Youth Forum on Animal Welfare -
Animals Matter to Me!

On the 6th of February 2010, youths from all over Singapore gathered for the “Youth Forum on Animal Welfare- Animals Matter to Me!”, a first-of-its kind forum in Singapore organised by Chong Pang CC YEC, in partnership with ACRES.

Aimed at engaging youths and inspiring them to play a greater role in animal welfare issues, the forum was a platform for more than 200 youths to be a voice for animals and engage in a dialogue with MPs from the Sembawang GRC - Dr. Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman (Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of National Development) and Dr. Lim Wee Kiak, . The forum provided youths with an opportunity to give constructive feedback and help shape animal welfare policies in Singapore.

The two hour forum saw young people raise a number of diverse animal welfare issues and ask questions relating to them. Topics brought up included stray animals, responsible pet ownership, living in harmony with macaques, the shark fin trade and the importation of marine animals for marine parks in Singapore and their welfare. Many interesting points were raised, and much debate was generated.

Dr. Maliki and Dr. Lim answered all questions very thoroughly and responded to each comment in detail, outlining government policies on various issues clearly and highlighting the many strong laws in place in Singapore to help safeguard the welfare of animals. Both Dr. Maliki and Dr. Lim strongly encouraged the youths to take action themselves; to take ownership of the animal welfare issues that are so important in the community and to inspire others to make a positive difference for animals and act as catalysts for change.

After the forum, Dr. Maliki and Dr. Lim toured a number of exhibits by local animal protection groups and also youth groups who have established their own inspiring projects and initiatives to help animals.

Chong Pang YEC and ACRES would like to thank Dr. Maliki and Dr. Lim for gracing this event, and also to thank all the youths who joined the forum- for striving to help to make a better future for animals here in Singapore and become part of the solution to various animal welfare challenges.

See Press Release here.