Playing It Forward: The Jazzlings’ Mission to Inspire Change

Born into a family of Chinese opera professionals, Bian Tong’s earliest memories were set to the sounds of tradition and performance. He began his formal training in the Chinese Orchestra as a dizi player, mastering the bamboo flute’s delicate tones.

But just three years ago, a new passion emerged — jazz and the saxophone. He joined the National University of Singapore (NUS) Jazz Band, and from there, his greatest masterpiece began to take shape.

Bian Tong playing the saxophone

Marching to Their Own Beat

“Jazz is a rather niche art form, and can often feel alienating or ‘high-brow’ to new listeners,” Bian Tong reflects. Wanting to change that perception, he and his fellow musicians set out to make jazz more accessible and welcoming. From this shared vision, The Jazzlings were born.

Bian Tong (centre) and The Jazzlings

Starting out as a student-led initiative, the group quickly grew in ambition. They began recruiting professionals, expanding their reach and repertoire. Today, The Jazzlings boast over 50 members and have performed at some of Singapore’s largest events and stages, including Chingay, the NTUC NDP Bay Celebrations, and Gardens by the Bay.

Jazzing Up for the Greater Good

But for Bian Tong, music wasn’t only about performance, it was also about purpose. “With our newfound influence and momentum, we hope to not just play music, but advocate for causes we believe in and uplift our communities along the way,” he shares.

In 2025, The Jazzlings began volunteering at Changi Prison, bringing jazz music to help inmates prepare for their reintegration into society. Through these sessions, Bian Tong hopes to remind the inmates that they are not alone after their release, and that they can continue to find connection and support through The Jazzlings. Additionally, they partnered with the National Council Against Drug Abuse to champion music as a powerful outlet and a healthy alternative to addiction.

They’ve since brought their performances to hospitals, rehab centres, and nursing homes—lifting spirits where it was most needed. “Wherever we feel we can help, we’ll be there,” Bian Tong says.

The Jazzlings performing at Tan Tock Seng hospital

Youth in Harmony

A firm believer in youth-led change, Bian Tong actively encourages other young people to step up and give back through music. 

“As much as we enjoy performing on big stages and at comfortable corporate gigs, we make it a point to find ways to uplift others and play our small part in building a shared future for all,” he remarks.

For him, music is more than a form of expression; it’s a powerful force for kindness, connection, and change.

Music Unites Us All

That belief took centre stage at JASG60, a free two-hour musical extravaganza held at Gardens by the Bay to celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday and commemorate UNESCO International Jazz Day. The event featured five jazz bands performing across various locations throughout the garden, transforming the space into an “International Jazz Garden.”

JASG60 at Gardens by the Bay to celebrate SG60

JASG60 was a celebration of inclusion that brought together 300 elderly guests for a special day out to gai gai and makan, accompanied by 300 youth volunteers and 20 ex-offender volunteers from Architects of Life. It was a living testament to how music can bridge generations, backgrounds, and life experiences.

300 youth volunteers accompanied 300 elderly guests for a special day out at JASG60

JASG60 marked the first time a local arts group took over the entire Gardens by the Bay. When The Jazzlings first started out as just a bunch of kids who loved playing and performing jazz, making history in this garden city was definitely not in the cards.

But after seeing over 700 beneficiaries, performers, and volunteers come together to galvanise a more inclusive society - one that everyone can enjoy and contribute to - The Jazzlings are now more psyched up than ever to continue giving back through music.

“To my fellow youths and young Singaporeans, it’s up to each and every one of us to build the Singapore we want to live in and proudly call our own!” Bian Tong gushes.

JASG60 was supported by the Singapore Government Partnerships Office (SGPO), which helps Singaporeans realise their aspirations to shape their communities and co-create policies, public spaces, and services. Through SGPO’s connections, the National Youth Council (NYC) Singapore came on board to provide funding and learning resources for The Jazzlings.

If you have an idea for social good and would like to partner with the government to realise it, you can get started at www.sgpo.gov.sg!

Singapore turns 60 this year! To celebrate this special milestone, let us strive to be bolder and kinder to one another, playing our part in building a stronger Singapore together. Find ways to Connect with fellow Singaporeans, Contribute to our refreshed social compact under the Forward Singapore exercise, and show Care for those around us at www.SG60.gov.sg