The TikTok x Halogen Youth Mentorship Programme has successfully concluded, marking a significant milestone in this initiative to empower youth through personalised mentorship. Aligned with the Mentoring SG initiative under Forward SG, the programme connects 100 students from Singapore's tertiary institutions with TikTok mentors. The programme lasted from January to December 2024, with assigned mentors guiding them through their personal and professional development journeys over six months.

Mentorship is crucial for personal, academic, and professional development, offering young people valuable support and access to social and economic opportunities. Adults who had mentors in their youth report a lasting, significant impact on their lives, with 69% saying mentorship helped them overcome various educational challenges [1]. In addition, young individuals who receive mentorship also often experience heightened self-esteem and self-confidence [2].

With these in mind, TikTok and Halogen's programme sought to offer students opportunities that would enhance their skills, build confidence, and open doors to future career paths. Selected TikTok employees were matched with students to facilitate one-on-one mentor-mentee relationships, providing personalised guidance and support. These mentors shared valuable insights and experiences from their professional careers and helped students navigate challenges, develop key skills and explore career paths. The connections formed from these interactions not only fostered personal growth but also laid the groundwork for future opportunities in the working world.

Hear from some of our mentees on the significant impact the mentorship has had on their personal and professional development. Their stories highlight how the guidance and insights from TikTok mentors have empowered them to navigate their career paths with greater confidence and clarity.

Raeanne's Journey: From Curiosity to Confidence

Raeanne from Ngee Ann Polytechnic, fascinated by TikTok and eager for career guidance, applied to the programme to explore different career paths and gain insights from experienced professionals. Through one-on-one mentoring, she learned the importance of networking and how different industries intersect. On the other side of this transformative relationship was Pan Yang, a TikTok employee who joined the programme to offer the guidance she wished she had received during her undergraduate years. Pan Yang leads Learning Operations within TikTok's Global Business Solutions function, overseeing learning and leadership programmes in regions spanning Asia Pacific, Middle East, Europe and more.

During her mentorship with Pan Yang, she gained valuable knowledge of networking and how various industries intersect, broadening her career perspectives. One key challenge Raeanne faced was imposter syndrome, but through Pan Yang's support, she was able to overcome these feelings of self-doubt. Pan Yang shared her own experiences, helping Raeanne realise her strengths and the importance of being open to different career paths rather than rigidly defined goals. This newfound confidence empowered her to reframe her aspirations.

For Pan Yang, the opportunity to mentor Raeanne was equally as rewarding. Motivated by the desire to give back, Pan Yang formed a trusting relationship with Raeanne. Their mentorship sessions, which often turned into engaging conversations over lunch, allowed them to explore both personal and professional development. When offering advice to future mentors, Pan Yang emphasises the importance of being authentic and thoughtful in their approach. Mentorship, she explains, carries significant responsibility, as the words and actions of a mentor can have a lasting impact on a mentee's life. Being mindful of this influence is key to ensuring that mentorship remains a positive and supportive experience.

Wei Ren's Journey: From uncertainty to empowerment

Wei Ren from Singapore Polytechnic's journey began when he discovered the mentorship programme through a school email. Initially unsure what to expect, he was soon pleasantly surprised by how enriching the experience turned out to be. His mentor, Cham Hui, was inspired to join the programme to extend her expertise beyond her current role to support the next generation of professionals. Cham Hui, currently a Business Training and Development Manager covering the Asia Pacific region, focuses on training and development needs within the Global Business Solutions function. This includes developing programs around product knowledge, sales enablement, professional and leadership development.

Throughout the mentorship, Wei Ren gained valuable insights on balancing excitement and nervousness in decision-making. He particularly appreciated the reflective space that Cham Hui provided during their mentoring sessions, where he could discuss his achievements and challenges openly. This new perspective empowered him to approach daily goals with increased confidence.

For Cham Hui, mentoring Wei Ren was both fulfilling and insightful. Through their conversations, she shared valuable lessons on managing stress and anxiety, which Wei Ren found immensely helpful. Seeing her mentee apply these strategies successfully was a gratifying experience for Cham, reaffirming her own growth and career journey. Cham believes mentorship is essential for providing students with a real-world understanding of internships and professional life, ensuring they are well-prepared for the transition. She advises future mentors to embrace the mutual growth that comes from the mentorship process and to approach it with a clear sense of purpose.

Investing in local talent

The TikTok x Halogen Youth Mentorship Programme has made a significant impact, as seen in the growth and achievements shared by both mentees and mentors. This initiative is part of TikTok’s broader mission to invest in local talent through various programmes, including the TikTok Tech Immersion programme, Tech Jam Hackathon and campus recruitment efforts across Singapore. By fostering meaningful mentor-mentee relationships, TikTok aims to empower young people as they navigate their school-to-work transitions.

[1], [2]


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About Halogen

Halogen is a Institution of a Public Character (IPC) charity that seeks to support youths from all walks of life to realise their fullest potential.Halogen believes that every young person carries an intrinsic potential to create positive change in their communities. Halogen provides young people with development, mentorship, and incubation opportunities, and focus on building strong foundations so that they can lead themselves, lead others, and lead change. The organisation brings together partners and resources to support young people in their growth journey, and leverage on measurement tools to track and deepen impact. Through their work, Halogen seeks to empower future-ready young individuals with the right character, mindsets, and skill sets to realise a better world for us all.


About TikTok

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok's global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and its offices include New York, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.