When You Mean to Connect but Say the Wrong Thing

SINGAPORE, 24 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Malaysian young adults grappling with social anxiety find solace in Singapore’s ‘School of Yapping’ initiative, a program designed to teach conversational skills and foster connections amid rising mental health challenges in the region.

The program’s impact extends beyond individual confidence, offering a potential blueprint for Southeast Asia’s growing demand for social skills training as workplace and educational environments increasingly prioritize emotional intelligence. In Malaysia, where workplace interactions and networking remain critical for career advancement, initiatives like this could address gaps in soft skills development, particularly among neurodivergent individuals or those facing social barriers.

A 23-year-old Singaporean participant, identified only as Tayson, shared how he frequently felt excluded in social settings due to difficulties in knowing what to say. His family dismissed his struggles as typical, leaving him without support. Through the School of Yapping—a structured workshop series—he learned practical strategies to initiate conversations and improve engagement. The program’s peer-based approach included group outings, allowing participants to practice skills in real-world settings.

Tayson described the experience as transformative, stating, “I feel very respected and honoured to be a part of the group.” His journey is documented in The Art of Small Talk, a CNA Insider series highlighting the program’s methods.

The initiative’s focus on actionable social skills contrasts with traditional mental health support, positioning it as a practical solution for a region where stigma around neurodiversity and social anxiety persists. While the program’s direct reach remains limited to Singapore, its model could inspire similar workshops in Malaysia, where demand for emotional intelligence training in corporate and educational sectors is rising.

No official expansion plans have been announced, but local psychologists note growing interest in such programs among Malaysian professionals.

Related: Tayson · Singapore