Yellow Ribbon Songwriting Competition 2025 Celebrating Second Chances Together
SINGAPORE, 10 September 2025 – The Yellow Ribbon Project successfully concluded the Yellow Ribbon Songwriting Competition 2025 at the Changi Prison Complex today.[1] Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State (SMS), Ministry of Home Affairs, Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim graced the annual event, which celebrated its tenth anniversary this year.
2. Themed “Celebrating Second Chances Together”, the Yellow Ribbon Songwriting Competition 2025 gave inmates a powerful stage to share their journeys of transformation through music, giving voice to their desire for change and hopes for the future. The Yellow Ribbon Songwriting Competition is an integral part of the Yellow Ribbon Project, providing inmates with an opportunity to develop their creative songwriting skills and share their hopes for a second chance.
3. 33 inmates (25 men and eight women) from various prison institutions and Drug Rehabilitation Centres were shortlisted through auditions, and underwent music theory and songwriting lessons conducted by Intune Music. The five best-performing inmates – three male inmates and two women inmates – were selected to perform at the Yellow Ribbon Songwriting Competition Finals today. The Finals was hosted by established musician Inch Chua, who was also the mentor to the women inmate participants.
4. Pre-recorded performances featuring the five inmate finalists were uploaded on Yellow Ribbon Singapore’s social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, offering the public a meaningful glimpse into their rehabilitation journeys and an opportunity to participate by voting for their favourite song. The voting was conducted between 20 and 30 August 2025 and a total of 1,123 votes were received for the five songs. Iqbal, who received the highest number of votes for his song “Change”, was presented with the “Viewers’ Choice Award” from SMS Faishal at the Finals.
5. Superintendent Tanny Ng, Chairperson of the Yellow Ribbon Songwriting Competition 2025 committee, said “The heartfelt compositions from inmates offer powerful insights into their journeys of transformation. Through this competition and public voting, we have created a platform for the community to better understand and support second chances. When society extends its hand in support, it sends a strong message to inmates that they are not alone in their rehabilitation journeys. This collective effort is crucial in building a more inclusive society that believes in the power of transformation.”
6. Details on judging panel and songs performed at the Finals are appended at Annex.
Annex
1. The judging panel for the Finals comprised three acclaimed local musicians:
· Director of Intune Music and Master Vocal Trainer, Mr Aaron Matthew Lim
· Director of Intune Music and Music Producer, Mr Peng Chi Sheng
· Renowned music producer Mr Lee Wei Song, founder of Lee Wei Song Music Academy.
2. The five songs performed by the inmates at the Finals were:
|
Inmate Finalists and their Song titles |
Song Synopsis |
|
Nisha "Darkest Before Dawn" |
"Darkest Before Dawn" is a redemption ballad, inspired by a touching letter received by the songwriter, carrying the message "It's always darkest before dawn." The song chronicles the songwriter's journey through grief and addiction, to healing and hope. The lyrics reflect her experiences - losing her mother at 17, battling a decade-long drug addiction, and finding strength through her father and brother's unwavering support. Drawing from her own transformation journey, the songwriter crafts a universal message about resilience and second chances. The chorus emphasises that even in our darkest moments, dawn is just around the corner - a powerful metaphor for hope that speaks to anyone facing their own battles. |
|
Jasmine "Shine" |
"Shine" is an uplifting composition that celebrates resilience and the power of community support. The song demonstrates how music can connect hearts and inspire change. Drawing from her rehabilitation experience, the songwriter’s lyrics honour the abundant support she received during incarceration. More than a personal narrative, "Shine" stands as a beacon of hope for others navigating their own paths to transformation. |
|
Iqbal “Change” |
"Change" is a powerful composition that reflects the challenges of personal transformation. The song addresses the struggles of starting anew while facing societal judgment and stigma. Drawing from his own experiences, the songwriter crafts a message that resonates particularly with young people wrestling with peer pressure. The song stands as both a personal testimony and an anthem of resilience for those seeking to forge their own path despite obstacles. |
|
Reduan “FUYOH”
|
"FUYOH" is a poignant composition that delves into the emotional complexities of addiction and redemption. The title, cleverly crafted as an acronym - Family, Unity, Yearn, Overcoming, Hope - captures the essence of the songwriter's journey and aspirations. Through heartfelt lyrics, the song explores themes of guilt and redemption, focusing on family relationships strained by addiction. The songwriter channels his remorse for his past actions into a powerful message of transformation, dedicating the piece to those he has hurt and the family he yearns to reunite with. More than a personal confession, "FUYOH" stands as a testament to the healing power of family love and the possibility of second chances. |
|
Rashid “Thanks to You” |
"Thanks to You" is a heartfelt tribute that celebrates the transformative power of family love. The song honours two sisters who became his pillars of support and hope following their mother's passing. Through touching lyrics, the songwriter acknowledges how his sisters' unwavering faith and unconditional love guided him through his darkest moments. The emotional core of the song is captured in the line "Thanks to you that I am here" - a direct testament to their steadfast presence through visits and encouraging e-letters. More than a personal thank you note, the composition stands as a powerful reminder of how family bonds can inspire redemption and renewal.
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[1] The first Yellow Ribbon Songwriting Competition was held in 2004 as part of the Yellow Ribbon Creative Festival.