I believe that building resilient communities means creating systems where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a shared, inclusive future. My focus is on understanding and amplifying the human side of sustainability — addressing social needs, fostering connections, and empowering people across generations and backgrounds. As an impact researcher, I study the nuanced effects of community-centered programs, especially those that harness technology to promote inclusivity and digital literacy. By measuring and refining these initiatives, I aim to generate scalable solutions that support sustainable social progress. These include VolunteerSG's Telegram (t.me/volunteersingapore) and Seniors Get DigiReady, supporting seniors in agritech skills.

In my role at TinkerThings Global, I lead several sustainability-focused initiatives that align with our commitment to circularity and social impact. One key project is our Community Composting for Food Circularity, where we reduce food waste through regenerative practices, actively engaging youth, seniors, and underserved communities. We also implement IoT monitoring in composting to optimise processes and measure impact.

Additionally, I spearheaded the Seniors Get DigiReady programme, which focuses on building digital trust and inclusion by empowering seniors with essential tech skills. These initiatives not only promote sustainability but also strengthen community bonds, fostering a culture of continuous learning and resilience.

Our community placemaking initiatives are transforming public spaces and community farms into vibrant, inclusive hubs for learning and connection. Through these projects, we create spaces where people from all walks of life can engage in hands-on sustainability practices, such as regenerative farming and composting. One of our flagship initiatives involves community farms where residents, youth, and seniors come together to grow food, learn about sustainability, and share knowledge. These spaces foster a strong sense of ownership and pride, encouraging participants to invest in their local environment and develop long-lasting connections. By activating public spaces in this way, we’re not only enhancing community bonds, but also promoting environmental stewardship and self-sufficiency.

One of the key challenges I faced was engaging diverse community groups with varying levels of digital literacy, especially when implementing technology-driven initiatives like Seniors Get DigiReady. To address this, I tailored our approach to meet each group’s unique needs by providing patient, step-by-step guidance, and focusing on relatable, hands-on activities.

Another challenge was securing resources and partnerships for our Community Composting for Food Circularity project. By focusing on transparent communication and showing measurable impact, I was able to build trust with stakeholders, which helped in gaining support and resources. Flexibility and adaptability have been crucial in overcoming these challenges and ensuring sustained community engagement.

I'm incredibly proud of the recognition we’ve received through awards that highlight the impact of our work. Winning the Intel Digital Skills Award for our Seniors Get DigiReady programme was a milestone, underscoring the importance of empowering seniors with essential digital skills for today’s world.

Additionally, Agri-Gate, our initiative that combines digital innovation with regenerative farming, won at the Intel Impact Festival 2024.

These achievements validate our mission to leverage technology for social good, and they demonstrate that initiatives like ours can drive meaningful change. These awards inspire us to keep pushing boundaries and making a difference in communities.