Building on a Legacy of Generosity: A Transformative Internship Experience

“If it was not for the support that I have received from the Diana Koh Social Transformation Programme, and for the internship opportunity with Happee Hearts Movement, I would never have been this inspired by the good work that they do, the stories that they carry with them, and I would never have been able to see the gaps that are still existing in society.” 

Donor support is more than financial backing — it can also be a transformative experience for the recipient. As an intern with Happee Hearts Movement, the journey of Chloe Ng illustrates just how giving can extend into wider society. Placed through SMU’s Lien Centre for Social Innovation (LCSI), and supported by the Diana Koh Social Transformation Programme, Chloe’s journey highlights how the legacy of Ms Diana Koh continues to help create meaningful community engagements and fuel positive personal growth.  

Established in 2021, the Diana Koh Social Transformation Programme, made possible by a donation from the estate of the late Ms Diana Koh, provides financial support for SMU undergraduates who successfully receive an internship offer from a non-profit organisation (NPO) that focuses on transforming the lives of people in areas including but not limited to Youth, Elderly, People with Disabilities, Foreign Domestic or Migrant Workers, Mental Health, and Equitable and Accessible Education.

A sociology major in her third year at SMU, Chloe began her internship journey at Happee Hearts Movement in May this year. The organisation provides accessible healthcare services to adults with intellectual disability. In addition, they also aim to reduce the barriers to health and healthcare utilisation among those whom they serve, and to increase the capability of Singapore’s health and social service sectors to serve this population.

“I learned more about the special needs community and gained a better understanding of their behaviours” shared Chloe. “For example, most of the time when we see Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (PWID) showing aggression, how many times would we have understood it as their way of communication. An occupational therapist whom we consulted with shared that these behaviours were their way of communicating. It was their way getting to know us or telling us something.”  

During her time there, Chloe’s primary responsibilities centered on the planning and execution of Journey with IDHealth, the organisation’s flagship event. Aimed at raising $250,000, the campaign sought to broaden access to essential services for patients and families. From managing logistics, budgeting, and marketing to liaising with sponsors and partners, Chloe’s time with Happee Hearts Movement allowed her to gain hands-on experience in coordinating large-scale community engagement. Beyond event planning, her role also involved supervising volunteers, accompanying patients to medical appointments and providing companionship during home visits.  

Of all the valuable experiences Chloe had during her internship, the most memorable moment was a conversation she had with one of the caregivers.

“A week before an event, a caregiver called to pull out from the event, as she was afraid that her son would not be ready due to his unstable emotions. It was challenging for her to get him to exit his house.” However, Chloe provided her with assurance that she would support her in any way she could to facilitate her son’s emotions, by providing photos, and talking to him to get him prepared and assured. “It was after some persuasion that she agreed to attend.”  

When Chloe finally met the caregiver, the caregiver shared about how excited her son was when preparing for the event, and how he eventually got himself ready and hurried his parents to head out, actions that were atypical for him in normal circumstances.  

“She thanked me for persuading her to come, and for letting her see a different side of her son. At that moment, I felt a wave of emotions. I was thankful to her for telling me, and I was touched that such a small act can make such a great impact,” Chloe summarised.  

For the opportunity to give back to society and learn more about the community, Chloe expressed her gratitude to the late Ms Diana Koh, for  the Diana Koh Social Transformation Internship Programme. “If it was not for the support that I have received from the Diana Koh Social Transformation Programme, and for the internship opportunity with Happee Hearts Movement, I would never have been this inspired by the good work that they do, the stories that they carry with them, and I would never have been able to see the gaps that are still existing in society.”  

In recognition of her community service, Chloe was also awarded the Pilot Pen Community Champion Award, an award that aims to recognise outstanding contributions to the community-at-large and dedication of full-time undergraduate students at the University.  

“A lot of times, I look around me and think that I am not doing enough, but receiving this award told me that my efforts were seen, and an impact was made. While I feel there is more to be done, this award will always remind me not to undermine my efforts,” Chloe said.

As Chloe continues her journey with Happee Hearts Movement, she has also set her sight on participating in community projects overseas to further expand her horizon and knowledge. Chloe’s journey of holistic learning continues to be made possible thanks to contributions from the supporters of SMU.

Chloe Ng (BSocSc 2027), Recipient of the Diana Koh Social Transformation Programme and Pilot Pen Community Champion Award