by Nandhini, 9, and Jairus, 10
1. Tell us more about yourself.
My name is Terence Woo. I’m the Chief Operations Officer of Tasek Jurong. I’m married and I’ve got three kids. They are 29, 27 and 22.
2. What do you do as the Chief Operations Officer?
I supervise a group of programme managers. The programme managers do several different functions. A group of them handle children and youth activities - things like football, percussion, dance, the Gift of Reading programmes, tuition and mentoring. Another group of programme managers handle ex-inmates. We help them to get themselves back into a stable life in the community in Taman Jurong.
3. Why do you like your job?
I like the fact that I am working with people who are dedicated to helping others in the community. That is what makes my work very satisfying. But of course, if they pay me more, I’d be happier!
4. What are some challenges that you face in your work?
Sometimes the people that we work with have family problems or personal problems. It may not be easy to find solutions because problems can be complex. We have to work with other agencies, such as the social service office and Feiyue Family Services, to help families facing difficulties.
5. What is something that you have learnt?
We need to feel more empathy in order to do this work well. We really need to understand how other people's difficulties affect their lives. We need to feel that. Otherwise we wouldn’t really understand the true situation.
6. What does “Tasek” mean?
“Tasek” means “lake” in Malay. We named our organisation Tasek because the biggest feature in Taman Jurong is our lake in Jurong Lake Gardens.
7. What were you doing before you started working at Tasek Jurong?
I was a special needs officer in a school, helping students with learning or behavioural difficulties.
8. Do you live in Taman Jurong too?
Yes, I do. I’ve been living here for about 10 years. When I open my window, I can actually see the lake. I think it’s a lovely place.
9. What do you like about Taman Jurong?
Because of my work, I realise that a lot of people in Taman Jurong actually know each other quite well. It is quite a close-knit community and that is why I love Taman Jurong.
10. What do you think the children of Tasek Jurong can achieve in future?
Looking at what you guys are already doing now, I think the children of Tasek can definitely do a lot. Your education and grades are improving, and I see that you’re enjoying programmes like journalism and nature walks. So I think that the children in Taman Jurong, and especially those in Tasek, can do very well in future.
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