Sparking Singaporean conversations: Divian Nair

Photo credit: Divian.

Divian (fifth from left) with the Project Lionheart team.

It was 2015. Divian had just started Storyteller Productions, a creative agency that, as its name suggests, delivers campaigns based on stories with a strong human touch. We dive deeper into two social projects he holds close to his heart - We Are Majulah and Project Lionheart.

Asking the difficult questions through “We Are Majulah”

Photo credit: Divian.

“I Will Not Die for Singapore” was released to spark conversations on what it means to be Singaporean.

In 2016, they launched a thought-provoking video titled “I Will Not Die for Singapore”, which called on Singaporeans to dig deep and reflect on what it means to really be Singaporean.

Piqued by discussions about our nation’s future, Divian found that he and his friends had begun reflecting on their Singaporean identities, with the topic regularly coming up at kopitiam meet-ups. This video hence marked the launch of the bigger social movement, We Are Majulah.

Intending to leave no stone unturned, since its launch, We Are Majulah has covered almost every topic of national interest. From charities, racial and religious matters, to local businesses and pandemic coverage, you name it. “What's interesting is that all of these issues are somehow interconnected in some way,” Divian says.

Photo credit: Divian.

Behind-the-scenes with Divian, at a filming session in a profile’s home.

We Are Majulah’s page may have over 100,000 likes and followers today, but Divian pays less attention to these numbers, but instead focuses on its impact. “Even if a small group of people actually participate in the conversation, share a few thoughts, we count that as a success,” he says.

“When we do these conversation pieces, people find certain things they can attach to, resonate with, and even disagree with. And when they disagree, it often leads us to further curate the conversations,” he explains.

Sharing inspiring Singaporean stories with Project Lionheart

Photo credit: Divian.

Team behind Project Lionheart exhibition at Ang Mo Kio Central Stage in 2022.

Project Lionheart was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. This roving exhibition aims to celebrate the stories of inspiring Singaporeans who have embodied the Singapore Spirit during the pandemic.

“We invited local artists to interpret the inspiring stories, use the medium of art, and reflect it back to the community,” Divian says.

Photo credit: Divian.

Project Lionheart exhibition at Suntec City in December 2022.

Project Lionheart had pop-up exhibitions all over the island, in malls, hospitals, Community Centres, void decks and even Changi Airport.

Their reflective, brightly coloured, and some might say, instagram-worthy exhibitions also featured live performances, murals, a mini musical and short films. The cherry on top? Placing these exhibitions in the heartlands, making them far more accessible to the communities the movement was tailored for.

One small step for Singapore

Photo Credit: Divian.

Display of the Singapore flag during circuit breaker.

“Home, But Not Alone”, another initiative by We Are Majulah, rallied Singaporeans to display their Singapore flags in solidarity with one another during the circuit breaker, which started in 2020.

However, the existing laws then only allowed for the display of the national flag between 1 July to 30 September. Due to overwhelming public requests, this issue was then escalated to the President and special approval was granted to permit the display of the Singapore flag. Talk about making a difference!

Strengthening Singapore’s sense of community

Divian believes that no matter how sceptical Singaporeans can be, the kindness that we have shown to each other during the pandemic says a lot about the Singaporean spirit.

“Nobody can unsee other people tying hand sanitisers in the lift for their neighbours. Nobody can unsee what our frontliners did, pushing themselves to their limits just to keep the healthcare system going strong,” he says.

“There were so many acts of kindness, initiative and courage,” he continues. “You see yourself as part of this community that has been supporting each other, and I think that imbues a sense of identity stronger than anything.”

Indeed, there is much potential for more conversations about national issues amongst Singaporeans, and Divian is hopeful that he, alongside his supportive team, will continue to inspire participation amongst Singaporeans.

“Any form of crisis will bring people together,” he says. “It's about how well we fare through the crisis. And I think Singaporeans did an absolutely amazing job.”

More stories of our heroes in the community and all-round awesome Singaporeans:

• On faith, racial harmony and X-men: Nazhath Faheema

• Access to art is a right, not a privilege: Chong Siak Ching

• On whether happiness is a science: Sherman Ho

• Finding the Singaporean identity through art: Banupriya Ponnarasu

• From established accountant to social services veteran: Dr Gerard Ee

• Dare to dream: Loh Kean Yew