(Photo by Tew Yu Rui)
In today’s fast-paced world, most of our lives seem to revolve around work, food, wellness, and consumerism. From a young age, we’re told to study hard, secure a good job, and build a life that reflects success by societal standards — a stable income, a family, and a respectable status. To reward ourselves, we indulge in culinary pleasures, often at the expense of our health. We head to the gym to manage stress and stay fit, and we shop to relieve pressure, sometimes buying more than we need, unknowingly burdening the planet.
But are there no other choices? Many young people today feel trapped in this autopilot mode of living. As they navigate a rapidly changing world, questions arise: What is the true meaning of life? How can we lead a life of intention and purpose?
ALT. FEST for an Intentional Life, held on 14 and 15 June 2025 at the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre, offered a refreshing perspective. Through the lens of alternative choices in career, food, shopping, and wellness, the event encouraged reflection on the paths we take and the lives we shape.
Broadway II at the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre filled with retail booths offering environmentally sustainable products made and packaged with care for nature. (Photo by Lai Tong Heng)
Partnering with like-minded social enterprises and wellness advocates, ALT. FEST championed the concept of sustainable wellbeing — nurturing the self, caring for others, and protecting the Earth we all call home.
@ Alternative Choices in Shopping
The walkways of the Youth Centre came alive with retail booths from conscious local brands such as My Naked Bar, Bungkus, and Teetee Canvas Bag, each offering environmentally sustainable products made and packaged with care for nature.
At My Naked Bar, 16-year-old Rachel Tan (photo below, in white shirt) and her classmate Claudia Yen warmly welcomed visitors to their booth. The brand, founded by Rachel’s mother, was born from a heartfelt initiative to create eco-friendly soaps as Teachers' Day gifts — gifts that reflected not just appreciation but a deeper message of environmental responsibility.
Rachel has been involved since 13 years old when she was in Secondary One, helping her mother at pop-up events and in the studio. Through this hands-on journey, she has become a strong youth advocate for sustainability, finding purpose in the cause and a deeper understanding of mindful living.
Rachel Tan (centre, in white top) introducing the variety of eco-friendly soaps to interested patrons. (Photo by Lai Tong Heng)
@ Alternative Choices in Career
In collaboration with The Astronauts Collective, a partner of the Youth Centre, the session Alternative Choice for Career introduced the powerful concept of a Human Library — where real people, instead of books, share their personal journeys.
Five Human Library volunteers from diverse professions engaged participants by sharing what inspired them to pursue less conventional, yet deeply meaningful career paths.
Participants Vinesh Mano (photo below, wearing a black cap) and his wife Maxine Chen (on his right) found the session eye-opening. They “borrowed” human books representing careers in nursing, publishing, quantity surveying, and evidence collection. Maxine was especially intrigued by Liu Yujun Dave, an engineering graduate who left his third job out of monotony and found purpose as an Evidence Collector, working alongside investigation officers at crime scenes.
For Vinesh, who is currently contemplating a career switch after years in the pharmaceutical industry, the sharing by Nurse Chiu Yu Cheng offered valuable insights and sparked deeper reflection.
Participants listen attentively to the sharing by 'Human Book' Dave Liu. (Photo by Lai Tong Heng)
(Photo by Audrey Phang)
@ Alternative Choices in Food
Inside the main hall, booths showcasing organic produce, natural ingredients, overnight oats, and even homegrown mushrooms drew the attention of many health-conscious visitors.
“I have friends in their mid-twenties already diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol,” shared Lin Shihui, an office worker, expressing concern about the growing trend of chronic illnesses among the young. She praised the healthy and delicious granola and cashew plant-based milk from Tzu Chi Food Farmacy, calling them “perfect for daily consumption”.
(Photo by Yao Mee Chee)
Tzu Chi Food Farmacy advocated a plant-based lifestyle, encouraging reduced consumption of processed foods. Nutritionist Zhang Liyuan engaged the crowd in an interactive Q&A session, using simple language to explain the benefits of whole foods. She also introduced the Healthy Plate concept, which consists of two portions of vegetables and fruits, one portion of plant-based protein such as beans or tofu, and one portion of whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, or millet, in each meal.
Zhang Liyuan also conducted a live demonstration on making cashew milk and identifying different types of nuts and seeds — bringing the idea of healthy eating to life through immersive education. Participants left with more than just knowledge. They carried home a renewed determination to adopt healthier, more mindful dietary habits.
Nutritionist Zhang Liyuan delivering a health talk at the Great Hall, sharing the benefits of adopting a whole-food, plant-based diet. (Photo by Yao Mee Chee)
@ Alternative Choices in Wellness
The second day of ALT. FEST shifted towards experiential wellness, featuring sessions such as Nature Therapy Walks, Meditation, Art of Puppetry, Music Therapy, Art Therapy and even Equine-Assisted Therapy. Each offered a unique way to nurture both body and mind. Physicians from Tzu Chi TCM Free Clinic (Khatib) was also present to provide health consultations, helping participants to understand their personal health conditions better.
In Singapore, there are beautiful gardens in various parts of this sunny island, waiting to be explored. HYC partner Nature Walks introduced nature therapy to participants, inviting them to discover the beauty of the Therapeutic Garden located right beside Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre.
Nature Walk guide Mr Jovena Loon shared that nature therapy offers vast benefits for human health. The essence of this practice is to reconnect each individual with the natural environment, earth and our true home. When we allow ourselves to remain tranquil with other nature beings, listen to the trees, feel our feet on the soil, we begin to establish a true connection.
As the participants stood by the garden with their eyes closed, taking deep breaths, the wind gently arrived, and leaves began to fall. It was as if Mother Nature was thrilled to receive her homecoming children.
(Photo by Douglas Lee)
During the walk, participants discovered ants climbing on the stems in unity, butterflies dancing on brilliant hued flowers, and even spotted a squirrel which moved slowly along a bench for a while when a participant exclaimed “Hey, my good friend!”
Through a walk in nature, neglected relationships with the natural world were gently restored, allowing more participants to feel loved and to love Mother Earth in return. The participants were thankful to HYC organising team and Jovena for guiding them to experience the serenity and feel embraced by nature’s love.
Participants of different ages engaging in an art session. (Photo by Douglas Lee)
Over one and a half day, nearly 200 participants, many of them youths, walked through the welcoming and vibrant spaces of the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre. For each of them, ALT. FEST was more than an event — it was an invitation to rethink what it means to live well and live intentionally.
Through every story shared and every mindful experience offered, the message rang clear: A meaningful life is not about more — it’s about choosing better.
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