Since the March earthquake in Japan this year, City Harvest Church has sent six disaster-relief teams to the region. Church members Lee Zhiwei and Evelyn Yong, give City News a firsthand account of their personal experiences during a trip in late October

Contributed By Lee Zhiwei and Evelyn Yong

Members of the disaster relief teams tore up flooring and cleaned up furniture.

This mission trip was different from the one in May. On that first trip, the disaster relief team was based an hour’s drive away from the affected Ishinomaki province. As such, we would travel to the affected areas and work in the day and then go back to our base, which was quite a distance away. This meant that we were always away from the residents and had few opportunities to interact with them.

During this trip however, the team stayed near the residents. The proximity allowed both the Japanese people and the volunteers to interact with one another with greater ease and convenience and created many opportunities to share about each other’s lives. As a result, a closer bond between them and us. Communication was also easier, as practical acts of love and kindness were enough to convey thanks and appreciation between parties, despite the language barrier.

HOPE AMIDST FEAR

Konno is a homeless 56-year-old man whose hometown was in Ishinomaki. At the time of the earthquake, Konno was staying in Tokyo and actually cycled for one month back to Ishinomaki. Along the way, he could only afford to have one meal every two to three days. When he reached his neighborhood, his previous home was in a bad condition but as he had no money, he stayed in the dilapidated home until authorities deemed it too dangerous for habitation. He was then moved to a temporary shelter at the Ochako House, which was the relief base for Hongodai Christ Church in Ishinomaki. This was where our team met him.

We learned that someone had already introduced the gospel to him and had given him some Christian books to read. Mika, our Japanese coordinator, told us that we had one week with Konno as he had to move out again, so we prayed that he would accept Christ before we left. The following day was a Sunday and our team attended a small chapel session. At the end of the meeting, the preacher gave an altar call for salvation and Konno responded. As the days went by, I began to notice changes in him. One obvious difference was his newfound devotion to the Word of God. After work each day, we would see him either reading the Bible or a Christian book, or attending a Bible study organized by Hongodai Church.

Despite the language barrier, our team continued to shower him with loving and caring gestures. Slowly but surely, we began to observe a tangible change in him. His countenance brightened, and he looked happier and hopeful, and smiled more. Our encounter with him reminded us of the verse in Jeremiah 29:11, which says that God has plans to give us a hope and a future. We believe that God will take care of Konno and give him a wonderful future and hope in spite of his present circumstances.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CITY HARVEST CHURCH.

We helped one family whose kitchen had been badly damaged by the flood. Our team hacked the flooring and removed part of it so that we could remove the sea mud. The work was physically demanding because the space that the men in our team worked in was very tight. But we managed to complete the job in half a day and the family was very grateful to us.

Tomizawa, who was known to be a very quiet and reserved person, started to warm up to us and began to open up and talk to us. Mika was most surprised as she had been in contact with this family for several months and was constantly reaching out to them, yet they were not very open to her. We were very glad that our presence made a difference to him and his family.

The ladies on our team went over to the neighboring house, which belonged to Kamei, a single mother. They helped to wash off the sea mud from her furniture and managed to salvage whatever they could that could still be used. This was important, as it would defray additional expenses on Kamei’s part, as she sought to rebuild her life and home all over again.

Lee Zhiwei (extreme right) and Evelyn Yong (front row, second from left).

Our third experience was with the Murai family. They now live on the second level of their house because the first storey was destroyed by the tsunami. We helped the family to remove the debris and cleaned up the first floor in preparation for renovation works. We spent one and a half days helping to remove plasterboards, nails, insulation sponges, kitchen cabinets—even a toilet bowl and a bathtub. The effect of the tsunami was still evident—the insulation sponges we removed from the ceiling were still dripping with moisture. Before we left one evening, they asked us to pray for them and their house, even though they were not Christians.

When we returned to our base station, we thought this was the last time we would see them but it was not so. We realized they were very moved by our efforts and the time we took to work on their house. They even visited us at our base just so they could spend time with us. Our experience with the Murai family encouraged us. It was evident that we had formed a genuine connection with them and, as a result, their hearts slowly opened up to us. In time to come, we pray that the Murai family will experience the love of God and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Click here to enlarge photo

Cheryl Yeo, 15, a secondary school student and City Harvest Church member is in the main cast of We Not Naughty. City News caught up with her to find out the challenges of being involved in a movie production for the first time.

