Twenty young scouts—aged between 15 to their early 20s—got an insider’s look into Singapore’s healthcare system on 27 November 2025, thanks to a partnership between the Healthcare Services Employees’ Union (HSEU), the Singapore Scouts Association and NTUC Youth.
Hosted by the National University Hospital (NUH), the pilot programme brought the youth through three departments: the pharmacy, medical social work, and rehabilitation.
HSEU President K Thanaletchimi shared that such collaborations, beyond giving youth the exposure to various healthcare roles, provide them with the understanding of how unions and the Labour Movement work.
“The youth were very enthusiastic and asked questions, eagerly. In fact, some of them shared their keen interest in those jobs [presented during the learning journey] after graduation,” she shared.
HSEU Executive Secretary Steven Goh, who also attended the meaningful event, gave special thanks to NUH Allied Health and Pharmacy Chief Michael Ong for hosting the scouts.
He said: “With this success, we hope to extend to other Public Healthcare Institutions for more such exposure and awareness amongst our youths!"
The collaboration reflects a growing effort from the union to bring young people closer to real-world workplaces and spark early interest in meaningful careers.
Each stop offered hands-on perspectives from frontline representatives who shared stories of their work and its impact on patients.
Designed to deepen youths’ understanding beyond more commonly known roles, the visit showcased the diverse roles that keep hospitals running daily.
In the pharmacy department, the Scouts saw how medication management goes far beyond dispensing pills.
They learned how precision and teamwork ensure patients receive the right medication safely and on time.
The medical social work team introduced them to the deeply human side of healthcare, one that supports patients and families through emotional, financial and psychosocial challenges.
Through the sharing, youths gained insight into how social workers serve as vital bridges between care teams and the community.
Over at rehabilitation, therapists demonstrated how they help patients regain mobility, strength and confidence.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Ms Thanaletchimi, the Singapore Scouts Association Chief Commissioner Desmond Chong, and NTUC Youth Executive Secretary Natasha Choy.
The agreement cements a shared commitment to continue creating programmes that inspire and prepare youths for the future of work.
During her opening remarks, President Thanaletchimi encouraged the participants, many of whom were boys, to rethink stereotypes about healthcare careers, especially in nursing.
She highlighted that the sector is home to many successful male healthcare professionals, citing HSEU General Secretary Simon Ong, a Senior Nurse Manager from Changi General Hospital (CGH), as an example.
If youths are seeking meaningful, future-proof careers, she noted, healthcare will always be in demand.
For the scouts who spent the day behind the scenes, the experience offered more than just exposure.
It opened a window into the diverse paths that shape the future of care.
