About Us
How We Got Started
Roses of Peace was born in 2012 from a simple yet powerful belief—that hate cannot drive out hate, only love and understanding can. When hateful caricatures of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ were published by the Charlie Hebdo magazine in France, the world saw anger and division erupt. But we saw an opportunity. Instead of reacting with more hostility, we chose to respond with peace, love, and dialogue. Armed with nothing but a shared conviction, a group of youth volunteers across various universities in Singapore came together to distribute roses with messages of peace from different faiths.
What was meant to be a one-time initiative quickly grew into something bigger—because the need for understanding didn’t end that day. Year after year, more young people stepped forward, eager to bridge divides and build a society where diversity is not just tolerated but embraced. Over the last decade, as the world around us changed, so did we. Social cohesion today isn’t just about religion—it’s about race, nationality, and the complex realities of an interconnected world. We saw the growing challenges of integration, identity, and belonging, and we knew we had to do more. That’s why we expanded our mission—to create safe spaces for dialogue, build empathy, and empower youth to take action. Because at the heart of it all, we still believe that the only way forward is through peace, love, and harmony. And we’re just getting started.
Our Vision
Roses of Peace envisions a Singapore where social cohesion is the foundation of a thriving, inclusive society. By fostering understanding, respect, and connection across racial, religious, and ethnic communities, we aim to build a nation where every individual feels valued and included.
Our Mission
Our mission is to bridge divides and build a harmonious society in Singapore by:
- Promoting Understanding & Strengthening Communities – Raising awareness and fostering meaningful interactions through symbolic acts and initiatives that encourage collaboration across different racial, religious, and ethnic backgrounds.
- Facilitating Dialogue – Creating safe spaces for open and respectful conversations on sensitive topics, fostering mutual respect and the exchange of diverse perspectives.
- Empowering Youth as Change Leaders – Equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to become peace advocates and harmony champions, actively contributing to a more inclusive society.
Our Guiding Values: PETAL
At Roses of Peace, our work is driven by the core values embodied in the acronym PETAL, which guide us in everything we do. These values aren’t just principles—they’re the foundation upon which we build a more inclusive, harmonious society.
We ignite a deep, unwavering desire to bring about positive change in the communities we serve. Our passion fuels our commitment to fostering unity and understanding, and we work tirelessly to make a difference.
We believe in the power of connection. We listen, we learn, and we approach every individual with an open heart, recognising the unique experiences that shape each of us.
Challenges are inevitable, but so is our determination. We stand strong, ready to face obstacles head-on, knowing that the path to peace and understanding requires resilience and persistence.
Our work is rooted in a selfless desire to uplift others. We put others before ourselves, accepting and appreciating the rich diversity that makes our society so vibrant. Through this, we learn to grow and deepen our sense of community.
We lead with purpose, empowering others to join us in our mission. By inspiring and motivating those around us, we strive to build a collective vision for a more peaceful and inclusive world.