rong started to volunteer weekly at Meet-the-People Sessions in Eunos Constituency in 2004, he was encouraged by other volunteers to join the Residents’ Committee. He decided to do so and sought to change the mindset that the Residents’ Committee’s activities were only meant for senior citizens.

Since then, Hock Rong has helped to organise many block parties and festive celebrations to encourage social cohesion and racial harmony. Over one year, he and his friends also initiated and organised a monthly recycling programme and free Sunday breakfasts for more than 100 needy residents in the Eunos Constituency.

Hock Rong was elected as the Chairman of Eunos Community Club’s Youth Executive Committee (YEC) in 2007. The YEC successfully organised over 32 activities under his leadership. During the dengue outbreak in the same year, Hock Rong spearheaded a constituency-level project called ‘Fight Dengue Harmony Walk’ to create awareness on dengue prevention, educating more than 1,000 residents on the importance of maintaining a healthy environment.

Today, Hock Rong continues to serve actively in many volunteer and grassroots organisations such as the Eunos Community Club Management Committee, Eunos Civil Defence Executive Committee and Eunos PAP Community Foundation Management Committee.

Hock Rong is grateful for the support given by his family which has enabled him to pursue his passion for community work. He believes that it is important to strike a balance between his work, family and community work.

For his active contribution to the community and for garnering the most number of public votes, Hock Rong is conferred the Stars of SHINE Favourite Nominee 2009."

Source: http://www.shine.youth.sg/shine_starshine.php?pageno=&cat=3&id=6