15 Years of Youth Leadership: SINDA Youth Club Empowers the Next Generation of Leaders and Community Builders

SYC looks ahead to its next chapter by evolving programmes and opportunities in line with changing needs and aspirations of young people.

1. 15 August 2026 – The Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) commemorated 15 years of the SINDA Youth Club (SYC), bringing together close to 150 youth, alumni, volunteers, advisors and partners to mark the milestone and recognise SYC’s contributions to youth development and community engagement.

2. “Today, we celebrate not just 15 years of SYC, but 15 years of friendships formed, confidence built, leaders nurtured and lives changed, said Mr Anbarasu Rajendran, CEO, SINDA. He further added, “What makes SYC special is the confidence it gives our youth — creating a safe space where they can discover themselves, take small steps forward and realise what they are capable of.”

3. SYC’s journey reflects SINDA’s broader commitment to creating opportunities for young people to develop their capabilities and participate actively in society — in line with national priorities. In 2025 alone, more than 3,000 youth took part in SINDA’s leadership, mentoring and youth development initiatives. The recently launched SG Youth Plan similarly seeks to create more avenues for young people to pursue their aspirations.

4. At the anniversary celebration, Guest-of-Honour, Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance and National Development and President, SINDA, highlighted the importance of helping young people recognise their strengths and prepare for a rapidly changing world.

5. Ms Indranee Rajah shared, “At the heart of SYC’s success is its belief in our young people. The abilities, talents and potential are already within each of you — SYC’s role is to help unlock them and give you the space to shine. As the world becomes increasingly complex, what matters is having the confidence and resilience to navigate change, find your own path and know that you have the ability to make a difference.”

6. In line with the event’s theme, “Leaders of Tomorrow”, SYC will continue evolving with the needs and aspirations of young people, equipping them to take on greater roles within the community and placing youth perspectives at the centre of its next chapter.

7. SYC engages young people through a range of leadership, service-learning and community initiatives. Through the Club’s “For Youth, By Youth” model, participants take ownership of their projects and contribute meaningfully to shape opportunities for their peers.

• • Since 2022, the SINDA Youth Empowerment Camp (SYEC) has supported more than 160 upper-secondary youth through a peer-led approach, with SYC Peer Leaders mentoring participants and encouraging teamwork, leadership and volunteerism.

• • SYC introduced YouthGiving24 in 2023, offering an immersive 24-hour service-learning experience spanning community kitchens, migrant befriending, senior engagement and environmental action. Through guided reflection sessions, participants explored the importance of sustained volunteering and continued community involvement.

• • Flagship initiatives such as the SINDA Youth Leaders Seminar (SYLS), SINDA Young Leaders Programme (SYLP) and ITE Leadership Programme (ITELP) provide youth with pathways to take on leadership roles and collaborate with their peers.

8. A showcase of youth-led projects at the celebration highlighted that young individuals are not simply beneficiaries of programmes, but active partners in shaping solutions and driving initiatives that respond to the needs of the community.

9. As SYC marked this milestone, interactive booths and a commemorative segment, “15 Years, One SYC – Wishes for the Future”, brought together past and present members of the SYC community to share their aspirations for the Club’s next chapter and continued growth. The moment reflected the collective hopes of those who have been part of SYC’s journey and their commitment to supporting future generations of youth.

10. Building on its foundation, SYC aims to evolve from a suite of programmes into a platform for youth to thrive, lead, and contribute. At the heart of the next phase is a focus on connecting, contextualising, and creating pathways for the next generation, providing access to relevant support through mentorship, volunteering, expertise and networks.

For more information and media queries, please contact: corpcomms@sinda.org.sg