How does it feel to play one of the main characters?
I thought I would end up acting as an extra so I thank God for this opportunity. At the recent Emerge and 22nd anniversary services, Pastor Kong talked about youth shining in the marketplace; I am very honored to be able to do what I love while shining in the marketplace.

How long did filming take and how did you juggle that with school?
It took a month to film my part; I had to take a few days of leave from school. There was also shooting during some weekends.

What was the most difficult thing to do on set?
Crying on the spot. Sometimes, I would get so stressed that I couldn’t cry on the set, but when I reach home, tears would just pour out. Then I would wonder why I couldn’t cry so much when I was in character.

What is the one thing you learned from this experience?
I learned humility. As a newcomer, I didn’t have much acting experience and did many NGs (“No Good” shots). There were times when I got scolded but I humbled myself and learned to improve my skills.

Think you have the goods and the style to flaunt it? Then you’ll love FLEAVER 2011. Head down to YOUTH PARK @ SCAPE on Aug. 30, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. You’re sure to find fabulous deals on trendy apparel, accessories, bags and more! Fleaver also features hot performances from the likes of Brandon Lee and Diana Goh, who will rock you on as you shop till you drop.

For more details, visit www.fleaver.com and www.facebook.com/fleaver2011.

CN PHOTO: Michael Chan.

The local creative and sports community join forces once again for the annual event InHerShoes, a fund-raising event for cancer research at the National Cancer Centre Singapore.

The brainchild of Simon Wong, who lost his wife Peikie to the disease several years ago, InHerShoes was first held in 2009. This year, it will kick off with a 90-minute outdoor concert featuring singer-songwriter Caroline Tjen, live act Jack and Rai and singer-actress Joanna Dong, who will be performing the official event song “Sing Me To Sleep.” Adrian and Tracie Pang, with members from their production company Pangdemonium, will be entertaining attendees with fundraising games. Up for grabs: a celebrity for 15 minutes!

The event will also be the key registration venue for the subsequent Run For Hope to be held on Nov. 20 at East Coast Park. The organizers are targeting for 7,000 participants to raise S$500,000—all funds will go to NCCS for cancer research.

Sep. 17, 6 p.m. onwards. Fort Canning Park. Donation-based entry. Log on to www.inhershoes.sg , or go to Facebook under “InHerShoes – Art & Music Against Cancer” for more information.

Conan The Barbarian
Brawn, beauties and beasts sum up this remake of the Arnold Schwarzenegger classic about the adventures of mighty warrior Conan as he embarks on a mission to save the great nations of Hyboria from an encroaching reign of supernatural evil. Directed by Marcus Nispel. Stars Jason Momoa, Ron Perlman, Rachel Nichols, Rose McGowan and Saïd Taghmaoui. Now showing.

The First Grader
The true story of an 84-year-old Kenyan villager and ex-Mau Mau freedom fighter who fights for his right to go to school for the first time to get the education he could never afford. Directed by Justin Chadwick. Starring Naomie Harris, Tony Kgoroge and Sam Feuer. Opens Sep. 1.

Social Media World Forum Asia Conference
Learn about key social media platforms and how they can enhance your marketing at this interactive conference featuring leading key figure keynotes, brand case studies, topical Q&A and debates, exhibition hall, workshops and networking. Sep. 1-2, Suntec Conference Centre. One-day pass: S$740, two-day pass: S$1,380 from www.socialmedia-forum.com/asia/

Drum Tao Live in Singapore
Japan’s most celebrated and elite company of martial arts drummers, Drum Tao, performs live in Singapore for the first time ever. Expect a two-hour extravaganza featuring artistic stunts of a different kind, as a 14-strong highly disciplined crew of Japanese Taiko drummers take to 400kg Wadaiko drums, bamboo flutes, horizontal harps and more. Sep. 1-3, Esplanade Theatre. S$68-S$128 from Sistic.

Singapore International Storytelling Festival
Reconnect with the magic and manifestations of storytelling as a priceless tool for education, community bonding and conflict resolution. There will be masterclasses and workshops, performances, as well as a digital story-telling competition, featuring international names like Sherry and Bobby Norfolk, Ruth Kirkpatrick, Abbi Patrix, Randel McGee, Beatriz Montero, Lilli Rodriquez-Pang, Dr. Gideon Arulmani and many more. This year’s event includes a special on storytelling for children with special needs and storytelling as a counseling technique. For parents, teachers, educators, librarians, managers and counselors. Sep. 1-6, various timings. National Museum of Singapore. Tickets at http://bookcouncil.sg/sisf/.

