Employee Testimonial
Andy Teng
Assistant Manager, Academy
(Joined 2021)
I had little to no knowledge about the social service sector when I first entered the workforce. Compounding this, I did not have any intentions whatsoever of joining the industry in question. I wanted to advance my career in the corporate world, and that was what I did for the first two years after graduation. I wrote for one of Singapore’s highest-read food publications, joined the marketing and communications team at one of the top law firms in Singapore, and dabbled in a public relations agency.
While I enjoyed the challenges and opportunities these companies provided, I felt like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle was missing. I wanted to challenge myself further, but more importantly, I wanted my work to have a positive impact on people.
Coincidentally, during a casual meal, my wife mentioned that she had worked with Dementia Singapore on a particular project and had nothing but compliments for the organisation. Her three takeaways were: the CEO is nurturing, the teams are professional, and the organisation has a healthy work culture. These characteristics were confirmed when I asked my colleagues who had worked with Dementia Singapore about their experiences. I knew at that moment that Dementia Singapore was the place to be.
When I first joined Dementia Singapore, I naturally I viewed my tasks and to-dos as KPIs. However, as I continued to surround myself with passionate advocates for the dementia community, my attitude and perspective on my work shifted. I wanted to do more for this group of individuals, even if it required extra effort on my part. Although this meant taking on a heavier workload, I felt happier and more fulfilled. At the end of the day, when articles are published and voices are heard, I sit back and feel a sense of contentment, knowing my work was not in vain.
At Dementia Singapore, I found myself more inspired, encouraged, and motivated than ever before. Being at the forefront of advocacy work challenged me to think on my feet and outside the box. Being part of a highly dynamic team also boosted my confidence in sharing ideas and suggestions. I was given ample opportunities to lead various functions within the department and actively participate in the brainstorming process.
I began my journey with Dementia Singapore in 2021, serving as a Team Lead and Senior Programme Executive. Through my professional experience, I have witnessed first-hand the challenges families face when caring for loved ones with dementia. This issue is deeply personal to me, as I have also seen the impact of dementia on a family member. These experiences fuel my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by dementia, driving my passion for improving their quality of life.
Earning a Bachelor’s Degree is no small feat. But earning a Graduate Diploma in Social Work while working full-time? That takes exceptional perseverance and drive.
I appreciate the support I received from Dementia Singapore and the strong emphasis placed on staff professional development. I was selected for the High Potential Leadership Development Programme, which aims to accelerate the career growth of promising staff. Through these trainings, I honed my skills in several areas, preparing me for the challenges ahead.
Apart from my academic progression, I am privileged to have gained experience in different portfolios, including Helpline and Social Work, and I have now been promoted to Assistant Manager in the Training Academy. These achievements would not have been possible without the incredible support from my mentors and the leadership team.
Receiving the promotion has been an exhilarating experience. I now have the opportunity to lead a talented team and drive meaningful initiatives that align with our company’s vision. With the right support, you can reach new heights in your career! I’m excited about the future and look forward to making a positive impact in my new role at Dementia Singapore.
