Springboard: Barry Yeow
Director, 5Seventeen Pte Ltd
Last updated 6 April 2026
Barry's life took a transformative turn after serving a 10-year sentence for drug-related charges. During his time in prison, he discovered a passion for art, which became a tool for personal healing. Now an artist mentor at Gladiolus Place, he helps others rebuild their lives.
He also co-founded CANVAS, a mentorship programme for inmates through the Singapore Prison Service, and received the Throughcare Hero Award for his sustained mentorship efforts to help ex-offenders reintegrate into society.
Fellowship Goals and Aspirations
The Fellowship will provide Barry with the opportunity to pursue courses to develop both soft and technical skills for community work. He aims to expand his ability to use art as a transformative tool to help others rebuild their lives and foster lasting change.
About President's Challenge Springboard Fellowship
Empower individuals bouncing back from setbacks in life to embark on new pathways, through education, upskilling, employment, or entrepreneurship.