SINGAPORE – A poignant new exhibit titled ‘The Rooms That Remain’ aims to ignite crucial conversations about mental health and suicide prevention within the community. Organized in collaboration with MullenLowe Singapore, this initiative brings to light the alarming issue of youth suicide, which has become the leading cause of death among youths aged 10 to 29 in Singapore, according to recent statistics.
The exhibit, running from June 24 to June 30 at Wisma Atria, recreates the bedrooms of three young Singaporeans who tragically lost their lives to suicide. These rooms, carefully reconstructed from the memories of their families, offer visitors an intimate look into the lives and legacies of these youths, providing a personal context to the stark statistics.
Visitors to the exhibit can experience the recreated bedrooms of Elisabeth Pauwels, Zen Dylan Koh, and Mitchell Ang, each space telling a unique and touching story:
Elisabeth Pauwels (2000-2019): Known for her warmth and bubbly personality, Elisabeth brought joy and laughter to those around her. She had a deep love for animals and was an active member of her neighborhood’s parrot club.
Zen Dylan Koh (2000-2018): Zen had a special bond with his parents, who established the Zen Dylan Koh Fund in his memory to provide free therapy to disadvantaged youths. Zen aspired to be a psychologist to help others.
Mitchell Ang (2001-2018): Mitchell was a cheerful and kind boy who persevered through learning difficulties. He found joy in fishing and playing basketball, activities that highlighted his gentle and fun-loving nature.
Complementing the physical exhibit is a microsite featuring virtual replicas of the rooms. Online visitors can explore these spaces and learn more about the individuals behind them. The microsite also provides information on mental health resources and how to seek help through Youthline’s services, including a live mental health helpline and pro-bono counseling.
Valerie Lim, co-founder of the PleaseStay Movement, emphasized the importance of open dialogue about suicide. “Talking about suicide is heart-wrenching and difficult. However, meaningful conversations need to happen to help clarify and dispel fear about suicide among the wider public, and more importantly, build collective compassion and break the stigma which survivor-families face. ‘The Rooms That Remain’ is an open platform that offers a safe manner to broach the subject of suicide. Through these living spaces, we are invited to appreciate the lives of youths who had sadly succumbed to suicide. Here, we can ponder or discover how mental health affects us all and that, ultimately, we have a shared responsibility to look out for each other.”
Marc Khoo, chairman of Youthline, highlighted the urgency of addressing youth suicide rates. “The alarming rates of suicide among youths and the rise in the proportion of youths in distress in Singapore call for greater awareness, support, and collaboration across the community. Our goal is to provide a listening ear and effective support to young people who are struggling, as early as possible — and we aim to do so in the most accessible way. By creating a safe, non-judgmental space for youths to address their struggles, we hope to rein in mental health challenges before they become acute and inch closer to a future where no youth feels alone.”
Singapore’s Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development, Eric Chua, will grace the exhibit, which is supported by several partners. The Merry Men Works, known for creating experiential spaces, played a pivotal role in bringing the rooms to life, while New Charis Movers provided packing services to help families find closure after their loss.
‘The Rooms That Remain’ is a powerful reminder of the ongoing mental health crisis and the need for collective action to support vulnerable youths. The exhibit not only honors the memory of those lost but also fosters a deeper understanding and empathy within the community, striving towards a future where no youth feels alone in their struggles.
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