The People’s Association’s (PA) vision is to build a great home and a caring community, where everyone is able to share common values, pursue passions, fulfil hopes and treasure memories; where every resident can connect and create meaningful bonds, achieving its goal of “One People, One Singapore”. One of the ways PA achieves this is by offering Undergraduate Scholarships to outstanding students who are passionate about social development and community leadership.

PA Undergraduate Scholarship recipients Muhammad Naufal Zahin Azmi, a Constituency Manager with PA, and Phua Yi Xuan, an undergraduate student who is currently pursuing a Bachelor in Business Administration (Accounting) programme at NUS, both share a common drive to make a difference in their community through their dedication and to the PA’s mission of building and bridging communities towards a united Singapore.

Driven By a Purpose

As a Constituency Manager, Zahin’s work involves meeting with residents and Grassroots Volunteers to understand their needs and facilitate the planning and organisation of projects or initiatives to address those needs. Being at PA is more than just a job to him. It is an opportunity to impact lives directly. “I have always felt that I wanted a career that allowed me to play a direct role in impacting communities around me. PA was a fitting choice because it allows me to make a positive difference in people’s lives,” he shared.

Similarly, Yi Xuan was drawn to PA after an eye-opening internship at the Chua Chu Kang Constituency Office in 2019. As part of the planning committee for numerous initiatives, she was involved in a three-day Merdeka programme, designed to honour and express gratitude to nearly 2,000 members of the Merdeka Generation seniors for their invaluable contributions to Singapore’s development.

“Witnessing their joy and satisfaction during the event was truly eye-opening and fulfilling for me. This powerful experience not only reinforced the importance of recognising and appreciating the sacrifices of our predecessors but also inspired me to organise more initiatives aimed at fostering community bonds and promoting a sense of unity and appreciation among people,” she reflected.

Unlocking Opportunities

The PA Undergraduate Scholarship has provided both Zahin and Yi Xuan with invaluable opportunities to enhance their academic journeys and pursue their interests. It played a pivotal role in supporting Zahin’s academic pursuits by covering his tuition fees and providing him with a living allowance during his studies under the undergraduate and master’s degree programmes. Additionally, the scholarship offered him invaluable opportunities to intern during summer breaks between academic years at King’s College London, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Politics. These internships enabled Zahin to gain valuable exposure to various operations within PA and expanded his professional network. Likewise, Yi Xuan expressed gratitude for having the privilege to participate in several internships at various constituency offices and divisions within the organisation, enabling her to gain a deeper understanding of the inner workings and practices of PA. “These internships provided me with practical exposure and helped me develop a broader perspective on the organisation,” she shared.

Yi Xuan was also able to supplement her Accounting coursework with practical experience, further enhancing her understanding of the field. The experiences of both Zahin and Yi Xuan have enriched their lives and paved the way for their careers in community development.

A Pathway to Impactful Work

A typical workday for Zahin as Constituency Manager involves meeting with residents and Grassroots Volunteers, understanding their needs and facilitating the planning and organisation of projects or initiatives to address those needs. He enjoys the healthy mix of deskbound and fieldwork and finds the most meaningful aspect of his job to be the ability to put a smile on people’s faces. “The most meaningful thing for me about my work is when I see the smiles on the faces of the members of the community around,” he shared.

He also appreciates the diversity of his work and the potential opportunities to broaden his horizons and exposure to public service by being seconded to other agencies. Looking ahead, Zahin hopes to continue working with like-minded individuals and making a lasting impact in society through the initiatives he helps to implement.

Similarly, Yi Xuan aspires to have a meaningful career that combines her passion for serving the community with the joy of bringing smiles to the faces of others. She aims to create a profound and lasting impact on the lives of those she encounters, foster strong relationships, and promote a sense of unity in the community.

For those considering a scholarship with PA, Yi Xuan has these words of advice: “Consider applying for the scholarship if you possess a genuine passion for serving the community and take joy in the happiness of others. It is rare to find a career that aligns with your deepest passions, and if spreading happiness is your true calling, this opportunity is for you. Moreover, if you find mundane tasks unappealing, a position at the Constituency Office will offer you diverse experiences each day and facilitate meaningful interactions with people from various walks of life!”