How a former offender turned mentor transforms lives through empathy and education.
SINGAPORE: Glenn Lim knows the power of sharing his past as a former drug abuser and convict to connect with and inspire young people. His experiences form the backbone of Architects of Life (AOL), a movement he founded to nurture persons-in-recovery—those overcoming substance abuse—into mentors and role models.
AOL equips these individuals to share their stories, using their lived experiences to steer at-risk youth away from the same mistakes. Glenn’s mission is clear: to guide vulnerable individuals in building lives of purpose and to challenge society’s misconceptions about ex-offenders.
Changing Perceptions
“We are facing a culture of carelessness and misinformation about drugs,” Glenn observes. He highlights the increasing normalization of drug use fueled by celebrity influence and policy shifts, such as cannabis legalization in Thailand, which has seen a rise in youth addiction and health issues.
Rather than lecturing, Glenn advocates for meaningful dialogue, creating safe spaces where young people can openly explore the risks and vulnerabilities associated with drug abuse. This approach not only educates but also fosters empathy, helping youths understand the consequences of drug use without judgment.
A Personal Wake-Up Call
Glenn’s transformation began after a harrowing experience at the Johor-Singapore Causeway, where he was caught smuggling drugs. Facing potential life imprisonment, his sentence was unexpectedly reduced to a six-month term—a turning point he attributes to divine intervention.
During his incarceration, Glenn developed a voracious appetite for learning, devouring three books a day from the prison library. Upon release, he pursued his education and training in youth outreach and counseling, culminating in the establishment of AOL in 2014.
From Stereotypes to Archetypes
AOL’s tagline, “From Stereotypes to Archetypes,” encapsulates its mission. Glenn recounts an incident on the MRT where a heavily tattooed man offered his seat to a pregnant woman while others remained absorbed in their phones. “When an ex-offender does good, their impact reaches far beyond that of an ordinary citizen,” he explains.
Through AOL, Glenn works tirelessly to transform former offenders into community leaders, empowering them to share their stories and challenge societal prejudices.
Empathy as a Catalyst
AOL uses innovative programs to foster empathy and understanding. For instance, its “human library” workshops feature persons-in-recovery as storytellers, while initiatives like the HIIT and Run project and Triad Trails tours showcase the resilience and transformation of former offenders.
In collaboration with the National Council Against Drug Abuse (NCADA), AOL amplifies these voices, encouraging youth to learn from others’ mistakes rather than experiencing them firsthand.
Building a New Narrative
Glenn emphasizes that creating a drug-free culture requires more than just education—it demands empathy and action. Through AOL, he is challenging indifference and inspiring advocacy, helping Singapore move closer to a society where recovery and second chances are celebrated.
