Interview with PA Scholar, Haimuel Matthias Wong Asri

1. What motivated you to apply for the PA Scholarship?
During my school days in polytechnic and National Service time with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), I worked closely with various PA organisations. Through collaborations with groups such as Bukit Batok East Community Club (CC) and South West Community Development Council (CDC) and interactions with volunteers and grassroots advisers, I witnessed first-hand the immense commitment from PA towards nation building and community strengthening.  

While serving in SCDF, I also frequently engaged with PA’s Community Emergency and Engagement (C2E) Committees and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to organise both volunteer emergency preparedness training programmes and community events, such as Community Resilience Days. I learnt that there is greater depth to PA’s work, in empowering everyone in the community to make a positive difference. It was the opportunity to give back to my community and Singapore.

2. How has the scholarship supported you in your academic journey?
The scholarship has not only allowed me to fully dedicate my attention towards my studies, but it has also provided me with numerous opportunities and expanded my professional network.

Coming from a less-privileged background, I have always had to hold at least one part-time job since the age of 14, sometimes at the expense of performing at my best academically. With the financial support from the scholarship, I have been able to concentrate fully on my studies while also relieving my family of additional financial pressure.

Furthermore, the extensive network of scholars, volunteers, and mentors available through the scholarship has opened up many opportunities – both within the school where I have fellow PA scholar seniors, and professionally where I receive guidance and advice from PA officers.  

3. What are some valuable experiences you’ve gained as an undergraduate student in university?
I learnt that it is okay to struggle occasionally. At times, the curriculum, assignments, and looming deadlines might be overwhelming, and one might feel like they are falling behind. However, we are never alone. What is important is to seek help when necessary, never compare yourself to others, and to always manage your time and social bandwidth wisely.

There is never a shortage of opportunities to keep learning in life, and one should not be afraid to embark on such a journey. I am pursuing a Minor in Modern Languages which requires two language courses, so I am taking Thai for one of them. While Thai has been challenging, it is also fun. If we give up before even trying to learn something, we would never know how beneficial it might be to us.

4. What kind of impact do you hope to have in your future career with PA?
I hope to be an inspiration to those around me.

Despite coming from an underprivileged, single-parent household, I have worked extremely hard, regardless of the circumstances, to build a brighter future for myself. My mother has also instilled in me the core belief to always give back to my community and the less fortunate. I hope my story inspires those around me to remember that hard work will eventually be rewarded, and to always have compassion and kindness for others.

In the future, I also hope to be a mentor to the younger generation, especially those who aspire to engage in community organising and building. I hope to gain abundant experience to effectively mentor them, helping them become even more impactful and empowering individuals within their communities.