From an array of talented performances to free sports try-outs and craft workshops, PAssionWaVe@Jurong Lake Gardens was pumped with great energy and enthusiasm on July 6. The weekend celebrated a diversity of interests among youths. There were leather-crafting workshops, art jamming, mixology mocktails and coffee appreciation sessions for the creative; dragon boating, pedal boating and kayaking for the sporty; basking performances for the artiste; and halal goodies for the foodie in all of us.
The M3 Youth Festival is a thoughtful collaboration among young people from the People’s Association Malay Activity Executive Committees Council, MENDAKI Singapore and the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore. Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, attended as Guest of Honour and joined in the fun with over 2,000 participants.
Aside from all the fun-filled activities, a special segment invited kayakers to paddle towards a good cause. A corporate donor would match a sum of money to be donated to Club HEAL for every lap completed. Standing for “Hope, Empowerment, Acceptance & Love!”, the local voluntary welfare organisation supports those with mental illnesses. “Kayak for a Cause” aims to harness the energy of youths to give back to the community, and nurture the spirit of active citizenry. The young people successfully raised $10,000 by the end of the day.
The festival also served as a platform to engage with young people through exciting programmes, and share support and resources available to them. Ms Rahayu Mahzam, Member of Parliament for the Jurong Group Representation Constituency, who stayed throughout the day, announced various programmes and initiatives for the youths in the community. As part of YOUTHx, a month-long celebration in July 2019 for youths, and aligned with the SG Youth Action Plan, attendees had a chance to participate in competitions and workshops and share their aspirations for Singapore.
The event acknowledged the range of youth interests while engaging them in meaningful contributions to society.
