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Aeris

About the Project

Aeris is a forward-thinking initiative built to support teenagers who want to quit vaping by offering a safe, uplifting, and non-judgemental digital environment. Recognising how widespread and emotionally complex vaping has become for youths, Aeris blends behavioural insights, creative design, and supportive technology to guide teens through the quitting journey with clarity and confidence. At its core, the platform uses AI-powered check-ins and habit analysis to help young users understand their triggers, reflect on their progress, and receive practical suggestions that fit naturally into their everyday lives.

Instead of relying on fear-based messaging, Aeris focuses on empowering users. Gamified features—such as streak trackers, achievement badges, personalised milestones, and virtual companions—turn small wins into motivating moments, helping teens build new habits through encouragement rather than pressure. A visual calendar, mood prompts, and savings tracker further reinforce the real-life benefits of quitting, making progress tangible and rewarding.

Privacy is central to the Aeris experience. Every user engages anonymously, creating a protected space where they can express themselves honestly and seek help without stigma. As the platform grows, Aeris aims to cultivate a global network of young people uplifting one another, sharing experiences, and proving that quitting is not just possible—but achievable with the right support. By combining compassion, innovation, and youth-driven design, Aeris is redefining what meaningful help for teen vaping addiction can look like.

Key Members

Mohammad Khan

For me, philanthropy is empathy in action, using what I have, what I know, and what I continue to learn to help others. That belief guides everything I do as a student innovator, a global learner, and someone committed to creating meaningful change.

Driven by curiosity and a deep belief in the power of innovation, I lead the Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Committee at Shanghai American School, where I’m currently in Grade 11. At 16, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside an incredible team of peers to explore how AI can create tangible impact within our school and beyond. Outside of school, I was honoured to receive the “Most Ambitious” student Award at the NextGen Program for Aeris, an app that supports people on their personal journeys to quit vaping, a reflection of my passion for bold ideas that serve real needs.

I’ve had the unique experience of attending school in three continents: North America, Europe, and Asia, and each has shaped my perspective and purpose in powerful ways. I’ve been an honours student throughout high school, but some of my most valuable lessons have come from real-world experiences. As Vice-Captain of my JV rugby team and a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award recipient, I’ve come to deeply value resilience, teamwork, and stepping up for others when it matters most.

Having traveled to over 24 countries, I believe understanding people starts with meeting them, hearing their stories, seeing their worlds, and building human connection beyond borders. These experiences continue to shape how I give back in ways that are culturally responsive and centered on the real needs of others.

To me, service isn’t a side goal, it’s the purpose behind everything I hope to build.

Renee Leong

Hello! I’m Renee, a 17 year old student currently studying in Temasek Polytechnic. Values like compassion and discipline are extremely important to me! The biggest takeaway, empathy, learning to see myself from another point of view while staying curious and open-minded. It’s not about seeing things from your own sole perspective, but about viewing yourself through the eyes of others. This project has motivated me to reach greater heights, and being able to work with my teammates has been an exciting and fulfilling experience. I look forward to achieving more with them and continuing to participate in what matters most to me!

Zoe Lin

Hi, I’m Zoe Lin, a 17 year-old student at DCSG with a deep passion for philanthropy and community service. I’ve volunteered at Saint Luke’s Hospital and Nee Soon Care Centre, and I’m actively involved in our school’s Community Action Service, where I help coordinate projects like toy and food drives and “Walk for a Reason.” Beyond this, I co-founded “The Rouge project”, a non-profit project focused on tackling period poverty and raising awareness on women’s health and rights. Through Rouge, we created an original illustration collection to symbolize women’s struggles, partnering with charities such as Golden Life Foundation to raise funds.

My dedication to service led me to NextGen, being part of the winning team in 2025, where I received the Best Leadership award. This experience reinforced my belief that philanthropy should be an ongoing habit, shaping every aspect of my life. I’m grateful to be part of this program and continue making a positive impact in the community.

Neo Yu Xuan

Hi, I am Yu Xuan, a student currently studying in Temasek Junior College. From young, I have always believed that simple acts of kindness go a long way. Whether it be helping someone with something, or doing my best to uplift someone, rendering assistance where possible has become an integral part of my life.

