SUPERHEROES IN TRAININGLeadership training isn’t just for the big boys.

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Contents

PatronTeo Chee Hean Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Home Affairs and Co-ordinating Minister for National Security

Board of Directors[Chairman] Michael Palmer Partner, Harry Elias Partnership; MP, Punggol East SMC

Raymond McConnell Co-Founder and Managing Director, Sandler Training® Singapore

Sze-Meng Soon Director, Visa Inc.

Bill Padfield Chief Executive Officer, Datacraft Asia Ltd

David Lee Yong Guan Special advisor, China UnionPay

Jeffrey Yip Co-Founder, Halogen Foundation Singapore

Martin Tan Co-Founder and Executive Director, Halogen Foundation Singapore

Editorial TeamJael Chng Editor

Faith LuoWriter

Lin Xue HuWriter

Peter OhDesigner

ContributorsDarlene Joy Uy

Switching Perspectives, Clicking as a Family

Newbie on BoardGet Mighty! Superheroes in Training

Inner Peace

Get Involved!

Rising up to The Leadership Challenge®

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Halogen Foundation Singapore, 11A Mount Sophia #02-05 Old SchoolSingapore 228465T: +65 6884 5680 F: +65 6884 5670

: www.halogenfoundation.org: singapore@halogenfoundation.org: facebook.com/halogensg: twitter.com/halogensg

Website

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From the Executive Director’s Laptop

HOW YOUNG CAN WE GO IN DEVELOPING leadership in our students or children? If my own daughters are an example to go by, they can start as young as 3.

Both Maegan (5 y.o) and Meredith (3 y.o) are avid gymnasts. Or at least they think they are. Inspired by the weekly gym classes they take at The Little Gym, they see their home as another gym class as they jump, run and climb on the sofa sets, the chairs and even attempt to walk down the kiddy slide.

Maegan, being the drama queen that she is, would climb onto our living room sofa and jump down, landing on both legs, standing up straight while raising her hands and exclaiming loudly, “Tada!” Meredith on the other hand will see her older sister’s great exploits and do likewise, but fall flat on her face.

It is at this point I told Maegan that as the big “Jie Jie” or “older sister”, Meredith will imitate her in everything that she does. I was trying to impress upon her that she has a huge influence over her sister and that she should set a good example. Looking at me with her big round eyes, she seemed to understand what I just said and called her sister over, saying, “Meredith, let’s go and climb on Daddy’s bed. It’s higher!”

Okay, maybe she didn’t quite get the idea. However, the fact remains that even at her age, she exerts an influence over her sister that we can classify as leadership.

Our stereotypical definition of leadership is somewhat positional and often tied to great exploits and grand vision. For us at Halogen Foundation, we define leadership as leadership guru John C. Maxwell would - as INFLUENCE. While many people strive to have positions of authority and power, it might pay for us to recognise that the key to moving people and organisations is influence.

Our role as educators is not to box their creative minds up to see leadership as something to strive for, but rather, even at the tender age of 3, expose them to opportunities of influencing people. Be it at the playground, home or school, our role is to link their minds to how they can influence each other, which then becomes second nature, and encourage that leadership behavior.

In this issue of Halogen360, we’ll be exploring the theme of leadership in families. We believe that young leaders don’t have to wait to grow up to lead, but they can influence, today. So the next time your child or student starts bossing other children around on the playground, don’t stop them from doing it. They are leading. What we can do is to direct that innate ability towards being a positive influence.

Martin TanCo-founder and Executive DirectorHalogen Foundation Singapore

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In one segment, former 98.7FM DJ Daniel Ong and Fly entertainment artiste Jaime Teo discussed how growing up with broken families empowered them to provide for their child what they never got to have.

But it wasn’t all talk – leaving waves after waves of roaring applause in their wake were the spectacular performances by the O School dancers and the Urban Drum Crew, not to mention the warm-up dance that got

IF YOU’VE EVER SHARED BATHROOMS with a sibling or found a character from the Simpsons disturbingly familiar in your life, you’ll understand just what an “accident” families can be. In May 2011, The Switch ‘n’ Click Show organised by the National Family Council (NFC) offered a much called-for platform for youth to solve the giant riddle that is family life: by putting ourselves in another family member’s shoes and meeting them on common ground.

The forum, hosted by The Muttons, signalled the launch of a month-long national celebration of Family. It called upon young people to become the change they want to see in their households. More than 4000 students gathered in the Expo Max Pavilion to enjoy the morning with the newly minted Acting Minister of MCYS, MG (NS) Chan Chun Sing, Marine Parade MP Mr Seah Kian Peng, Mr Lim Soon Hock, Chairman of National Family Council and many others.

