Yellow Ribbon Project 2008
6 September 2008
Singapore Expo Convention Hall

Yellow Ribbon Project 2008, Celebrating Second Life – Awards Ceremony & Concert

I’m really still in prison and my love, she holds the key, a simple yellow ribbon’s what I need to set me free … - Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree.

The Yellow Ribbon Project explicitly recognised two hundred and eight ex-offenders who received their achievement awards in the Ceremony held at the Singapore Expo Convention Hall, 06 September 2008.

1. Excerpt from Mr. Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Senior Minister of State (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), and Mayor, North East District, at the Yellow Ribbon Celebrating Second Chances Awards 2008:

It is my pleasure to be here today to celebrate the success of ex-offenders who had made good use of the second chances given to them. Equally encouraging is the presence of organizations and individuals, who have generously offered ex-offenders the chances to start afresh. Their deeds have also given hope to families of ex-offenders.

We all know that life is not a bed of roses for an inmate who is just released from Prisons. He faces many complex issues. For example, he needs to deal with strained family relationships, difficulties in finding job, accommodation and the rest. Therefore, community support is essential to ease inmates’ transition from Prisons back to society.

The idea of giving second chances is not new. Since the launch of the Yellow Ribbon Project in 2004, I am heartened to see organisations and individuals offering gifts of acceptance and support to help ex-offenders and their families.

I would like to encourage more organisations to come forward to support the Yellow Ribbon cause.

Subsequently, the artistic talents of inmates and ex-offenders were showcased at its varied Concert. These inmates and ex-offenders were given a chance by collaborating with celebrities to perform genres of their original music compositions. SingaporeSights had an exclusive interview with one of the celebrities.

2. Transcript with Veteran Taiwan Singer, Mr. Wakin Chau (in Mandarin):

我这一次来是为了这个原因而参观过那个监狱。年轻人因该感受、知道，人失去自由的时候，那个’punishment’ 是很重的 ，大家都要警言慎行。

我今天来会唱一首歌。这首歌还蛮可以 ‘touch’ 到他们的问题，因为很多人所讲的 “义气，朋友”；总是受行人可以自己区分。我觉得我们因该去了解他们，同情他们。

加入我们，帮助他们！

3.) 'Our Crossroads' Exhibition

'Our Crossroads' Exhibition is an experiential exhibition showcasing three real life stories of inmates/ex-offenders. The exhibition will allow the community to gain an insight into the intricate issues affecting the inmates/ex-offenders and their family members, and to garner community support for their reintegration journey.

Date : 12-14 September 2008 (Friday-Saturday)
Time : 11.00am - 9pm
Venue : Marina Square, Central Atrium

About the Yellow Ribbon Project

The Yellow Ribbon Project is a nation-wide campaign to encourage families, employers and the community to accept ex-offenders into their lives. There are approximately 11,000 ex-offenders who are released from the various prisons and drug rehabilitation centres each year. As more ex-offenders have to return to their families and the community, the focus on rehabilitation and aftercare efforts alone are not adequate. The Yellow Ribbon project highlights the important part the community plays in the creation of an inclusive social environment where ex-offenders, who display strong desire to change, and their families can find the hope to start life afresh and become contributing members of society.

For more information, please visit: www.yellowribbon.org.sg

Transcripts Edited by Ai San Yip. Photography by Eugene Tang. Information Courtesy of Singapore Prison Service and Yellow Ribbon Project.