Better Starts With Us
‘Better Starts with Us’ is a multi-year effort that aims to inspire a more caring and inclusive Singapore through our shared “We First” spirit.
Together with Social Service Agencies, corporates, Institutes of Higher Learning, volunteers and the community, MSF and our partners tap on the collective expertise and resources to build strong families and resilient individuals. Every act is never too small – everyone has a part to play. We encourage Singaporeans to step forward, contribute their time, talent or ideas, and journey with us to help those in need.
Together with Social Service Agencies, corporates, Institutes of Higher Learning, volunteers and the community, MSF and our partners tap on the collective expertise and resources to build strong families and resilient individuals. Every act is never too small – everyone has a part to play. We encourage Singaporeans to step forward, contribute their time, talent or ideas, and journey with us to help those in need.
Everyday Singaporeans Creating Better Together
Better begins with someone who cares. Through ‘Better Starts with Us’, we're sharing the inspiring stories of Singaporeans who are making a real difference in their communities and beyond.
These are the journeys of individuals pursuing personal growth, families strengthening their bonds, dedicated volunteers extending helping hands, and partners working together to create new opportunities. Each story reflects how small actions can lead to meaningful change, and how collective efforts are building a better Singapore for everyone.
These Singaporeans prove that better truly does start with us—one person, one family, one community at a time.
Nurul Ashikin – Starting Better at 33: A mother's return to education
Sometimes the most transformative journeys begin with a single courageous decision. In 2023, Nurul Ashikin was raising her 8-year-old son on her own, when she made a life-changing decision: to return to school. While many in her position might
have chosen immediate employment, Ashikin saw education as her path to a better future.
Her determination, supported by her community, led to remarkable success. With financial assistance from ITE and community agencies, she graduated top of her class with a perfect 4.0 GPA in her Nitec in Beauty and Wellness
and is now pursuing a Technical Diploma, expected to graduate in 2027.
Through ComLink+, Ashikin was introduced to her family coach and volunteer befrienders from NUS who journey alongside her. Her son also receives tuition support through the Gift-A-Family initiative, which connects individual
and corporate donors with ComLink+ families and gives the families the opportunity and resources to overcome challenges, meet their aspirations and, ultimately, achieve social mobility. Beyond this, Ashikin and her son frequently take
part in family bonding activities organised by ComLink+ and community partners.
As she continues building a brighter future, Ashikin hopes her journey inspires others facing similar challenges to take that leap forward. Her transformation reminds us that meaningful change happens when individual courage
meets community support, proving that better truly starts with us.
Gobi Visnu – When community comes together 
When communities come together to support one another, extraordinary transformations become possible. Visnu, a young man who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, faced challenges with structured routines and communication before joining
SG Enable's School-to-Work Transition Programme in 2024. With strong support from his parents and dedicated job coaches, Visnu began a journey toward independence.
After completing his training, Visnu secured a part-time housekeeping position in 2025. His job coach worked closely with his family, supervisors, and co-workers to create an environment where he could thrive. Co-workers learned
to communicate with Visnu using simple language, while his parents reinforced his learning at home. Through this collective effort, Visnu grew in confidence and capability.
Today, Visnu is recognised as a diligent worker with a positive attitude. He often takes initiative, greets everyone with a smile, and independently checks his daily assignments. His progress shows what's possible when persons
with disabilities are supported by family, partners and employers.
When we open doors and create meaningful opportunities for everyone, we do better together.
Sharon Eng – From mentorship to friendship 
Volunteering often starts with simply showing up – and choosing to keep going. For Sharon, a MSFCare Network volunteer, that first step became 16 years of meaningful connections and dedicated service to her community.
Sharon’s journey began when she mentored youths as a Volunteer Probation Officer. What started as a structured programme evolved into lasting relationships and a lifelong commitment.
Even after the assignment ended, Sharon maintained close ties with her mentees, and fellow volunteers Ai Ling and Adrian. They became Child Protection Volunteers, extending their support to even more individuals in need.
Sharon found that volunteering enriched her own life in unexpected ways. She built genuine friendships with people she might never have met otherwise and discovered how rewarding it feels to be part of someone's journey forward.
Sharon represents thousands of dedicated MSFCare Network volunteers who show up day after day, creating lasting change through their commitment. Together, we are building tomorrow's social fabric. Every Singaporean can contribute
– one act of care at a time.
Your Journey to Better Starts Here
Have a story about building a better future?
From receiving help to giving back, show others what's possible when we come together.
Share your story here.
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Your Journey to Better Starts Here
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