ABOVE: TAMPINES SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS CELEBRATE AS THEY ARE NAMED WINNERS OF AN XBOX CONSOLE

Lin Xue Hu is interning with Halogen, on ‘loan’ from NUS (National University of Singapore). An avid geography student, he dreams of writing for National Geographic one day.

Family is just an accident. They don’t mean to get on your nerves. They don’t

even mean to be your family, they just are.

Marsha Norman

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Switching Perspectives,Clicking as a Family

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everyone in the room up on their feet to shake their thang!

We had a wonderful time partnering with NFC in putting this programme together, feeling the love from our students and seeing them grin from ear to ear (which we suspect that it may have something to do with them not having to go to school on a weekday).

Still, let’s not forget why we were there and who we were there for! Our families are the people we start and end our lives with, so redefine and add meaning to your faily life today – start with a greeting in the morning, a smile, a touch, a kiss, a hug – and let it begin with YOU!

“Blood is thicker than water... so says my

Chemistry book”

DANIEL ONG

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A STUDENT ENJOYING THE PERFORMANCES ON STAGE. THE HALOGEN TEAM CELEBRATES A ROARING SUCCESS

AFTER THE LAUNCH OF THE NATIONAL FAMILY CELEBRATIONS 2011! APPLAUSE FROM GUEST OF HONOUR - MS(NS) CHAN CHUN SING AND OTHER

VIPS AFTER THE O SCHOOL DANCE PERFORMANCE. COUPLE DANIEL ONG AND JAIME TEO SHARE A TENDER MOMENT TOGETHER.

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Daddy, Mummy, Jie Jie. Although mostly every weekend we will go out for our family gathering, bt we hardly have chance to go out for just the four of us. I really wan to have a time of our own like how we did it in the past. Swimming, jogging, cycling and exercising. It gonna be fun with all of you! Can it be another memorable day? 25 June is family day. I book 3 of you on that day alright? I love you!!! <3

From ur lovely daughter, Sheryl

How did your family spend

“Family Day Out” (25 June 2011)?

Get Mighty!Superheroes in training

ABOVE: THE HALOGEN 5 - ASTA, BRODY, FLO, CHLOE AND ION - NAMED AFTER HALOGEN ELEMENTS IN THE PERIODIC TABLE.RIGHT: PLANET JUSBLE - THE WINNING GROUP AT BRAND’S® CAMP 2011.

WHO’S A LEADER? 98 HANDS SHOOT UP as voices eagerly shout out, “me!”

Its second year in the running, the Superhero Leadership Camp organised by Halogen and sponsored by BRAND’S® saw 98 kids aged 9-12 spending 2 days of their June holidays at Fort Canning. After the initial warm up, the energy level in the room went notches up! Kids and adults got to know each other, bringing out the excitement and competition with group cheers, flags and games. Together, we went through modules and fun yet practical activities which proved that everyone has the potential to be a leader through personal influence. We also learnt about how our core values should translate into action, ways to gain self-confidence, communicating skills and goal-setting.

At the end of the camp, the kids graduated from cadet school to become “superheroes”! Campers, volunteers and staff alike were all sad about leaving a camp where strong bonds had been forged. One parent said,

To check out that fun, do take a look at our photos and videos where everybody’s at – Facebook!

Faith Luo chose Halogen as her first job after attaining her degree from down under. She now lives her dream in training and engaging with young leaders.

It was a very fulfilling camp for (my son) who not only brought home a bag full of wisdom on how to be a good leader but

added many more friends into his facebook. He had so much fun!

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: I WANT TO BE A SUPERHERO! HALOGEN STAFF AND

VOLUNTEERS. BRAND’S® CAMP PARTICIPANT - JON LEE. ALL THE HAPPY CAMPERS.

Name: Jon Lee Xuanhao Age: 11+School: Ngee Ann Primary SchoolInteresting fact: Jon is a go karting enthusiast with several wins under his belt! Find out more at www.jonleexh.com.

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Faith (F): Hi Jon! Glad you joined us at the recent BRAND’S® Leadership Camp! How was the experience for you?Jon Lee (J): It was fun, enjoyable and fulfilling!

F: What did you like best about the camp?J: I liked the “amazing race” the best!

F: You were one of the inhabitants of Planet Jusble (one of the camp teams). Tell us about your group mates and superhero coaches.J: My group mates were very helpful and willing to take part in all the activities. The superhero coaches were also supportive, gave clear instructions and they taught me how to be a better leader.

