Little did I know that 33Sixty would leave a lasting impact and a wonderful, unforgettable memory in me.
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| The 100 representatives of Commonwealth Youth that participated in 33 Sxity |
Of those 100,
1/3 are nationals of the host country
1/3 are Commonwealth that are currently studying or living in the host country
1/3 travelled to the host country from across the Commonwealth.
We were split into groups to understand and propose a tangible solution over the four days.
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| Me and my wonderful group mates |
The topic of the challenge really interest me. The private sector has always been associated to being money-making machine, but in recent years private sectors have been actively engaged in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in an effort to give back to the society. The Government sector on the other hand have the resources to increase the livelihood of a city/country, whereas the not-for-profit are always constantly looking out for niches and opportunity to make the world of better place, but are tied down to the constraint of lack of resources.
Collaboration between these three sectors will be able to increase the livelihood of citizens, filling in the missing gaps of each sectors, in line with the Global Sustainable Development Goals, ideally leading to a win-win situation. However, there are many challenges and barriers to achieve collaboration.
We weren't thrown into the dark to solve the challenge. Over the four days, we had immersion visits to all three different sectors. We were given insight of the operations of the three different sectors through immersion visit to Scottish Government, Clyde Gateway, Scottish Enterprise, Street Soccer, Unlimited Space and much more.
Speaking to the CEO/representative during the immersion visits was inspiring and empowering. We were addressed the challenges each sectors faced, and given their take on how they initiate cross-sector collaboration.
Through these talks and visit, I had a clearer and deeper understanding of the root of the problems.
After we concluded the immersion,we were expected to produce a video and pitch for our solutions. We received mentoring from mentors of different sectors to give constructive feedback on our solution and a diverse view of our project.
The ideas ranged from mobile application, website, Education project and much more. It was amazing to see what we could come out with in such a short span of time.
Prior to the final pitch, we had a Pitching workshop session, where we were randomly split into groups, and each group had to come out with an "unpitchable product" and sell the idea to everyone. I enjoyed this session the most because I get to pitch my "Gold Fish Hat" product. One of my favourite group's pitch was the product "Nothing".
We had a Soap box session as well, where four volunteers stood high up on a chair, speaking about a topic that matters the most to them, that they are highly passionate about.
Through these session, I learnt that we tend to be connected towards speaker of which their topic we could relate to, or when the speaker is enthusiastic and passionate about it. We connect to the speaker.
My take back from this programme?
Cultural intelligence , how different culture and upbringing affect us and our viewpoint. Sometimes, there is no right or wrong answer - it just depends on how you view the problem and how the society you were brought up in shape the way you look at a problem. How we can learn to accept different viewpoints and culture.
How a common purpose brings all us together to work together - to make the world a better place through different effort.
The power of vulnerability - how being true and honest break us down and connect with others.
How much we can learn from one, simply by just listening or observing.
I've certainly took back so much more than I'd ever expect. Meeting these bunch of inspiring and motivating youth, listening to them sharing what they have done & achieve - their diverse viewpoint opened up my mind & motivated me to go further.
Collaboration between these three sectors will be able to increase the livelihood of citizens, filling in the missing gaps of each sectors, in line with the Global Sustainable Development Goals, ideally leading to a win-win situation. However, there are many challenges and barriers to achieve collaboration.
We weren't thrown into the dark to solve the challenge. Over the four days, we had immersion visits to all three different sectors. We were given insight of the operations of the three different sectors through immersion visit to Scottish Government, Clyde Gateway, Scottish Enterprise, Street Soccer, Unlimited Space and much more.
Speaking to the CEO/representative during the immersion visits was inspiring and empowering. We were addressed the challenges each sectors faced, and given their take on how they initiate cross-sector collaboration.
Through these talks and visit, I had a clearer and deeper understanding of the root of the problems.
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| Presenting our group's solution to the challenge |
The ideas ranged from mobile application, website, Education project and much more. It was amazing to see what we could come out with in such a short span of time.
