Singaporean to lead dignity movement in Cambodia

Yap Kwong Weng

Monday, Feb 18, 2013
AsiaOne

SINGAPORE - A Singaporean has been chosen to chair the Global Dignity movement in Cambodia for the first time.

Young Global Leader (YGL) and Singapore's first Rotary Peace Fellow Mr Yap Kwong Weng, 35, is the first Singaporean to fill the role in the independent non-government organisation (NGO) since it was kickstarted in 2006.

The NGO is led by the Crown Prince of Norway and promotes human beings' rights to access acceptable standards of health care, education, income and security, so that people can lead 'dignified' lives.

More information is available in the press statement below:

A first for a Singaporean, Mr Yap Kwong Weng, 35, a 2012 Young Global Leader (YGL) and Singapore's first Rotary Peace Fellow, is set to chair the Global Dignity movement in Cambodia in 2013.

Global Dignity, an independent, non-political organisation started in 2006, and headed by the Crown Prince of Norway, aims at promoting the causes of dignity. The movement believes that despite all our disagreements, around the world, there is one thing all human beings can agree on and that is, for our dignity to be recognised.

Every human being has a right to lead a dignified life with the opportunity to fulfil one's potential, by having a humane level of health care, education, income and security. The Global Dignity movement represents a paradigm shift in tackling global challenges like poverty, peace and progress, especially in developing societies like Cambodia.

Besides being one of 4 Singaporeans to receive the prestigious YGL honour from the World Economic Forum in 2012, Yap is also the first Singaporean recipient of the Rotary Peace Fellowship, issued by Rotary International.

In June 2012, Yap joined the Peace Fellowship programme held in Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand with 21 other selected Peace Fellows from various countries. The programme teaches participants to resolve conflicts among countries, as well as seek co-operation on national and international levels.

During his time at Chulalongkorn University, Yap learnt about and felt so strongly about the plight of the poverty-stricken Cambodians, that he decided to step up to make a tangible difference. Yap has just left his military career and is undertaking the momentous task of setting up a Dignity movement in Cambodia while working closely with Cambodian youth leaders.

"The task ahead of me will be filled with many uncertainties, but I am willing to give my best to the people of Cambodia. As Singaporeans, we sometimes do not realise how lucky we are to have a stable society that empowers us with basic dignity. We have dreams and we know that we can live them. This is far more than any child in Cambodia can hope for," says Yap.

"I want to help raise awareness of the principles of dignity, that will at the very least, give the youths of Cambodia a chance at leading a life of dignity," he added.

"For a start, it is just me, with a vision to instill dignity in every Cambodian," muses Yap. He will be starting his stint in Cambodia in March 2013.