From Singapore to the world — Leadership that actually matters.

You care about the world and want to do something meaningful with your life. Yet many “leadership programmes” feel too abstract, too elitist, or disconnected from real experience.


That disconnect matters, especially now. Many young people today aren’t short on ability; we’re short on clarity. We do all the “right” things, yet still feel uncertain about where we fit, how we can contribute, or how to respond to global issues that feel overwhelming and distant.


The International Youth Leadership Programme (IYLP) doesn’t promise easy answers. Instead, it offers something more grounded and lasting: direction, perspective, and the inner steadiness to act with purpose.

Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6
Image 7
Image 8

What Is IYLP?

The International Youth Leadership Programme (IYLP) is a global youth leadership journey initiated by Tzu Chi.


It brings together young people from different countries to explore:


  • Inner leadership and self-awareness
  • Social responsibility and compassion in action
  • How values translate into real-world choices


This isn’t about loud leadership or personal branding.

It’s about becoming someone who can think clearly, act responsibly, and work with others across differences.


Eligibility

  • Applicants must be aged 20–35 in the year of application.
  • All nationalities are welcome, although some United Nations–related activities may have nationality requirements and certain opportunities will be open only to eligible delegates.
  • Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in sustainable development, align with Tzu Chi’s humanistic values, and be proficient in written and spoken English.
Visit the global IYLP site

Think Globally,
Act Locally

At HYC, supporting Singapore youth isn’t just about linking them to big ideas, it’s about helping them create change right here at home. Through IYLP Action and Practice (A&P), youth from Singapore have brought their own passions and creativity into community action with HYC’s support.


One example is School of Imagination, co-created by Singaporean youth Rachel Cheang and Chloe Kuan. They wanted children to explore nature, imagination, and creativity beyond the classroom, so they designed a one-day outdoor adventure where young learners connected with nature through storytelling, art and play. With guidance from HYC mentors and months of planning, the project came to life in the parks around the youth centre and went on to win recognition in IYLP.

Join us and be part of a global movement led by passionate youth, driving sustainable change for a better world.


Together, we can create impactful solutions and inspire a brighter future.

Join the cohort now!