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Pay-It-Forward (PIF) Orientation & Opening Ceremony 2026

Updated: 1 hour ago

Build a Legacy of Growth - Empower, Elevate, Endure


The YWLC 2026 Pay-It-Forward (PIF) Mentorship Programme marks a significant milestone as it enters its 10th cycle, celebrating a decade of empowering individuals and creating meaningful impact through mentorship.


Anchored by this year’s theme, “Build a Legacy of Growth: Empower, Elevate, Endure,” the programme reflects a strong commitment to collective progress and mutual support. At its core, mentorship is a journey of shared learning and development.


This year’s theme comes to life through three key pillars:

  • Empower: enabling mentees to grow with confidence grounded in self-belief, clarity, and courage to navigate life’s transitions.

  • Elevate: fostering shared wisdom through meaningful mentor-mentee partnerships that inspire growth and action.

  • Endure: cultivating authentic, trust-based relationships that last beyond the programme and stand resilient through challenges.


Mentor Orientation


The journey began with the Mentor Orientation held on 11 April 2026. The session shared the benefits of mentoring along with key profiles of mentees and some of the challenges they may face, as well as an overview of academic progression to build better understanding.


Guest speaker Veena Vinod, a speech-language pathologist and YWLC member, also shared insights on communicating with neurodiverse individuals, including practical strategies and what mentors can expect in the months ahead.



Opening Ceremony


The official Opening Ceremony was held on 25 April 2026 at the Ernst & Young (EY) office, where participants gathered with a shared sense of purpose and anticipation. The programme brought together over 44 mentees from ITE College and the International Women’s Forum (IWF) Singapore for a transformative six-month mentorship journey.


Over the past 9 cycles of the Pay-It-Forward programme, more than 250 students have benefitted from the programme, a testament to its lasting impact. To celebrate the programme’s 10th year, a video montage was presented showcasing its growth and evolution over the years.


In her opening remarks, Guest of Honour Minister-of-State Gan Siow Huang started by reflecting on learning as an ongoing process, highlighting the importance of continuous growth and staying open to new perspectives. She emphasised the value of meaningful connections in today’s world, describing mentoring as a humbling experience grounded in a willingness to share and care. She also noted that mentorship relies on strong chemistry, and additionally expressed appreciation for YWLC as a platform created for women, by women.


Building Connections


Introduction of Tribes at the PIF Opening Ceremony
Introduction of Tribes at the PIF Opening Ceremony

Mentors and mentees were formally introduced to their pairs for the first time, marking a milestone moment and setting the foundation for the journey ahead. Participants also formed "tribes" (small groups made up of mentor-mentee pairs) through the Tribal Connections icebreaker, and took part in a self-care bingo activity. Together, these activities created opportunities for participants to connect beyond their assigned pairs, exchange perspectives, and build a broader support network.


In her opening remarks, MOS Gan Siow Huang started by reflecting on learning as an ongoing process, highlighting the importance of continuous growth and staying open to new perspectives. She emphasised the value of meaningful connections in today’s world, describing mentoring as a humbling experience grounded in a willingness to share and care. She also noted that mentorship relies on strong chemistry, and additionally expressed appreciation for YWLC as a platform created for women, by women.


Mentors & Mentees’ Sharing


A panel featuring mentee-mentor pairs from previous PIF cycles shared about their experiences, what to expect and some suggestions on how to make this mentorship journey as fruitful and meaningful as possible.


Mentor-Mentee Sharing by Mentors and Mentees of the 2025 PIF Cycle
Mentor-Mentee Sharing by Mentors and Mentees of the 2025 PIF Cycle

Jiaying (YWLC member and Mentor, 2025 PIF Cycle), shared that she joined mentoring as a way to give back after feeling distanced from her students, highlighting the importance of setting a cadence early while aligning on timelines and expectations. From the mentees’ perspective, Regina (Mentee, 2025 PIF Cycle) encouraged mentees to be curious, open to vulnerability and proactive in building the relationship, allowing conversations to flow naturally.


Afrah (Mentee, 2025 PIF Cycle) added that mentors and mentees should treat each other like friends, spend time together and approach the relationship with curiosity. Wei Shan (YWLC Member and Mentor, 2025 PIF Cycle) emphasised finding one's own pace and dynamic with the team, noting that it is not about how often they met up but about making each interaction meaningful.


Overall, the sharing highlighted that mentoring thrives on openness, mutual effort and authentic connection as opposed to rigid structure.


Looking Ahead


As the event drew to a close, Social Impact Director, Nyx Chong, presented tokens of appreciation to the panel speakers, and a group photo to mark the close of the session. A final reminder was shared with mentees to fully leverage the programme’s resources, embrace the community and continue nurturing and sustaining mentor-mentee relationships beyond the programme.


The room buzzed with energy as conversations unfolded naturally, signalling a promising start to the six-month mentorship experience.




Editor: Hilarie Foo




 
 
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