By Carson Goh
As part of our community feature on businesses and individuals making a positive impact in Singapore, Wake Up SG had the opportunity to sit down with Ethen Ong, Deputy Executive Director of *SCAPE.
This time, we’re shining a spotlight on youth and the incredible ways they’re shaping the future of our society. Ethen, who has dedicated himself to empowering young people, shared his passion for creating a space where youth can thrive, contribute, and lead.
In this conversation, he opened up about his journey, the evolution of *SCAPE, and his commitment to volunteerism and community-building.
A Journey Rooted in Youth Empowerment
Ethen’s passion for youth work stems from his own experiences growing up in an underprivileged family.
“It was tough,” Ethen reflects. “I grew up in an environment where things such as necessities for school were always uncertain, but my mother was my pillar. She inspired me to give back to society.”
After completing his degree, Ethen felt a calling to help youth, particularly those from at-risk backgrounds. This led him to establish Positive Intentions, a social enterprise aimed at helping youth unlock their full potential.
“I always saw the potential in young people, especially those who might be overlooked by society,” says Ethen.
His journey led him to volunteer in various youth programmes, including the Youth Olympic Games and SEA Games, where he worked directly with youth. In 2018, he took on a role at Sport Singapore managing Team NILA, a volunteer network that saw youth dedicating their time to various community causes.
Despite the challenges that COVID-19 brought, Ethen’s volunteer efforts didn’t falter.
With the help of Kimly Dim Sum, a local food and beverage company known for its commitment to the community, he spearheaded a successful campaign that distributed over 9,000 care packs to migrant workers during the pandemic.
This collaboration with Kimly wasn’t just about providing food—it was about building connections and showing how businesses can make a tangible impact.
Kimly’s support highlighted the power of community-driven partnerships and reinforced Ethen’s belief that collective action is key to overcoming challenges.
“Kimly has always been a strong advocate for giving back,” Ethen explains. “Their support during the pandemic wasn’t just about providing meals—it was about being there for people in need. Their ethos aligns with the kind of partnerships that I believe in—where businesses and community initiatives work hand-in-hand to create meaningful change.”
*SCAPE: A Space Built for Youth
Now, in his role at *SCAPE, Ethen is bringing this vision to life on a larger scale. *SCAPE, which has long been a hub for youth activities, has underwent a significant transformation under his leadership.
“*SCAPE was previously designed accordingly to what we thought the youth wanted. But now, we’ve flipped the script,” says Ethen. “It’s for youth, by youth, with youth.”
Under Ethen’s care, *SCAPE is no longer just a venue — *SCAPE recently just concluded its signature comma creative arts festival where most of the events organised were by the youth arts community.
Ethen spends much of his time engaging directly with the youth who use the space.
“It’s not just about what we think is best for them. It’s about listening to their voices, understanding their needs, and providing them with the resources to make their ideas a reality,” he explains.
One example is *SCAPE Playspace, where youth were given the opportunity to redesign the space according to their preferences. Ethen even brought in contractors to help make their vision come to life.
“This is just one of the many ways we are working together with the youth to co-create something that belongs to them,” he adds.
In shaping SCAPE into a space where young people are empowered to contribute and lead, Ethen also acknowledges the importance of partnerships with local businesses like Kimly Dim Sum, who have been supportive of his initiatives.
“Partnerships with businesses like Kimly allow us to amplify our efforts and reach more youth in meaningful ways. It’s an example of how companies can play an integral role in community-driven projects,” Ethen shares.
Volunteerism: The Heart of SCAPE
Given his background in volunteerism, it’s no surprise that Ethen sees volunteers as the backbone of SCAPE’s mission.
He’s particularly focused on empowering youth through structured volunteer programmes. SCAPE’s volunteer community has grown from a handful to over 500 youth in just by end of 2024, and Ethen’s goal is to expand this network to 3,000-4,000 volunteers by the end of the year.
“We don’t just rely on volunteers—we want them to own this space. We want to provide them with the training and skills they need so they can become leaders in their own right,” says Ethen.
This mindset is core to SCAPE’s new direction: creating a place where youth feel like they’re not just participants but active contributors to the community.
The Power of Giving Back
Ethen’s commitment to volunteerism extends beyond just youth engagement.
“Volunteerism isn’t just about helping others. It’s about helping yourself too,” he reflects. “When you volunteer, you’re not only giving back to society, but you’re also strengthening your own mental wellbeing. It’s a win-win.”
Singapore’s emphasis on volunteerism has grown over the years, with more youth taking up active roles in their communities.
Ethen credits the Ministry of Education’s Values in Action programme, which encourages young people to volunteer from a young age, for the growing trend.
“By the time these youth hit 15, they’re already looking for ways to give back,” he says. “And it’s only going to keep growing.”
The government has also played a significant role, providing frameworks like the Volunteer Management System to help organisations better track and engage volunteers.
SCAPE is tapping into these resources, hoping to further boost volunteerism within the youth demographic.
Alongside these government efforts, businesses like Kimly Dim Sum are stepping up to play a role in supporting youth-led initiatives.
Their involvement during the pandemic, where they helped with the distribution of care packs to migrant workers, shows how businesses can engage in community efforts that have a broad, positive impact.
A Personal Mantra for Life and Work
Despite the many responsibilities he juggles, Ethen maintains a grounded outlook on life. He believes that simple principles guide his work and personal philosophy.
“Eat well, live well, do well,” he shares with a smile. “It’s a mantra I live by. If you eat well, you live well, and when you live well, you do well—for yourself, for others, and for Singapore.”
His admiration for local businesses like Kimly Dim Sum, who support his initiatives, reflects this belief.
“Kimly is more than just a business. It’s about doing good and providing quality service for the community,” Ethen explains.
The relationship between Ethen and Kimly symbolises the kind of symbiotic partnerships he values—ones that prioritise the well-being of people while doing good for society.
A Final Thought for the Youth of Singapore
For Ethen, the future is all about the youth.
“They are our future,” he emphasises. “If we want Singapore to thrive, we need to invest in them. We need to give them the space to grow, express themselves, and contribute to our community.”
His advice to the youth of Singapore is simple: “Be kind, be open, and embrace the journey. Success is different for everyone. The most important thing is to stay true to who you are and never stop striving to be the best version of yourself.”
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