A Willing Heart Learns Better: Yeo Jia Min

The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) provides a learner-centric education that promotes lifelong learning, and develops students that are industry-ready. Backed by its rich heritage (the university was established in 1992), the curriculum is undoubtedly sound and relevant to the needs of the economy. However, what sets SUSS apart is their focus on creating social awareness of the needs of the society.

Collectively, SUSS is centred on its 3H's education philosophy: 'Head' for professional competency with applied knowledge, 'Heart' for social awareness of the needs of the society, and 'Habit' for passion towards lifelong learning.

BrightSparks spoke to 25-year-old student with willing heart, Yeo Jia Min, who humbly shares her learning journey at SUSS, and how she is looking to influence the society positively.
 

Off To A Good Start

The SUSS experience is unique because it primes students for self-directed learning. This approach fosters meaningful discussions during classes and challenges them to solve complex problems. The learning takeaways are stronger, and it helps them contextualise real-world problems, too.

This learning approach kept Jia Min engaged during her seminars and classroom discussions. It was also the curriculum and industry recognition that drew Jia Min to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work with Minor in Human Resource Management at SUSS.

Jia Min quips: "When I was working in the student care, I had looked through the requirements of pursuing a career in Social Work. There is accreditation from SUSS and the course is recognised by the Singapore Association of Social Workers (SASW).

"Beyond that, what impressed me about SUSS was the emphasis on compassion for society, as the curriculum and programmes are focused on equipping students with the core knowledge and understanding about emerging issues in society. This aligned closely with what I had wanted to achieve in my learning outcomes."

Many graduates have attested that SUSS has helped them in their professional development, and Jia Min is no exception. She says that SUSS provides industry-oriented skills and knowledge, as well as soft skills to cope with future work scenarios. She also appreciates the people who have helped in her education journey.

"In SUSS, I appreciate the relationships I have forged with some of the lecturers and supportive peers," she enthuses.

Jia Min also shares that her hard work was validated by attaining the SUSS Spirit Award 2018. The award honoured her determination and commitment in academic studies and service-learning, as well as invaluable attributes to take her further in life.

"The embodiment of 'Head, Heart, Habit' (3H) in this journey has groomed me into a socially conscious and active learner where lifelong-learning, and the want to incite change has been imbued as part of my personal growth and in the profession that I aspire to venture into."

Most definitely, Jia Min will be influencing positive change in more ways than one.

This article was first published in BrightSparks 2020 Vol. 1 eMagazine. Republished with permission from CareerBuilder Singapore.