In celebration of SG60 as well as the 100^th anniversary of the Singapore Co-operative Movement, Love Empowered Co-operative joined hands with education institute FOGG Academy to co-develop a book centred on the stories of youths in Singapore.

Penned, edited and put together since July 2025, the book, titled “Singapore Stories from 60 Young Minds”, was published and launched on 22 November at the Lifelong Learning Institute. In putting the stories together, all of the children underwent Creative Writing workshops, and of which 20 of them are with developmental needs.

The compendium of short stories is part of Love Empowered Co-op’s “Little Steps, Big Changes” project which was supported by the Empowering Communities Fund (ECF), which was set up earlier this year to support co-ops’ initiatives which benefit vulnerable communities in Singapore.

The S$1M ECF was set up by Singapore National Co-operative Federation, Registry of Co-operative Societies, the Central Co-operative Fund Committee and the Government.

Singapore Stories from 60 Young Minds was launched on 22 November 2025 (Photo: FOGG Academy and Love Empowered)

Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth & Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash lauded the initiative. “Being able to identify the young creative minds, and then nurturing them as people is remarkable,” he said.

Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth & Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash giving the opening address at the book launch (Photo: MCCY)

With the Singapore Co-operative Movement celebrating its 100 years, Mr Dinesh noted that such ground-up initiatives have been crucial in supporting both parents and children, and building strong inclusive communities.

Youths sharing their stories at the event (Photo: FOGG Academy and Love Empowered)

At the launch, a few children authors and illustrators narrated their stories and shared the meanings behind their illustrations. Beyond the book, it also featured a student exhibition documenting the journeys of the young authors and illustrators, allowing guests a glimpse into the children’s personal creative journey.

Ms Veil Ng, a parent of one of the 20 neurodiverse children, shared: “When I heard that it was an SG60 project as well as gave voice to young children with special needs, I thought it was meaningful. My son, Sage, who is still very young, may not grasp the extent of this project today. But, I’m sure he would one day understand that his contribution was part of a sliver of Singapore’s history.”

Ms Veil Ng and her son Sage at the student exhibition 

Guided by five themes (land/nature, future/past, people/heroes, me/us, and leaving/returning), the project brought together children, including neurotypical and neurodiverse children to explore their relationship with Singapore through imagination and memory.

Mr Tony Lim, Founder of Love Empowered Co-operative, highlighted the project’s inclusive mission: “Many children we work with are often excluded because of their learning differences; this book gives them a voice and ensures that their stories are seen and heard. I hope they feel empowered by the knowledge that their voice matters.”

Founder of FOGG Academy Ms Si Yanci and Founder pf Love Empowered Mr Tony Lim at the launch event (Photo: FOGG Academy and Love Empowered)

Ms Si Yanci, Founder of FOGG Academy, emphasised how writing nurtures deeper human qualities. “Sometimes, parents focus too much on exam results and overlook the deeper abilities (creativity, empathy, and critical thinking) that truly matter,” she said.

The launch not only affirmed the value of co-operative partnerships in social impact but also demonstrated how storytelling can bring together children of different backgrounds, needs and abilities and contribute to Singapore’s history through their own words.

Where to Get the Book

Singapore Stories from 60 Young Minds is now available in Kinokuniya and POPULAR bookstores and online at https://www.fogg.com.sg/

By Mary Njo, Edited by Sng Ler Jun