Our 21st Anniversary:
DMK x Daughters of Tomorrow

November 2021

Beyond style, DMK has always believed in empowering women to look and feel their best. Hence for our 21st Anniversary, we extended our impact beyond the world of fashion to support and give back to the community.

 

WIth the aligned belief in the power of collective voices, we partnered with Daughters of Tomorrow who aims to help underpriviledged women in securing employement and a brighter future. Using our platform, we donated a sum to Daughters of Tomorrow for every content creator that come aboard for this anniversary campaigns. In hopes to further ignite passion from the community to support one another, we shared uplifting stories from inspiring women who give back to the community in more ways than one, as well as what they thought of Daughters of Tomorrow. 

Rebecca Eu (@becseu)

Founder of Mei's Own, Fifth generation of Eu Yan Seng

 

Rebecca, a passionate social worker and the fifth generation of Eu Yan Seng, is a dedicated advocate for making a positive impact on the lives of women. Her passion extends beyond borders, reflecting a profound commitment to empowering women not only within Singapore but also around the world. For DMK's 21st Anniversary, she shares about her philanthropic journey, some of the challenging issues she faced and ways we could all give back to the community.

 

In the heart of bustling Singapore, Rebecca envisions a community bound by the threads of compassion and shared responsibility. "I like to think that the social work I'm doing now will be sustainable in the long run. I also like to think that this is something we can all share as a community." These words echo a belief in the enduring power of collective action, a vision of a society where every individual contributes to the well-being of the whole.

 

Surveying the landscape of Singapore, she identified gaps in the community that beg to be filled. The call of Daughters of Tomorrow, an initiative dedicated to empowering women, resonates deeply. "In Singapore, I think we have some gaps in the community that we have yet to fill." The impact of this cause, tangible and sustainable, draws attention. "Helping a woman to be employable and to be the best version of themselves? That is extremely powerful."

Roots of this dedication to community service trace back to familial influence. "I started on my journey to give back to the community because of my family's influence." A pivotal moment occurred in the Philippines, volunteering for an NGO addressing the harrowing issue of sex trafficking. Witnessing the transformative power of education, a social enterprise, Mei's Own, was born. "Today, we work with weavers in the provinces to support the craft community because I want to preserve the heritage of Southeast Asian craft." The proceeds fuel an education program, providing laptops for children in SEA to continue their education online.

 

Driven by a purpose to challenge societal norms and make a meaningful impact, Rebecca reflects on the strategic allocation of time. "One of my purposes in life is to constantly challenge what life should be about." The commitment revolves around uplifting women and children in Southeast Asia. "I hope to see every child, especially girls, attend school because they want to." The dream extends beyond education – a vision of a society that values women, where sisterhood thrives as a community that challenges and nurtures.

The journey of social work unravels profound realizations. "Doing social work has helped me understand how different experiences can be." Born from family values, the commitment is to make every effort sustainable and impactful. "Now, with the new perspectives I'd gained from volunteering, I hope that whatever I do will be sustainable and impactful for the future." Encountering the common refrain of not knowing how to give back, Rebecca emphasizes the power of research. "I think there is a way we can all give back, and it starts by researching causes we care deeply about, so we can all be better to one another." The call is to recognize the community as our own and embrace a continuous journey of learning and improvement.

Cally Cheung (@cabenaki) 

Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Prout

Cally aspires to forge meaningful connections within the LGBTQ+ community through fun and educational events facilitated by the Prout app. These experiences deepen their understanding of diverse lived experiences and fuel their unwavering commitment to uplifting the LGBTQ+ community. Read on as they share about their journey in giving back to the LGBTQ+ community, some of the challenging issues they faced, and ways we could all give back.

 

In the complex tapestry of human experiences, discrimination often manifests in subtle ways, echoing the sentiments of racism. "Like racism, the discrimination that the LGBTQ+ community experiences is mostly not a violent or physical one." It's a nuanced challenge with far-reaching consequences, impacting areas from media representation to housing and partnerships. Yet, the underlying aspiration is simple – to be treated as equals. "Ultimately, we hope more people will understand that the community just wants to be treated as equal."

The resonance of this call for equality finds echoes in the work of causes like Daughters of Tomorrow. "Daughters of Tomorrow is a cause that resonates with me as it supports a community of women who have had it tougher than others." Drawing parallels, Prout, an amazing platform they co-founded, is dedicated to supporting the minority and striving for a fairer society. The belief is rooted in the transformative power of empowering the underprivileged, leading to benefits for society as a whole.

 

A personal journey unfolds as Cally reflects on their involvement with the LGBTQ+ community. "I was not as involved in the LGBTQ+ community in the past as I did not think that I was able to effect any change in my younger days, but that has changed." The evolution from detachment to active engagement stems from a desire to create a safe and inclusive community. With Prout, the aim is to facilitate connections through fun and educational events and support the community through a Pride Merch shop. "All these have allowed me to meet others, learn even more about the lived experiences of those within our community, and witness how our diversity can be a powerful tool of change. It made me even more committed to uplifting our community."

For Cally, being queer is not just a label; it's a belief system. "As a queer woman/lesbian, queer is not just a label to define who I am with, but also my belief to believe in yourself, embrace every difference and out-of-the-box notion." The call is to break free from societal norms and acknowledge the fluidity of human experiences. In a world where screens often mask our humanity, the reminder to be open-minded and respectful of each other's stories becomes poignant.

 

Cally urges support for the LGBTQ+ community through various avenues. "Supporting the LGBTQ+ community can be done through a few different ways, such as volunteering your time with different community groups (like Sayoni, The T Project, Oogachaga, and Pink Dot Singapore)... or donating to them." Prout, with events like Queer Trivia Night SG, becomes a platform for both competition and education, an opportunity to show support and engage in the crucial work that contributes to the well-being of the community.

Sonia Asyira (@soniaasyira) 

Content Creator and Co-founder of Fatimar & Co

As a passionate advocate for community service, Sonia leverages her platform to empower the underprivileged, encouraging them to spread their wings and soar. Her inspiring efforts ignite a ripple effect, motivating others to join hands in making a positive impact on the community. Read on as she shares about her journey to give back to the community, some of the challenging issues she faced and ways to give back.

 

"I always believe in causes that serve women, help them to prosper and support them the way they may need to have a better future and a fuller life." With a steadfast belief in the incredible capabilities of women, Sonia aligns herself with Daughters Of Tomorrow, recognizing its role in providing a platform for the underprivileged to spread their wings. "Women are amazing and talented in our unique ways!" The commitment to support these dreams takes the form of sharing love and encouragement, a collective effort to turn aspirations into reality.

Fartima & Co was born out of a friendship and shared convictions during the upheaval of the pandemic in 2020. "My friend and I started Fatimar & Co in 2020 when the pandemic broke out." Their purpose was simple, they wanted to initiate food distribution for the underprivileged during the fasting month, crafting Syawal packages during Hari Raya, and even conducted fundraisers for global pandemic relief efforts. "To support other women tangibly and emotionally," was their mantra, transcending conventional charity to include emotional support as a crucial aspect of their mission.

 

"Our mission is to help people in every aspect, not just through donations, but also emotionally, mentally, and physically." Sonia's experience in giving back open her eyes to the multifaceted needs of the community. Gratitude emerges as a key takeaway, emphasizing that the act of giving is not solely about material support but extends to mental and emotional well-being.

 

"Before I started Fatimar & Co with my friend, I was under the assumption that the methods to support the underprivileged would primarily entail donations or increasing awareness for their situations." The journey evolves, revealing a deeper understanding of the community's needs. Fatimar & Co emerges as more than just a charity organization; it becomes a beacon of inspiration, fostering a sense of community and encouraging others to give back. Sonia addresses skepticism that may hinder community engagement, emphasizing the clarity of intentions and the importance of trying despite potential challenges.

"Showing support for the community can come in so many forms despite the busyness in our lives." Sonia asserts. "I believe that no effort is too little when it comes to giving back to the community, and every action counts." It's a reminder that collective efforts, no matter how small, can create a ripple effect of positive change in the community.

Christabel Chua (@bellywellyjelly)

Content Creator and Founder of Kai

 

Christabel passionately utilizes her social platforms with the profound aspiration to create a meaningful impact through her work and stories, aiming to empower and uplift women. Read on as she shares more about her journey to giving back to the community, some of the challenging issues that she has faced and ways we can support one another.

 

In the realm of empowerment and connection, a story unfolds through the lens of Christabel, who is determined to uplift others and make a positive impact. Her journey, both personal and professional, intertwines with a shared vision at Kai and resonates with the mission of Daughters of Tomorrow. 

"I like to make women feel better. I like to make them feel that they are able to achieve greater things, and I hope that with all that I do, I can shift their moods towards a more optimistic direction." These words encapsulate the essence of her purpose – a mission to bring optimism and confidence to women's lives. A parallel commitment at Kai mirrors this aspiration, collectively working towards creating a positive shift in the narratives of women.

 

"Daughters of Tomorrow resonates with me because it all boils down to the fact that I want women to feel better, more confident, and less isolated in their struggles. Daughters of Tomorrow supports women to achieve great things in their lives, and that's what I hope for on a personal level for all women as well." The story unfolds as a tapestry woven with threads of empowerment and solidarity.

 

The transition from a part-time to a full-time content creator marks a pivotal point in her journey. "My content creator career was initially a part-time job, and I transitioned into it full-time." Along this path, her work evolves, weaving in themes of mental health and personal stories. "I hope that sharing my stories helps to make people feel a little less alone and to remind people to make time to enjoy life." The reminder to find joy in the present moment echoes through her experiences, encapsulated in the belief that "today is the youngest you'll ever be."

The story takes an unexpected turn, challenging conventional notions of giving back. "I think people always think they have to give back by donating or championing a specific cause. If you are constantly trying to find that spark about something that you're inspired by and share that spark with others, that sense of inspiration is also a form of empowerment." 

Together with Daughters of Tomorrow, we hope to empower more women through our donations while raising awareness for the cause.