F: What were some things you learned? J: I learnt that leadership is not only about bossing people around and making people do things. It’s about influencing others. Most importantly, I also learnt about time management that will help me balance studies and racing.

F: Would you want to come back for more?J: Of course! I can’t wait to be 18 years old so that I can be a team leader myself (which is one of the criteria to be a team leader). It’s a pity I won’t be able to join the Leadership camp next year as I will be over the age limit!

Leadership is everyone’s business. It is not a place or position. It is not a rank or title. And most importantly, it is not available only to an elite few.

Don’t miss this inspiring workshop designed to help teachers grow personally as leaders to further develop their students’ and peers’ capabilities with confidence. Backed by more than 25 years of original research, The Leadership Challenge® programmes have been proven to cultivate the leadership potential in every person.

Date22 & 23 September 2011 (Thu & Fri)

VenueSuntec Guild House 3 Temasek Boulevard #05-01,Suntec City Mall S038983

Course fee$880 per participant Group discounts apply

Due to overwhelming response, Halogen has organised another run of The Leadership Challenge® for Teachers on 22 & 23 September 2011. As it has limited spaces, please sign up quick to avoid disappointment. For more information and/or to register, feel free to contact Darlene at darlene@halogenfoundation.org or 6884 5680.

TWENTY FOUR TEACHERS AND leaders bravely took up The Leadership Challenge® on 24-25 March 2011. The workshop was a meeting of minds from 11 different schools and organisations, with fiery discussions about what it means to be a leader. It was an activity-filled workshop, which made learning about the five practices of exemplary leadership more fun and meaningful. Throughout the two days, the participants examined their best experiences in leadership, crafted a vision for their communities, and racked their brains thinking of innovative solutions during group activities.

Most of the participants strongly agreed that the workshop helped to develop their leadership skills. More than that though, as Michelle from Dunman High School said,

The challenge is applicable to people

from all walks of life and it’s not

about big success or achievements...

everyone can achieve all five practices in

their own way.

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Darlene Joy Uy is passionate about educating young leaders via Halogen’s Young Leader’s Academy. She is an avid reader so chances are, you’ll find her with her Kindle when you see her.

At the end of the second day, everyone was raring to go back and apply what they had learned. Sabrina from Nanyang Girls’ High School affirmed “that I am heading in the right direction... I am now motivated to share my learnings with my peers and students”.

The workshop once again re-affirmed Halogen’s belief that leadership training for teachers matters and is key to building young leaders. As Jeremy from St. Joseph’s Institution said, “through challenge and empowerment, greatness can happen!”

Rising up to The Leadership Challenge®

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Rising up to The Leadership Challenge®

Newbie on Board

Jael Chng champions relevant ways of communicating with young people at Halogen. She blogs, tweets, snap photos, videos, posts on Facebook and writes for an online magazine.

Jael Chng interviews the team’s latest addition,

Faith LuoCommunications and Academy Executive

LEFT: FAITH WITH FELLOW HALOGEN STAFF AS SUPERHEROES COACHES AT BRAND’S CAMP 2011

BOTTOM: FAITH WITH HER HERO PARENTS (IN WHITE) AS HER FAMILY CELEBRATES HER NEPHEW’S 1ST BIRTHDAY.

Jael (J): Hi Faith! As a fresh grad, why did you decide to join Halogen? Faith (F): Hello Jael! I’ve been at Halogen for about 2 months now and it’s been great! Previously, after I graduated, while thinking about career options, I volunteered with Halogen’s trainings in schools and found that I really enjoyed it. It was also not completely unfamiliar ground because I’ve been working with youth since I was a youth (well, teen) myself! At the end of the day, I asked, “Am I doing what I do best everyday?” Everyone has different strengths and passions – why not work in those areas? Here, I get to live out my passion – nurturing young people and believing in them – and that is incredibly fulfilling.

Also, the difference here at Halogen is that all of us believe in what we do. When we go to schools or have our events, it’s not about “just another job”, but it is a privilege and opportunity to be able to impact young lives.

J: Who is your hero leader?F: Hm. I’m the kind of person who notices the little things. It’s not really some famous figure who has impacted me, but really, those whom I actually know personally. These include my parents and mentors in life. If I had to pick out one, I’d say my mom.

My mom is awesommmme! Haha. Mother ≠ easy job! But somehow, she always made things fun for us when we were kids, be it meal or assignment times, or playing in the rain with an umbrella (which other cool mom would let her kids do that?!) She always assured us of her love – none of us 5 kids ever lacked her attention and care. She “built” us up with her love. I want to be like that too!

