People's Association
Feature | Organisation

Building a Better Singapore

People's Association
The People’s Association (PA) acts as a bridge that connects people to people, and people to the Government. Two PA Scholars tell us about their shared visions with PA to foster social cohesion in Singapore.

Without peace and unity, a country is little more than a collection of disparate people who happen to live together on a piece of land. Since its establishment in 1960, the PA has been hard at work fostering bonds among Singaporeans to ensure that our nation is able to progress together as one.

PA Scholars Toh Le Yi and Cassandra Pee, who are both studying Arts and Social Science, look forward to contributing to the organisation’s cause. They tell us all about their passion for working with the people and how PA helps them pursue this passion.

Why did you decide to take up a scholarship with PA?

Toh Le Yi: I knew that I wanted a career in the social sector where I can constantly be in touch with people from different walks of life, and who bring with them unique narratives. Getting to know people brings me immense joy, and being able to nurture strengths in communities imbues my life with a heightened sense of purpose.

While I kept my options open at the time, it became increasingly clear that PA is the organisation for me the more I looked into my scholarship options. PA’s core mission to build and bridge communities deeply resonated with me and aligned with my personal aspirations.

Cassandra Pee: For as long as I can remember, I have always been interested in working for the Public Service. I wanted my career to have a strong sense of purpose in contributing to the Singaporean community.

There are many entry points into the Public Service, but I chose PA because of its critical role in connecting the Government to its people. In an increasingly complex world, the relationship between the Government and its people must be strengthened in order to ensure society continuously adapts to changing circumstances while remaining cohesive and harmonious.

Toh Le Yi

Toh Le Yi  
People’s Association Scholar

Student

Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences
National University of Singapore

“PA is highly adaptable to our independent pursuits of holistic and intellectual development.”

What kind of support can scholars expect from PA?

Le Yi: PA is highly adaptable to our independent pursuits of holistic and intellectual development, as long as these experiences enhance our personal growth. Initially, the PA had planned an internship for me this summer. However, due to my external commitments, I will instead be starting my internship next summer. This gives me the independence and space to immerse myself in the various university and organisation’s developmental opportunities, allowing me to not fret about scheduling issues and learn as much as I can during my academic journey.

Cassandra: As a mid-term scholar, I was accepted on board as I was embarking on a year-long exchange to Sciences Po, a university in France. I had always dreamed of studying there – it was a place that allowed me to pursue my passion for French culture and interest in Political Science at the same time. Once I explained how this would be a once-in-a-lifetime learning to Human Resources, PA provided me with all the support I needed even though it is not a conventional path to take. This is the kind of trust and encouragement you can expect from PA.

Cassandra Pee Xue Yi

Cassandra Pee Xue Yi 
People’s Association Scholar (Mid-Term)

Student

Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences
National University of Singapore

“In an increasingly complex world, the relationship between the Government and its people must be strengthened.”

What qualities do you feel are essential for PA scholars?

Le Yi: As PA scholars and officers, we are committed to the betterment of the lives of the Singapore people and should strive towards the highest standards in our service. I think that integrity is a key principle we should uphold. We need to be morally righteous under all circumstances, and always act in the best interests of our people.

Furthermore, we also need to be adaptable. With society constantly evolving, PA needs to ensure its relevance. This means that PA scholars should strive to be connected to the workings of the society, play a huge role in ground-sensing and understanding what people today need and want.

Cassandra: First and foremost, you must have a heart for the people and be empathic. Being on the ground, you will interact with people from different backgrounds, and oftentimes this means that you will have to re-evaluate your long-held perspectives. Hence it is vital to be open-minded to understand things from different viewpoints. This will ensure that the policies and programming you roll out can give a positive nudge to the community.

What advice do you have for students who wish to follow in your footsteps?

Le Yi: Spend time reading up on different scholarship providers and even more time deliberating over what you aspire to achieve in your future career. Make sure that you are genuinely interested in scholarships that you apply for and be willing to commit yourself to them.

And never ever be shaken by others’ words – at the end of the day, remember that you know yourself best!

Cassandra: I understand that at a young age, there are many paths to explore, including the well-trodden paths that are most sought after. Focus on what you are passionate about, on what motivates you, and take active steps to develop skillsets and gain experiences in that direction.

For me, I am most passionate about making a tangible difference in people’s lives, so I sought a path that would allow me to build emotional connection with other Singaporeans, to be a source of guidance and empowerment in their lives. What about you?