Award winner Ms Joanna Chen with Mr Alex Yam, Mayor of North West District. (Photo by North West CDC)
Mr Darren Leow, receiving his award from Mr Alex Yam, Mayor of North West District. (Photo by North West CDC)
Two SUSS students, Ms Joanna Chen (Year 4, Bachelor of Human Resource Management) and Mr Darren Leow (Year 2, Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management) did the University proud as they were presented with the North West Outstanding All Rounder Student (OARS) Awards 2021 on 6 March 2021. This award recognises students for their all-round excellence and active involvement in the North West community.
Ms Chen has been volunteering with The Food Bank Singapore as a team leader to make a difference and be the voice for food insecurity in Singapore. Ms Chen said: “The University’s Service-Learning encourages us to initiate and work on issues that we are interested in. This gave me the chance to step out of my comfort zone, implement ideas to bring about positive change in the community.”
Mr Leow led the Community Service-Learning group, Project Video Befrienders, focusing on peer support and advocacy for mental health awareness in Singapore. The group partners the Singapore Association for Mental Health, Creative SAY! Centre, through various mental well-being programmes. In 2020, the team produced a well-received video featuring a mental health survivor’s personal experience in overcoming mental health challenges, and the importance of peer support in her recovery. Dedicating the win to his project team, Mr Leow said: “The Heart aspect of SUSS’s 3H (Head, Heart, Habit) education philosophy has transformed my perspective of giving to society and to give genuinely from the heart. SUSS has provided me with many opportunities to serve the community, and I am thankful.”
SUSS was also presented with the North West Outstanding School Partner Award (Silver), for the second consecutive year, in recognition of the University’s active community engagement in the North West district.
Ms Cynthia Chang, Head (Office of Service-Learning & Community Engagement), SUSS, receiving the award from Mr Alex Yam, Mayor of North West District. (Photo by North West CDC)