between youth of Singapore and Cambodia, and enhance character-building traits. Volunteers who are used to urban living will be exposed to rural surroundings and get a taste of rural life. The experience will create a culture of rugged youth. In support of the expedition's objectives, the Singapore International Foundation has contributed a grant of $87,000. As part of the pre-expedition training, all the participants attended a one-day session at Muis on May 20, to foster camaraderie amongst them through team-building games. They were also briefed on first-aid emergencies and camp routines as well as a 'crash course' on the Cambodian language by a representative from the Cambodian Embassy, Mr In Vong. Miss Hidayah Amin, the head of publicity says: "We hope that the participants will enjoy the expedition. It will not be an easy one as we are going to live in rural conditions which most of us have not been exposed to. This is not a holiday camp but an expedition of learning, caring and sharing. We hope participants will work together and learn that the spirit of

volunteerism goes beyond racial and national boundaries." Muis hopes to create more opportunities that make young adults more aware of the plight of the less fortunate, develop their socio-economic awareness and a deep appreciation of life. Said Mr Juraiman: "We want to create more leadership training programmes to nurture well-rounded and knowledge-savvy youths who integrate well into society. "Apart from being a platform for community service, the expedition will enhance their leadership skills and capabilities, and develop their empathy and compassion as a result of having to learn the sensitivities of other communities. "Muis hopes that some of the youths who return will contribute back to the community as active volunteers in mosques, organisations and community centres or clubs. We hope too, that the planning and leadership skills, endurance and perseverance levels will be enhanced so that contributions to society will be more effective. They can also become good agents of change."