In May 2019, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) launched the SG Youth Action Plan, empowering young Singaporeans to envision and shape the nation’s future. The initiative aims to create a shared vision for Singapore in 2025, guided by youth aspirations and ideas.  

The launch brought together various youth leaders and organisations for discussions, addressing key issues such as sustainability, inclusivity, and mental health. These conversations marked the start of engagements to gather input from the wider youth community.  

A steering committee of diverse youths led the initiative, organising dialogues, workshops, and outreach activities to amplify youth voices. Digital platforms were also used to engage young people across Singapore, enabling participation regardless of background.  

The SG Youth Action Plan highlights the critical role of youths as drivers of change. By involving them in decision-making and planning, the initiative fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, ensuring their contributions shape a sustainable and inclusive Singapore. 

Celebrate Youth @ Somerset Belt Transforms Somerset Skate Park into a Hub of Music and Dance

In a vibrant celebration of youth culture, the Somerset Skate Park was transformed into a dynamic venue for music and dance, hosting two major events that showcased the talents of young performers.

Super 24
The festivities commenced with the Super 24, a dance competition that challenged participants to demonstrate teamwork and creativity. Teams of 24 dancers performed within an 8 by 8-meter square, delivering a 90-second routine judged from all four sides, emphasising adaptability and unity. This competition provided a platform for secondary school students to showcase their skills and passion for dance.

Majulah Music Night 2023
Following the dance qualifiers, the Majulah Music Night 2023 took centre stage, featuring a diverse lineup of local and international artists. The event celebrated various genres, including Mandopop, hip-hop, and indie music, offering attendees a rich cultural experience. Held on July 30, 2023, at Somerset Skate Park, the night was a testament to the vibrant music scene and the creative spirit of the youth.

These events not only highlighted the talents of young performers but also underscored the importance of community engagement in fostering creativity and cultural expression among the youth.

Photo credit: Super 24 via Facebook

Youth-Led Ideas for Revitalising Somerset Belt

In August 2019, a group of 36 young individuals participated in a discussion aimed at transforming Singapore’s Somerset area into a vibrant, youth-centric precinct. Their engagement was part of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth’s (MCCY) broader effort to shape the future of the space by involving young people in the decision-making process.

Through both online platforms and face-to-face sessions, about 14,000 youths shared their visions for Somerset, offering fresh perspectives on how the area can better cater to their needs. Among the key ideas proposed were co-working spaces, car-free days, and entrepreneurial zones.

Then-Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth, Baey Yam Keng, emphasised the Government’s commitment to flexibility, expressing willingness to review current regulations to support innovative youth-driven projects. MCCY continued to refine the ideas through further consultations, ensuring that youths continued to play a central role in the development of this dynamic space.

Photo credit: Lianhe Zaobao

Transforming Somerset into a Youth-Centric Hub

Released in February 2020, the Somerset Belt Masterplan is set to revitalise the area into a vibrant, youth-centric precinct that reflects the aspirations of young Singaporeans. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and the National Youth Council, this transformation was driven by active youth participation, ensuring their voices shape the future of the space.

Over 9,300 youths contributed their insights, influencing the design of infrastructure and programmes. A steering committee, co-led by Senior Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng and Love, Bonito’s Dione Song, ensures that youth perspectives remain central.

The Masterplan envisions creative spaces for artistic expression, flexible infrastructure for events, and platforms for youth-led initiatives. Adaptable spaces will encourage collaboration and community engagement, fostering a dynamic environment for diverse interests.

Realising Youth Initiatives Through Funding & Mentorship

A key programme within the Somerset transformation is the Realise Your Somerset Project (RYSP), launched in May 2020 to empower young people to implement innovative programming and place-making ideas.

An initiative by Singapore’s Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), RYSP provides funding, venue, marketing, and mentorship to support innovative, youth-led projects that enhance the area’s vibrancy.

RYSP encourages experimentation and skill development, enabling youths to implement unique programming and place-making ideas that reflect their interests and aspirations.

Through RYSP, the Somerset Belt will host various events and installations, including art exhibitions, music performances, and community workshops, all co-created by young Singaporeans. This collaborative approach ensures the precinct remains relevant and engaging, fostering a sense of ownership and community among the youth.

Empowering Youth and Shaping the Future: The Realise Your Somerset Project

The first season of the Realise Your Somerset Project (RYSP), running from 2020 to 2021, was a pivotal youth-led initiative under the Somerset Belt Master Plan aimed at transforming Somerset into a vibrant, youth-centric destination. It empowered young people to co-create spaces, shape experiences, and contribute meaningfully to their community.

Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), RYSP supported 14 innovative projects, including projects such as Somerset Battle Grounds, an 18-week skateboarding competition campaign seeking Singapore’s best flat ground skateboarder; Green Arena, promoting sustainability through recycled percussion drumming; and Somerset Makers’ Market, a showcase for youth entrepreneurs.

Throughout 2020 and 2021, the projects brought energy and innovation to Somerset Belt. For instance, the Virtual Band Festival connected musicians during the COVID-19 pandemic, while D1 Racing introduced a year-long training programme for youths to learn how to handle drones and race them virtually through the Somerset Belt and other physical courses.

RYSP exemplifies the potential of youth-driven innovation to shape a dynamic and inclusive urban precinct, leaving a legacy of inspiration and empowerment for future generations.

Celebrating Youth Creativity: Somerfest 2022

Somerfest 2022, held from 25 November to 18 December, brought the Somerset Belt to life with vibrant, youth-led creative projects. Organised by the National Youth Council, the festival showcased over 20 unique ground-up initiatives, such as musical performances, urban sports, and drama productions, all designed to enliven public spaces. Somerfest 2022 featured participants from the second season of the Realise Your Somerset Project, who brought their creative ideas to life and enhanced the precinct’s dynamic atmosphere.

Key attractions included Parkour @ The Belt, which offered parkour challenges, performances, and beginner workshops for all ages, and the Green Arena 2.0, an interactive exhibit where visitors could create rhythms using upcycled materials. The Merlion Project provided an engaging human library experience, sharing stories from local entrepreneurs. Additionally, the Tunes of Somerset Belt concert, featuring original music inspired by the stories of the community, offered a unique musical experience.

Somerfest 2022 celebrated the creativity of Singapore’s youths, with a diverse range of activities that highlighted the dynamic spirit of the local community.

SCAPE’s Exciting Revitalisation: A New Vision for Youth

In July 2022, *SCAPE announced plans for a major rejuvenation, transforming into a vibrant, youth-focused space in the Somerset Belt. The refreshed *SCAPE will feature three main zones: “Sense and Sustainability” for youth entrepreneurs, “Freedom for Expression” for creatives, and “My Creative Haven,” a digital and physical hub for content creators.

The rejuvenation will also enhance *SCAPE’s infrastructure, fostering deeper industry partnerships and cross-sector collaboration. This transformation is part of the larger vision to revitalise the Somerset Belt, creating a dynamic district for Singapore’s youth.

*SCAPE’s mission remains unchanged—empowering youth to pursue their dreams. It has engaged over 260,000 youth since its inception, offering programmes in creative arts, media, and entrepreneurship. As it reopens, *SCAPE will continue to be a key player in nurturing the next generation of creative minds, providing a space for youth to meet industry experts and explore new opportunities in both the physical and digital worlds.

Photo credit: ZARCH

*SCAPE Presents comma: A Creative Festival for Youth Expression

In December 2022, *SCAPE unveiled comma, an inaugural creative arts festival celebrating local youth talent across music, dance, and visual arts. Running from 16 December 2022 to 15 January 2023, the festival showcased multidisciplinary art forms, with activities including music workshops, dance showcases, and visual arts exhibitions. *comma highlighted the collaborative spirit of youth artists and provided a platform for emerging talents to connect and explore their creativity. programmes like Music Day Out! and the my_space dance residency emphasised local art communities’ diverse expressions.

Additionally, the festival featured MOV:MENT, a visual arts initiative incorporating dance and cinematography, and Wallflowers SG, a community art project highlighting Somerset’s hidden sights and sounds. comma underscored *SCAPE’s commitment to nurturing youth and encouraging them to contribute to the future of Singapore’s arts scene.

This festival also marked *SCAPE’s transition, reflecting its ongoing transformation to better support youth-led creativity. Through these initiatives, *SCAPE provided an inclusive space for youth to express themselves, experiment with new ideas, and engage with fellow artists, laying the foundation for future growth and collaboration in the arts.

Youth Redesign the Future of Somerset Belt with the Red Bus Challenge

The Red Bus Challenge, a collaborative initiative held in July 2023, invited youth to design an iconic landmark for the Somerset Belt area. Focused on creativity and community engagement, this challenge encouraged young participants to bring fresh ideas for revitalising the beloved Red Bus, an emblematic feature of the district.