19th Israel Film Festival
The Embassy of Israel rolls out its annual film festival with a meticulously handpicked list of seven award-winning films from whimsical dramas, black comedies, suspense thrillers to crime dramas. Sep. 7-13, The Cathay, Picturehouse. Tickets sell out quick, so book fast at www.cathay.com.sg.

Charity Swim 2011
Freestyle your way to doing good: swim 10km along the shores of East Coast Beach to raise funds for the Student Advisory Centre, a children and youth charity. To qualify, each swimmer has to raise at least S$500 for the center’s charity programs. Nov. 13, Mana Mana Beach Club@East Coast Beach. Log on to www.studentadvisory.org.sg for more information.

Dawn Fung, a mother of two, started a Facebook group called Baby Warehouse that allows members to unconditionally give and receive maternity and baby items. Members range from single mothers to social workers. This has grown into a community that meets needs online and off. This extract is from Fung’s personal account on her website, Rebekah’s Room, which lets the Baby Warehouse community tell its stories.

Dawn Fung with her two children, Deborah and Hope Chua. PHOTO: George Chua.

Baby Warehouse was created out of a belief that there are enough resources in this world for everyone. We believe moms and babies shouldn’t lack, and given that the young ones grow so fast, passing things better serves both parties. The last time I checked, Baby Warehouse had 170 members. I am pleasantly stunned by how needs are being met by a simple idea of “pass it on.”

You know what, though? As a mother, teacher figure, and connector, I love relational growth, and if I can figure a way for people to bond or get to know each other in a healthy, inspirational and impactful way, I will do it. So 170 members remain numbers. Numbers denote some type of popularity and use, but not relationships, even though the group adds via “friends.” In an age where the word “friend” is used loosely, I wonder at the lost potential for authentic relationships simply because we have stopped trying to know people for who they are—unique and purposeful, and not just for what they can offer.

In creating Rebekah’s Room, I hope to bring alive a meaningful awareness that Baby Warehouse members are moms and dads each with a story to tell. That story is going to create some understanding of a person behind his or her photo next to a post. That story will also throw out superficial assumptions by, I hope, real sharing of real lives, and not always in context of babies! And Rebekah’s Room is named after a special baby girl of a couple I know, because her birth was such a timely gift for them and their community.

Do you think it is possible for this to remain after you leave, or “graduate” from the group?

I think the most important thing to safeguard in Baby Warehouse is the beauty of unconditional offer. Giving and receiving without strings attached is dangerous. It causes people to be uncomfortable with a long-term idea of sustenance. I know how small non-profit groups start out: very pure, generous, and sacrificial; long-term survival for its expansion tends to sully its initial efforts to be the alternative to corporations to reach unmet needs, usually those that are financially unable.

Baby Warehouse can and should remain unconditionally free, but it takes some offense on the part of the administrator to be strict with guidelines, and not be apologetic to let new and existing members remember its purpose. I think it would be a shame if parents (usually the demography) who sign up should find something different from what is stated. I often imagine the future demography to include the richest person who loves to give, and the poorest person who needs to receive. If Baby Warehouse maintains its stand on unconditional offer, and the new administrators hold onto this simple dream, I think no one would regret being part of it.

I will say at this point that the members have been stellar—nobody has been a covert salesman. I have had to delete two posts but they were genuinely out of point, and the two members took it well (this is how adults can be amiable!). Genuine discussions on pregnancy and baby care draw relevant answers. And as an active member myself, I was touched by how someone would drive to drop off a pack of diapers for my convenience. This is not just charity. This is real community, and it is sorely missing from the hyper-consumerist world.

How does “family” come into play in the two things you started, besides obvious reasons such as, you have a baby?

Family is a beautiful word for me. I think associated keywords like “legacy,” “connection,” “timeless,” and “membership” will always pop into my meditation. A baby naturally completes a picture because he or she represents the future, and connects the keywords succinctly.

