innovation

ARC strengthens the Singapore International Foundation’s suite of youth development and exchange programmes, enhancing a regional leadership journey that empowers young changemakers
 to drive impact across borders.

The Singapore International Foundation (SIF) has concluded the inaugural edition of Asia’s Rising Circle (ARC), a regional youth development initiative that supports youth in advancing economic opportunities and social mobility by strengthening leadership capability and builds trusted cross-border networks across Asia.

Four youth leaders from the Philippines were chosen to represent the country among 38 other changemakers from Southeast Asia, China, and India, equipping them to navigate disruption and create meaningful impact in their communities. Designed as a platform for future-focused leadership, ARC develops resilience, systems thinking and cross-border collaboration to address shared challenges across borders.

Held from 9 to 31 January 2026, the hybrid programme combined virtual learning with in-person sessions in Singapore. Centered on health as a foundation for resilience and mobility, the inaugural edition examined how well-being can shape economic opportunities and long-term progress across Asian communities.

A multi-edition initiative focused on themes shaping opportunity and mobility

ARC is designed as a multi-edition programme that supports young changemakers to navigate complexity and drive impact in their communities. Each edition focuses on themes that shape economic opportunities and social mobility, including health and resilience, employment and adaptability, and lifelong learning.

Future editions will explore how adaptability supports employability in a changing world, and how agile learning pathways can broaden opportunity over time.

Programme highlights: strengthening leadership and cross-border collaboration

ARC began with a series of online capacity building workshops anchored on three learning pillars – knowledge, skills, and abilities. Participants explored how disruption can catalyse innovation and positive change, strengthened adaptable and resilient leadership, and applied systems thinking to better understand interconnected challenges.

From 25 to 31 January, participants gathered in Singapore for an in-person segment. Highlights included a Human Library on redefining success and well-being, dialogues with Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, and Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information, and Ministry of Health Ms Rahayu Mahzam, as well as panel discussions on technology, resilience, and youth empowerment. The experience was complemented by learning journeys that offered on-the-ground perspectives from practitioners.

Speaking at a fireside chat titled Youth as Bridge-Builders: Collaborating Across Borders for an Inclusive, Resilient and Sustainable Asia, Dr Balakrishnan challenged participants to strive for excellence in their respective fields, urging them to reflect on how they could make a positive difference in society.

He said: “Whatever your interest or profession, be very good at it, and think about how you can contribute to positive change in your society. Add value and do good for others, because leadership is not an attribute in isolation. It must be grounded in the opportunities you are given, and in how you choose to act on them.”

Concluding the session, he added: “We must stand on our own two feet but also stand together to make common cause wherever we can and harvest the opportunities from the technological revolution while hopefully keeping the peace and cohesion within our own societies.”

SIF’s longstanding focus on youth leadership and engagement

Mr Janadas Devan, SIF Chairman, said:“Across Asia, young people are not only navigating rapid change – they are shaping the future. Asia’s Rising Circle reflects SIF’s commitment to youth leadership and cross-border collaboration, creating a space where emerging changemakers can build capability, forge meaningful connections, and turn disruption into opportunity and impact.

The SIF marks 35 years of fostering people-to-people ties and nurturing long-term partnerships across communities. We are proud to convene diverse young leaders, support them in tackling complex challenges, and nurture relationships that will sustain collaboration, well beyond the programme.”     

The demographic shaping Asia’s future – youths play a decisive role in turning complexity and uncertainty into opportunity. Their leadership strengthens social cohesion, drives innovation and expands access to opportunity. This underscores the need for sustained investment in leadership capability, cross-border trust, and enduring networks.

Building on 35 years of fostering cross-border connections, SIF advances youth leadership through a suite of programmes – including ARC, Bilateral Relations and Intercultural Dialogue for Growth and Empowerment (BRIDGE), the ASEAN Youth Fellowship – which addresses different dimensions of youth development and regional collaboration. Together, they strengthen leadership capability, build trust across borders, and grow a resilient regional network of youth leaders committed to collective action for social good.

Filipino Participant Ms Brelyn Mae P. Belmores, Community Development Manager, Provincial Local Government Unit of Sarangani Province, said: “What resonated with me most was how ARC intentionally cultivated a transnational ecosystem of participants from diverse backgrounds, providing fresh regional perspectives on shared challenges across Asia. I am leaving with new connections and friendship that genuinely feel lasting.”

Indonesian participant Mr Muhammad Adwin Luthfian Noor, Medical Social Worker and the Head of Marketing at Radjiman Wediodiningrat Hospital, Ministry of Health, Indonesia, said: “I appreciated how ARC created a safe space for honest conversations across cultures. I gained new perspectives on what progress and mobility mean in different contexts – and how trust is built through listening, not just learning.”

Malaysian Participant, Ms Liyann Ooi, Behavioural Science Officer at World Health Organisation Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, said: “ARC stood out for how thoughtfully it was designed – from the online learning to the in-person sessions in Singapore. The Human Library and dialogues were especially meaningful; and they challenged me to rethink what success and well-being look like, both personally and as a next gen leader.”

Looking ahead

As a multi–edition initiative, ARC will continue to convene emerging changemakers across Asia, addressing themes that shape youth opportunity and mobility. Through future cohorts, ARC will strengthen leadership capability, deepen trust across borders, and cultivate a vibrant alumni network – supporting an enduring community of youth leaders committed to driving impact across the region.