Access Singapore

“By sharing our own experiences, including mistakes and failures that we have learnt from, it helps them to feel like they’re not alone in the challenges and dilemmas they may face.” For youths, finding their paths can be challenging, but at the Access Fellowship Programme (AFP), we are fortunate to have dedicated mentors, like Pauline Wee, who are passionate about guiding and supporting them through every step of their journey. As the Vice President of Communications & Culture at Constellar, Pauline oversees brand management, corporate communications, public relations, employee engagement, internal communications, and employee events. She approaches her work as a storyteller, connecting the dots between the Why, What, Who, When, Where, and How to create meaningful experiences. Engaging with senior leadership, business units, and customers, she shapes the content and messaging behind her team’s work and events, playing a vital role in building relationships and managing the organisation’s reputation. Pauline’s journey has been marked by bold, unconventional choices. This includes leaving her Honours Degree programme to pursue real-world experience, saying 'Yes' to opportunities that weren’t part of the plan, and being ready to change the plan if things were not working out. These choices have taught her to stay adaptable and resilient because she believes that things happen for a reason, and every experience is a journey with valuable lessons. Her advice for students is to keep an open mind and avoid just following the crowd. Focus on discovering what truly inspires you, and/or aligns with your strengths, and embrace the fact that your interests and priorities may evolve over time with life experiences. Do you aspire to be a role model like Pauline for our youths? Swipe to the last slide to find out how you can unlock opportunities and empower the next generation! #AccessSingapore #AccessFellowshipProgramme

We are excited to announce that we will be launching our brand new Access Alumni Network (AAN) this November! 🎉 The AAN is dedicated to supporting disadvantaged students beyond their educational journeys by equipping them with the tools and resources they need to thrive in today’s working world. Understanding the vital role of social capital, the AAN connects former Access programme participants with mentors, professionals, and peers, providing opportunities for career growth through mentorship, skill development workshops, masterclasses, and exclusive networking events. By bridging resource and opportunity gaps, the AAN aims to empower its members to navigate their futures with confidence and define success on their own terms. 🌍 We're currently looking for mentors and masterclass instructors to join us in making a difference. If you’re passionate about giving back and helping youths navigate their education and career pathways, drop us a message below, and our team will get in touch soon to share more details. 🙌✨ #AccessSingapore #AccessAlumniNetwork #Mentorship

We are proud to announce the conclusion of our Access Mentorships Programme with CHIJ St. Theresa's Convent and Mott MacDonald! In Session 3, our students participated in a masterclass by Mr Brendan Pang, Economic Consultant at Mott MacDonald, where they learned how to frame problem statements in a structured manner and present compelling solutions using techniques such as The Hook, Value Proposition, Unique Selling Point, and Calls to Action. They also had the opportunity to apply their newly-acquired skills and creativity by pitching their own innovative ideas to their mentors, facilitators, and peers. In the final session, our students delved into the intricacies of resume writing, gaining insights into what makes a resume compelling and how they can effectively present their experiences, personalities, and potentials using essential formatting techniques. They also explored how different industries and institutions often have unique resume expectations — reinforcing the fact that there is no “one size fits all” approach. We extend our sincere thanks to the mentors and staff from Mott MacDonald for their dedication and support over the last few weeks. We believe that our students have acquired practical skills and knowledge that extend beyond the classroom, offering them a meaningful introduction to the corporate world. We look forward to further scaling our impact in our upcoming programmes! 📈 #AccessSingapore #Mentorships

“Be open to exploring different paths and allow yourself time to experiment. It might take a few years of trying new things, but in the end, you will discover what truly resonates with you.” Starting this week, we are excited to introduce our last group of Access Fellowship Programme (AFP) mentors from one of Asia's largest trade show and exhibition organisers, Constellar, so do join us in welcoming Nedved Yang! As the leader of the digital and technology team at Constellar, he drives IT operations, digital transformation, and data management strategies across Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. His team handles every aspect of their tech operations — from Project Management Office (PMO) and application management, to cybersecurity and compliance, ensuring seamless support and innovation across the region. Despite his background in computer engineering, his career has taken him on a diverse journey through various fields and industries. After more than 20 years of exploration, he’s discovered what truly resonates with him — and now, he’s passionate about helping young people find their own paths. For him, mentorship is about giving back and guiding others early on, offering the kind of support that can shape their career and personal lives. Want to be like Nedved and provide invaluable guidance for our youths? Swipe to the last slide to find out how you can join us in making a difference! #AccessSingapore #AccessFellowshipProgramme

Happy World Mental Health Day! This year’s theme, "Mental Health at Work," highlights the critical role that workplaces play in shaping our well-being. At Access Singapore, we recognise that fostering a positive and supportive work environment is essential because when our team thrives, we are in the best position to empower and support our students as they navigate their education, career AND their own mental health journeys! Always remember that it’s okay to take breaks, ask for help, set boundaries, and embrace uncertainty. By prioritising our mental well-being, we can build healthier and more productive workplaces where everyone can grow and flourish. 💪✨ #AccessSingapore #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthAtWork

