Kristen Ng, an NTUC Scholar, has made it her purpose to champion workers’ rights and improve the livelihood of Singapore’s workforce. Discover Kristen’s journey with the NTUC Scholarship, as she shares her experiences and insights on building a purposeful career centred on giving back to the community.
Building a Community-Centred Career
Cliché as it may sound, I’ve always wanted to build a career that gives back to the community. The more I learnt about NTUC’s values and the impactful work they do for workers in Singapore, the more I felt a strong connection to their mission. My personal aspiration is to build an inclusive society where every individual’s rights are upheld. I hope to leverage my legal education to advocate for workers who need it most, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected. This alignment between my goals and NTUC’s mission inspired me to apply for the NTUC Scholarship. It felt like the perfect opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the community while pursuing a purposeful career.
Practical Learning Opportunities
Receiving the NTUC Scholarship has been a transformative experience both personally and professionally. The financial support has significantly eased the burden of tuition fees, allowing me to fully engage with my academic pursuits and maximise my learning experience. Additionally, the scholarship connected me with a close-knit community of mentors and fellow scholars within the NTUC network, providing access to invaluable insights, guidance, and development opportunities.
As a law student, I was initially concerned about how I could apply my studies in the real world. However, NTUC addressed this by offering me work attachments with their legal department. These placements enabled me to gain hands-on experience in a professional environment, building my confidence and equipping me with practical skills in this complex field.
Navigating University Life
When I first started university, I was eager to immerse myself in the vibrant school community. I had signed up for several extracurricular activities, only to find myself struggling to balance these commitments with my coursework, leading to moments of stress. But over time, I learnt to prioritise tasks and set realistic goals, which enabled me to better juggle my various responsibilities—a lesson I was grateful for, as I believe it would serve me well in my future career.
That said, I would still encourage all students to actively engage in activities outside the regular school curriculum, as they can provide enriching learning opportunities and real-world insights. For example, one of my voluntary stints includes volunteering at my constituency’s Meet-the-People Sessions. Serving as a petition writer for residents, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, has allowed me to gain a new perspective on the diverse social strata in Singapore. It has also strengthened my belief that there is a need for equitable access to resources for all.
Advice for Aspiring Scholars
While applying for scholarships can be overwhelming, I believe that approaching the process with authenticity can make it much less daunting. Instead of trying to guess what the scholarship committee or interview panel wants to hear, it’s important to stay true to your beliefs and answer every question honestly. Being genuine not only reflects your character but also ensures that your responses align with your values and aspirations—which is crucial because you’ll be spending a good few years on this journey you’ve signed up for!
What Makes a Scholar?
In my view, a scholar possesses a strong sense of purpose, with a deep commitment to creating a lasting impact. They are resilient and continually strive for excellence, even in challenging situations. Above all, scholars remain grounded and empathetic, always actively seeking to understand and address the needs and concerns of the community.
If these qualities resonate with you, and you are passionate about a career centred on giving back and building an inclusive society, the NTUC scholarship could be the perfect platform for you.
KRISTEN NG
NTUC Scholarship
Now: Bachelor of Laws (LL.B), Singapore Management University, Year 2
From: St. Joseph’s Institution