Youth For Second Chances

Our video is finally here!

Youth For Second Chances was shot on one (very hot) September day in a variety of locations around Singapore. We met up with young dancers, freerunners and musicians, all of whom had agreed to appear in our video in the hopes that it would contribute to the campaign to save the life of Yong Vui Kong.

Heartfelt thanks to everyone who volunteered their time and energy in the making of this video!

- cheers, kirsten

See what other blogs wrote about this video:
- Lianain Films
- Save Vui Kong

"Please give Yong a second chance in life too."

I grew up in a lower-middle income family in Singapore and my parents were always busy at work just to make ends meet. My elder brother used to bully me and we often fought when we were young. Whenever my dad comes home, he would beat the hell out of the two of us whenever we got into an argument. Sometimes, my dad returns home drunk and would turn violent on my mum with broken furniture and blood everywhere.

I hated being at home and I got to know friends in the neighbourhood who had similar family problems. We smoked, joined gangs, got into fights and drugs both selling and consumption. Having seen my cousin in the same gang got killed during a gang fight over mistaken identity, I gradually distanced myself from the gang but still got hooked to drugs.

On 21 Nov 1999, I had a very bad trip on ecstacy and suffered fits and psychosis, my friends had no choice but to inform my parents who in turned called the ambulance. I was admitted to hospital for 5 days, totally insane and speaking a different language. Police came and my dad pleaded for a second chance because of my insanity and due to the fact that I would be graduating from a polytechnic in a few months' time.

I have no idea why the police didn't take any action against me even though clinical records clearly showed I got involved with drugs. Perhaps it was due to my father's plea, I have no idea, even until now and I don't talk about it anymore.

It took me a few weeks to recover and it was a very tough few weeks. It was the most terrible experience of my life. I am 30 years old now, earning a good income to support my parents, wife and son.

I do not think I deserve the second chance anymore than Yong. Please give Yong a second chance in life too.

Written by: Jamie Mygraine

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This piece was written as part of We Believe In Second Chances’ Then And Now series, where people share their personal experiences and reflect on how they have changed from when they were young (or younger), or how second chances have helped them.

If you would like to share your own story, please do. It doesn't matter how old you are, where you live or how "boring" you think your life is – everyone has his or her own experience and everyone has a story. There is no word limit, and don't worry about your language/writing skills – this is not a composition test!

Please send in your pieces to webelieveinsecondchances@gmail.com.

"He deserves a second chance."

My story is hard to talk about but I will tell you...

I have suffered from depression, anxiety, panic, and a lot of other issues ever since I was about 2 years of age. I have never felt close with my parents (family). I was adopted when I was a few weeks old. I guess I never felt that blood connection, and we are very different people.

I have always been sad and liked to keep to my self. Art, Music, Animals and Singing have always been my passion, and that's all I ever wanted to do.

I have learning disabilities (a disorder, as dyslexia, which affected me while in my school age). So I always got picked on, never had any real friends which made me refuse to go to school and stay home to do my art.

The school filed for me to go to court but I refused to go. I was in a deep state of depression. So I had a warrant out for my arrest. I was about 12 years old the first time I got in trouble and sent to a psychiatric hospital. They took me in handcuffs and brought me to court, I had no chance on explaining why I did what I did or what I was feeling. They placed me in a psychiatric hospital. I was unable to see my family or talk to them for days and no one told me what was going on.

Eventually they placed me on medication which in return caused me to have suicidal thoughts and then I attempted. Something stopped me. I don't know why or what it was, but if that thing didn't stop me I wouldn't be here now to help Yong Vui Kong, Animal Rights and Human Rights. So I'm glad.

I was living there for about 6 months. They neglected to tell me that once you're in the "System", you cant get out until your 18 years old. I outgrew that placement and was transferred into a private residence for children involved in drugs, emotional/mental illness and the law. It was at that placement when I got involved with the wrong people. I took up smoking and drugs, as well as hanging around people who dealt drugs.

For over 4 years I was involved in all of that. Failed school, got serious with a loser ( I was naive to believe he loved me), I spiralled out of control. I got involved in a long term relationship with someone who was deeply ill, mentally. I was not aware of this until it was almost to late. I was engaged with this person for over two and half years. On and off.

They left the school illegally. I then got a call that they had been raped in her home by a guy they let stay over and that I should call them. Well, I did not call them. I promised them I would protect them, and so I left the school a few months before I was 18 to go be by their side.

I left illegally as well. I hid with them in NYC so I wouldn't be found by the cops, for the summer untill I turned 18. I was high and drunk every day. almost ODed many times. Almost got arrested many times. We always got into fights. We broke up and I left their house. I became homeless (partly my fault).

