Volunteering – One is glad to be of service (2013-2014)

Category : Volunteering

Question: Why the heck do you volunteer?

Answer: I have higher purpose than helping others. I strongly believe in Buddhism and seeding philosophy of Buddha, if you want something in life, start helping others to achieve that something and you will get something eventually. So, yes, I am consciously planting my seeds for my future via volunteering.

Question: Okay, (*confused look), are you getting those benefits now? Assuming Buddha seeding philosophy is true, Isn’t it too greedy that you are purposely helping others, by expecting the same thing in future.

Answer: Yes and No. First of all, it is a belief that good deeds become good seed and it will eventually blossom in future but, it is not having give-and-take mindset while I am helping others. Middle way is quite confusing sometime but that’s the way it is, very delicate.

Volunteering as Coordinator/ Organizer for Singapore Social Innovation Relay 2014

This was one of my life-time great experience ever, I cannot say it in word. Feels like I finally found my long lost twin brother. I do learn a lot from this event and I thank all my HP colleagues , especially Rupam, who co-work with me on the same role.

Here is a brief of what this event all about.

As part of HP Learning Initiative for Entrepreneurs (HP LIFE), a global program that trains students, entrepreneurs, and small business owners to apply IT and business skills, I volunteered as event coordinator for hosting this event from HP side. This includes managing of all the stages of business plan competition, which includes, Case Study Training, E-Mentoring, Top 20 selections, Top 10 selection, Singapore Local Final Event etc. Responsibilities include recruiting volunteers, aligning with Junior Achievement Non-Profit Organization to work with various schools in Singapore, venue arrangement for final competition, working with executives to make sure HP Branding is consistent throughout the event.

Singapore final of Social Innovation Relay (SIR) 2014 was held on 13th Jun at Depot 2 boardroom. Top 10 teams from various institutes in Singapore presented their ideas in-front of panel of judges. Competition was judged by Anthony Blass (CEO, ShiftRunner), Elizabeth Hernandez (VP, Corporate Affairs, Hewlett-Packard APJ) and Jared Tham (Manager, Research & Programmes, Lien Centre for Social Innovation, SMU).

Team “GreenCycle” from Raffles Institution won the competition. They introduced an idea of state-of-the-art reverse vending machine that is able to both offer a novel way of recycling and simplify pre-recycling processes. This is expected to encourage everyone for recycling and specifically help needy people who are dependent on existing “cash-for-trash” initiatives.

Winning team joined Global Final on 8th Jul.

You can see some photos from the Singapore Final event below.

Since I am the photographer and organizer, you may not find me here in those photos. Lucky for you.

Prizes for First, Second, Third and Door gifts

Pitching from top 10 teams

Refreshments, my favorite parts 😛

Volunteering as Elderly service in AWWA Elderly Services 5th Silver Sports Day 2013

Another great experience of a life time. I feel so enlightened while I am helping elders, knowing that one day I may be one of them. Life is short and our main root cause of all fear, death, will come sooner or later. But death is what define us, what make us who we are and, we must enjoy every moments of our life without regret, without being materialist, and accept life as it is.

Here is a brief of what this event all about.

Established in 1976, AWWA Elderly Services is the arm of the Asian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA) that provides services & shelter home for the elderly.I signed up as volunteer to lend a helping hand to brighten the day for those elderly & encourage them in sport activities at ITE central College Multiplex Sport Hall

Me, me, me… and the rest HP volunteers in orange shirts.