Going through the CTPCLC journey was a blast for me! It was particularly mind-expanding to learn to see things from a multitude of perspectives my other fellows brought with them. Whereas in the field, it was invigorating to experience how classroom theories such as Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) were key to structuring a human-oriented process and also achieving positive outcomes with the communities I was fortunate to serve. 

In one example, I served as a student leader in a local design and build project called Ah Ma Drink Stall. It was a community-led effort to rebuild a small kampong shed in Pulau Ubin. The project was part of a larger initiative from the Ministry of National Development (MND) and Friends of Ubin Network (FUN) to safeguard the island’s heritage and revitalize kampong life.

Instead of a conventional approach to construction, a participatory design process was adopted to ensure Ubin villagers were able to affect the change based on their personal and collective needs. Ubin villagers became teachers to student volunteers and imparted invaluable traditional knowledge of timber construction techniques. This also allowed the new drink stall to remain sensitive to the rural context but with a modern twist.

In my current work as an architect and active volunteer in community projects, whether it is to conceive designs for our built environment or to engage various stakeholders from all walks of life, the core principles from my CTPCLC days – head (knowledge), heart (empathy) and hands (skills) remain as the most important driver to me. Just like how a stone archway gains its structural stability from the centerpiece – the keystone.