Monday, Feb 18, 2013
SINGAPORE (AsiaOne
)- A Singaporean has been chosen to chair the Global Dignity movement in Cambodia for the first time.
Young Global Leader (YGL) and Singapore's first Rotary Peace Fellow
Mr Yap Kwong Weng, 35, is the first Singaporean to fill the role in the
independent non-government organisation (NGO) since it was kickstarted
in 2006.
The NGO is led by the Crown Prince of Norway and promotes human
beings' rights to access acceptable standards of health care, education,
income and security, so that people can lead 'dignified' lives.
More information is available in the press statement below:
A first for a Singaporean, Mr Yap Kwong Weng, 35, a 2012 Young Global
Leader (YGL) and Singapore's first Rotary Peace Fellow, is set to chair
the Global Dignity movement in Cambodia in 2013.
Global Dignity, an independent, non-political organisation started in
2006, and headed by the Crown Prince of Norway, aims at promoting the
causes of dignity. The movement believes that despite all our
disagreements, around the world, there is one thing all human beings can
agree on and that is, for our dignity to be recognised.
Every human being has a right to lead a dignified life with the
opportunity to fulfil one's potential, by having a humane level of
health care, education, income and security. The Global Dignity movement
represents a paradigm shift in tackling global challenges like poverty,
peace and progress, especially in developing societies like Cambodia.
Besides being one of 4 Singaporeans to receive the prestigious YGL
honour from the World Economic Forum in 2012, Yap is also the first
Singaporean recipient of the Rotary Peace Fellowship, issued by Rotary
International.
In June 2012, Yap joined the Peace Fellowship programme held in
Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand with 21 other selected
Peace Fellows from various countries. The programme teaches participants
to resolve conflicts among countries, as well as seek co-operation on
national and international levels.
During his time at Chulalongkorn University, Yap learnt about and
felt so strongly about the plight of the poverty-stricken Cambodians,
that he decided to step up to make a tangible difference. Yap has just
left his military career and is undertaking the momentous task of
setting up a Dignity movement in Cambodia while working closely with
Cambodian youth leaders.
"The task ahead of me will be filled with many uncertainties, but I
am willing to give my best to the people of Cambodia. As Singaporeans,
we sometimes do not realise how lucky we are to have a stable society
that empowers us with basic dignity. We have dreams and we know that we
can live them. This is far more than any child in Cambodia can hope
for," says Yap.
"I want to help raise awareness of the principles of dignity, that
will at the very least, give the youths of Cambodia a chance at leading a
life of dignity," he added.
"For a start, it is just me, with a vision to instill dignity in
every Cambodian," muses Yap. He will be starting his stint in Cambodia
in March 2013.
No comments:
Post a Comment