To me, philanthropy is empathy in action. Parts of it can be seen in the corners of our daily lives, every time someone reaches out to another out of understanding to help. Perhaps these seemingly mundane acts may not seem like much. However, I believe that what makes the world a better place isn’t an elevator, but rather small steps by our community.

Now, I am honored to be part of the next generation of philanthropists.

Zheng Yiya

I am Zheng Yiya, and I’ve always believed that if I’m able to help someone, I should. To me, philanthropy starts with small, genuine acts of support that make the world a little kinder. I hope to play my part in this new generation of changemakers by contributing in ways that encourage compassion, responsibility and care for others. Through this, I want to help build a future where giving back feels natural and meaningful.

Yoyo

Hi! I’m Yoyo, a 17 year old junior at American Heritage School. My passion for philanthropy began with simple acts of donating to those in need, but as I grew older, I realized that giving back was something deeply meaningful to me. This inspired me to become more directly involved through volunteering and teaching young children with autism, where I learned the importance of patience, empathy, and truly listening to others. These experiences showed me that philanthropy isn’t just about providing help. Instead, it’s about forming connections, understanding people’s challenges, and growing alongside them. Helping others has shaped who I am and continues to motivate me to make a positive impact, and I’m proud to be part of a new generation of young philanthropists dedicated to creating a kinder, more compassionate world.

Rohan Kohli

Hello! Im Rohan, a 16 year old student with a strong passion for making a positive impact in our community through meaningful change. I am proud to be a part of the Aeris project where we strive to reduce teenage vaping. Beyond this, I am also the Service Executive for Global Concerns in my school, managing donations upwards of $40,000.

My commitment to philanthropy comes from a deep drive to create meaningful, long-term impact and to uplift others using the opportunities and experiences I’ve been fortunate to have. I’m truly excited to work alongside like-minded individuals on the inspiring initiatives within this program.

Shuyu Luan

Hello! I’m Shuyu Luan, a 17-year-old student at Dalian No.1 Middle School. My journey with the NextGen program has reshaped my understanding of philanthropy and leadership: Philanthropy is not merely about giving, but about compassion that empowers others equitably. Leadership, in turn, is about igniting a spark into collective dedication. True leaders merge vision with resources to transform empathy into sustainable change, thereby fostering trust and hope. As Secretary-General of the Student Union, I championed student engagement in community service, nurturing a stronger sense of social responsibility campus-wide and creating a meaningful impact.

I aspire to be like a stream that flows without fear of running dry—joining the greater currents of our time, conveying the warmth of life to where it is most needed. Let’s redefine it—not as control, but as awakening; not as giving, but as building together.

Alicia Lee

Hi, my name is Alicia, a current high school student with a deep commitment to inclusivity and disability advocacy. At school, I founded the sign language service club where students are able to learn sign language and foster connections with the sign language community. Outside the classroom, I volunteer at an equestrian school in my community where I assist in therapeutic horseback riding for children with Down Syndrome. Through this program, I’ve learned how to turn ideas into action. I am looking forward to collaborating with others to drive positive change through this program.

Koshiro Ito


Hello, I’m Koshiro, a 17-year-old student at UWCSEA Dover. Philanthropy has been something that I feel deeply connected to. I have a strong passion for making a meaningful impact and improving people’s lives, especially by supporting wellbeing among teenagers and adults. Over time, this interest has expanded to reducing vaping and promoting healthier habits. Being able to contribute to such causes that have real impact gives me a strong sense of purpose, and I am truly grateful to be part of this initiative where I can support others and make positive change.

Ethan Zhou

Hi, I’m Ethan, a 16-year-old student from Victoria Shanghai Academy. I’m also the founder of the Spark volunteer team, which aims to provide education resources to underprivileged students. I have devoted the last four years to helping underprivileged children in Daliangshan, Sichuan province. I have led fundraising efforts for students’ school fees and living expenses. The last four years of experience have driven my passion for philanthropy and creating social impact. Thus, I attended the NextGen program to learn more about philanthropy and leadership. Through the learning, I have come to understand that philanthropy is not simply helping others by myself; it is also about leadership and inviting more people from society to make an impact with me. With that said, I’m proud to be a part of the NextGen philanthropists and in the future hope to make more progress in philanthropy.

Progress in Action

supportive space where teens can track habits, build confidence, and break the cycle of vaping. Their passion, research, and creativity continue to drive meaningful progress. Stay tuned for more updates!