Empathy at every turn

Not every job requires you to listen with your heart, to show up with empathy, or to hold space for someone in their most vulnerable moments—but in social service, that’s just a regular day at work. 
 
For those who walk this path, the rewards aren’t measured in titles or trophies, but in breakthroughs and quiet victories. It takes resilience, deep compassion, and a belief that change, however small, is always worth working towards. 
 
The Social Service Scholarship, administered by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), supports passionate individuals who choose this path of service. Among its recipients are Tan Hui Min and Naadhirah Binte Razak, who pursued their Master’s degrees in clinical psychology and speech pathology, respectively.  
 
Today, Hui Min works as a Clinical Psychologist at the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH), while Naadhirah is a Speech and Language Therapist at AWWA School @ Napiri. 
 
We caught up with them to learn about their journeys and the inspiring work they do. 

What inspired you to pursue your current profession? 

Hui Min: During my schooling years, I had some personal experiences that made me realise the devastating impact mental health issues can have on people’s lives. The stigma that surrounds these ‘invisible’ conditions, often adds to the burden. These experiences inspired me to work towards a career in psychology. 
 
Naadhirah: I have always had a passion for language and communication, but what truly led me to pursue speech and language therapy was my brother, who is on the autism spectrum. Watching him develop his communication skills through speech therapy made me want to give back to the community that helped my brother grow and develop his skills. I wanted to make that same impact on other people’s lives.  

Why was the Social Service Scholarship the right fit for you?

Hui Min: The scholarship enabled me to pursue an area of study that I am interested in and gave me the opportunity to use what I have learnt to serve the people in the community who are more vulnerable and less privileged. This aligns with my personal value of helping others in need so they can also fulfil their potential and lead more meaningful lives. 
 
Naadhirah: The Social Service Scholarship allowed me to kickstart my career in the social service sector as I was drawn to the strong sense of community in this sector. I have a strong passion for advocacy and working in social service allows me to not only promote my clients’ participation in daily living but also work closely with the larger community to build awareness and support inclusivity for people with special needs.  

How has the scholarship contributed to your growth?  

Naadhirah: Through this scholarship, I secured a role in a special education school, where working with a diverse profile of students with special needs has really deepened my empathy and understanding. It has taught me to think the best of people and to find light even in the most challenging of circumstances. 
 
Furthermore, the scholarship gave me the opportunity to connect with other scholars and learn from their experiences in different settings and client profiles. I’ve also been able to further expand and develop my clinical skills through various training and development opportunities. 

Tell us about your role and what a typical workday looks like.  

Hui Min: As a Clinical Psychologist at SAMH’s Youth Integrated Team @ North (SAMH SAY-IT! YIT @ North), I conduct psychological therapy for youths aged 12 to 25 years old who are self-referred or referred by hospitals, schools, or clinics due to issues like low mood or anxiety. I also work closely with caregivers, school counsellors and psychiatrists to ensure that they receive holistic support. Besides therapy, I also conduct outreach talks and internal trainings related to mental wellbeing. 
 
Naadhirah: As a paediatric Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) at AWWA School @ Napiri, I support students aged seven to 18 with multiple disabilities and/or autism in developing their speech, language, and feeding skills. A typical workday involves conducting group therapy sessions for four to five classes, working alongside a transdisciplinary team of SLTs, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and teachers. We also hold weekly team meetings to plan sessions and review students’ progress. Additionally, I conduct one-on-one sessions for students who require more specialised support. 

Has there been a moment at work that was especially memorable for you?   

Hui Min: I was working with a teenage client who felt hopeless because he perceived himself being stuck between a rock and a hard place. I provided psychoeducation on how his mood state could distort his perception, which gave him some hope and relief. I felt touched and heartened that he shared so vulnerably about his journey and opened up about his hardships.  

What keeps you motivated in your work?  

Hui Min: It’s the privilege of hearing the personal stories of the youths that I work with and journeying with them through the highs and lows in life. 
 
Naadhirah: Making connections with my clients. No matter how challenging a workday gets, not a single day has gone by without a meaningful connection with at least one client. It can be the simplest of things: a flicker of a smile, the briefest eye contact, or the slightest brush of an intentional high-five. These small moments keep me going.  

What’s something people might not expect about your work?

Hui Min: Self-care is just as important for my clients as it is for me as a psychologist. I intentionally make time for family and friends to enjoy good food and carve out me-time in nature—whether that means doing something active or watching a good film. 
 
Naadhirah: I love making therapy sessions fun by incorporating therapeutic elements into games and activities that are motivating and interesting for the students! When working in a transdisciplinary team, I also learn a lot from my fellow allied health professionals. On the surface, it may look like we’re just playing games, but every activity is intentional and purposeful. 

Any advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?   

Hui Min: Look out for internship or volunteering opportunities to get a better sense of whether this career is a good fit for you. Don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith if this path feels right for you! Like any career, it comes with its own set of challenges, but it is also very fulfilling and meaningful, as we have the opportunity to help transform lives.  
 
Naadhirah: Have a strong heart and always take time to renew your intentions. Working in this field can be stressful and emotionally heavy at times. But when you pause and remember your “why”—why you joined this sector, and why your clients matter, it can give you a renewed sense of purpose.