It wasn't until the cops found me sleeping in a park with other kids (homeless) and admitted me to another psychiatric hospital that I realized I needed to wake up.

I moved back with my parents. I left all the bad people. I became an activist for animal rights and human rights. I started eating healthier which took me on the path of vegetarianism.. a while after I became vegan.

I still felt lost. I needed to find a way to understand my inner self. I had no control of myself and my emotions. I needed something else. I was introduced to Buddhism. I took up Yoga/Meditation.

I have become a full time Activist/Volunteer. I have always believed in eveyone and everything being equal.

I was then alerted about Vui Kong From a good friend of mine who lives in Malaysia. Hearing and reading About Yong Vui Kong and how much we are alike opened my eyes and heart.

I immediately broke down in tears as I am now because that could be me, and he does not deserve this!

It hit me hard. He and his story touched me deeply. I feel for him, and his family. Reading his letters and his story has inspired me. He has come a long way, and turned into a more amazing being than he was before and than I ever was, or probably could be.

He has made me realize how dark I was in my past and how I need to change before its too late. And deep down behind my pokerface I was a scared, confused, and lost little kid who had no direction.

Buddhism and Yong has made me realize who I am as a person and what I'm meant to be, and do with my life. I'm meant to help others in need. Give back to people.

I never had someone like Yong to talk to... Someone to come to for guidance like I've heard people are doing with him now. If I did... I probably wouldn't have gone down that road.

If Yong had someone like who he is now, back then, he probably wouldn't have done what he did either.

I wake up at 6am every morning and check for updates on his case. I then do my yoga and meditation. And I pray to, and for him. I look to him for guidance. His words (letters) help me overcome great problems I encounter. His dream is the same as mine, which amazed me. He is a true Angel.

And now, I have become Vui Kong's voice In NY and America. And I will not stop here. I have made it my life's mission to fight for human and animal rights. Starting with Yong Vui Kong.

I will not give up on saving his life. I will not give up on helping make his dream of helping others, and fighting for the Anti- Drug Campaign come true.

Yong Vui Kong is not just a person. He is one of, if not the most selfless, caring, enlightened, strong and inspirational people I have ever heard of in my life.

He deserves a second chance.

This is giving Singapore a bad name as people; by murdering this person who if you let him could be the one to change the way drug trafficking is for the better. He could be the answer to all the problems. He can be these people's savior.

If people can see how he can come from knocking on death's door to enlightened and a teacher for other beings you would be better off.

Why shouldn't Vui Kong be giving a second chance of life? The public needs to help Yong and the people of Singapore. We may be his only chance. Your voice may just be the voice they need to listen to.

Yong Vui Kong does not deserve this, nor do others in his situation. Saving one life will in return save many! He's in a way saved mine. And I am blessed for getting the chance to know of such a person like Vui Kong. I will never forget him.

Written by: Elyssa Ivy

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This piece was written as part of We Believe In Second Chances’ Then And Now series, where people share their personal experiences and reflect on how they have changed from when they were young (or younger), or how second chances have helped them.

If you would like to share your own story, please do. It doesn't matter how old you are, where you live or how "boring" you think your life is – everyone has his or her own experience and everyone has a story. There is no word limit, and don't worry about your language/writing skills – this is not a composition test!

Please send in your pieces to webelieveinsecondchances@gmail.com.

"I am more than my mistakes."

Flipping through my diary of 2007 is a strange, strange experience. The stories are familiar, but it almost feels as if I’m reading about someone else’s life. I turn the pages past flyers, Neoprints, birthday cards, newspaper cuttings and little romantic notes from my very first boyfriend; I recognise them but they seem to be from another time, another world so far removed from me, and who I am now.

I was 18 for most of 2007, only turning 19 in November. I had just moved to New Zealand – a country I had always admired but where I knew not a soul – in the second half of 2006, and was just getting used to really having to stand on my own two feet.

The list of things I didn’t know was long. Very long.

I didn’t know how to cook – I didn’t even know how to turn the oven on. I didn’t know how to drive (not even in theory, as I do now). I didn’t know how to clear a clogged shower drain. I didn’t know how to deal with overly eager men who tried to put on my shoes for me (long story). I didn’t even know about the specific chilly bin in refrigerators that you had to keep the veggies in.

But most importantly of all: I didn’t know who I was.

I knew that I was a teenager, that I was a bit nerdy and that I was genetically incapable of any athletic activities, but beyond that I lacked a real sense of self.

