Work friends can make all the difference — but how do you build those connections while staying professional?
When done right, workplace friendships boost morale, strengthen teamwork, and create a culture where people feel truly seen and supported. This session explores how to build those bonds without crossing professional boundaries.
Whether you're a team leader or just starting out in your career, join us for an honest panel talk and guided conversations on what makes workplace friendships work.
Together, we’ll explore:
- Why friendships at work matter — and how they impact performance, engagement, and retention
- Practical actions leaders and team members can take to foster connection, trust, and psychological safety
- Communication tools for managing the friend-vs-colleague balance and navigating difficult conversations
🎤 Panelists include:
- Xue Ting, Senior Financial Services Manager. Starting her career in a people-first environment, Xue Ting believes that workplace friendships aren't just beneficial — they're essential. From boosting morale to deepening trust, she’s seen how strong personal connections lead to stronger teams. In fact, half of her bridal party was made up of ex-colleagues — a testament to the strong bonds she’s built at work.
- Crystal Low, Senior Creative at Our Grandfather Story (Ribbit.FYI). With a background in media, content creation, and community-driven storytelling, Crystal has spent her career in people-first work environments that blur the lines between professional and personal. She believes that genuine friendships at work not only make us better teammates, but better people.
- Esna Ong, Regional Startup Success Manager at Google Cloud. A multiple-time Culture & Inclusivity award recipient, Esna believes the workplace is one of the most powerful places to build lasting friendships. She’s passionate about creating team cultures where colleagues sharpen, support, and bring out the best in each other through both good and tough times.
- Valencia, Co-founder of Friendzone & Public Servant. A firm believer in community-building at work, Valencia shares how work friendships have helped her feel seen and supported, whether it’s trading renovation tips or taking trips with colleagues. She advocates for warmth and professionalism in team culture.
📅 24 July 2025, Thu
🕢 7:30PM - 9:30PM
🎟️ $35
📍 Tanjong Pagar (location released upon registration confirmation)
👤 For 20 - 35 year olds
This isn’t a motivational talk — it’s an honest sharing about making the relationships we spend the most time in (yes, at work!) more intentional, respectful, and fulfilling.
Brought to you by Friendzone, powered by the National Youth Council.
Friendzone SG brings young adults together to build community in their neighbourhoods, sectors and beyond ! Register now, or read on for answers to some frequently-asked questions!
FAQs:
🗓 What is this workshop about?
Friendzone Panel Talks & Guided Conversations are safe, community-driven spaces where we explore meaningful topics through honest conversations with both guest panelists and participants.
In our Panel Talks, we invite speakers to share personal stories, lived experiences, and insights related to the topic. These are not just experts, they’re people with perspectives that spark reflection and connection.
We also hold Guided Conversations in small groups before and after the panel. These give everyone a chance to share their own thoughts, hear from others, and deepen the discussion together.
👥 Who are the panelists?
Each session features a mix of individuals with lived experience, professionals, and passionate voices from the community. We choose panelists based on how closely their stories and expertise align with the topic.
💬 What’s the event flow like?
Every panel talk follows a familiar structure:
- Light dinner and casual icebreakers
- Small group discussions
- Honest panel conversation with real insights
- Q&A from the floor
- Closing reflections and connection time
💡 What will I get out of this?
You’ll gain:
- A deeper understanding of the topic through honest personal stories
- Practical tools for navigating friendships, boundaries, or challenges
- A safe space to share your own experiences
- New connections with like-minded peers
✍️ What’s in the registration form?
To help us tailor the session, we ask a few simple questions like:
- What do you hope to learn?
- Any questions you’d like answered?
This helps our panelists speak to what matters most to you.
📸 Will photos be taken?
We take photos or videos for Friendzone’s social channels. You’ll be informed ahead of time, let us know if you prefer not to be photographed!
❓ Can I ask questions during the event?
Yes! You’ll have a chance to ask questions live, anonymously, or even on paper during the session.
📲 Where can I stay updated or get in touch?
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn at @Friendzonesg — or drop us a DM anytime.
Past Friendzone participants have said:
• "It's a very heartwarming place and the organizers were very creative in their activities for forging friendships"
• "What an amazing evening concept. Got the chance to meet new people and have deep conversation. The team is super friendly and nice."
• "Enjoyed the event and would definitely attend more!"
• "Great events with deep conversations and authentic connections! Don’t hesitate to join even if you’re going alone :)"
Got more questions? Head to the FAQ page on our website or drop us a DM! We’d love to chat :)
