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A young boy with a hungry expression, representing the struggle with food insecurity faced by many in Asia.

Social Impact

Addressing Food Insecurity in Singapore

Food from the Heart sheds light on food insecurity in Singapore, where many live on a mere S$690 per capita income. Children often come to school without adequate meals, which can lead to feelings of embarrassment. Initiatives like goodie bag distributions and the I Can Award help provide food and boost confidence. Families face tough choices, such as picking between a can of condensed milk and a bag of rice, illustrating the harsh realities they endure. Community volunteers play a vital role in food collection and distribution. Ongoing collaboration among government, NGOs, businesses, and fundraisers is essential for effective solutions, making it crucial to address food insecurity for a more inclusive Singapore.

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US Congressional Staffers' Visit

We shared Singapore's social infrastructure with US staffers, fostering mutual understanding. From our seamless public transport to community-focused public spaces, discussions illuminated how such systems nurture societal harmony. The exchange of ideas showcased a two-way learning experience, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of both nations. 

Brenda Hobin engaging in a discussion with US Congressional staffers during their visit to Singapore, focusing on social infrastructure.
Robes & Backpacks

Pencils for Kids, Inc. provided much-needed assistance to children residing in orphanages run by Buddhist Nuns. We were able to offer new backpacks and robes for girls, making a positive impact in their lives.

Children in an orphanage run by Buddhist nuns, happily displaying their new backpacks and robes provided by Pencils for Kids, Inc.
Knowledge Transfer

I offered my tourism management and operations expertise to the Hanoi Open University, motivated to help students hone their abilities.

Brenda Hobin conducting a tourism management workshop with students at Hanoi Open University, aiming to enhance their skills
Train the Trainer Programme

The Singapore International Foundation generously sponsored a programme that spanned two years, wherein educators underwent training to impart knowledge at the Pondok in Malang. The lofty goal of the programme was to promote cultural exchange and establish a deep-rooted connection between the Indonesian community and Singapore. 

Educators participating in a training session at a Pondok in Malang, Indonesia, as part of the Singapore International Foundation’s cultural exchange programme.
Traumatology Project Malang

The Collaborative Traumatology Project was a significant effort to save lives in Malang Surabaya, and a technical cooperation initiative drove it. The Singapore International Foundation initiated the project, involving highly skilled trauma specialists from the National University Hospital. Together, they worked tirelessly to impact the lives of those in need positively.

A collaborative team of trauma specialists from the National University Hospital working with local medical professionals in Malang, Indonesia.
Books Donation

I created a CSR programme that kindly asked our guests to contribute books for a school in Sadec. This effort was intended to raise literacy and inspire students to cultivate a passion for reading.

A collection of books donated through a CSR programme, aimed at raising literacy levels among students in Sadec.
Internship: Guiding Transformation at Singapore Moon Crescent Prison

During my internship at Singapore Moon Crescent Prison, I assumed the role of a dedicated counsellor, providing invaluable support to inmates. My responsibilities included conducting individual counselling sessions, facilitating rehabilitation programs, and fostering a safe space for inmates to address their challenges and aspirations. This experience gave me profound insights into the criminal justice system and the transformative potential of counselling within a correctional environment. 

Brenda Hobin counselling an inmate at Singapore Moon Crescent Prison, facilitating rehabilitation and personal development.
Fostering Future Leaders

We were impressed by the presentations made by the undergraduates at Singapore Management University. Collaborating with our target audience was the best way to gain consumer insights. We are grateful to participate in the student's learning journey. It was an honour to share our branding and marketing knowledge with them.

Undergraduates at Singapore Management University presenting their projects, with Brenda Hobin providing feedback on branding and marketing strategies.
Innovating Experiences

At the Digital Marketing Asia Conference, Charlotte Allen from Mondelēz International and Corinna Choong from Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) shared valuable insights on how industry leaders can tackle the challenge of talent diversity through inclusive recruitment methods and strategic talent alignment. Lisa Askwith, the Chief People Officer of Love, Bonito, brilliantly moderated the discussion. Their words were a powerful reminder of the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture that can help businesses gain a competitive edge.

Panel discussion at the Digital Marketing Asia Conference, featuring industry leaders discussing inclusive recruitment and talent diversity.
Emergency Food Relief

The Singapore Association of Myanmar stepped up to help families in Dala Township during their time of need. The distribution of 700 food parcels provided much-needed aid to those facing significant challenges. This act of generosity undoubtedly positively impacted the lives of those who received it.

Volunteers from the Singapore Association of Myanmar distributing food parcels to families in Dala Township during a relief effort.
African Scholarships

I was privileged to lead a scholarship programme for university and diploma degrees sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank. It was an excellent opportunity to empower Ghana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Botswana students to attend prestigious institutions like the Nanyang Technological University, the National University of Singapore, and Ngee Ann Polytechnic. 

Graduates from Ghana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Botswana celebrating their achievements, made possible through scholarships led by Brenda Hobin.
Social Work Degree Program

The Social Work degree at the University of Colombo programme was carefully crafted by the distinguished National University of Singapore professors and generously supported by the Singapore International Foundation.

Students at the University of Colombo attending a lecture as part of the Social Work degree programme, developed with support from the Singapore International Foundation.
Vietnamese Scholarships

Thanks to the Singapore Consulate's generous assistance, the Singapore Business Group offered deserving students in need an opportunity to receive a full secondary school education. This education program was a great way to support and help these students achieve their goals.

Deserving students in Vietnam receiving scholarship awards, enabling them to pursue full secondary school education.
ASEAN Fellows in Singapore

The ASEAN Fellowship Programme provided fellowship opportunities for students from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines to study at the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University. The programme aimed to promote cross-cultural understanding and offered deserving students a chance to experience living and studying in Singapore.

ASEAN fellows from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines engaging in a discussion at the National University of Singapore.
Internship: Empowering Lives at Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centre

During my internship at AMK Family Service Centre, I assumed the role of a social worker, providing crucial assistance to individuals and families in need. My responsibilities encompassed conducting assessments, offering counselling support, and connecting clients with appropriate resources. Working within a diverse community, I gained valuable insights into the challenges faced by vulnerable populations and honed my skills in delivering empathetic and effective interventions. 

Brenda Hobin providing counselling support to a family at Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centre, assisting them in accessing appropriate resources.
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