Humanitarian Forum and Fair 2023 - Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives, Singapore (CHARIS)

About Humanitarian Forum and Fair 2023

HFF is a biennial event of dialogue and engagement in humanitarian initiatives within the region.

The Humanitarian Forum brings together eminent local and international speakers, to share their insights and experience on various humanitarian topics. Join them and be inspired by their energy and ideas from the field.

The Humanitarian Fair provides a platform for CHARIS member organisations and partners to showcase their humanitarian projects and volunteer opportunities. See, inquire and discover exhibits from organisations around Singapore and Asia involved in humanitarian work

Humanitarian Forum and Fair 2023 Programme

Time	Programme
8:30 am	Registration and Fair Begin
9:30 am	Mass
10:30 am	Break
11:00 am	Welcome Address Mr. Stephen Raj (Chairman, CHARIS)
11:30 am	Global Humanitarian Challenges Going Forward Dr. Noeleen Heyzer
12:15 pm	Lunch and Explore the Fair
1:15 pm	Praise and Worship
1:30 pm	Pope Francis' Laudato Si' - engaging our hearts to care Fra. Derrick Yap
2:00 pm	Answering the cry of the poor and of the earth: the Focolare approach Fr. Andrew Camilleri
2:30 pm	Breakout Tracks – Session 1
3:30 pm	Break
3:45 pm	Breakout Tracks – Session 2
4:45 pm	Closing Address End of HFF 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ticket price?

SGD30 per pax for full conference rate. Early bird price of SGD20 per pax if registration before or on 28 May 2023.

Concessions
For youth below 25 Years old, $15 per pax for full conference rate. Early bird price of $10 per pax if registration before or on 24 May 2023.
Complimentary entry for all Clergy and Religious.
Complimentary entry for children below the age of 12.

What payment method do you accept?

We accept credit card (VISA/Mastercard) and PayNow through internet registration.

Am I guaranteed a seat for the event?

All registration whether free or paid is on a first-come-first-serve basis. When the conference seats are filled, registration will only be given for attendance at the Fair.

How does the breakout session works?

Participants can choose 2 of the 3 breakout track

The first session will run from 2:30pm to 3:30pm, followed by a 15 minutes break and the second session will run from 3:45pm to 4:45pm.

Can I change track on the day itself?

This will be subject to available seating.

I want a refund

All fees are non-refundable once the transaction is confirmed.

Where is the venue of the event?

Catholic Junior College
Address: 129 Whitley Road, Singapore 297822

How do I get to Catholic Junior College?

Nearest MRT Station: Toa Payoh (North-South Line), Caldecott (Circle Line)
Buses: 105, 151, 153, 154, 156, 186, 966, 985

Alighting at Toa Payoh Station, make your way to to exit C. Walk past Old Chang Kee and Cheers towards the bus stop (52189, Toa Payoh Stn). Board bus service 105 or 153. Alight at the second bus stop (51099, Catholic JC).

Alighting at Caldecott Station, make your way to exit B. Walk towards the bus stop along Thomson Road (51059, Opp Mediacorp). Board bus service 132 or 156. Alight at the fifth bus stop (51099, Catholic JC).

TICKET PRICE

Standard

SGD 30 per Pax

Lunch Included

Youth

SGD 15 per Pax

Age 12 to 25
Lunch Included

Children

SGD 0 per Pax

Age 11 and Below
Lunch Included

Religious

SGD 0 per Pax

Clergy and Religious
Lunch Included

FEATURING

Mass Celebrant

Cardinal William Goh, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Singapore

His Eminence Cardinal William Goh assumed the office of Archbishop of Singapore in 2013, and he was elevated to the College of Cardinal in 2022.

Keynote Speaker

Dr Noeleen Heyzer, United Nations Special Envoy

Noeleen Heyzer of Singapore was the first woman to
serve as Executive Secretary of the United Nations
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

Plenary Speakers

Friar Derrick Yap, OFM

Franciscan Friar Derrick Yap joined the Order in 2002, professed his Solemn Vows in 2008 and ordained a priest in 2010. He is the Custos (Regional Superior) for the friars in Singapore and Malaysia and also the Spiritual Assistant to the Secular Franciscans in Singapore.

Fr Andrew Camilleri, Co-director, Focolare Movement, Indian Subcontinent and Philippines

While working in the Social Centres in the Philippines, Fr Andrew discovered that the Gospel promise of the hundredfold is true besides giving a contribution to alleviating poverty.

BREAKOUT TRACKS

Track 1: Responding in the Moment of Crisis

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” - Ps 46:1

In recent years, countries in our region have been buffeted by both natural disasters and the scourge of disease. Our speakers share their experiences, from the perspective of both the affected communities and the response teams. Through this track, we seek to understand better the impact these disasters have on affected communities and how they help themselves; the behind-the-scenes challenges faced by the response teams who seek to come to their aid; and how we as individuals can contribute.

Moderator: Dr. Prema Raj - Board Member, CHARIS

Speakers:
Mr. Neal Vicente Deles - Catholic Relief Services
Rev. Dr. Kulanthaisamy Kaspar - Diocese of Kumbakonam, India
Rev. Fr. Antonio E. Labiao Jr. - Caritas Philippines
Mr. Colin Wee - HELP Logistics

Track 2: Building up Livelihoods; Starting Afresh

“…has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to
those who love him?” - James 2:5

Our Catholic social teachings remind us that the true test of a society is how well its most vulnerable members are doing. The stresses and strains on countries and peoples around us create new groups of poor and vulnerable, whilst turmoil and conflict result in others who flee their homes to find a place of refuge. In this track, we learn how communities affected by these challenges support themselves, and how we can come together with them to co-create new opportunities, and better futures for them and their families.

Moderator: Ms. Elaine Chan - Board Member, CHARIS

Speakers:
Fr. Jude Nicholas Fernando - Dimuthu Foundation, Sri Lanka
Mr. Christopher James - Fishing Rod Society
Ms. Caroline Seow - Chairperson, Jesuit Refugee Service

Track 3: Nurturing Communities in Knowledge and Strength

“Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favour with the Lord and also with man.” – 1 Samuel 2:26

Children have a special place in Jesus’ heart – He reminds us to care for them and protect them from harm. For every society, and every parent, they carry our dreams and hopes for the future. Education and good health care enable each child to realise his potential, and as an adult, continue to contribute to others whilst growing in the Lord. Our speakers share their experiences in building up their communities and prompt us to think about how we can contribute our gifts, knowledge and skills, in their service, and in God’s.

Moderator: Ms. Teresa Mok - Board Member, CHARIS

Speakers:
Fr. Jose Hildy Banaynal - Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang, Cambodia
Mr. Harold de Boysson - Cahaya Masa Depan
Mr. David Koh - Epiphany