The People’s Association (PA), established in 1960, has been Singapore’s primary community building organisation with a vital mission to spark and nurture community participation for a caring and united Singapore. Through its network, which includes grassroots organisations, Community Clubs (CCs), and Community Development Councils (CDCs), PA brings people together and strengthens community bonds.

This enduring mission comes to life through dedicated individuals like PA scholars Jazreel Tay and Adelei Tock, who contribute to building vibrant and connected communities across Singapore.

Jazreel is currently a Senior Manager in PA’s Grassroots Policy and Programmes Division. She holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences from the National University of Singapore, while Adelei is pursuing a Bachelor of Social Science in Politics, Law, and Economics at the Singapore Management University. Both of them share a strong commitment to building stronger, more connected communities in Singapore.

We spoke with them to learn about the opportunities they have gained through the PA scholarship and how it has shaped their journeys.

What sparked your interest in joining PA?

Jazreel: My interest in PA stemmed from its core values of bridging communities. I knew my calling was to work with people and communities. What really cemented my decision was seeing how PA offers opportunities and platforms to work with diverse groups of people and build genuine connections across communities.

Adelei: My passion for community service and connecting with people from all walks of life has been a driving force in my journey. My first internship at North West CDC gave me that opportunity. I was able to understand the different needs on the ground as I planned and conducted North West Service Weeks, a programme that provides household necessities to low-income families. The sense of fulfillment I felt and the joy I gained were unparalleled, and it inspired me to give back to the community.

How has the scholarship made a difference in your journey?

Jazreel: The scholarship opened doors beyond financial support, allowing me to engage in community projects, laying the groundwork for my current role.

The flexibility of the scholarship also meant that I could explore a wide range of courses, helping me develop important skills that I now use in my work. Through the various development initiatives under the scholarship, I gained valuable exposure to different departments and taskforces, which supported my professional development. These experiences helped me appreciate diverse stakeholder perspectives while honing my hands-on execution and analytical thinking skills.

Adelei: The scholarship not only provided crucial financial support but also empowered me to fully immerse myself in enriching university experiences, particularly in my pursuit of international relations. This support enabled me to take on a significant role as an ambassador in the Asian Youth Leaders Organisation, where I engaged with students from diverse Asian countries, and deepened my understanding of their unique cultures and backgrounds.

The scholarship’s holistic development focus encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone in this role, leading to marked improvements in my socialisation abilities, strategic planning skills, and public speaking capabilities—all essential competencies for my future career.

Adelei, how have your experiences with PA shaped your perspectives?

My internships at North West CDC and Zhenghua Constituency Office (CO) provided me with both strategic and ground-level perspectives. At North West CDC, I was immersed in regional planning, programme development, and partner engagement, which allowed me to learn how strategic decisions impact the wider community. At Zhenghua CO, I gained hands-on exposure designing community programmes and marketing collaterals. I worked directly with residents and grassroots volunteers which strengthened my stakeholder management and interpersonal skills. These experiences have given me a holistic understanding of how regional initiatives and local engagement work together to serve the community effectively.

One of my biggest challenges was adapting communication methods across diverse stakeholder groups. I had to navigate different languages and communication styles for different groups of residents. While initially challenging, the experience proved invaluable—it taught me to be constantly mindful of my audience, the needs of the residents, and how to have meaningful interactions with all stakeholders. This people-centric approach not only made me more effective in my role but also gave deeper meaning to my work at the CC.

Jazreel, what’s a typical day at work like for you?

My typical day varies depending on ongoing projects. In my current HQ role, I might start the day reviewing programmes, managing grants, or coordinating national-level events. A key part of my current role also involves analysing our operational capabilities by assessing resources, strengths, and areas for improvement. This differs significantly from my previous two years at a CC, where I worked hands-on with grassroots volunteers and residents to plan and run community events. This diversity is what I appreciate most about PA—the organisation offers a wide range of opportunities for exposure, ensuring there are always new perspectives to gain and skills to develop.

What’s the most rewarding part of what you do?

Jazreel: The most rewarding aspect is seeing how our work creates ripple effects throughout communities. There is something fulfilling about watching residents become volunteers, and volunteers grow into community leaders. When I see our policies translate into meaningful ground initiatives that touch lives, or witness how a community project sparks connections, it reinforces the value of our work. These moments give me purpose and keep me going.

Adelei: Meeting new people from different backgrounds. As someone who was once afraid to speak up, my internships have shown me the joy of learning new perspectives. I look forward to helping under-represented and low-resource groups in the community in the future!

What advice would you give aspiring PA scholars?

Jazreel: PA offers unique opportunities to impact communities at multiple levels. You might start with ground operations, where you learn the essence of community work, and eventually progress to strategic roles that shape broader initiatives. This exposure to both policy and implementation provides a well-rounded understanding of what it means to serve in the public sector.

Adelei: The organisation provides opportunities for scholars to connect with experienced mentors and community leaders. Its inclusive and nurturing work culture supports continuous learning, allowing scholars to build both technical and soft skills like stakeholder management and cross-cultural communication, creating a strong foundation for professional and personal growth.