Baby Warehouse is like that part of the home, perhaps the living room, that encourages you to stay and start conversations, whereas Rebekah’s Room is the bedroom that reveals a personality type more intimately. So these two are spaces for family life to occur. I think there are other rooms worth checking out but I don’t know what they look like. Perhaps we may do special Baby Warehouse outings, or people may organically connect through passing items, and wish to meet up more? There are possibilities but not all are mine to fulfill.

What is one thing you would like to leave with readers?

First, I would like to share a personal story. While giving birth to my second child, my uterus inverted, I went into shock, and they had 15 minutes before a tragedy occurred. That my daughter is called Hope was not ironic, but prophetic.

The Bible says in Romans 5:5, “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love” (NLT). In this context, the hope refers to Jesus Christ, who died and rose again to reunite us to God the Father eternally. And in my context, the metaphor of giving birth—close to death—recovery to life, helped me to understand how special my daughter’s name is, and reunited me with an earthly family that I did not want to separate from. I remembered thinking, and crying alone on the hospital bed, for God to lengthen my life because it was too soon, and both my children were so young. I felt like Hezekiah from the book of Kings.

The threat of taking something away before its time is sudden, and fearful—it should not happen, because it is not normal. Abnormal events cause us to rethink what should be, and to avoid it at any cost. My near-death experience taught me to protect life well, and avoid unhealthy speculations of separation, abandonment and other foolish acts of selfishness.

My one piece advice then would be this: You exist because two people came together, whether foolishly, intentionally or traumatically. Somehow you were allowed the gift of life while others were denied. So you, who carry the weight of life, have a responsibility to revere it, until it ends.

If you would like to join the group, email babywarehouse@groups.facebook.com. They are based in Singapore and so passing of items will only happen within Singapore.

As City Harvest Church turns 22, City News studies how the past year has been an exercise in all that the church stands for.

Contributed By Lee Wei Fang & Dawn Seow

Entering into Suntec Singapore, the CHC family may have weathered storms but remains passionate for God and for each another. CN PHOTO: Jere Chong

This weekend, City Harvesters celebrate 22 glorious years together as a church at their premises at Suntec Singapore. Having gone through a tough season the last 15 months, the congregation comes together now to recount God’s blessings and goodness in the past two decades.

This anniversary is significant as it not only brings the CHC family together in thanksgiving; it is testament to the members’ faith and resilience, having stuck together as one and braved the storm of the past year.

This past year, individuals, cell groups and pastoral zones gathered to pray and confess God’s promises over the church. Ministry life remained vibrant as members continued to serve in their calling, committed to fulfilling the Great Commandment, Great Commission and Cultural Mandate.

BONDING TOGETHER

It began with the church leadership and staff. A Leaders’ Appreciation service was held on December 12, 2010 to appreciate, recharge and rejuvenate those who serve the church. The fun-filled night provided relief from the intensity of the previous months. More importantly, the heart-felt appreciation expressed by CHC’s senior pastor Kong Hee and his wife, Sun Ho, left the leaders with their love tanks full, ready to take on another year.

CHC staff enjoyed a time of bonding during the staff retreat in December 2010.

That same month, 170 staff members with their spouses and children embarked on a staff retreat for a time of recreation. Themed “UP” (United and Purposed) the retreat bonded staff together with a common purpose and love for each other.

As the church ushered in 2011, the year began with preparations for CHC’s move to its new premises at Suntec Singapore. It was a dream come true for the church, which had prayed and believed six years for a location in the city.

On March 19 and 20, CHC held her first service at Suntec Singapore, themed “A New Day” to declare a new chapter in the church’s history. Kong’s first message at Suntec was titled “Choosing Love,” in which he encouraged the people to restore their love and commitment to one another.

At the Family Day services, Kong had children come up on stage to answer questions on the sermon.

CHC held a special Family Day weekend for the first time in its history, and entire families attended service together: parents, grandparents, children and babies. It was a special experience that bridged the gap between the different generations of families, joining all their hearts before God.

SERVING ONE AND ALL

The church’s other departments and ministries also joined in the effort to rally their people together.

The Chinese congregation of CHC held its first Family Walkathon. Over 320 members and their family members turned up at East Coast Park for the walkathon followed by fellowship, which fostered closer ties. The Chinese Church also held “Wu Da Huan Xi,” a five-week evangelistic outreach program that employed activities like learning the cha-cha, cooking classes and karaoke competitions, to form friendships and share the love of God.

Staff and volunteers for Children’s Church, JAMs Church, Dialect Church, Indonesian Service, and Filipino Service also held retreats and prayer meetings with their cell groups to bond with one another and pray for the church.