J: What are your hopes and dreams?F: I believe young people have a lot of potential. It’s good to see more efforts to collaborate with and nurture youth in Singapore these days. However, they are still many who are discouraged and are seen in a negative light because of their “difference” from the generation before them. The irony is that it happens with every generation!

I want to see young people have mentors, educators and family who will believe in them, encourage them to dream big and educate them rightly to make wise, informed choices.

I’m glad I can be a part of that dream through Halogen ;)

Am I doing what I do best everyday? Everyone has different strengths and

passions – why not work (contribute) in those areas?

Faith Luo

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Inner PeaceReview

Coming Soon(Akan Datang)

Captain America: The First Avenger

Cars 2

Final Destination 5

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

The Twlight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1

I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR KUNG FU PANDA 2 since January (I’m a huge animation fan, complete with DVD collections and figurines). Kung Fu Panda 2 certainly did not disappoint with more action, better graphic rendering and also a strong storyline. I wasn’t expecting Kung Fun Panda to dig so deep as Toy Story 3, where it explored themes of team work (“No toy gets left behind”) and moving on with life (“Andy’s going to college”). I admit, I actually shed a tear when Po came to the revelation of the power of choices in the present.

Not all of us had a great start but that doesn’t disqualify us for what we can choose to be now. In Kung Fu Panda 1, the movie briefly touched on treasuring the now - “There is a saying: yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the ‘present.’” - Oogway.

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the ‘present’.

Oogway

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As I walked out of the movie theatre, I thought to myself - it’s such a positive message for young leaders. Halogen could weave this clip into one of our modules. I’m sure many young leaders grapple with the “unfairness” of life and that the playing field is not levelled. Kung Fu Panda 2 may seem just like a kid’s holiday movie, but it is definitely much more than that.

Today is a gift. Enjoy it!

Jael Chng

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See that’s the thing Shen, scars heal.

Oh yeah… what do scars do? They fade I guess.

I don’t care what scars do…

You should, Shen. You’ve got to let go of the stuff from the past – because it just doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is what you choose to be now.

Po

Image by Dream

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Lord Shen

No they don’t… wounds heal.

In the past 8 years, over a hundred volunteers have joined us at Halogen. Our volunteers range from all ages and professions, including students. If you’ll like to join us in building young leaders and take your leadership skills further, you can volunteer at/as:

• Events and camps: Roles include event conceptualisation, technical managers, sound managers, producers, registration, ushering, photography etc.

• Trainers and Assistant trainers for school workshops

• Writers for our newsletters and social media sites

• Specialist volunteers:

It’s a great opportunity to give back and strengthen our communities. If you’re interested or just want to find out more, contact us at singapore@halogenfoundation.org!

No. of students targeted to impacted in 2011

No. of students impacted to date

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Who can be a leader? You! Yes, you. Whether you are a teacher or student, we believe you can be a leader. At Halogen, we define leadership not as positional, but personal influence. In line with that, Halogen has a range of programmes suited for both students and educators.

These include:• Everyday Leadership workshops

for individual classes and motivational mass talks

• Inspirational large-scale events, such as the National Young Primary Leaders’ Day and the National Young Leaders Day (November 2011)

• The Leadership Challenge® Workshop for teachers and The Student Leadership Challenge®

Workshop for students

Our programmes are customisable and affordable to meet each school’s needs. Find out more about our youth leadership programmes by contacting Darlene at darlene@halogenfoundation.org or at 6884 5680.

Get Involved!

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Contribute your special skills and professional talent in areas such as IT, research and curriculum development, teaching etc.

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Write a cheque to Halogen Foundation SingaporeMail it to us at: Halogen Foundation Singapore11A Mount Sophia, #02-05, Old School, Singapore 228465

Bank Transfer to our DBS accountAccount name: Halogen Foundation (Singapore)Account number: 033-900802-8

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If you’re investing as an individual, please let us know your name, NRIC, address, email and mobile number. If you’re investing as a company, please let us know your company’s name, ROC number, address, email and contact number. This will enable us to issue tax deduction receipts to you/your company. As a registered Institute of Public Character ( IPC), all donations to Halogen Foundation Singapore will enjoy a 2.5 times tax deduction.

Help us build this foundation for the future, together.

We exist to build young leaders who will become significant contributors to our society. If you’ll like to invest into this cause, you can:

Halogen Foundation Singapore, 11A Mount Sophia #02-05 Old SchoolSingapore 228465

T: +65 6884 5680F: +65 6884 5670

: www.halogenfoundation.org: singapore@halogenfoundation.org: facebook.com/halogensg: twitter.com/halogensg

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