Today’s Halo Circle insight comes from Xena Goh, the programme Manager of NYLF (National Young Leaders Fellowship), as she reflects on building community through the programme. She shares how each cohort evolves beyond the structured experience – forming their own networks, support systems, and initiatives. From study groups to event buddy pairings, these young changemakers show that leadership isn’t just about personal growth – it’s about creating spaces where others can thrive.
Senior Academy Executive, Halogen (Singapore)
Some of the most common questions we receive about NYLF (National Young Leaders Fellowship) are: “How does the Fellowship work? How do you bring together a group of 15 – 19 year olds and keep them engaged? What do they accomplish?”
Since its official launch in 2022, NYLF has welcomed 100 Fellows across three cohorts, immersing them into a structured nine-month leadership development programme. Designed to equip young changemakers with the skills, networks and confidence to lead, NYLF is more than just a leadership initiative – it is a community.
As we continue to refine and grow the programme, we’ve observed something profound. A truly thriving community is not built solely by its facilitators, but evolves when its members take ownership of it. This article serves as our first documentation of the NYLF community and how Halogen continues to shape youth leadership by fostering meaningful connections.
Coining & Debunking the Formula for Community-Building
When exploring how to build a thriving leadership community, I posed a question to our household name ChatGPT: “what is the formula to build a community?”
Surprisingly, the response was structured and aligned with many of the principles we’ve been applying in NYLF. It clearly outlined key components of a strong community:
☑ Purpose and Shared Values
Through our selection process, we bring together young leaders who are passionate about causes they care about and are eager to create meaningful change.
☑ Engagement and Contribution
The programme is designed with multiple touchpoints – from a five-day induction programme to learning journeys, panel discussions and workshops – many of which are co-created with the Fellows themselves.
☑ Trust & Relationships
Every interaction is intentional, with added emphasis on providing the Fellows with space to share, discuss, encourage and share feedback.
While these principles serve as a great foundation, our experience with three cohorts of Fellows has shown that a thriving community isn’t simply just built – it is lived and shaped by those within it.
When a Community Takes the Lead, It Begins to Thrive
Every NYLF cohort has its own distinct character. As a programme designer and facilitator, I initially assumed that with a structured approach, we could replicate the same growth and engagement across different cohorts. However, we soon realised that true community-building happens when Fellows take ownership of the experience.
Beyond our structured programme, Fellows started to initiate their own organic touchpoints – from forming study groups to foodie groups and event buddy groups. Within their community, they find their own “go-to” person for different needs – whether for advice, collaboration or encouragement.
Every community takes its own shape and form.
A strong community is one where:
- People bond over shared aspirations.
- Individuals feel valued and heard.
- Every member has a voice in shaping their experience.
- The sense of belonging extends beyond any formal structure.
This shift from structured facilitation to self-driven leadership is what makes NYLF a powerful catalyst for youth development.
Supporting Young Leaders in Navigating Challenges
Young changemakers face immense pressure as they balance personal aspirations with external expectations. Through countless conversations with the Fellows, we’ve observed that their challenges often revolve around:
1. Balancing priorities and expectations
They grapple with conflicting thoughts between specialising in a specific skill or a cause, and the expectation to be a well-rounded youth, caring about multiple issues at the same time. Many feel the need to become a “T-shaped” changemaker, developing a deep expertise in one area and yet having a broad foundation across all other aspects of their lives. When they struggle to meet these expectations, that’s when they feel as though they are not adequate.
2. Navigating the space and time in identity building
In the stage of life they are in, development psychology theories suggest that they are building their identities while seeking for a sense of belonging. This creates an internal conflict, who they are as individuals and who they think they need to become, for society. In this face of uncertainty and confusion, they may become anxious, impatient to achieve significance quickly and perfectly, or overly critical of themselves over mistakes and failures.
At Halogen, we see our role as guides, mentors, and sounding boards. Personally, I feel like Grandma Tala from the popular Disney movie Moana – I do my part by being a space for reflection. I help them pause and breathe amidst the many demands they face. Other times, a cheerleader – recognising and affirming their growth, even when they may not see it themselves.
Finding the right community is about finding a tribe that celebrates you, supports you, and grows with you.
Beyond the Fellowship: The Bigger Picture
As we reflect on the future of youth leadership – an important question remains: how can we create an environment where young leaders are sufficiently challenged, stress-tested, yet supported – so that they can emerge victorious with discernment, critical thinking and a strong moral compass as they hone their craft and influence?
There may not be a single formula that can capture all that, but one thing remains clear: community plays a pivotal role in shaping future leaders. Whether big or small, structured or informal, communities provide the space for young changemakers to experiment, learn and grow. At Halogen, we will continue walking alongside them in their journey, providing space, asking questions, and empowering them to take the lead. Because when we build strong communities, we are not just developing individuals, we are shaping the future of leadership itself.
