Dear students,
The National Youth Council (NYC) is bringing together local and international students, young working adults, and community leaders for the inaugural Integration Symposium, titled Crossing Cultures, Creating Community, on 12 September 2026 (Saturday). This is a unique opportunity for students to help shape what integration looks like for your generation.
Expect a day of genuine connection and meaningful exchange through social mixers and speed-friending activities that break the ice, a marketplace of opportunities to discover networks and resources for your integration journey, and a panel dialogue with Mr Baey Yam Keng, Minister of State for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Transport (to be confirmed).
Come and forge friendships across borders, exchange perspectives that challenge and enrich your own, and join a growing community of youths committed to a harmonious Singapore!
Details of Symposium
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Date |
12 September 2026, Saturday |
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Time |
12.00PM – 5.00PM |
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Venue |
Sands Expo & Convention Centre (Hibiscus Junior Ballroom, Level 3) |
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Guest-of-Honor |
Mr Baey Yam Keng, Minister of State for Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Transport (tbc) |
Programme
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Time |
Details
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12:00pm |
Registration & Networking + Fringe Activities
Doors open at 12.00pm with lunch, conversation cards and personality quizzes to help attendees connect and find potential new friends.
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1:00pm |
Opening by Host
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1:05pm |
Pre-Dialogue Conversations
Through small group conversations with seating buddies, participants reflect on their own integration experiences and assumptions through live polling, sparking honest conversations that set the stage for the panel dialogue.
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1:30pm |
Panel Dialogue with MOS Baey: Forging Genuine Connections in a Diverse Singapore (working title)
The dialogue with MOS Baey will explore Singapore's diversity as a shared asset, recognising that meaningful integration is built through everyday relationships and this requires both locals and internationals to take active ownership in fostering an inclusive society.
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2:30pm |
Marketplace (Pasar Malam of Opportunities) and Fringe Activities
The Pasar Malam of Opportunities comprises organisations across volunteering, cultural integration, civic engagement, and professional networking. Participants can sign up for opportunities to take steps to contribute to a more integrated community.
There will also be speed-friending and social mixers conducted by Never Strangers, and cultural immersion workshops featuring traditional games, arts/music showcase and food tasting.
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5:00pm |
End of Symposium
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We’re looking for:
- Local and international students less than 35 years old to support meaningful cross-cultural exchanges
- Those with an interest in organising and/or promoting local-foreigner cohesions on campuses
- Those who have a desire to connect, build friendships and understanding across nationalities
- Local and/or international students seeking access to local networks/resources to contribute to local-foreigner integration efforts beyond graduation
- Youths keen to learn about how the Government can support foreign youths to hold events promoting bonding within their community and the larger Singaporean population, with potential to champion integration efforts beyond the Symposium
🔗 Register here (Please submit BOTH forms below) by 17 August 2026 (Monday)
---Note: The next segment will only apply to students who are attending the Integration Symposium above.
Beyond your participation in the Symposium, the school would also like to invite you to be an Integration Ambassador.
As an Integration Ambassador, you'll gain practical knowledge, leadership skills and hands-on experience to champion integration efforts in your own community. You'll learn how to design meaningful initiatives that bring local and international youths together, while receiving mentorship and access to funding to turn your ideas into reality.
Whether it's organising cultural exchange nights, community volunteering projects, sports and social activities, or buddy programmes that help international students build friendships in Singapore, you'll be supported with the resources and guidance to make a real impact.
Beyond funding, you'll become part of NYC's network of youth leaders and community partners, connecting you with organisations, mentors and fellow changemakers who can help you grow your ideas, expand your reach and continue making a difference beyond your campus.
You will go for a 6-month Integration Ambassador Programme (IAP) organised by NYC, comprising:
- a two-day induction programme in end Oct, and
- a post-induction journey until March 2027.
Post IAP, you will have the opportunity to be engaged at future local-foreigner integration events and platforms, including Government and partner organisation programmes, giving you real-world experience to further hone your skills and deepen your impact.
🔗 Register for IAP by 17 August 2026 (Monday): https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/uGSa2LTRq9
*Ensure that you have signed up for the Sympsium above before signing up for the IAP.