The youth teams pitched innovative concepts, resulting in the following winning proposals:

RED BUSS’IN
A lively space for all ages featuring a grass and stage area for performances, pop-up booths for local entrepreneurs, food stalls, and painting booths for creative expression. It’s a dynamic community hub for entertainment and collaboration.

The Red Bus District
A flexible, accessible park designed to foster youth culture and creativity, with the iconic Red Bus serving as a catalyst for artistic and communal expression, open to use at any time of day.

Tales on Wheels
A mobile youth museum in the Red Bus, showcasing personal youth memories through donated items and stories. Visitors can scan QR codes to learn the significance of each item and connect with the memories of its owner.

Photo credit: Choo Yut Shing

Trifecta Opens, Offering Thrilling Adventures for All

On 21 January 2023, Trifecta opened its doors to the public, becoming Singapore’s first integrated venue offering snow, surf, skate, and ski experiences. This all-encompassing facility brings a unique combination of adventure sports under one roof. Visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding on real snow, challenge themselves on a surf simulator, or perfect their skateboarding skills in a dedicated park.

Designed to cater to both beginners and experienced enthusiasts, Trifecta provides a versatile destination for anyone seeking action-packed fun. Located centrally, the venue brings a dynamic and exciting range of experiences to thrill-seekers in Singapore, creating a space for adventure sports lovers to connect and push their limits.

Photo credit: Trifecta

comma Festival 2024: A Vibrant Celebration of Youth Creativity

The *SCAPE comma Festival 2024 wrapped up with a dynamic lineup of events celebrating the creativity of youth. Music Day Out! on 13 and 14 January featured an eclectic mix of artists like Leipzig, No Good, Fuse, and Golden Mammoth, offering performances and artist-sharing sessions on the realities of touring.

Jamela Law’s “Scars, Skins and Styles: Phygital Transfigurations” residency explored mental health through digital and fashion co-design, while the MOV:MENT Lab showcased thought-provoking dance films on 13 January.

Other highlights included Experimentation Ground’s experimental performances on 20 January, and the Roar City Grounds Krump Exhibition, which was on from 19 to 21, and 26 to 28 January. Game demos and innovative business ideas from young developers and entrepreneurs also took center stage throughout the month, marking the festival as a celebration of youth-led artistic exploration.

Revamp of Somerset Belt to Provide Youth-Centric Spaces

The Somerset Belt area will be undergoing a significant transformation to cater to youth, incorporating ideas from over 9,300 young individuals. The Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth (MCCY) is leading this revamp to create a vibrant, youth-oriented precinct. Plans include flexible, movable furniture at the Youth Park and new features like the Incubation Nexus next to Somerset Skate Park. These versatile spaces will support various activities, from outdoor seating to workshops and markets.

The revamp will also expand the Youth Park’s graffiti wall, build a new stage for performances and events, and provide amenities like shower facilities. Additionally, the Skate Park will double as an event venue, with plans to accommodate up to 1,200 people. The initiative reflects the evolving needs of youth, encouraging creativity, engagement, and a sense of community.

Photo credit: (Then) Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth, Mr Baey Yam Keng via X

Youth Makan Sesh: A Gathering of Friendship and Collaboration

The Youth Makan Sesh, organised by *SCAPE provided a casual yet impactful platform for youths to connect, share ideas, and explore collaboration opportunities. The event encouraged interaction among participants while fostering a welcoming environment with good food and shared conversations.

Key objectives included promoting friendship among attendees, showcasing the work and best practices of *SCAPE’s Communities of Interest (COIs), and facilitating cross-pollination of ideas between groups. Additionally, the session offered volunteering opportunities for youths to contribute to *SCAPE’s initiatives and Somerset Belt activities, enhancing their personal growth and capabilities.

Invited participants included *SCAPE’s COIs, youth groups considering partnerships with *SCAPE, and individuals seeking spaces to bring their passion projects to life. The event proved to be an enriching experience, driving community engagement and inspiring new possibilities among Singapore’s youth.

Somerset Belt Countdown 2024: Ushering in the New Year with Energy

The Somerset Belt Countdown 2024 lit up the final hours of the year with electrifying performances and an engaging community atmosphere at Somerset Youth Park. Organised by *SCAPE, the event featured an array of live music, DJ sets, and dynamic dance acts, creating an unforgettable celebration of youth and creativity.

The festivities also highlighted *SCAPE’s Music Day Out!, showcasing local indie music talents and fostering collaboration through workshops and conferences. This vibrant lead-up to the countdown set the stage for the new year.

comma Festival 2025: A Celebration of Youth Creativity

From 19 January to 25 February, *SCAPE’s comma, Festival 2025 showcased an electrifying lineup of events that celebrated youth creativity across various art forms. Highlights included the Lost Arts Found exhibition, which breathed new life into traditional crafts, and the MOV:MENT Lab Exhibition, featuring innovative dance films blending movement and cinematography.

