Written and compiled by: Minnie Tang
Contributors: Carl Song, Ong Wei Xuan
Through our internships, we quickly realised that working in the care sector goes beyond a job: it’s about building connection, working with purpose, and acting with intention. Our experience at the nursing home has allowed us to witness first-hand the care, compassion, and professionalism that our colleagues bring to their work everyday. This article captures those insights and the lessons we have learned throughout our journey.
Beyond delivering quality care to its residents, KWSH places strong emphasis on youth development by creating valuable learning opportunities for students. Such opportunities are not confined to universities and tertiary institutions, as Junior College students like me are also given the platform to learn and contribute.
From JC to CC
My name is Minnie Tang. I am a Year 1 student at Tampines Meridian Junior College and was attached to the Corporate Communications team at KWSH as an intern, where I gained valuable insights into communications within a healthcare organisation and the impact of meaningful storytelling.
Each day has offered a new perspective on how messages are crafted, shared, and received, both within the organisation and beyond. Through hands-on experiences and quiet moments of observation, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the role corporate communications plays in shaping KWSH’s identity and impact.
As a Corporate Communications intern, I truly appreciated the opportunity to present my ideas to the team. Being able to share my thoughts, creative concepts, and suggestions made me feel valued and confident. The team was consistently open and receptive, which encouraged me to think more critically and creatively.
Overall, my internship at KWSH has been a meaningful and enriching experience. I am grateful for the supportive environment, the opportunities to learn, and the chance to contribute in a creative capacity. This experience has deepened my interest in corporate communications and reinforced the importance of sharing authentic stories that reflect care, compassion, and community.
I was involved in filming volunteers for Instagram Reels, which became one of the most memorable experiences of my internship. Through this process, I not only learned more about content creation and filming, but also had the chance to interact with inspiring volunteers and work closely with two fellow interns, Carl and Wei Xuan. Collaborating on the reels was both rewarding and enjoyable, and it made the experience even more meaningful.
Applying Marketing Skills in a Purpose-Driven Healthcare Setting
I am Carl Song, a final-year Marketing and Business undergraduate from the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) with a strong interest in business innovation and healthcare. I had the privilege of working at KWSH as a Corporate Planning and Governance intern, where I gained valuable exposure to Singapore’s healthcare industry and social service sector, particularly in relation to our nation’s ageing population.
Positioned within the Intermediate to Long Term Care (ILTC) sector and the Active Ageing Centres (AAC), I observed how both work hand in hand to deliver holistic support for the elderly community. From a broader perspective, my journey at KWSH was both inspiring and enriching. The organisation’s strong culture, approachable staff, and emphasis on collaboration created countless opportunities for learning and growth.
Working directly with nurses, physicians, volunteers, and elderly clients also deepened my appreciation for care and empathy, as I witnessed their stories and challenges first-hand. Most meaningfully, I was able to apply my marketing skills to contribute to KWSH’s TCM marketing strategy and overall brand direction. This internship further strengthened my passion for healthcare marketing and community engagement.
Mainstays of a Charity: Volunteerism and Fundraising
Hello, I am Ong Wei Xuan, a Year 3 student studying social work at SUSS. I am currently a Corporate and Community Relations intern at KWSH. My internship has provided me with a comprehensive, hands-on opportunity to support the two core functions of our department: volunteer management and fundraising. It was a privilege to contribute to both areas, allowing me to gain a holistic understanding of how community engagement and sustainable partnerships are built and nurtured.
Within the Volunteer Management team, I assisted in coordinating activities at the nursing home and supported the planning of our annual Volunteer Appreciation Lunch. Working alongside a dedicated corps of volunteers, many of whom had contributed over a decade of service, was a deeply inspiring experience. It underscored the vital importance of clear communication, structured teamwork, and genuine appreciation in fostering a cohesive and long-lasting volunteer community. These projects strengthened my skills in event logistics and stakeholder coordination, while deepening my respect for the spirit of service that underpins the organisation.
Concurrently, my work with the Fundraising team offered valuable insight into the strategic aspects of operations. I contributed to the development of sponsorship presentation decks and learned the principles of donor-centric outreach. This experience reinforced the understanding that effective fundraising is built on authentic relationships and the thoughtful articulation of KWSH’s mission, enabling supporters to clearly see the impact of their contributions.
I am deeply grateful to the entire Corporate and Community Relations team for their guidance, support, and mentorship throughout my internship.
