When Social Work graduate Wong Si Hui first worked with children with special needs, she realised something was missing. It wasn’t just the interaction with the child, but everything around them – families, systems, the structures that either supported or failed them. That realisation led her to social work, and eventually to SUSS.
Si Hui works with at-risk youth by directly engaging with them and holding counselling sessions.
Today, as a Social Worker at the Singapore Children’s Society, she works with at-risk youth through case management, counselling, and direct engagement, grounded in something she learned during her time at SUSS: resilience.
For Social Work student Darren Lim, the path into the sector was less direct.
After an initial unsuccessful application to SUSS, he reapplied and eventually secured a place, already having begun the work that would shape his direction. He first took on the role of Clinic Manager before moving into the social service sector, where the loss of his grandparents reshaped his sense of purpose.
Now a Programme Coordinator at Allkin Singapore, Darren works with seniors in ways that are both practical and deeply human. From a boccia programme where seniors take on roles as referees and mentors, to baking sessions and even guided Roblox play that help them stay connected with their families – including one participant he describes as a regular playmate of his grandson – his work is grounded in small, meaningful moments that build connection and dignity.
Darren guides seniors in using Roblox, an online gaming platform, helping them stay connected with their families.
In 2025, his efforts were recognised with the Individual Award for Resilience at the Healthcare Humanity Awards. He is only at the start of his SUSS journey, but remains committed to deepening his impact and giving back to the profession that shaped him.
Together, Si Hui and Darren’s stories point to something larger. Across SUSS programmes, close to 9 in 10 SUSS graduates in the labour force secured employment amid a cautious job market. Many of them are employed in areas such as early childhood education and social work, where demand continues to grow. Beyond the numbers are the roles they step into: working with families, supporting seniors, and navigating the everyday realities of care and community.
