SINGAPORE — Some 6,000 youths from the People’s Association (PA) Youth Movement’s (PAYM) have gathered together to show their love and loyalty for Singapore’s 48th birthday, through over 100 different projects themed around the arts, culture, sports, environment and community service.

The two-month long campaign between Jul 7 and Aug 31 called PAYM Loves Red was launched by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Teck Ghee Community Club today.

This is the second year the campaign is being run and the projects are expected to reach out to 27,000 youths and residents in the community.

Examples of some of the projects include Youth Got Talent, a singing competition, Singapore on the Move, a shoe design competition, and Bag O Sunshine, a project to raise awareness of needy families and to distribute daily necessities to 43 needy families.

“PAYM Loves Red goes beyond celebrating the nation’s birthday. It is a ground-up initiative where youths connect with fellow youths, express the passion and convey their appreciation and aspirations for Singapore in their own creative and unique ways ... Our youths have also sought to use this opportunity to make a meaningful impact involving the needy, elderly and less fortunate residents in the celebrations, demonstrating their community consciousness and desire to make a difference,” said Mr Ang Hak Seng, chief executive director of PA.