August 28, 2025
My own journey with SMC has been both humbling and energizing.
One of the most memorable chapters began when I was invited by Dr. David Ong to join one of the first SMC hikes after Singapore reopened post-COVID. It was a modest gathering—just eight of us—but the spirit of connection and renewal was palpable. These hikes weren’t just about fitness or fresh air; they were about forging bonds, exchanging ideas, and building a community rooted in shared purpose.
Fast forward to today, and those hikes have blossomed into a vibrant tradition. We now welcome hundreds of participants from over 25 nationalities, and the group has completed more than 100 hikes. What started as a small circle has grown into a multicultural, multi-generational ecosystem—one that reflects the very essence of Global-Ready Quotient (GRQ). These hikes have become a living metaphor for the journey we’re on: navigating terrain together, supporting one another, and embracing diversity as strength.
The impact on youth has been profound. Many young participants have shared how these hikes helped them break out of their shells, connect with mentors from different walks of life, and gain clarity on their personal and professional goals. The informal setting fosters authentic conversations—about leadership, resilience, identity, and purpose. It’s mentorship in motion, quite literally.
I recall a session where a mentee asked, “How do I stay true to my values while adapting to global norms?” That question encapsulates the essence of GRQ. It’s not about assimilation; it’s about integration. It’s about equipping our youth to navigate complexity with clarity and conviction.
I listen and learn from inspiring leaders, collaborated with fellow advocates, and engaged in dialogues that stretched my thinking. Each interaction reaffirmed the power of mentorship— not as a one-way transfer of knowledge, but as a mutual exchange of growth.
Building a Global-Ready Ecosystem for Singapore’s Future
As I engaged with SMC this period, I was struck by its clarity of purpose and the depth of its ambition. SMC wasn’t just another initiative—it was a movement. A movement rooted in the belief that mentorship, when thoughtfully structured and inclusively delivered, could transform not only individuals but entire communities. As someone deeply interested in the development of Singapore’s next generation, I found myself aligned with its mission from the outset.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing SMC evolve from a promising concept into a dynamic platform that connects mentors and mentees across industries, cultures, and institutions. What makes SMC truly special is its commitment to cultivating what we now call the GRQ—a mindset and skillset designed to prepare our youth for the complexities of a globalized world.
Why Global-Ready Matters
Singapore’s future depends on our ability to nurture globally competent citizens—individuals who are not only technically skilled but also culturally agile, emotionally intelligent, and ethically grounded. The GRQ framework is a response to this need. It emphasizes cross-cultural fluency, collaborative problem-solving, and the courage to lead in unfamiliar environments.
Through SMC, I’ve seen young Singaporeans gain exposure to international perspectives, challenge their assumptions, and develop the resilience needed to thrive beyond our borders. These are not abstract ideals—they are tangible outcomes of mentorship done right. Mentorship provides a safe space for youth to ask difficult questions, explore new ideas, and receive guidance from those who’ve walked the path before them. It builds confidence, sharpens purpose, and fosters a sense of belonging in a rapidly changing world.
A Call to Action
To potential speakers: Your voice matters. Share your journey, your failures, your insights. Our youth need to hear from thosewho’ve walked the path and dared to dream beyond borders.
To Singaporean parents: Encourage your children to seek mentorship. Support their curiosity. Help them build bridges— not just within Singapore, but across the world.
To policymakers: Invest in mentorship infrastructure. Recognize GRQ as a strategic imperative. Let’s embed it into our education system, our workforce development plans, and our national narrative.
The Road Ahead
SMC is more than a committee—it’s a catalyst. And the GRQ is more than a framework—it’s a future-ready compass. Together, they represent Singapore’s commitment to excellence, empathy, and evolution.
As we look ahead, I invite all stakeholders to join us. Let’s build an ecosystem where mentorship is not a privilege but a norm. Where every young Singaporean is empowered to lead with purpose, wherever they go.
This is my journey with SMC. And it’s only just begun.
Written by: Eugene Ng