I had no idea what I really believed in, besides the “true love” of romantic comedies and that “there must be a God… probably”. I was useless in any sort of intellectual debate because I was simply incapable of taking a stand. My fear of confrontations meant that I would bend over backwards to avoid disagreeing with anyone. I didn’t believe in myself, or trust myself to know what was right or what was wrong.

Skip forward to 2010 and I surprise even myself with how much I have changed. The 2007 version of me would never have believed it.

In 2007, all I wanted for my future was to get along somehow, keeping my head down and eating biscuits. I wasn’t even interested in ever coming back home to Singapore. Now I have fallen in love with my home country all over again, and find it important to speak up for what I believe is right, because I believe that my Singapore is capable of so much more. And so I’ve started volunteering, blogging (about Singaporean issues) and also participating in campaigns such as this one.

In three short years my life has changed directions and taken on a trajectory neither I, my friends or my family would ever have expected. And although my past experiences will always be a part of me, it is impossible to define me according to anything I did or thought at the age of 18 or 19.

I am more than my mistakes, and I have so much more to live for, so much more to contribute.

Just like Yong Vui Kong.

Written by: Kirsten Han

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This piece was written as part of We Believe In Second Chances’ Then And Now series, where people share their personal experiences and reflect on how they have changed from when they were young (or younger), or how second chances have helped them.

If you would like to share your own story, please do. It doesn't matter how old you are, where you live or how "boring" you think your life is – everyone has his or her own experience and everyone has a story. There is no word limit, and don't worry about your language/writing skills – this is not a composition test!

Please send in your pieces to webelieveinsecondchances@gmail.com.

"I can’t imagine how much I would lose if my life is going to end right now."

Thinking back, I have gone a long way since my teenage years. When I was 15 to 16, I lost interest in my studies. I did not do well for a few subjects and was even made to drop one. I managed to pull through my ‘O’ levels with an average score. Design was something I would love to go into as a polytechnic course. Yet, my parents did not approve of me studying it. Eventually, I landed in a food technology course. With encouragement from my friends, I managed to complete my polytechnic course smoothly. I then went on to join a food technology degree course, which was supposedly quite tough. Moreover, it was a condensed version – an originally 4-year course which we were expected to complete in 2 years. It definitely wasn’t easy for someone like me who did not have much interest in this area. Nevertheless, I did not give up and I am about to graduate soon.

Right now at age 22, I find that I have accomplished much and I still have the chance of doing something I like in the future. I believe things do change even within a few years. I find the past me not determined enough and I did not set clear-cut goals for myself. Procrastination was also a serious problem during my Secondary school days. Experiencing different events and looking at different people have inspired me much and shaped my determination over the years. As long as I am alive, I do not want to give up on my interests! I can’t imagine how much I would lose if my life is going to end right now. No longer can I pursue my dream and aspirations. And no longer can I see my dearest family and friends again.

Written by: Goh Huibing

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This piece was written as part of We Believe In Second Chances’ Then And Now series, where people share their personal experiences and reflect on how they have changed from when they were young (or younger), or how second chances have helped them.

If you would like to share your own story, please do. It doesn't matter how old you are, where you live or how "boring" you think your life is – everyone has his or her own experience and everyone has a story. There is no word limit, and don't worry about your language/writing skills – this is not a composition test!

Please send in your pieces to webelieveinsecondchances@gmail.com.

"Human beings are all fallible."

When I was 19... Wow, that was a long time ago! As I remember, when I was 19, life was such a bore. I was waiting to complete my National Service. I was keenly looking forward to University and excited about my entire life ahead of me. What a contrast with Vui Kong, whose life now hangs in the balance!

While I was also from a family of humble means, I was not really deprived. No hardships interfered with my schooling and my life was worry-free and varied and thoroughly enjoyable. True misery and deprivation I only tasted when I entered the army. But there was always the bright light at the end of tunnel: ROD! So there was always hope.

During my schooldays, I had my share of mischief. When I was 17, I fell in for a while with a rowdy bunch of boys. We had a charismatic leader who taught us lock-picking and shoplifting. We went around stealing some petty stuff, breaking and entering into offices in school, and even attempted to peek into the girls' toilet! It was all done for thrills and we were smart enough not to get caught and also to know when things were getting out of hand. The group soon broke up after an argument with our leader.

The thing is, I faced no terrible hardships or challenges. And yet, in the folly of youth, ventured into petty crimes for the sake of thrills. Under more compelling circumstances, what else might I have done?

Human beings are all fallible. Youth all the more so. As a fallible person to another, we should extend sympathy and compassion. Thus, I firmly oppose capital punishment. I wish Vui Kong good luck in the fight for his life. I wish M. Ravi success in his valiant and noble campaign. And I hope this sad story will have a happy ending: that Vui Kong will have a chance to live to teach other young people of how he erred in his youth and made good of a second chance extended to him, and how Singapore and its legal officers finally found mercy in their heart to let him live.

