Student Voice - Lai Chui Yan Vivian

I didn’t plan this path. 

My journey began in the business field, but over time, I found myself increasingly drawn to work that is more people-centered—listening to people’s stories, understanding their struggles. That quiet shift led me into the philanthropy and social welfare sector, where I began working with communities, especially through youth development and community programmes.

In those spaces, I started to see patterns that stayed with me. Many of the challenges people faced could not be explained by just one factor. Behind financial stress, family pressures, or social isolation, there were often underlying health issues, sometimes visible, sometimes not. I also had the opportunity to volunteer with a local think tank, contributing to research on health and livelihood. Reading into real-life experiences and everyday struggles made me realise how deeply our health is shaped by the conditions we live in, the support we receive, and the systems around us.

These moments slowly changed how I see the world. They made me realise that if I want to truly contribute to the community, I need to understand health in a deeper and more holistic way—not just at the individual level, but across systems and populations. This led me to pursue the Master of Public Health (MPH), focusing on Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC). It felt like a natural next step, especially as primary health care becomes more closely connected with the social welfare sector. I wanted to be better equipped, not just to respond, but to think more strategically about the root causes behind the challenges I see.

Receiving the FTSS was a moment I hold close. It felt like a quiet reassurance that this path I have chosen is meaningful and worth continuing. It reminded me that there is support for those who want to make a difference in this space.

What I have come to appreciate most in the MPH journey are the moments in lectures where things begin to connect. Concepts, frameworks, and real-life experiences start to come together, and I find myself reflecting on the communities I work with in a new light. It gives me space to pause, to think, and to understand more deeply.

Looking ahead, my aspiration is simple. I hope to contribute to a community where people can truly feel well, where there is a sense of happiness that comes from feeling supported, understood, and cared for. I have come to believe that the world needs more kindness: kindness to our communities, to the people around us, and also to ourselves. Because in the end, well-being is not just about health in isolation—it is shaped by all the small and big things around us, from our living conditions to our relationships and the support we receive. Through my work, I hope to help cultivate communities that are not only healthier, but also more compassionate and resilient.