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.
Great Eastern Cares – Better Starts When Family Comes First
Strong families make strong communities, but they do not happen by chance. As we spend a significant part of our lives at work, workplaces and people leadership play an important role in supporting family well-being.
In this lunchtime chat, two Great Eastern leaders discuss why having a workplace where family comes first matters and how organisations can support employees in balancing work and family life.
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For Li-Choo, putting in effort and staying committed is the way to build relationships, akin to how a fireplace can keep burning brightly when there is a steady supply of firewood.
James carries that same belief into the workplace, championing family-friendly practices to support employees in prioritising their families.
From organising family-life office talks and participating in the National Family Festival in partnership with Families for Life Council, to raising awareness about financial preparedness among young families, they share practical ways in which they lead by example.
Beyond the workplace, they believe in caring for the wider community through initiatives such as the Great Eastern Cares CSR programme.
Their message is simple: “Better starts with us” when individuals, organisations and communities each do their part to make Singapore a great place for families.
Diane – Giving Children a Voice Against Domestic Violence
Sometimes the most powerful act of courage is speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
For children experiencing domestic violence, the inability to articulate their pain can be isolating.
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Diane spent years as a social worker before stepping into her current role as a Community Partnership Executive at HEART @ Fei Yue's Child Protection Specialist Centre.
Through creative tools like drawings and close collaboration with schools and community partners, she helps children find their voice and access the protection they need.
Her journey reminds us that preventing domestic violence is a collective responsibility and that communities play an important role in protecting vulnerable children.
Every act of care contributes to a safer environment where children can grow up believing they are valued, heard and protected.
Nurul Ashikin – Starting Better at 33: A Mother's Return to Education
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.
Supported by ComLink+, volunteer befrienders and community partners, she graduated top of her class and is now pursuing a Technical Diploma.
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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 helps families access resources and opportunities to achieve social mobility.
Beyond academic achievements, Ashikin and her son regularly participate in family bonding activities organised by ComLink+ and community partners.
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
Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, Visnu faced challenges with communication and daily routines before joining SG Enable's School-to-Work Transition Programme.
With support from his parents, job coaches, supervisors and co-workers, he successfully transitioned into employment and developed greater independence and confidence.
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Through coordinated support at home and work, Visnu gained confidence in performing his responsibilities and navigating everyday interactions.
His co-workers adapted their communication styles while his family reinforced positive behaviours and routines outside the workplace.
Today, he is recognised as a diligent worker who takes initiative, greets others with warmth and contributes positively to his workplace.
His story demonstrates the impact of inclusive workplaces and supportive communities in creating opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Sharon Eng – From Mentorship to Friendship
What started as volunteering became a 16-year commitment to supporting individuals and families in the community.
From mentoring youths as a Volunteer Probation Officer to becoming a Child Protection Volunteer, Sharon has built meaningful relationships that continue long after formal programmes ended.
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Sharon's volunteer journey evolved from structured mentoring programmes into lifelong friendships and a deeper commitment to serving the community.
Together with fellow volunteers, she continued supporting vulnerable individuals and families through different stages of their lives.
Along the way, she discovered how volunteering enriches not only the lives of those being supported but also her own.
Her story reflects the collective impact of thousands of MSFCare Network volunteers who contribute to stronger communities every day.
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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