TKKF-HSEU Book Prize: How the union is empowering the next generation of healthcare workers

When 21-year-old Emerly Liu received news that she had been awarded a book prize, her first reaction was disbelief.

“It felt rewarding. Like all the hard work had finally paid off,” she said simply.

Her younger sister Emelia Liu, 18, had a similar reaction, albeit with a hint of surprise.

“I don’t usually receive such recognition, so it felt like a real accomplishment,” she shared.

The pair of healthcare students from Ngee Ann Polytechnic are recipients of the Tan Kah Kee Foundation-Healthcare Services Employees' Union (TKKF-HSEU) Book Prize, an award which the sisters found out about through their mother, Ang Chai Hoon.

The 50-year-old assistant manager at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) had only been with the union for over a year, shortly after joining the healthcare sector in 2025.

For her, the award is an example of how unions can tangibly extend care and support to members’ families as well.

Support that goes beyond members

For the Ms Ang and her daughters, the TKKF-HSEU book prize is more than financial support. It is a recognition of effort, a boost in confidence, and a reminder that they are not alone in their journey.

“It shows that the union is not just about the worker, it cares about the whole family,” she said.

Ms Ang has always believed in the work of unions and the benefits they offer.

She was previously a member of the Singapore Teachers’ Union for eight years when she was working as a school administrator. She later unknowingly gave up her union membership when she joined a non-unionised company, thinking that she could not be represented by the union.

But as soon as she joined KKH, she immediately renewed her union membership. Shortly after, she received an email from the union about the TKKF-HSEU Book Prize.

“The criteria were accessible, and of course, the award amount of $1,000 was attractive. But more than that, it showed that the union cares about our children’s education,” she shared.

And that sense of care is what motivates her to maintain her union representation.

Recognising excellence, expanding support

The Book Prize marks a meaningful step forward in how HSEU aims to support members and their families.

HSEU Executive Secretary Steven Goh noted that the collaboration would not have been possible without the strong support of the Tan Kah Kee Foundation.

“We hope both HSEU and TKKF can continue to build on this partnership to better support and inspire future healthcare professionals,” he shared.

HSEU Senior Industrial Relations Officer Stephanie Choo said this was the union’s first collaboration of its kind, noting that HSEU had previously only offered bursaries primarily aimed at supporting members from lower-income households.

The introduction of the Book Prize broadens that support. Unlike bursaries, it recognises students with strong academic performance regardless of household income.

“It allows us to acknowledge and celebrate members’ children who have performed well academically,” she explained.

In line with the union’s focus, priority has been given to students pursuing, or intending to pursue, healthcare-related courses.

“We have also made an exception to give priority to those in healthcare fields, and we hope to expand the scope of the Book Prize in the future,” Ms Choo added.

This year, 30 students across ITE, polytechnic and university categories will receive the award — a reflection of HSEU’s growing commitment to supporting not just workers, but the aspirations of their families as well.

Training the next generation of healthcare workers

For Emerly, who has been accepted into nursing at the National University of Singapore, her journey into healthcare began with a personal moment.

“I remember visiting my grandfather in a community hospital,” she recalled. “Seeing nurses help him with simple things like eating and dressing — it really stayed with me.”

That early exposure shaped her understanding of care, not just as a profession, but as a calling.

For Emelia, the path into healthcare was less direct, but no less meaningful.

Initially drawn to science, she discovered pharmaceutical science during her course and soon realised its connection to patient care.

“I enjoy learning about both clinical pharmacy and drug development,” she said. “And I like interacting with people.”

Emelia hopes to become a hospital pharmacist, educating patients about their medications and contributing to advancements in the field.

In recognising students like Emerly and Emelia through its Book Prize, HSEU is not only celebrating academic excellence, but also nurturing the next generation of healthcare workers who will one day care for others.

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