A group of students from Anand Singapore International School recently participated in the prestigious ASEAN Students Leadership Conference (ASLC) in Singapore. Schools from different countries such as Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam  participated. This week-long event proved to be a transformative experience for the students, equipping them with valuable leadership skills and inspiring them to become catalysts for change in their communities.

The journey began with an exciting exploration of some of Singapore's most iconic attractions. Accompanied by me, students Jotham, Nishika, Lokesh, Sarvesh, and Dhananjay visited Universal Studios, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and the Merlion. A day at Orchard Road allowed them to indulge in some book shopping at the renowned Kinokuniya bookstore, and they capped off the day with a visit to Bugis Street to purchase souvenirs. The kids enjoyed the varieties of food in Singapore, especially the sumptuous lunch in the Italian restaurant in Plaza Singapura (Dhoby Ghaut). Aside from these, they also enjoyed the transportation using EZlink and they were able to ride on the MRT, bus and nice cars. They also got the chance to explore the different terminals in Singapore and were amazed by the Jewel rain vortex.

However, the highlight of the trip was the ASLC itself, a five-day conference designed to mold young leaders into effective agents of change. The conference offered a series of workshops and seminars that delved into the nuances of leadership, social entrepreneurship, and understanding the needs of communities. Students were exposed to various leadership models and learned how to address social issues while pursuing sustainable livelihoods.

One of the key experiences was a visit to a Scout Camp, where the students participated in challenging activities such as balancing and raft-building. These activities fostered teamwork, problem-solving skills, and resilience. The following day, the group visited Dignity Kitchen, a social enterprise that provides employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Here, the students learned basic sign language, which they used to order drinks, and participated in a task to fold boxes using only one hand. This experience heightened their awareness of inclusivity and compassion.                                                

The visit to the Singapore Association for the Deaf further enriched their learning, as the students were taught to sign the alphabet and engage in meaningful communication with the deaf community.

As the conference progressed, the students worked diligently on their project presentations. Under the scrutiny of judges, they presented their ideas with confidence and received valuable feedback for improvement. The excitement culminated in the Cultural Presentation, where it was announced that the Anand Singapore International School team had won the Gold Medal award. This recognition was a testament to their hard work, creativity, and collaborative spirit.

The ASEAN Students Leadership Conference was more than just an educational trip; it was an inspiring journey that instilled a deep sense of responsibility and empowerment in the participants. The students returned home not only with memories of their achievements but with a renewed commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. As they continue their journey, these young leaders are well-equipped to become effective social change-makers.