SMU Institute for Societal Leadership held its inaugural Singapore Summit Young Societal Leaders Programme at the Hilton Singapore hotel yesterday. This exclusive by-invitation-only programme convenes a prominent group of 18 young leaders and changemakers under the age of 40, who are selected to participate based on their exemplary commitment towards the work of making societies better for all, in Asia and around the world. At yesterday’s dialogue session with the young leaders, Patron of the Singapore Summit Emeritus Senior (ESM) Minister Goh Chok Tong said, “Young leaders are important and they must work together to address needs in society.”

SMU Chairman and Singapore Summit conference chairman Ho Kwon Ping, who moderated the dialogue, noted that when people succeed others in leadership positions, "there's always the temptation to try to be someone you're not because you think there are expectations of you". He commended ESM Goh for not trying to lead in the same way as founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew, and told audience members, "Be authentic. Be who you are. Listen to your own inner voice."