SYNC. Festival: Stepping into Nature to Rediscover the Meaning of Rest

Participants walked into the mangroves to reconnect with nature, open their senses, and focus on every moment. (Photo by Pua Poo Toong)

On a weekend morning at Pasir Ris Park, there were no loud slogans or fitness drills, only the chirping of birds and insects, gentle gusts of sea breeze, and a group of people re-learning how to rest. They were embarking on a healing journey that seamlessly blended walking, mindfulness, and sustainable living.

The second edition of the SYNC. Festival took place on 26 July 2026 in Pasir Ris. It was jointly organised by the Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore), the People’s Association, and the Pasir Ris-Changi GRC, with support from the Racial and Religious Harmony Circle.

This year, the SYNC. Festival continued to promote the concept of intentional rest, guiding the public to rethink their understanding of downtime. Through a six-kilometer community walk, participants experienced seven distinct types of rest: physical, sensory, emotional, social, mental, creative, and spiritual.

The Physical Rest Station was designed to help participants stretch their muscles and break out of a sedentary lifestyle through nine yoga postures ranging from beginner to advanced. (Photo by Goh Kee Hoe)

The event attracted nearly a thousand participants. In keeping with its commitment to green living, the festival did not provide disposable items or event T-shirts. Instead, attendees were encouraged to bring their own tableware and use public transportation, collectively reducing the event's carbon footprint. Tzu-Chi hopes that by hosting such activities, people can foster deeper connections among neighbours within the community.

The unique aspect of the SYNC. Festival lies in its fusion of personal rest, community care, and environmental sustainability—a reminder that true health is inseparable from a healthy planet.

Men, women, and children alike came together for a healthy walk and to relearn how to rest intentionally. (Photo by Lin Chun Huey)

At about 7 a.m., the walk was joined by Grassroots Adviser for Pasir Ris–Changi GRC, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for National Development, Ms Indranee Rajah; Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, Mr Desmond Tan; and Grassroots Advisers Mr Sharael Taha and Ms Lee Nai Yi.

Minister Indranee noted that regardless of how busy life gets, it is essential to carve out time for oneself—whether it’s taking a walk or simply a ten-minute break at the office. She expressed her hope that the public would realise that health is holistic, encompassing not just physical exercise but also mental and emotional well-being.

From left: Pasir Ris-Changi GRC Grassroots Adviser Ms Lee Nai Yi, Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Mr Desmond Tan, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, and Second Minister for Finance and National Development Ms Indranee Rajah, and Grassroots Adviser Mr Sharael Taha, participated in the SYNC. Festival six-kilometer community walk held at Pasir Ris Park. (Photo by Lai Tong Heng)

Senses Awakened, Rest with Intention

Participants began their journey at Jing Si Hall, passing through familiar HDB estates before entering the lush, green expanse of Pasir Ris Park. Along the way, the chirping of birds and insects filled the air, chickens clucked by the roadside, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves as they fell. The hustle and bustle of city life was left far behind, replaced by a sense of long-awaited tranquility.

"We usually live at such a fast pace that we often overlook everything around us. But as soon as we entered the mangroves, the sense of connection with nature returned. The sound of insects, the small creatures in the mud, and the fresh air seemed to awaken all our senses at once," shared Nadia Liana, who was deeply impressed by the Sensory Rest Station located in the mangrove area.

Her father, Awang, a former athlete, remarked, "Rest isn't about staying still; it's about moving correctly. Don't let age limit your activity. If you exercise regularly, your body stays in its best condition. Walking in nature like this today is a great form of active rest."

Nadia’s mother, Nooraini Abdul Bari, nodded in agreement and said that the family usually stays at home on weekends. This time, it was a rare opportunity for the whole family to go out for a walk together, and it felt very fulfilling.

Accompanying Each Other, Finding Peace in Body and Mind

Ms Boh Shuhui, General Manager of Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore), said that modern people live in steel and concrete cities, and that through this activity, they hoped to bring people back to nature and help them rediscover what rest really means.

She pointed out that the pace of modern life is getting faster and faster, and people’s schedules are always full and busy day after day, year after year. "We have become very accustomed to this way of life. I think everyone may have forgotten about themselves and how to rest."

She said, “When individuals are well, families are well; when families are well, the nation is well.” This captures the core spirit of the event. Conscious self-care is not only about caring for oneself; it also brings warmth to a family and can even become a source of strength for society.