LOVING GOD

In March, over 6,000 CHC members embarked on a five-week church-wide Bible study on the book of Ezekiel conducted by Kong. Touching on topics such as the grace and the redemption of Christ, end-time prophecies, God’s judgment and mercy, CHC members were reminded to stand strong in the face of difficult times, to give grace to the weak and to be quick to forgive. Many members had their hearts healed and were renewed in their strength to live a life of faith and purity while keeping their eyes fixed on Christ.

Members were also exhorted to use their talents and gifts to serve God and His people through a church ministry. On July 23 and 24, a Ministry Weekend was held, presenting the 37 ministries of the church. Kong’s message at service drew from 1 Peter 4:10, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God”. Encouraged, hundreds of eager members signed up for a ministry that weekend.

The youth camps engaged the youth of CHC in many exciting activities.

LOVING PEOPLE

Touching the lives of the youth generation has always been at the core of CHC. To strengthen the spiritual life of the youth, many youth camps were held during the June holidays this year. Many youth who attended these camps, believers and non-believers, found their lives changed because of their personal encounters with God during the sessions. Kong visited many of the youth camps and gave a special word of encouragement to the campers, lay hands on them and fellowshiped wth them.

The grand finale was Emerge: the popular youth movement returned with a renewed vision and purpose, and this time, the youth ran the whole conference, with Kong preaching. It was exciting to watch God raising up a new generation of youth who love Him and want to make a difference.

At Dialect Church, volunteers and workers became a blessing to the elderly community in Singapore. During Chinese New Year, they organized a mass lo hei session for 700 elderly folk. DC also held a successful Family Day carnival in May, and most recently, an exciting Oldies Concert featuring music the senior citizens enjoyed.

(Clockwise from top left) The Children’s Church worship team at the Go4th Conference; JAMs members in worship during a JAMs service; the 3PM Band will be releasing their second album soon; the Dialect Church is a vibrant growing congregation. CN FILE PHOTOS.

Two other ministries in CHC demonstrated their love for God in these ways. For the Filipino service members who found God and a home away from home in CHC, a group of 11 people accompanied CHC pastor, Jimmy Sng, back to their homeland for a mission trip. The aim was to bless their fellow countrymen just as they have been blessed in Singapore all this while. In this trip alone, the team held 24 sessions in seven days and impacted hundreds of people through prayer and preaching.

Members of the Indonesian Church demonstrated God’s love through music. Having released a praise and worship album in 2010, the CHC Indonesian band 3PM recently completed their second album entitled Holding On. Even though some of the band members have returned to Indonesia, they continued to help in the production of the album, displaying a strong spirit of unity.

At the same time, the JAMs Church and Children’s Church did their part to be a blessing to those around them. The former organized a Love Connection event which provided an avenue for the JAMs members and their family members to spend some quality time together in church through heartwarming activities. Held at CHC’s Jurong church premises, this event bridged the gap between family members, many of whom would have never stepped into a church if not for this gathering.

At the Children’s Church, a team of teachers went beyond their regular call of duty of serving children, to serving children’s church workers in Asian countries. These trips provided an opportunity for the teachers to share their ministry experiences to hundreds of other workers who were keen to learn from the CHC team.

Eileen Toh, pastor of the Children’s Church, said, “Despite what was happening in CHC, we wanted to go out and bless other churches. Through these trips, we managed to minister to over 2,000 delegates.”

BLESSING THE LESS FORTUNATE

It was as if a fever had caught: an endless stream of individuals, cell groups and zones got busy spreading the love of God to the less fortunate.
Last Christmas, 79 members from the zone under district pastor Wu Yuzhuang organized a carnival at Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home, bringing a day of fun and joy to the children, many of whom come from dysfunctional homes.

Another cell group, under executive pastor Derek Dunn, took part in a project to make over four homes, bringing cheer and joy to neglected elderly folk.

A cell group under John Lam renovated their fellow member’s home when they discovered the state she and her children lived in. Fifty individuals rapidly pooled together S$11,000 to paint and furnish the flat. They even paid for the family to stay at the YWCA while their flat was being fixed up.

The youth were equally charitable. Members of a cell group under zone pastor Goh Yock Kiang cleaned up the home of their friend upon discovering its dismal state. They replaced bedding and cleaned up the house, and even helped the family to sell off used items and appliances for some extra cash.

