Fireside Chat
What Behavioural Addiction Issues are our Youth Facing?
Date: 22 November 2024, Friday | Time: 2.00pm to 3.00pm
Venue: One Farrer Hotel, Singapore
Synopsis
Join us for an engaging fireside chat addressing the pressing behavioural addiction issues facing today’s youth. This session features a diverse panel, including youth leaders, advocate for youth and recovery, and school counsellor from Ministry of Education. Together, they will provide a comprehensive view of the challenges and realities young people face in the digital age.
Moderated by an expert from the National Addictions Management Service (NAMS), the discussion will delve into the root causes of youth addiction, the impact of gaming and digital platforms and effective strategies for prevention and intervention.
Attendees will gain valuable insights from those on the frontlines, including personal stories, experiences, and actionable advice on how to support youth in navigating these challenges.
Speaker 1: Mr Isaac Goh, Fitness Entrepreneur & Advocate for Youth and Recovery
Isaac is a passionate advocate for youth and recovery, drawing from his personal experience as a recovering drug addict. After completing two rehabilitation stints at the Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC), he transformed his life and became a successful fitness entrepreneur by founding "As We Move". This beginner-focused studio designed helps individuals exercise at their own pace, and in their own space.
Recognising loneliness as an epidemic, Isaac is dedicated to creating environments where people feel connected. More than just a fitness space, “As We Move” serves as a community hub, offering programs for at-risk youths and hosting events for the elderly in Chinatown. Through this work, he fosters intergenerational connections and a sense of belonging for those who might otherwise feel isolated.
As a former community leader for the X-Offenders for Good movement, Isaac empowers ex-offenders repurpose their stories into powerful tools for positive change. He continues to spearhead passion projects with other ex-offenders, highlighting the strength of resilience and community support.
In addition to his entrepreneurial efforts, Isaac volunteers as a peer mentor with SHINE Children & Family Services, guiding at-risk youths at risk from non-suicidal self-injury on their paths to recovery. He also serves as a SAFE Buddy with WECARE’s Project S.A.F.E, emphasising the power of one addict helping another.
Isaac’s journey from addiction to leadership reflects his deep commitment to service and his ability to inspire others. His community work and dedication to creating inclusive spaces make him a beacon of hope in addressing the addiction issues facing today’s youth.
Speaker 2: Mr Sean Ng Chye Shin, Ministry of Education
With a commitment to nurturing students’ social-emotional and mental well-being, Sean has been a dedicated school counsellor in the Ministry of Education since 2006. Currently serving as a Master School Counsellor in the Guidance Branch, he has 20 years of experience supporting students aged 7 to 18.
Sean graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles (United States) in 2001. He later received his Master of Social Science in Professional Counselling with a specialisation in Family Therapy from Swinburne University of Technology (Australia) and the Executive and Counselling Training Academy in 2010.
His professional interests include enhancing the clinical and personal development of school counsellors, establishing a practice research culture, and deepening knowledge and skills in addictions-related issues. Outside of work, he is married to a teacher and enjoys spending time at home with their two daughters.
Speaker 3: Mr Devanantthan S/o Tamilselvii, National Youth Council
Devan is a dedicated social worker, and the co-founder and Executive Director of Mental ACT, a pioneering non-profit organisation that advocates for mental health within Singapore’s South-Asian community. With over a decade of specialised experience, he is a trained suicide first responder, committed to supporting individuals grappling with suicidal ideations and driving impactful suicide prevention initiatives. His expertise extends to working closely with individuals facing mental health challenges, their caregivers, and the broader community, ensuring holistic support and advocacy.
Devan is deeply committed in community service, serving as a grassroots leader in Yishun and Macpherson. His actively participates with the Ministry of Social and Family Development and Youth Corps Singapore, dedicating his time to coaching, mentoring and empowering youth while championing mental health awareness across various platforms.
He possesses a diverse set of key skills, including expertise in suicide prevention and intervention, mental health advocacy and support, and community leadership and engagement. He excels in youth mentorship and coaching, ensuring effective implementation of initiatives that promote mental health and well-being in the community.
Devan’s mission is to create a resilient and supportive community where mental health is prioritised, and individuals are empowered to thrive. Through his work and volunteer efforts, he strives to break down barriers to mental health care, foster understanding, and build a culture of compassion and support.
Speaker 4: Mr Muhammad Syazan Bin Saad, Project Get Flamed!
Syazan co-founded “Project Get Flamed!” in 2020 with a simple goal in mind: to build a positive and inclusive gaming community. The initiative began as a finalist project under the Ministry of Education’s “What’s Your Take – Youth Edition” on mental health and cyber wellness. As a core team member, Syazan played a pivotal role in conceptualising the project, leading the team in pitching and executing its ideals, which culminated in seed funding and the opportunity to present the project prototypes to the Minister of State for Education Ms Sun Xueling in 2021.
Seeking to expand the project outreach and engage more youths as game changers, Syazan rallied youths from various polytechnics and ITEs to join the team, and fully realise the potential of the prototypes. His leadership led to successful funding under the “Our SG Fund for Digital Readiness” from the Infocomm Media Development Authority, enabling the productions of educational tools for community engagement.
In 2022, Syazan and his team kick-started a series of workshops and programmes for schools and the wider community, engaging over 1,400 youths to date. He looks forward to further expanding his team, partnership, and engagement efforts to build a united front against toxic gaming culture.
A strong advocate for community empowerment, Syazan is currently a Year 3 Law undergraduate at Singapore Management University.