We make evidence-based well-being tools, skills, and initiatives easy to access and apply—so that thriving becomes part of everyday life, not just a hopeful idea.
Sherman and Simon founded Happiness Initiative in 2017, sparked by their own reflections on what it means to live a fulfilling life.
Sherman’s short career in a high-pressure corporate environment left him questioning why so many people, himself included, felt unhappy despite having what society often defines as success. Simon, having experienced his own struggles with mental health, travelled in search of answers and came to realise that happiness is something people everywhere strive for.
The real spark came when Simon pursued a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology. Both were fascinated by how the science of well-being could explain what makes life worth living and how these insights could be translated into everyday practice.
They felt this was something Singapore sorely needed — a way to make these well-being skills accessible and practical for everyone. Together, they started Happiness Initiative to turn these ideas into playful and research-based programmes that help people build happier and more meaningful lives.
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As we look ahead, we remain deeply committed to our mission of making well-being skills accessible to all. The journey of Happiness Initiative has always been guided by a belief in the power of science-backed, human-centred approaches — and that belief continues to shape everything we do.
With the support of our partners and community, we will keep exploring innovative formats, deepening our impact through long-term programmes, and designing experiences that make well-being tangible, inclusive, and sustainable. Whether it’s in schools, workplaces, or communities, we’ll continue to meet people where they are — with tools that empower, spaces that connect, and skills that last a lifetime.
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2025 Happiness Initiative Pte Ltd.
Happiness Initiative was established by Sherman Ho and Simon Leow, inspired by their personal journeys and a shared vision to make well-being accessible to all. Simon, with a background in Applied Positive Psychology, and Sherman, a former commodities trader, combined their experiences to address the growing need for mental well-being in Singapore.
Happiness Initiative launched the Mindset Board Game to help children understand the difference between fixed and growth mindsets. It made psychological concepts more accessible through play-based learning. It would eventually set the foundation for the well-being products you see today.
This storytelling platform was in introduced to destigmatise failure by sharing personal narratives of overcoming adversity. It later expanded into a podcast with Fabl Productions, reaching a broader audience and fostering a culture of resilience.
Held from March 20–24, coinciding with the United Nations International Day of Happiness, this was world’s first film festival dedicated to exploring themes of happiness and well-being. The festival featured screenings, workshops, and panel discussions, attracting over 1,500 attendees.
With COVID-19 postponing the second Happiness Film Festival and the inaugural Happiness Conference, Happiness Initiative launched Brown Bag Sessions. These weekly online conversations on Positive Psychology grew from 15 to over 100 participants—and eventually gave birth to the idea of Well-Being Circles.
In the midst of the pandemic, the Happiness Conference was held online for the first time, featuring global speakers including renowned psychologist and author, Angela Duckworth. It attracted a broad audience and helped shape future directions for the organisation.
Happiness Initiative released Let’s Unpack This, a card game inspired by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help players explore emotions and reframe limiting beliefs. It has since become one of our most successful products, with thousands of copies sold across schools, organisations, and individuals. An improved version was launched in 2023.
The second edition of Happiness Film Festival returned as a fully in-person experience, offering curated films and discussions around mental health and flourishing. It reaffirmed the importance of human connection through shared storytelling.
On World Mental Health Day (October 10), Happiness Initiative released the State of Happiness Study, which identified Purpose, Perseverance, and People (social support) as key predictors of happiness in Singapore. The study provided insights into the psychological and social factors influencing well-being.
After a series of successful pilots, Well-Being Circles was officially launched to the public in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY). The programme offers structured, small-group sessions focused on core well-being themes. Designed to foster a supportive community, it empowers participants to apply evidence-based skills in everyday life.
The first Impact Play Fest was co-organised with fellow social enterprises Friendzone and Bold at Work, showcasing how games can drive social impact. Over 300 people attended the festival, which featured serious games created by various social impact groups in Singapore.
The pilot phase of Well-Being Circles concluded in end of 2023. The impact report showed significant improvements in participants’ well-being, including increased resilience and reduced symptoms of burnout, anxiety, and depression. The findings affirmed the programme’s effectiveness as a scalable, community-driven mental well-being intervention.
In recognition of its impact, Well-Being Circles received multi-year funding support from the National Youth Council. The grant supports the programme’s growth and sustainability over the next three years, enabling more youth and communities across Singapore to access structured, peer-led well-being interventions.
Happiness Initiative piloted a data-driven support programme to identify and support students showing early signs of well-being and learning challenges. The pilot showed strong results in helping students close gaps with their peers, leading to its expansion to two more schools in 2025.
The second edition of Impact PlayFest brought together over 500 attendees to explore how games can drive social change. Featuring student-created games, public showcases, panels with global partners like Games for Change, and a Zero Market with Tzu Chi HYC, the event marked a new frontier in combining play with purpose.
By this year, Happiness Initiative had impacted over 60,000 individuals through its various programmes and collaborations with schools, organisations, and community groups.
The Well-Being Journal launched as a beautifully designed, research-backed journal featuring over 40 practices rooted in Positive Psychology. It offers users a self-guided way to build well-being through reflection, visuals, and actionable exercises.