Likewise, 70 youth under Kelvin Tan’s care cleaned up the homes of six elderly persons, while 80 young people in Veronica Tang’s zone cleaned up six nursing homes and senior activity centers across Singapore.

LOOKING AHEAD

Every part in the CHC “body” is equally important. Standing strong together and continuing to serve God faithfully and willingly is proof that a church that prays and serves together, stays together. The unity in CHC is evident, despite the challenges it faces.

Through it all, God’s promises remain true as He is watching over His church. And just as He has seen this church through since its inception, He will continue to watch over her and work everything together for the good of those who love Him.

What better way to emphasize this than to remember the theme verse for CHC’s 22nd anniversary in Jude 2, “Relax, everything’s going to be all right; rest, everything’s coming together; open your hearts, love is on the way!”

Olivia Ong at SINGAPOP!

Project Inspire: 5 Minutes to Change the World
Public voting is now open for the top ten finalists of this global initiative launched by United Nations Women Singapore and MasterCard to determine best idea to help disadvantaged women in Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa—the grand prize? US$25,000 to launch their winning idea. Voting ends Aug 19 on www.5MinutestoChangetheWorld.org.

The Terracotta Warriors Weekend Festival
Only for this weekend, the Asian Civilisations Museum is opening up its Terracotta exhibition to the public for free. Check out some spectacular Chinese dance, be awed by tricks from a Chinese magician and take snapshots with the First Emperor and his concubines. Kids can indulge in Chinese finger painting and make their own “dragonfly Chinese knots.” Aug 13 to 14, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

4th Singapore Indie Doc Fest
Singapore’s first ever international documentary film festival returns for the fourth time, featuring compelling works, portraying real people, exciting personas and reflecting the trials and tribulations of our time. Aug 18-21, The Substation Theatre. To book, contact Mish’aal +65 6337 7800 / boxoffice@substation.org.

Baybeats 2011
Singapore’s largest alternative music event is back for the tenth year running with the theme “to rock without reservations,” as it showcases the country’s latest up-and-coming indie, rock, punk and electronic bands. Aug 19-21, Esplanade—Theatres On The Bay. Free admission. For lineup and timings, log on to www.baybeats.com.

SINGAPOP! – 50 years of Pop Music in Singapore
Catch the largest gathering of past and present home-grown pop music talents performing live in this multimedia tribute to 50 years of pop music development in Singapore. The line-up includes Sakura Teng, Ling Xiao, Rahimah Rahim, Tokyo Square, Kit Chan, Dick Lee, Taufik Batisah, Ah-Do, Olivia Ong, Douglas Oliverio and John Molina. Aug 20, 8 p.m., The Promontory@Marina Bay. Free admission.

NHB Museums
Singaporeans and PRs enjoy free access to seven of the National Heritage Board’s museums, namely Asian Civilisations Museum, Memories at Old Ford Factory, National Museum of Singapore, Peranakan Museum, Reflections at Bukit Chandu, Singapore Art Museum and Singapore Philatelic Museum. Remember to bring your NRIC identity cards!  Through Aug 31.

Canon PhotoMarathon Asia 2011
In this full-day photography competition, participants have a few hours to run around the island and capture their best interpretation of the assigned themes. There are two categories—Student and Open. Winners stand a chance to participate in an all-expenses-paid photo clinic to Tasmania. Log on to www.canon-asia.com/photomarathon for more information and to register. Sep 10, 9 a.m., Suntec City Convention Hall 401. S$10 (S$15 for walk-in registration).

PHOTO SHUTTERSTOCK

As Teachers’ Day draws near, eduNet is inviting all educators to a tea reception-cum-talk by Jacqueline Wong, founder of Sequoia Consulting and Sustainability Institute, which works to raise awareness in the business community about the importance of sustainability and social entrepreneurship. The event is titled Imagine The Singapore Educators: Understand Who We Are. Imagine Who We Can Be. Create Who We Will Be, to reflect the aim of the event—helping educators discover their hopes, dreams and aspirations, as they journey toward becoming the “New Singapore Educator” for the 21st century.

Aug 27, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Suntec Singapore, Room 302. Free admission on a first-come-first-served basis by registration: e-mail ng_yeow_ling@moe.gov.sg or chin_khen_theen@moe.edu.sg.