Written by: Jonathan Teo

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This piece was written as part of We Believe In Second Chances’ Then And Now series, where people share their personal experiences and reflect on how they have changed from when they were young (or younger), or how second chances have helped them.

If you would like to share your own story, please do. It doesn't matter how old you are, where you live or how "boring" you think your life is – everyone has his or her own experience and everyone has a story. There is no word limit, and don't worry about your language/writing skills – this is not a composition test!

Please send in your pieces to webelieveinsecondchances@gmail.com.

"It's never too late for people to change."

When I was 18, I was in my 2nd year of my pre-U days but working hard to get into University was the last thing on my agenda at that time. All I wanted was to be seen as this cool gal in school; I wanted all the attention I could possibly get.

I got the attention from guys definitely but that wasn't enough. To be "cool" and accepted, I tried smoking, played truant, skip classes, spoke back to my teachers, vandalized school properties and I even slashed my wrists. For a period of time, I ate with my wrists facing down to the table to avoid getting noticed by my parents. I was rude to my family members each time they showed their concern. I repeated that year before eventually getting kicked out of school and blamed my parents for not sending me overseas.

Some may wonder but I am from a close-knitted family who shares everything... I just didn't tell them about my new "activities".

To cut the story short, I failed my A levels as a private candidate and didn't get to the university. I went through depression at the age of 23 as I felt small without a degree and my pay was meagre and I started slashing my wrists again to "take away the pain" (but never to commit suicide).

Now, at 30, I have 2 diplomas from SIM and NIE (National Institute of Education) and currently pursuing a degree in counselling. This is also my 9th year as a teacher and I no longer regret my past coz it has moulded me to be who I am today. I'm rather old to be an undergrad but never too old! =)

I am who I am because of my past and because of that little hope that so many people believed in. My mum always tell me: "It's never too late for people to change. It may take months or even years but people do change eventually." =)

Written by: Huda

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This piece was written as part of We Believe In Second Chances’ Then And Now series, where people share their personal experiences and reflect on how they have changed from when they were young (or younger), or how second chances have helped them.

If you would like to share your own story, please do. It doesn't matter how old you are, where you live or how "boring" you think your life is – everyone has his or her own experience and everyone has a story. There is no word limit, and don't worry about your language/writing skills – this is not a composition test!

Please send in your pieces to webelieveinsecondchances@gmail.com.

"A person who has a heart gives second chances."

I share something in common with Vui Kong. I have run afoul of the law before.

I will spare you the details of what happened to me, but I'm admitting this fact so that those who are reading this will know that I’m not shooting my mouth off.

Yes, I did not face the death penalty, but like Vui Kong, I went through the whole process of going to court for hearings and the whole mambo jumbo nonsense of the legal system.

I’m sure Vui Kong will agree with me that the process is very tiring and exhausting.

But I cannot imagine what is going through Vui Kong’s mind when he’s going through this whole process with the word ‘death penalty’ hanging over his head.

I remember vividly the fear and nervousness whenever I have to stand before a judge. I wasn’t there for Vui Kong’s hearings, but I am also sure he shares the same feeling with me.

The toll that the trial took on my family was laid bare for all to see when my parents broke down after my sentencing.

It is different for Vui Kong’s family because of the media’s interest and spotlight on this case. There is no private moment for them to grieve after every hearing. One can only imagine how much they are suffering.

3 years is a long time. Unlike Vui Kong, I didn’t have to wait so long to hear my sentence. I was in a way given a second chance with a relatively light sentence.

3 years on, I’m thankful for the second chance that I received.

Because as a Cell Leader to a group of very young teenagers in my church, I’m able to teach them what is right and what is wrong to prevent them from walking down the path that Vui Kong and I once took.

I changed because I was given a second chance. We need to believe that Vui Kong will change too, after going through what he has gone through.

Is giving him a second chance too much to ask for?

To the judges, lawyers and whoever is involved in this case, all I can say is: A person who has a heart gives second chances.

Written by: Shawn Lim

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This piece was written as part of We Believe In Second Chances’ Then And Now series, where people share their personal experiences and reflect on how they have changed from when they were young (or younger), or how second chances have helped them.

If you would like to share your own story, please do. It doesn't matter how old you are, where you live or how "boring" you think your life is – everyone has his or her own experience and everyone has a story. There is no word limit, and don't worry about your language/writing skills – this is not a composition test!

Please send in your pieces to webelieveinsecondchances@gmail.com.