Ms Marlene Gwee

The recipient of the PA OurCommUNITYSG prize is our very own Grassroots Leader Ms Marlene Gwee!

She shared how her experiences as a child nurtured her passion to give back to the community.

“When I was a child, there was a place at the void deck of the HDB block near my place at St'George Road. It was a place where I had built many fun and warm relationships. As I got older, I learnt that this special place was actually the Residents' Committee (RC) Centre.

I was born in a poor and broken family. As young as five years old, I had to cook my own rice to go with soya sauce when my mom was at work and mostly not home till 11pm. Every day after school, I would roam around aimlessly to play. The RC Centre brought happiness to my life; it was where I could draw, colour and sing. Through these activities, I also learnt about perseverance and how to work harder for my goals.

Lantern-making was one of my favourite activities. I practised and practised, and was extremely pleased when I came in 1st place during a lantern-making competition. It was then when I owned my first ever Barbie doll which came with a complete furniture set.

The RC Centre had given me many happy memories. I was able to learn from adults who substituted the ones missing in my childhood. Now I volunteer with Tanglin CC with the hopes to help families and children who are in need of an individual they can trust in and approach for help.”