Shirlene Ng Shan Yu

A second chance at belonging

Growing up in a troubled family, Shirlene faced instability from a young age. When she was 13, she lost her mother to suicide. She was admitted into the Institute of Mental Health a year later after attempting to do the same.

The years that followed were marked by uncertainty as she moved between foster families and children’s homes. Yet amid the upheaval, there were people who chose to stand beside her – people who showed her that family is not always defined by blood.

One of them was Mdm Ang (lady on the right).

Shirlene with Mdm Ang and family.

 “When I needed it, she gave me a place to stay without any hesitation. Though it was only for three months, she took care of me and pushed me to take part in activities to take my mind off things.”

Mdm Ang continued to visit her over the years, even after Shirlene found a long-term home in HCSA Dayspring.

Those experiences continue to shape the way Shirlene lives today. Having experienced the difference that one caring adult can make, she hopes to offer that same sense of belonging to others who have faced similar challenges.

Building a future through the President’s Challenge Springboard Fellowship

Today, Shirlene is taking the next step towards that goal as the youngest recipient of the President’s Challenge Fellowships at just 22 years old.

She is pursuing a degree in psychology and is a recipient of the Springboard Fellowship, which supports individuals who have faced significant setbacks by providing opportunities for education, mentorship and career development. 

 “There are opportunities to network and see how we can work together to contribute back to society. It’s such an amazing opportunity for us to come together in this fellowship and become better leaders in our own communities,” she says.

Helping other young warriors find their way

Shirlene with Owena teammates

Long before joining the fellowship, Shirlene had already begun giving back to others who shared similar experiences. 

She volunteers with Owena, an alumni group for former residents of HCSA Dayspring, supported by President’s Challenge. As a member of its leadership team, she helps create opportunities for former residents to reconnect through mentorship, career workshops and community gatherings.

For Shirlene, it has opened the door to a community of like-minded peers who share her desire to create positive change. 

Named after the Welsh word for "young warrior", Owena reflects the resilience she sees in every member.

“You can really see that young warrior spirit in them. We have girls pursuing their master’s degrees, going to university, and building happy families with children,” she says.

“We’re all young warriors, and we’re all trauma survivors. We’re just trying to do our best with this one life that we’ve been given.”

By supporting others, Shirlene has come full circle. The kindness, stability and encouragement she once received have become the same gifts she now offers others.

Through President's Challenge, your support helps make programmes like the Springboard Fellowship and Owena possible — empowering individuals like Shirlene not only to build brighter futures for themselves, but also to help others discover their own strength.

About Springboard Fellowship

The Springboard Fellowship empowers individuals bouncing back from setbacks in life to embark on new pathways, through education, upskilling, employment, or entrepreneurship.

About HCSA Dayspring supported by President's Challenge

HCSA Dayspring supports young women who are alumni of residential care after experiencing abuse and significant emotional or behavioural needs in their teenage years. Through peer support, aftercare check-ins, leadership development, and therapeutic camps, the programme provides trauma-informed support during community reintegration. It helps alumni rebuild confidence and resilience while fostering peer mentorship and giving back to the community.