MEDIA RELEASE

SINGAPORE – 29 August 2025 – The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Singapore marked a significant milestone tonight with its 150th Anniversary Commemorative Dinner at the Conrad Singapore Orchard. The event was graced by Guest-of-Honour Minister Edwin Tong and his wife with close to 500 guests in attendance. Together, they honoured YWCA’s rich heritage of empowering women – and looked ahead to a bold new future.

Since its founding in 1875, YWCA has pioneered initiatives to empower women through education, community services and social support. From setting up Singapore’s first lending library for women, to night schools, childcare centres and women hostels, the organisation has continually evolved with the times, responding to the shifting needs of society. Through every season and era, YWCA has not only understood the needs of women but anticipated the challenges and opportunities ahead – helping them women grow, thrive and reach their full potential.

Redefining the Women in Need

As YWCA marks its 150th anniversary, it recognises that the needs of women continue to evolve and expand. It wishes to broaden traditional definition of women in need so as to address gaps and needs that may have gone unmet. While women in the past sought literacy programmes or safe shelter, “Today, she may be navigating single parenthood, caregiving responsibilities, rebuilding after job loss, or striving to keep her business afloat. Tomorrow, she may face challenges we cannot yet imagine,” highlighted Ms Sim Hwee Hoon, President of the YWCA of Singapore, during the anniversary dinner.

Reimagining Ways to Serve Women in Singapore

In line with this commitment to responsiveness, YWCA recently launched the Hopemaker Movement and the Women’s Business Accelerator Programme last month. This movement affirms every woman as a “Creator of Hope,” – for herself, her family and for society – providing a comprehensive support ecosystem for women on challenging journeys towards achieving financial stability. The pilot cohort, which has an intake of 22 participants, is already seeing a transformative impact among its aspiring Hopemakers. YWCA will continue to look at ways to serve women better in Singapore.

Renewed Look & Bold Vision for Tomorrow

Tonight, YWCA celebrated its enduring legacy and unveiled its vision for the future with a new logo. The refreshed design is a modern, approachable reflection of the organisation’s heritage. At its center, a blue triangle embodies the trinity of body, mind, and spirit – the wholeness YWCA envisions for every woman. Two converging triangles represent its dreams and skyward aspirations, and its core values of love and service, derived from its motto “By Love Serve One Another”. Together, the three triangles subtly form a “W,” a quiet but powerful tribute to “Women” who remain the very heart of YWCA’s mission. This refreshed branding ushers YWCA into a new season in Singapore to meet new changes, marking bold plans and a renewed commitment to empowering women and strengthening communities in ever more meaningful and impactful ways.

Redesigning Her Future Through a New Hope Hub

YWCA is envisioning a bold future: transforming its historic headquarters at Outram Road into a new Hope Hub — a vibrant sanctuary where women and families facing diverse challenges can find strength, support, and community. More than a building, Hope Hub will be a dynamic women’s hub, bringing together women-focused organisations, social enterprises, and partners to collaborate, innovate, and create new opportunities.

The Hope Hub will be the heartbeat of the Hopemaker Movement, grounded in the belief that hope is built together. YWCA is seeking like-minded partners and funders to turn this vision into a reality: a space where women and communities can thrive, grow, and soar together – ensuring no woman is ever isolated or unsupported.

A Night of Hope, Unity and Strength

The heartwarming evening, emceed by former Nominated Member of Parliament and women’s advocate Eunice Olsen, featured special performances, including an unreleased track “The Promise of You” by celebrated singer-songwriter Corrinne May, and an enchanting piece by international award-winning violin child prodigy, Travis Wong. A highlight of the night was YWCA’s very own Hopemaker Runway, a special collaboration with purpose-driven fashion brand, ANS.EIN showcasing designs inspired by the hopes and dreams of YWCA’s Hopemakers and supporters.

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About YWCA of Singapore

Since 1875, the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Singapore has empowered women and families of all races and religions through practical support that addresses both financial pressures and socioemotional wellbeing, along with a strong community to grow and thrive in.

Guided by its core principles of Serving with Love, Embracing Change, Strengthening Communities, and Empowering Lives, YWCA focuses on enabling women from different backgrounds to better manage caregiving responsibilities, strengthen family stability, and access new opportunities for growth.

YWCA operates a hospitality-based social enterprise through YWCA Fort Canning. All net profits from the hotel are channelled towards YWCA’s community services and programmes, furthering YWCA’s social mission, alongside the support of donors and partners.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.ywca.org.sg.

Media Contact:

Gerlynn Cai
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications
gerlynncai@ywca.org.sg
+65-8282 2148 / 6223 1227

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