People’s Association (PA) has been at the heart of Singapore’s community-building efforts since its establishment in 1960. Dedicated to promoting racial harmony and social cohesion, PA’s mission is to build and bridge communities in achieving a united and resilient nation. Through a vast network of grassroots organisations, Community Clubs (CCs), Community Development Councils (CDCs), and more, PA actively shapes Singapore’s social landscape.

Triston Tan and Elin Tay are two individuals who share this same aspiration. As PA Scholars, they are both committed to making a difference in the communities they serve, embodying the spirit and mission of PA.

Cultivating a Passion for Community Development

Triston Tan’s journey with PA began in Junior College (JC) when he learned about the PA Scholarship at a scholarship and career fair. His subsequent internship with PA at Changi Simei Community Club fuelled his ambition to pursue a career in community development.

“I met many kind and nurturing PA staff, grassroots leaders, and community volunteers, all working together to support many different areas of the Changi Simei neighbourhood,” he shared. “The passion and motivation of these individuals, especially from Ms Audrey Lim, my Constituency Director, inspired me to eventually pursue a career in community development.”

Gaining Experience to Make Difference

As a scholar, Triston was given the opportunity to intern in various locations, including at MacPherson Community Club and in the Research and Analysis Division at PA Headquarters.

“The internships helped me gain exposure to the different functions under PA, learning how they all work together in the bigger picture. I was also supported financially, including a Student Exchange Programme I did in Beijing at Tsinghua University!” he said.

Triston is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics (DSA) at the National University of Singapore (NUS).“I enjoy drawing analysis from bits and pieces of data – something that we all do in our everyday lives. With today’s digitalised and data-driven world, I felt that a degree in Data Science and Analytics could help me better navigate the complexity of data we see today,” he enthused.

He hopes to bring these skills back to PA. “Data is essential in all aspects of what we do, such as pulse tracking, ground sensing and surveying. Drawing analysis and inferences from data allows us to extrapolate and plan future programmes while making improvements to existing ones,” Triston explained.

In his future career, Triston aspires to build, connect, and make a difference in communities. “I hope that all people, young and old, will have a community that they can identify with, one that nurtures and supports them through different phases of life,” he expressed. “Communities are built on a bedrock of strong relationships and trust between people, and I envision nurturing these relationships every day.”

Bringing Smiles to the Community

Elin Tay’s connection with PA started in secondary school through volunteering with the Boon Lay Youth Network (YN). Her frequent involvement in community events and projects had a deep impact on her.

“I was inspired by the passion and dedication shown by the volunteers, and the smiles of the residents who benefitted from our community projects and activities.”

She chanced upon the PA Scholarship while exploring scholarship opportunities. “After some research, I felt that PA’s mission aligned with what I believed in and decided to apply for it. It turned out to be the start of my meaningful career with PA,” Elin recounted.

With the scholarship, Elin pursued a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Communications & New Media at NUS, as she was drawn by the dynamic nature of the communications field.

“Communications has an important place in every organisation, especially in today’s digital age. Specifically in public service, there is an increasing need to deliver messages and policies in an engaging way to enable effective communication between the government and people,” she noted.

The scholarship enabled her to gain invaluable opportunities to thrive. “The PA Scholarship provided me with financial support throughout my undergraduate studies, allowing me to focus on my studies and personal growth. I also went on attachments at different operational arms of PA, which gave me a head start to my professional career,” she said.

Connecting Through Effective Communication

Elin is currently a Senior Manager in Integrated Marketing at PA, where she finds the diverse nature of her work rewarding. “Some days, I work on ways to optimise the PA Corporate Website for digital campaigns run by our PA units, and on other days, I meet with colleagues from other divisions to discuss campaigns and projects to further our outreach and engagement with residents,” she explained. “Of course, there are other bits and pieces of work that I do, and not every workday looks the same, but that’s what keeps things interesting!”

Elin and her team diligently work on the importance of reaching out through different messages. “Singapore’s demographic make-up means that there is a rich diversity of people from all walks of life. As such, our messaging cannot be a one-size-fits-all. We address this by engaging these groups in our communities to better understand their hopes, concerns, and aspirations, tailoring our communications accordingly,” she said.

She derives great satisfaction when her work and content are well-received. “A lot of thought goes into what we put out, both to internal and external audiences, and it is especially rewarding when people receive it positively,” she noted. “This trickles down to our work in building and bridging communities when we see our work make a positive impact on the communities we build.”

Well Worth the Work

Through their dedication and passion, Triston Tan and Elin Tay exemplify the spirit of the People’s Association, working tirelessly to build and bond communities across Singapore. Their journeys reflect the profound impact of the PA Scholarship programme in nurturing future leaders committed to fostering social cohesion and racial harmony.

For those considering a career with PA, Triston offers valuable advice: “Working in PA is dynamic, multi-faceted, and full of surprises. You don’t know unless you try! Join the PA family if you enjoy making a lasting impact on communities,” he advised.

Elin highlighted the opportunities to gain exposure by taking on diverse roles within PA. She also emphasised the importance of embracing risks for personal growth and encouraged taking internships to gain hands-on experience. “The journey may be challenging, but the rewards are plenty. Being in PA, or generally in public service, has always been rewarding as your day-to-day work benefits society and can have far-reaching impacts,” she said.