Soh Siew Keng (second from left in the back row) brought her 95-year-old mother along for a four-generation family outing to participate in the community walk and enjoy quality family time amid the greenery. (Photo by Chua Hui Ming)

Next to Soh Siew Keng, her 95-year-old mother sat in a wheelchair, looking around with delight. Four generations of the family came together to participate, enjoying precious family time while taking a break.

“My mother used to play with me by chasing me around the house when I was little, and now it’s my turn to push her around in a wheelchair.” Soh Siew Keng recalled with a smile that her mother was very strong when she was young and could carry a pile of old newspapers as high as her face.

Although her mother’s health has declined significantly, the walk gave Soh Siew Keng a chance to temporarily put aside the trivial worries in life. The whole family talked, laughed, and enjoyed each other’s company. In the process of caring for her family, she also found a deeper meaning beyond everyday life—the unspoken love and care shared among family members.

74-year-old Tan Jee Boi participated in the event with her younger sister. She said, "It is rare to have this kind of opportunity to come out together. Although the journey is long, we can talk about our concerns while walking. It is a good way to relieve stress for people of our age."

Embrace Your Emotions to Let Go

Career women Grace Ku and Voon Cha Woei are colleagues who juggle work and family responsibilities in their daily lives. Of the seven types of rest, they were particularly drawn to the Emotional Rest Station, which was presented in the form of a maze.

The words in the maze soothe the busy minds of the participants and fill the emotional gap. (Photo by Pua Poo Toong)

Before entering the maze, participants chose a coloured ball representing their current emotional state. Inside, the maze featured encouraging affirmations and mirrors to help participants reflect on their inner state.

Grace Ku and Voon Cha Woei shared that the words hanging in the maze garden soothed their busy minds and filled an emotional void. They felt as though someone understood the hardships and struggles they faced in life and was there to cheer them on.

The phrase, "It is normal to have emotions, but how do you release them?" resonated deeply, providing a sense of validation that gave them the strength to face the coming week.

Rest is Inseparable from the Environment

Midway through the walk, heavy rain forced participants to seek shelter in nearby pavilions. Yet, what seemed like a disruption became an unexpected lesson in "intentional rest".

"Pausing to take shelter from the rain can also be a joyful way to rest. The most important thing today is cherishing the time spent with family and friends," said Zyon Aaronel Wee.  

With his keen observation, he experienced the seven ways of resting during the walk. He shared, "After walking, do some yoga stretching, experience the mangroves through sight, sound, and smell, sort out your emotions in the plant maze, and then sit under the big tree and chat. All of these make it easier to open your heart.”

After completing the 6-kilometre walk, Zyon Aaronel Wee played a card game featuring Singaporean species with other participants at the Eco Discovery Zone. (Photo by Pua Poo Toong) 

Zyon Aaronel Wee enjoys gathering with family and friends and building connections with others, and he particularly enjoys social rest. A fourth-year university student, he is not only the co-founder of an educational board game project but also an advocate for nature conservation education. He has long been involved with Yishun Nature Kakis, helping the public learn more about Singapore’s local ecology.

"Only by understanding ecology can we truly protect it." In Zyon Aaronel Wee's view, the event combined walking with environmental education, making rest more than just rest, but also a way to reconnect with nature and the earth.

Beyond the walk, a range of activities could be found outside Jing Si Hall, including the Zero Market, Eco Discovery Zone, and a family play area. While enjoying delicious food, participants could also watch captivating performances by Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool and local artists, creating a lively and heartwarming atmosphere.

Inside the hall, participants enjoyed the Slow Brew Circle session, where they could slow down and calm their minds and bodies through Jing Si Tea Art while learning more about Tzu Chi’s humanistic culture. There were also mindful living workshops, including Japanese moss ball (kokedama) making and sound bowl healing, guiding participants to relieve stress and process their emotions through hands-on activities and soothing sounds.

The SYNC. Festival concluded at noon in a warm and harmonious atmosphere. Many participants expressed their intention to return next year with family and friends for this unique "walk for rest" event.

Ultimately, there are many ways to rest, but all of them serve as a reminder: rest is both an ability and a choice. When you choose to intentionally pause, you aren’t just caring for yourself—you are saving a better version of yourself for the people you love.

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