Prior to the final pitch, we had a Pitching workshop session, where we were randomly split into groups, and each group had to come out with an "unpitchable product" and sell the idea to everyone. I enjoyed this session the most because I get to pitch my "Gold Fish Hat" product. One of my favourite group's pitch was the product "Nothing".
We had a Soap box session as well, where four volunteers stood high up on a chair, speaking about a topic that matters the most to them, that they are highly passionate about.
Through these session, I learnt that we tend to be connected towards speaker of which their topic we could relate to, or when the speaker is enthusiastic and passionate about it. We connect to the speaker.
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| Pitching my group's Glasgow Tallest Tower |
My take back from this programme?
Cultural intelligence , how different culture and upbringing affect us and our viewpoint. Sometimes, there is no right or wrong answer - it just depends on how you view the problem and how the society you were brought up in shape the way you look at a problem. How we can learn to accept different viewpoints and culture.
How a common purpose brings all us together to work together - to make the world a better place through different effort.
The power of vulnerability - how being true and honest break us down and connect with others.
How much we can learn from one, simply by just listening or observing.
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| Owen from Unlimited Space providing us insights on cross-sector collaboration |
I discovered skills and talent I had in me that I did not know of before.
We discussed about sensitive topics that sparked intellectual debate which I found highly enriching. Should euthanization be made legal? Are parents allowed to discipline their children by any means?
I've also learnt about cultures of the commonwealth countries such as Nigeria, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Celtic and so much more.
33Sixty opened my mind and curiosity to learn more about the rich & diverse culture and history of the world.
On the last night we had a reception at the beautiful Bute Hall of University of Glasgow - where we were give the opportunity to network with the CSCLeaders from all across Commonwealth countries.
And I even get to explore the beautiful city of Glasgow with my fellow 33Sixty-ians! Trying out the local Scottish delights, the beautiful parks, museum and cathedrals....Glasgow is truly a beauty! (I'll save that for another blog post, maybe?)
And best of all, I fostered new friendship with youths across the Commonwealth countries.
We discussed about sensitive topics that sparked intellectual debate which I found highly enriching. Should euthanization be made legal? Are parents allowed to discipline their children by any means?
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| Our last session in Day 4: Goodbye the Scottish way: Auld Lang Syne |
33Sixty opened my mind and curiosity to learn more about the rich & diverse culture and history of the world.
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| Glasgow University |
On the last night we had a reception at the beautiful Bute Hall of University of Glasgow - where we were give the opportunity to network with the CSCLeaders from all across Commonwealth countries.
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| A photo with Sam, who dressed up in the traditional Scottish Kilt during the reception! |
And I even get to explore the beautiful city of Glasgow with my fellow 33Sixty-ians! Trying out the local Scottish delights, the beautiful parks, museum and cathedrals....Glasgow is truly a beauty! (I'll save that for another blog post, maybe?)
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| Glasgow Cathedral |
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| Beautiful Cherry Blossom at Kelvingroove Park |
Really missing everyone from 33Sixty. Participating in 33Sixty must be one of the best decision I've ever made, despite taking a week off from my three study weeks prior to my finals and forking out MYR4200 for my flight tickets (33Sixty is partially sponsored by the Scottish Government & Legacy 2014 - Meals & accommodation & all travelling costs in Glasgow is covered but we have to fork out our own travelling cost to Glasgow). I'd really recommend students/youths to apply for 33Sixty - it was an enriching programme and you'll meet a network of inspiring individuals
Common Purpose will be organizing a Global Leader Experience (GLE) programme in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 30 May - 2 June 2016 and if you're a student on summer break..why not give it a shot?
http://commonpurpose.org/leadership/programmes/students/global-leader-experiences/kuala-lumpur/
Photos credit to fellow participants from 33Sixty.
Common Purpose will be organizing a Global Leader Experience (GLE) programme in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 30 May - 2 June 2016 and if you're a student on summer break..why not give it a shot?
http://commonpurpose.org/leadership/programmes/students/global-leader-experiences/kuala-lumpur/
Photos credit to fellow participants from 33Sixty.
