FOUR young Filipinos were selected to join the inaugural batch of the Asia’s Rising Circle (ARC), a regional youth development programme of the Singapore International Foundation. They were among 38 changemakers from Southeast Asia, China, and India who completed the hybrid programme from January 9 to 31, 2026.
ARC combined virtual workshops with in-person sessions in Singapore, focusing on leadership capability, resilience, systems thinking, and cross-border collaboration. But more than frameworks and modules, participants spoke of something less technical and more lasting: connection.
The first edition of ARC placed well-being at the center of the conversation — not as a side topic, but as a foundation for economic opportunity and social mobility. For young leaders navigating rapid change and technological disruption, it was a reminder that progress is not only about scale, but sustainability.
In Singapore, the cohort took part in Human Library sessions, panel discussions, and dialogues with policymakers, including Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Minister of State Rahayu Mahzam. During a fireside chat, Balakrishnan urged participants to deepen their expertise and use it for positive social change — a message that resonated with many in the room.
For Brelyn Mae P. Belmores of Sarangani, one of the four Filipino delegates, the experience was about building a transnational network grounded in shared purpose.
“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,” said Belmores, a community manager.
The ARC is part of SIF’s broader youth leadership initiatives, alongside the ASEAN Youth Fellowship and BRIDGE programme. Together, they aim to strengthen trust and cooperation among emerging leaders in the region.
For the Filipino participants, they came from different corners of the Philippines — and landed in Singapore with one thing in common: the drive to lead beyond borders.
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