Join Us

Facilitators

Facilitators form the backbone of the Kopitiam Discussion Group. We're looking for a group of committed, enthusiastic and energetic people who understand and appreciate the importance of discussion on the shape of Singapore's civil society, and are looking to generate increased self and civil consciousness in the young minds of today.

Kopitiam facilitators benefit from various training sessions, peer review and evaluation exercises, all of which allow them to continually hone their facilitation skills. Facilitators are also invited to be part of a civil society network that can spark opportunities for further discussion and interaction.

If you are excited about facilitating informed and engaging discussions on topical Singapore issues, we would love to hear from you! Please email us at info@kopitiam.org.

Guest Speakers

Guest speakers are usually established authorities or experienced practitioners in their fields of specialisation, be these in their areas of work, interest or academic study. Guest speakers enjoy engaging a wide variety of people in discussion about various issues. They are insightful, thought provoking, or controversial, and they believe in the important role that discussion plays in creating a conducive climate for active citizen participation to thrive in Singapore.

Kopitiam values the contributions of all participants in our discussions. As far as possible, we try to avoid forums where experts do most of the talking while participants listen passively. At the same time, we value the contributions and insights that experienced individuals can bring to a discussion. Achieving an informed, yet engaging discussion requires some balancing.

Guest speakers can help us achieve this balance. They are invited to spend the first 5 to 10 minutes of a Kopitiam session sharing a couple of insights that could provoke or spark off a lively discussion. After which, they join in the discussion proper as an ordinary participant who actively involves himself in the discussion and engages others.

We're looking out for experienced and interested individuals to join our discussions as guest speakers. The time commitment is kept to a minimum, but guest speakers are all invited to be part of the civil society network and benefit from the connections to other interested individuals.

If you would like to share your experience at a Kopitiam discussion, please contact us at info@kopitiam.org.

Educators

Kopitiam aims to inspire the spirit of enquiry and a dynamic exchange of ideas in the youth of today. We believe that only through evaluating issues and exchanging views can people form beliefs about themselves and their society. Only in an environment where there is a perpetual exchange of ideas can we expect to see the constant generation of new, creative ideas.

Beyond inspiring greater self and civil consciousness, we hope that this will act as a foundation and catalyst for active citizen participation. We envision a society where Singaporeans want to explore ideas, want to be aware of societal issues and want to take responsibility for their own life education. In so doing, each will find their own path to increased participation in activities that benefit society.

If you are an educator who is looking to provide informed and engaging discussions in your program, please contact us at info@kopitiam.org. For more information on our school partnership program, click here.