Forward SG participant shares idea for a better Singapore

My Forward Singapore Idea

Cynthia Chow
Music Educator, 59
Forward SG Participant

Communication without barriers

“I would like to see more spaces created for Singaporeans to use music as a form of communication. Communicating through music is easy as there are no language, age, or socio-economic barriers.”

Bringing people together through music

“For an hour every week, I use angklungs and percussion instruments to facilitate community music-making at an active aging centre. The aim is to have fun learning how to play an instrument in an ensemble, within a safe and inclusive space, regardless of the differences among us.”

All are welcome

“We could organise music festivals which are free for all, where participants can bring any instrument, even handmade ones such as shakers in the form of empty cans with rice or beans inside. This could be one way to reach out to different communities and bring them together.”

Participation over performance

“When it comes to music, we should value participation over performance. I see too many parents expecting their child to excel at music lessons, rather than enjoy it.”

For the love of music

“Growing up, I studied music and learnt it the conventional way through exams. I made a promise not to teach music the way I learnt it because there is so much more to it than countless assessments.”