Wat Ananda Youth

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Who is Wat Ananda Youth

Cutting of the birthday cake

Wat Ananda Youth (WAY) was formerly known as the Ananda Metyarama Buddhist Youth Circle.

In 2006, on its 40th Anniversary, AMBYC decided to reinvent itself to appeal to the youth of the 21st century. We revisited our objectives and programmes and decided to change our name from AMBYC to Wat Ananda Youth (WAY), a catchy name which is easy to remember and reflects our roles and vision.

WAY continues to hold most of its activities in Wat Ananda Metyarama Buddhist Temple. The youth group continues to maintain a symbiotic relationship with the temple which has been established since 1966.

>> more photos on the 40th Anniversary

Our Vision
To propagate the dharma through spiritual friendship and practice-focused interest groups.

Our Logo

The footprint symbolizes the “Buddha’s Path”. The letter “Y” blend in nicely with the footprint graphic, depicting the “WAY” concept. The FIVE colours are used to depict Buddhism. The logo as a whole has a lively feel which epitomizes the energy and vibrancy of the youth.

History of WAY
The Ananda Metyarama Buddhist Youth Circle (AMBYC) was born on 23 November 1966. It was the first Buddhist Youth Circle in Singapore. Maha Somkuan Aggadhamma (Phraku Bisaldhammanides) became our first Spiritual Advisor. On 28 November 1966, His Excellency, Mr Payong Chutikul the Royal Thai Ambassador officially declared the opening of AMBYC.

30 years since its inception, AMBYC is proud to record many memorable events and contributions to Buddhism and preserving the Thai Theravada Tradition in Singapore. In 1996, we introduced a New Logo to create a new look which stresses the importance of the Learning, Practising and Sharing of the Buddha's Teaching.

<< AMBYC's logo>>
This noble task of propagating the Buddha's Teaching with the following objectives was laid down in the constitution.

To study, practise and propagate the Dhamma.
To train the youth for, and encourage them in acts of, charity and general helpfulness to their fellow beings.
To educate the youth to become better members towards society.
To foster co-operation among Buddhist Youth and fellow beings.
To lead a decent and moral social life
To participate in healthy recreations.

Management Committee (2008)
Patron: Kweh Soon Han
Patron: Tee Koon Tiong
President: Jimmy Voon
Vice President: Ng Wei Meng
Hon General Secretary: Tay Bee Sian
Assistant Hon General Secretary: Jenny Wijaya
Hon Treasurer: Violet Sng
Assistant Hon General Treasurer: Lindy Kang
Member: Adrian Ang
Member: Alvin Lian
Member: Andrew Sim
Member: Elizabeth Kheh
Member: Jeffrey Tan
Member: Phanom Sinth Suwanarat

History of Wat Ananda Metyarama Buddhist Temple
With its 75 years history, Wat Ananda Metyarama is considered as one of the oldest temples in Singapore. It was completed in 1925 with a land area of 18,317 square feet, and its former address was at 83, Silat Road, Singapore. Its new and current address is at 50-B Jalan Bukit Merah, Singapore 169645.

Its founder was Venerable Luang Phor Hong Dhammaratano (Phra Dhammaratano Bandit) who came to Singapore in 1920 (2463 BE) with Samanera Boonier, his disciple and mooted the idea of a Thai temple in 1923.

After his passing away in 1925, his successor, Phra Rajayankavee had the temple renovated in 1953. The Venerable served as Abbot of Wat Ananda Metyarama twice, with his appointment briefly interrupted in between by Venerable Maha Amnad Ithiyano. After Phra Rajayankavee, Phraku Bisaldhammanides became the Chief Monk, he started the Youth Circle in 1966 - the FIRST registered Buddhist Youth Circle in Singapore. Dhamma classes were conducted then.

Phraku Bisaldhammanides left for Bangkok in 1974 and our present Abbot Chao Kun Phra Pannadhamvides (Phraku Sucinta) took over. Since then, he has done much to upgrade and expand the Wat's facilities. Besides, he is also the Buddhist Religious Leader involved in the inter-religious organisation, a society that promote religious understanding and harmony in Singapore.

In 1975, he renovated the temple and in 1979 he constructed the pagoda and a 3-storey residential block for monks. Chao Kun Pannadhamvides was conferred the title by the King of Thailand on 5 Dec 1977 and a fecilitation ceremony was held at Wat on 11 Nov 1977 after his return from Thailand. Later, on 5 Jan 1996, he was again conferred a new title Chao Kun Phra Raj Siddhivides by the Thai King. A fecilitation ceremony was held on 8 Dec 1996.

The pagoda was officially declared open by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the 2nd daugther of King Bhumipbol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand on 27 Jun 1985.

In 1995, Venerable Chao Kun put up a Kwan Yin Shrine and a new porch in the front of the main shrine. Work on a new 3-storey extension that houses the library, Dhamma classrooms and Meditation Hall was underway in the same year. The roof layout was a feature adopted from the late Venerable Hong Choon's idea. It was completed in fiscal year of 1996/97.

On 23 Feb 1986, the Laying of the Holy Stones Foundation (Nimitta Sima), was conducted . The event coincided with Magha Puja Day.

With the ceremony completed, the temple has the authority to ordain Monks.

The official opening of the new extension on June 20, 1997 by Mr Koo Tsai Kee, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of National Development and MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC.

Contact Us
Address: 50-B Jalan Bukit Merah Singapore 169545
Mailing Address: Bukit Merah Central Post Office P.O. Box No. 0603 Singapore 911534
Email Address: way1966@gmail.com
Buses: 147, 196, 197, 961
Location: