PIF 2025 Closing Ceremony: Rising and Thriving Together

On 20 September 2025, the YWLC Pay-It-Forward (PIF) Mentorship Programme celebrated the conclusion of its ninth cycle with a ceremony at the EY Wavespace, proudly supported by EY, our Official Partner.

This year’s theme, “Rise and Thrive – Elevate Together,” captured the spirit of the six-month journey as mentors and mentees came together to celebrate growth, reflect on lessons learned, and look ahead to thriving beyond the programme.

Reflection and Celebration

PIF 2025 Closing Ceremony

The day began with a reflection activity, inviting participants to look back on how they had “risen and thrived” during the programme. For many mentees, this meant celebrating the courage to take first steps in career planning, gaining clarity in personal decisions, or navigating uncertainty with greater confidence.

Mentors expressed pride in witnessing this progress, from seeing mentees step outside their comfort zones to watching them grow in self-assurance. Mentees, in turn, voiced deep gratitude for their mentors who offered not only guidance and wisdom, but also networks, safe spaces for dialogue, and often the steady support of a “big sister.”

One of the most meaningful moments was the letter-writing activity, where mentors and mentees exchanged notes of gratitude, encouragement, and reflection. These letters embodied the essence of the programme: building authentic, lasting relationships that extend far beyond structured sessions.

Mentor-Mentee Spotlights

The ceremony also featured personal reflections from both mentors and mentees. Mentees shared how mentorship had shaped them in unexpected ways, while Mentors reflected on the reciprocal nature of the journey, expressing that they, too, had learned, grown, and been inspired by their mentees’ drive and openness.

Together, these stories highlighted the strength of rising and thriving as a community.

Graduation and Appreciation

The highlight of the ceremony was presentation of graduation certificates, graced by Judith Ng, Senior Lecturer at ITE College Central, and Ms. Steph Dong, Deputy Manager from ITE College East. Each mentee received a certificate after completing their “Mentee Bucket list” -  a symbol, marking their growth and commitment throughout the programme.

Ms Judith Ng with PIF Graduate

Ms Steph Dong with PIF Graduate

Looking Ahead

PIF Mentees

As the ceremony drew to a close, participants were encouraged to stay connected beyond the programme. While the official six months have ended, the friendships, networks, and support systems formed throughout PIF are just the beginning of longer-lasting bonds.

Mentors and mentees left the event not just with certificates, but with keepsake letters, polaroid memories, and a renewed sense of purpose. PIF 2025 was more than a mentorship programme, it was a launchpad to rise, thrive, and elevate together.

PIF 2025 was made possible by a team of passionate organising committee that put in more than nine months of heart work and dedication to pull together five events within the span of six months featuring games, workshops, panels and the first inter-subcommittee walk with the 100 Wishes subcommittee, and positively impacting 25 mentors and 40 mentees.

Looking ahead, 2026 will mark the tenth iteration of PIF since its launch in 2017. We look forward to welcoming back both mentors and mentees.

PIF Organising Committee

PIF Organising Committee: Joelene Wong, Sarah Seet, Sara Koruthu, Christabel Leong, Krithika, Maria Lanovia and Charmaine Ng