My name is Jiarong, and I am currently a fourth-year student at NUS Business School focusing on operations and marketing. Professionally, I lead a social enterprise named Crafca, dedicated to preserving and promoting Asian traditional crafts. I also manage a material science company that develops innovative materials for apparel. Personally, volunteering is a significant part of my life. I have been involved in community service even before enrolling in GEN2070 ComLink Befrienders. I previously organised befriending events at the National Kidney Foundation, collaborating with Polytechnic students to plan and perform entertainment activities for the patients. I am grateful that GEN2070 has allowed me to rekindle my enthusiasm for volunteering.
Being resourceful in creating impactful experiences for beneficiaries is crucial. One of my befriendees struggled with family aloofness and social isolation, which affected his confidence and communication skills. I discovered that crafting workshops could serve as a vital bridge, connecting me to him on a personal level and helping him build self-confidence. To address this, I organised several meaningful workshops, including Chinese knotting, Japanese Kintsugi bowl repairing, exploring Kintsugi with fabrics, Chinese chopstick making, and terrarium construction. These activities fostered personal connections and empowered him to express himself more confidently. Beyond providing just positive companionship and joy, I introduced positive change by addressing my befriendee’s psychological needs. For instance, to boost his confidence and develop his ‘achiever’ mindset, I broke workshops into progressive tasks, enabling gradual achievements. After completing these tasks, he felt empowered, realising how much he had accomplished. This subtly fosters self-esteem, gradually transforming him into a ‘goal achiever’. Thus, crafting impacted my befriendee by enhancing his emotional well-being, engagement, and personal growth.
Workshops; L: Japanese Kintsugi, M: Chinese Chopstick Crafting, R: Chinese Knotting
Workshops; L: Terrarium (Gardening), M: Sewing, R: Chopstick Crafting (Group Lesson at CC)
Furthermore, these workshops brought three clear benefits to my befriendees.
Firstly, the workshops served as a powerful catalyst for relationship building. They provide a natural and relaxed setting that encourages open communication. One befriendee was initially very shy and unaccustomed to conversations, often responding with just one or two words. Coming from a distant and aloof family, he rarely spoke at home. However, during the crafting workshop, hands-on activities provided a natural way for him to engage. As he worked on his craft, he began asking questions, which led to more interactions. Thus, the dynamic and interactive nature of the workshops makes the process enjoyable and fosters positive emotions, significantly strengthening the connection between me and the beneficiaries.
Secondly, such workshops have a therapeutic effect. Befriendees grappling with academic pressures, financial difficulties, or family conflicts find a creative and therapeutic outlet in these sessions. A befriendee struggled with family relationships, work commitments, and academic pressure. For him, scheduling a befriending session was a way to break free from the relentless cycle of work, study, and family demands. Over time, as he found joy in these sessions, he became proactive in scheduling sessions himself, showing that our sessions had become an enjoyable part of his life. This transformation is empowering and encouraging as they begin to view themselves as capable and goal-oriented individuals.
Thirdly, the workshops hone practical technical and creative skills. One of my befriendees studying product design in Polytechnic has been able to enrich his designing tools through exposure to cultural crafting and creative immersion. Such unique skillset of traditional crafts can be inspiration for his design projects and differentiating points on his resume. These workshops refine their technical abilities and broaden their creative horizons, equipping them with a diverse set of skills applicable in both academic and real-world scenarios.
Overall, GEN2070 has been a meaningful course, providing a valuable opportunity for me to step back from the constant demands of the business world. It has allowed me to better understand and appreciate myself, my family, and society.
Firstly, understanding myself. Observing the family’s challenges often brings back memories of my own struggles at their age, allowing me to empathise deeply with them. This reflection not only reminds me of the difficulties I once faced but also of the support I received when I was a youth-at-risk. Inspired by the help extended to me, I felt a strong responsibility to give back and support these young individuals in their journeys. I am glad that GEN2070 allowed me to transform from a ‘help receiver’ to a ‘help giver’.
Secondly, understanding my family. My personal growth has been greatly influenced as I grew to better understand my family, especially my mother. She grew up in extreme poverty, becoming the diligent provider and caregiver for her siblings. Through GEN2070, I encountered families with similar struggles, and this allowed me to relate my experiences to her past. This has given me profound insight into her challenges and her resilience. Recognising her sacrifices has deepened my appreciation for her and inspired me to continue volunteering and befriending. These efforts honour her legacy and the lessons learned from her life, enriching my journey.
Thirdly, understanding society. Through GEN2070, I have realised that I am also a beneficiary of Singapore’s robust social system, and with that understanding comes a responsibility to give back. Many young people today, including myself, may sometimes adopt an individualistic mindset, believing that our success is solely the result of our own hard work. However, this perspective can obscure the critical role that social support systems play in shaping our opportunities and achievements. We often take benefits for granted – smooth traffic systems, clean urban environments, public safety, and reliable education – all of which exist because of countless individuals working to sustain them. This realisation has strengthened my commitment to giving back, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute as a ComLink Befriender. By participating in such support networks, we uplift those in need and reinforce the bonds that hold our community together.
21 Lower Kent Ridge Road
Singapore 119077
+65 6516 6666