Article
Why this 24-year-old chose community impact over a corporate job
Series
SG60
28 February 2025
Upon graduating from university, Wu Xi Yuan took the road less travelled when deciding the career path to take. Instead of taking on a corporate role, she chose to work full-time in the volunteer space at Glyph, an organisation which provides underprivileged children with a wide range of enrichment classes.
Xi Yuan and the students working together as a group to build a lego craft.
At just 24, Xi Yuan spearheads the marketing and group partnerships at Glyph, a social service organisation. If you ask her whether she imagined this to be her career, she would say no.
Having studied Project & Facilities Management at the National University of Singapore, her parents expected her to take on a 9-5 office job in her field after graduation. However, while overseeing construction projects and supervising operations in a built environment isn’t in her cards, Xi Yuan is happier than ever managing classrooms of lively children and running weekend classes.
We spoke with her to learn more about her decision to dedicate her career to the children’s charity as a fresh grad.
From youth volunteer to full-time advocate
Glyph’s mission is to run a “weekend kids’ club” so that kids from underprivileged families have access to enrichment activities outside of school. For a small registration fee, parents can enroll their children in classes ranging from arts and crafts, financial literacy, sports, coding, and even robotics.
There are six part-time teachers assigned to the three centres in Marsiling, Boon Lay, and Beach Road; each centre usually sees 20 to 30 kids per session. Over the past seven years with Glyph, Xi Yuan has seen about 1,500 kids walk through its doors.
Xi Yuan first began volunteering bi-monthly at Glyph when she was 17 while studying at Tampines Meridian Junior College (TMJC). Throughout university, she continued her commitment to Glyph, running classes alongside other teachers. After graduating in 2024, she joined Glyph in her current capacity. Deciding to take on the full-time position was easy, but Xi Yuan admits that she didn’t always receive support for her choice.
When I told my friends and family about joining Glyph, they weren’t too supportive. But when faced with the choice between pursuing monetary reward or emotional fulfilment, you have to decide what matters more to you. I chose the latter because I really believe in the work I do.— Xi Yuan
Using her privilege to make a difference
Xi Yuan having fun conducting a class.
“I remember my first time volunteering at 17. We went to KidZania, an indoor theme park where kids can roleplay in a child-sized city. I was paired with a young boy, who was new to Glyph and hadn’t made any friends yet. The entire time we were there, he was so in awe of everything.”
Prior to the outing, she didn’t comprehend the importance of giving underprivileged kids the experience of playing at KidZania or being exposed to enrichment activities that can support their learning. Looking back, she now understands that not only was Glyph giving him a fun experience, but also exposing him and other children like him to environments beyond home and school.
The kids are given an opportunity to dream and explore new possibilities. They are better socialised and given room to explore their purpose and passions. In turn, their view of the world becomes larger, giving them a sense of hope and a reminder that life has much more to offer.
As a young person, I believe it’s important to be in touch with communities that are different from yours and to use the (your) privilege to make a difference. So, I wanted to give more of such opportunities to the kids and contribute (to the community) on a deeper level.— Xi Yuan
The lives she hopes to change and provide for
Glyph’s volunteer playing chess with the students.
At the centres, volunteer teachers position themselves as older brothers and sisters to the children. In turn, the kids are more open and trusting, often sharing deeply about their personal lives and feelings.
“Sometimes, the kids tell us about problems they don’t confide in their parents. It can be helpful as we are able to address the issue or reach out to social workers, should they need more assistance.
While volunteering is rewarding, Xi Yuan admits that it is “not always rosy”. Having to deal with children, temper tantrums, and everything in between can be a handful.
“The more often you volunteer, the more you (understand) the struggles the beneficiaries face. You learn a lot about having empathy.”
But watching a beneficiary bloom under her watchful guidance keeps her motivated.
“Seeing a child’s growth under your care and supervision is immensely rewarding. It fuels you to stay in this line of work.”
When all needs are met, Glyph can rest
Glyph and the team of external youth volunteers after a basketball session.
Glyph has made great strides in providing safe spaces for underprivileged kids to discover their hobbies, find their passions, and build life skills, but there is still much work to be done.
“50 years down the road, I hope that Glyph doesn't need to exist. The whole point of a social service organisation is to meet a lacking need in the community. If the community does not lack anymore, it means we did something right.”
Till then, Xi Yuan hopes that the kids know they always have a safe space to go to every weekend.
“Even after they become teenagers and graduate from the programme, they are always welcome to come by for a chat.”
Xi Yuan’s story highlights the power of volunteerism and the positive change it can bring to communities. If you’re inspired to make a difference, explore volunteer or donation opportunities at Giving.sg.