We’re excited to share that Clarence Ching recently sat down with CNA938’s Joel Chua to discuss his incredible journey as Founder and Executive Director of Access Singapore — one that has been filled with challenges, triumphs, and profound moments of learning. In the interview, Clarence opened up about what led him to where he is today, the obstacles he had to overcome, and the highlights that have shaped him. He also reflected on how this journey has transformed his life and provided invaluable lessons. One of the most inspiring parts of the conversation? Clarence’s message to his younger self that there is light at the end of the tunnel. The experiences in one’s youth can be very pressurising, but those experiences - no matter how difficult - do not define your future. You are in charge of your destiny, and as long as you try and do your best, you’re going to be okay. Listen to the full interview to gain more insights from Clarence's inspiring journey here: https://lnkd.in/gikbRG3u 💪✨ #AccessSingapore #Interview

“Unsure of which career path to take, the AFP has provided me with valuable guidance, helping me to make more informed and suitable decisions, rather than navigating the uncertainty alone” - Guan Yiping, our Access Fellowship Programme (AFP) Fellow. As we approach the final session of the AFP, we’re taking a moment to reflect on how our Fellows have benefitted from the programme thus far. This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Yi Ping, a Chinese Media and Communication student at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Yi Ping is confident that the AFP has helped him connect with experienced professionals who have offered insights, opened doors to new opportunities, and helped him navigate uncertainties about the future. One of Yi Ping’s most memorable experiences was attending a masterclass led by Andy Lo, our AFP mentor from Deliveroo, as Andy’s insights into personal branding, resume writing, and interviews were incredibly valuable. Yi Ping also shared how practical these skills are at this stage, as he’ll soon be preparing for internships, crafting compelling resumes, and attending interviews. With guidance from experienced professionals like Andy and the supportive AFP community, he feels more confident and prepared to take the next steps in his career path. Looking to take charge of your future with the right support, just like Yi Ping did, or know someone else who would also benefit from access to such opportunities? Stay tuned for updates on our AFP 2025! #AccessSingapore #AccessFellowshipProgramme

We are thrilled to announce that Access Singapore has signed a Letter of Intent with the British High Commission (BHC) in Singapore, a significant milestone as the BHC's first external collaboration here. 🇬🇧🇸🇬 The UK has long been a north star for our work on social mobility, thanks to its dynamic and mature landscape with innovative initiatives. There is a strong whole-of-society approach with numerous networks dedicated to bridging opportunity gaps and improving life chances for the disadvantaged. Through this partnership, we look forward to knowledge-sharing, volunteer opportunities, and collaborative advocacy efforts. There is so much we can learn from the United Kingdom, and we are excited to embark on this journey together. A special thank you to Alex Bamford, Deputy Head of Mission, British High Commission Singapore, for hosting us at the High Commission last week. We would also like to express our gratitude to Thomas Collier, Workflow Manager, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Asia Pacific, and the entire BHC team for their unwavering support and dedication to Access. Together, we aim to move the needle on social mobility and create lasting, impactful change for the communities we serve. (Photos by UK in Singapore) UK in Singapore Clarence Ching Tiara Robyn Chew Shonagh Cousins Raebekah Soh #AccessSingapore #BritishHighCommission #SocialMobility

“There’s no single path to success or a ‘best way’ to live life. You’re in control of creating your own path, and now is the perfect time to start shaping it,” says Charmaine Cheung, APAC Renewables Business Development Director at Schneider Electric. It’s our privilege to introduce Charmaine, a dynamic leader in the renewable energy industry, who leads strategy formulation, project management, and business development at Schneider Electric. Charmaine’s career journey has been anything but conventional. Reflecting on her path, she shares that with a double degree in Law and Business Administration, she first began her career in a strategy position at a local property developer. However, she later made the bold transition into a global role in the energy sector, despite not having any science or engineering experience — or prior exposure to international work environments. When discussing her decision to participate in the Access Fellowship Programme (AFP), Charmaine emphasises her two core passions: giving back to society and shaping the future. She believes that as a mentor, she can tap on her own experiences to offer youths the crucial support they need to start their self-discovery journey early, and ultimately help them unlock their fullest potential. Charmaine’s story is a powerful and inspiring reminder that “everything is possible” when you are willing to take risks and follow your passions, and we hope that our Fellows can learn from her example to bravely shape their own futures. Wish to be like Charmaine and help unlock opportunities for youths? Swipe left to find out how you can get involved! #AccessSingapore #AccessFellowshipProgramme

For the second session of our Access Mentorships Programme with CHIJ St. Theresa's Convent and Mott MacDonald, Mr Kerwin Tan Jun Yi, Civil and Structural Engineer at Mott MacDonald, led an insightful masterclass on Personal Branding and Elevator Pitches. Students gained a better understanding of:  💡 How to leverage LinkedIn for personal branding  💡 The importance of elevator pitches and how to craft one creatively and effectively 💡 Ways they can structure and present their ideas concisely and confidently 💡 How to continually adapt and improve their approach following feedback from their mentors, facilitators, and peers A heartfelt thank you to Kerwin for curating and running this impactful workshop. We are confident that our students now have the basic tools and resources they need to kickstart their branding and pitching journeys, and are excited to see their unique ideas come to life! #AccessSingapore #Mentorships