Other key events included Experimentation Ground, a platform for avant-garde performances, and the Youth Artistry Market, where local talents showcased their creations. The festival reaffirmed *SCAPE’s role as a hub for youth innovation and artistic expression.

Passionate youths from all walks of life gathered for an overnight engagement camp as part of the Somerset Reset initiative — a pivotal step in shaping the future of the Somerset Belt. Rather than being passive participants, these young changemakers were placed at the heart of the planning process, guiding conversations around what Somerset should mean for their generation.

The purpose of this engagement session was threefold: to confirm the collective aspirations for the Somerset Belt, establish a unifying story and visual identity for the precinct, and co-develop a public engagement plan to guide the journey ahead. It was a moment for youths to be aligned on what Somerset should represent — a vibrant, inclusive space that reflects the pulse of their generation.

Collaborating with architects, planners, and creative agencies, the youths shared visions of a precinct that champions youth identity, fosters mental well-being, and cultivates belonging. Through dialogue and interactive activities, they explored key themes like inclusivity, sustainability, creativity, and community.

The camp also included a guided night tour to deepen contextual understanding. Each youth leader took ownership of a domain — from arts to sports — and committed to engaging their own circles to ensure that Somerset’s transformation reflects diverse youth voices.

In February 2025, Somerset Reset kicked off as a six-month campaign that brought youths into the room with architects, planners, and decision-makers.

No longer just sharing ideas, they began shaping real plans, from design details to programming that would define the Somerset Belt as it moves towards 2027.

But this moment didn’t come out of nowhere. It was built on the voices of over 9,000 youths who had already imagined what Somerset could be. Somerset Reset carried that energy forward, turning collective dreams into real-world action, and setting the stage for a precinct that reflects the creativity, ambition, and spirit of a generation.

As part of the Somerset Reset initiative, youth leaders convened for an immersive engagement session at JEN Singapore Orchardgateway to co-create the next chapter of the Somerset Belt. The session was guided by three core objectives: establishing architectural plans and designs for four future activity nodes — Youth Park, Somerset Slopes, Skate Park, and Incubation Nexus; exploring site response and connectivity strategies via the Roblox Metaverse; and developing a robust public engagement plan for broader community involvement.

Working alongside architects, urban planners, and government agencies, participants broke into teams, each tackling one of the four nodes. Leveraging the Roblox Metaverse, they visualised how wayfinders, green pockets, and social hubs could interlink across the precinct.

The youth leaders also brainstormed outreach methods to gather public’s feedback and sustain momentum for the Somerset Reset initiative. 

By placing young voices at the heart of planning, Somerset Reset is not only shaping physical spaces, but also forging a vibrant, inclusive narrative that reflects the aspirations and creativity of Singapore’s youth.

On 31 May 2025, youths from across Singapore gathered at JEN Singapore Orchardgateway for the third Somerset Reset engagement session — a full-day workshop dedicated to rethinking the future of the Somerset Belt, Singapore’s up and coming youth precinct.

Through open, collaborative dialogues, participants worked on how the precinct could better support youth-led ideas, including the design of inclusive activities, furniture, and fittings. Another key focus was developing a public engagement plan to reach out and ensure that the broader community would have a voice in shaping the space.

The session also challenged participants to think critically about pricing strategies and operating models — exploring how to strike a balance between feasibility, accessibility, and affordability. Teams pitched their ideass to their peers and facilitators, receiving constructive questions that helped refine and strengthen their ideas. By the end of the session, the youths came to a consensus on the ideas to implement at the Somerset Belt.

Beyond just a design thinking exercise, the session encouraged imagination, collaboration, and critical thinking. With inputs from youths of different backgrounds and interests, the Somerset Belt continues to evolve as a precinct shaped by and for the next generation of youths.

In July 2025, the Somerset Belt unveiled a new identity shaped entirely by youths.

Youths came together to develop and design two bold and distinct directions for the Somerset Belt logo, each telling a different story of identity, culture, and place.

Then, the choice was handed back to the community. Through a public vote, over 300 voices came together to decide what Somerset Belt should represent. One design rose above the rest, chosen by more than 75% of voters.

More than just a visual identity, it represents a shared ownership of the Somerset Belt, where youth ideas are not only heard, but brought to life.