SYNC. Festival invites youths to become one with nature, recharge and get inspired to take action for the planet. (Photo by Wong Twee Hee)
From tight deadlines to everyday commitments and inescapable social media comparisons, these pressures are taking a serious toll on youths’ mental health. Taking a moment to pause is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity.
That’s where SYNC. Festival comes in. Catalysed by Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore), the community wellness movement revolves around the concept of sustainable wellbeing, which goes beyond taking care of our bodies and minds, but also caring for Earth. With the theme of “It’s All About You”, this year’s event offers a safe and inclusive space where youths can slow down, reconnect with their loved ones, and reengage with the community.
SYNC., short for “Synchronise”, encourages young people to realign with their personal values and find balance in a fast-paced world. Set to become an annual event, the festival hopes to inculcate lasting habits of self-awareness, connection, and care in youths.
It comes at a critical time, as youths in Singapore are in the throes of a growing mental health crisis. According to a nationwide study by the Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in three young people aged 15 to 35 reported severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress.
With a deep interest in youth empowerment, Tzu Chi has taken it upon itself to support youths in developing emotional resilience, ethical values, and a strong sense of social responsibility.
Shining the Spotlight on Sustainable Wellbeing
Recognising that a generation of happy and healthy individuals is only possible when the planet is happy and healthy, SYNC. Festival aims to introduce the concept of sustainable wellbeing to the community. This concept weaves together self-care and environmental consciousness, encouraging participants to adopt and practise daily habits, values, and choices that nourish both themselves and the planet. The goal is to inspire intentional living, where people do good, feel connected, and move in harmony with their purpose, their community, and Earth.
Youths in Singapore are ready to embrace this new mindset. The 2023 edition of the Youth Sentiments Poll, conducted by the National Youth Council, revealed that food security, support for local/community-based actions, and awareness and accessibility of information on environmental issues were areas at the top of mind for youths. Nearly 41% of the respondents also agreed that Singapore should prioritise sustainability even if it means slower economic growth.
SYNC. Festival is hence a timely platform for them to start championing community-driven change. The inaugural edition is set to take place on 6 July 2025, Sunday, 6:30am to 1pm, at Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre (HYC). There are three main activities. First is the Fam Walk, a gentle 3km stroll through Yishun Pond Park and Yishun Park where families and friends can spend unhurried time together in nature. Given our frenetic lifestyles, carving out time to connect with loved ones is often overlooked. This walk offers participants a chance to do just that.
In addition, they will be walking for a good cause. Tzu Chi has rallied entrepreneurs from all walks of life to contribute to a fundraising campaign. For every kilometre completed, they will donate $10, with matching support from the Tote Board. The funds will go towards education and sustainability programmes run by Tzu Chi.
Next is the Youth Quest, a seven-station challenge, with each stop introducing themes of sustainability and mindful living to youths. Over at the SYNC. Village, participants can learn about the seven types of rest — social, physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, sensory and creative — through various activities. This self-guided tour will allow youths to understand that true wellbeing goes beyond just physical rest, recognise the different ways in which they can become depleted, and learn how to recharge in each area.
Walking the Walk: Being Kind to Earth
The idea to host SYNC. Festival took root as early as December 2024, when Tzu Chi began exploring ways to deepen its outreach to youths. To bring this vision to life, it engaged event organiser Xperio to co-create an experience that would resonate with young people and support their journeys towards wellness, connection, and purpose.
The SYNC. Festival team having a meeting with Xperio. (Photo by How Kha Keat)
The team shooting a promotional video for SYNC. Festival. (Photo by Tey Inn Ping)
“The world today is constantly in overdrive,” says Boh Shuhui, General Manager of Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore). “Through SYNC. Festival, we hope to encourage youths to pause and reflect on their own needs, so they can begin developing self-care routines that truly support their wellbeing. At the same time, we want to inspire them to care not just for themselves, but also for the environment, and they can do so by embracing simple green habits.”
From the get-go, sustainability is thoughtfully woven into the design thinking behind each element of the experience. For example, the festival bucks the trend of having the usual event t-shirts, medals, and pre-packed goodie bags. This deliberate intention helps to minimise the carbon footprint.
Instead, participants receive a specially designed pin with a slider that reminds them to take a moment to rest. For their festival pack, rather than receiving items that may potentially lead to waste, they can choose up to five essentials they truly need. All meals served are plant-based, reflecting the festival’s commitment to sustainability and reducing the collective impact on the planet.
The pin reminds one to slow down and make time for rest. (Photo by Donn Tan Zheng Yu)
SYNC. Festival will be held in conjunction with Singapore’s Youth Day every year. For more information on event details, head over to syncfestival.sg.
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