Bryan Chia joined the Singapore Red Cross Youth (RCY) as a Cadet in secondary school. After graduating from secondary school, he continued in the RCY as a Volunteer Instructor. He rose through the ranks to become the Head of two zones at the RCY. Involvement in the RCY has proven to be a life-changing experience for him. Over the years, Bryan has honed his leadership skills and developed confidence and maturity. He enjoys mentoring the youth and witnessing their transformation and development. Bryan received the RCY Vermillion Circle award in 2022 for his outstanding voluntary contributions towards the RCY.

Humble Beginnings

Bryan Chia’s journey with the Red Cross Youth (RCY) began when he joined as a Cadet at Fuhua Secondary School, as part of his co-curricular activity (CCA). During his secondary school days, he had no inkling that he would continue to serve with the RCY for several years. In fact, Bryan bashfully recalled that he was not a model student and there were quite a few times he skipped RCY training sessions in school. 

“My senior Volunteer Instructors (VIs) and teacher were patient with me. They encouraged me to continue attending the RCY sessions and not give up. Witnessing their dedication to the cause, I realised the value of serving in RCY,” said Bryan.

Today as the Head of Zone 1 and 2 of the Singapore RCY, Bryan cares for the well-being of VIs within the zone while aligning the VIs with the objectives of the RCY management. He also maintains communication with the Youth Officers in his zones, to keep abreast of the developments of the units in his zones. 

Besides being the Head of Zones 1 and 2 in RCY, Bryan also serves as the Project Manager of the 2023 and 2024 First Aid Championships for RCY schools, where he plans and organises the Championships along with his team members. 

Mentoring Juniors: A Rewarding Experience

Following his graduation from secondary school, he continued as a VI at his alma mater, Fuhua Secondary School. He planned events, mentored Cadets, supported the training sessions, and interacted with his juniors during the RCY CCA sessions. 

“I’m happy to spend time with the younger Cadets. It gives me a sense of fulfilment to watch them grow, as they developed their confidence, and maturity through their journey in RCY. It reminds me of the support of seniors and teachers during my RCY journey. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them giving me several opportunities in RCY,” he said. 

Acquisition of New Experiences and Skills

Through RCY, Cadets pick up vital life skills, meet a diverse range of people and take on various service-led roles from a young age. Besides picking up essential first aid skills such as bandaging the wounds of a casualty, Cadets also learnt about blood donation. 

“Cadets (aged 13-16years) involved in the Youth Ambassador Blood Programme they llearn about blood donation drives and the importance of donor recruitment. As part of their hands-on training, they visit the Bloodbanks and learn about the day-to-day operations of the Bloodbanks, and get a better understanding of the work that they do” he shared.

RCY cadets also acquire useful life skills such as communication, collaboration, team management, and leadership. 

“Many of my juniors and the Cadets have transformed from shy students to confident and capable leaders through their involvement in RCY activities,” observed Bryan.

Winning the Vermillion Circle Award and Paying it Forward 

In 2022, Bryan was awarded the RCY Vermillion Circle Award¹, which was awarded to youth who exemplify the spirit of compassion, passion and professionalism, the core values of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement. 

When asked about how he felt receiving the award, Bryan modestly replied, “I didn’t expect to receive the award, it was a pleasant surprise. I feel honoured and grateful to receive this award.”

Though juggling different interests and priorities can be challenging, Bryan sets aside time for his RCY commitments. During his National Service training, which also coincided with COVID-19 restrictions, he found time to mentor his juniors during their online training sessions. 

His juniors and Cadets inspired him to continue as a VI and project manager. 

“My Red Cross Youth journey has been a life-changing and fulfilling experience that has shaped me into the person I am today. I hope to continue doing what I am passionate about, further building on our existing strong culture and practices targeted at providing our juniors with more fulfilling experiences than my positive experiences from RCY,” said Bryan enthusiastically.

By Selina D’Souza, Volunteer
Copyedited by Foo Ming Yee, Volunteer

1 - Vermillion Circle Awards
The Vermillion Circle Awards was awarded in 2022. However, this award is no longer given out from 2023 as it is subsumed into the Commendation or High Commendation Awards for the SRC Awards.