At the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), education goes beyond academics. Guided by the philosophy of ‘Dream, Dare, Do,’ the university encourages students to pursue bold ambitions, push boundaries, and take actionable steps that leave a lasting impact.

For Chua Kia En Ferene, the seeds of her academic curiosity and compassion were sown early. Coming through the Integrated Programme (IP), a six-year integrated programme that ultimately led her to the GCE A-Levels, Ferene experienced a learning environment that sparked her passion for learning. “Initially, I was simply enticed by the fact that I didn’t have to take the O-Levels,” she admitted with a laugh. “But looking back, what made the biggest impact was how the IP gave me room to explore subjects in a more open and engaging way.”

Without the pressure of high-stakes exams, Ferene found joy in learning for its own sake—through exploratory content, small research projects, and assignments that allowed her to connect classroom knowledge with real-world issues. The freedom to explore nurtured a lasting sense of curiosity that shaped her path.

Now pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work at SUSS, Ferene is passionate about creating positive change through community engagement and eldercare. Her journey began with a deep-rooted love for volunteering, working with diverse groups from children with special needs to animals.

Driven by the belief that everyone deserves empathy, Ferene was naturally drawn to social work. Although she only learnt about the field in junior college, she always knew she wanted a career where she could make a difference. “I found joy in being able to support others on their journey,” she said.

Her interest in eldercare, in particular, is deeply personal, rooted in a close relationship with her grandmother, who raised her. “I always saw a part of my grandma in the seniors I met, and I found it easy to converse with them,” she recounted. As Singapore transitions into a super-aged society, Ferene hopes to play a role in enhancing eldercare services and ensuring seniors like her grandmother receive the support they need.

With a clear sense of purpose, Ferene sought a university programme that aligned with her aspirations. The Social Work programme at SUSS stood out for its strong emphasis on hands-on learning and its faculty of experienced professionals. “I knew SUSS would be better suited for me because I could gain clinical knowledge from professors with lived experiences, and the focus on direct practice rather than research guided my decision to apply,” she highlighted.

Ferene went on to receive the Yangzheng Foundation Endowed Eldercare Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to full-time undergraduates in their second or third year who demonstrate a strong sense of service to the eldercare community and a desire to build a career in the sector.

Learning by Doing

Today, Ferene enjoys a holistic and enriching education at SUSS, surrounded by peers who share her passion for social work. Beyond the classroom, she engages in role-play sessions that simulate real-life scenarios like facilitating group work, which she finds especially invaluable in developing practical skills. She also chose to pursue a Minor in Psychosocial Intervention to deepen her understanding of individual behaviours and social systems.

Through SUSS’ Social Work modules, she explored innovative approaches to eldercare, including the Lovot, a companion robot designed to reduce loneliness among seniors.

Outside the classroom, Ferene deepened her practical experience through an internship at the Tsao Foundation. As a Community Development Intern, she worked closely with seniors, facilitating exercise sessions, leading enrichment activities while lending a listening ear. She also conducted home visits for seniors who were socially isolated and those enrolled in a befriender programme.

One aspect of her role she particularly enjoyed was planning meaningful activities such as guitar and crochet lessons, which not only engaged the seniors but also taught her the importance of being mindful of every individual’s capabilities. Reflecting on one particular instance, she shared, “I made a mistake by ordering the same materials for everyone in the crochet class, not realising that one of the seniors had rather shaky hands and struggled with the standard-sized tools. I later provided her with bigger hooks and yarn to make the activity more manageable.”

She added, “It’s important not to make assumptions; we should always be ready to provide accommodations to build an inclusive and safe space.”

Ferene has also learnt to deeply value patience through her work with seniors. She observed that older adults may sometimes come across as ‘naggy’ or overly anxious, but beneath those behaviours often lie unspoken needs. Her reflections reveal a profound empathy grounded in understanding.

“They might not have anyone to talk to at home, which is why they seem to open up so much more here. Others worry because they genuinely care about doing well, even in something that might seem small,” she said. “I’ve learned that it’s important to look at the full picture before making a judgment.”

Her attentiveness is also matched by a strong sense of self-awareness. Ferene emphasised the importance of setting personal boundaries in social work. “If you want to stay in this field long-term, learning to set boundaries is essential. Without them, you’re more likely to face empathy fatigue or burnout,” she noted.

Bringing Her Education Full Circle

Looking ahead, Ferene is determined to apply her knowledge and experiences to supporting elderly patients in clinical settings, as she prepares for a career in medical social work. Her journey has only strengthened her belief in the power of empathy. For Ferene, compassion isn’t just a value; it’s something she carries into every connection, especially with the seniors she hopes to serve.

“I often ask myself what I would be doing if I weren’t in Social Work, but I always draw a blank. I think it’s because I see the potential in human connection and know how transformative one person’s support can be to another,” she reflected.

For those considering an education at SUSS, Ferene encourages being intentional about their goals and making the most of their university experience. “What matters more are your intentions—what do you hope to achieve? Once you have the answer, you’ll find your community, whether it’s your cohort mates, a co-curricular activity (CCA), advocacy group, or even through community engagement projects,” she advised. “You have the power to create the life you want. It is up to you to create those opportunities!”