Finding Growth, Confidence and Community

For Mdm Sem Mei Yin (55), caring for her son Tek Poh has been a journey of love, patience and persistence. As Tek Poh’s primary caregiver since birth, she has walked with him through different life stages while hoping that he would be able to find a place where he can continue to grow, feel accepted, and build confidence at his own pace.  

Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), 21-year-old Tek Poh enjoys spending his free time playing games on his phone and laptop. After graduating from a special needs (SPED) school, Tek Poh attended a one-month trial at a sheltered workshop to build vocational skills and prepare for open employment. However, he found it difficult to adjust to the environment and did not continue with the placement. It was a challenging moment for Mdm Sem as she knew this was an important transition point for her son and wanted to make sure he would not be left without support or direction.  

The Beginning of A New Journey 

Determined to keep moving forward, Mdm Sem sought help through Enabling Business Hub @ Jurong, where Tek Poh underwent an assessment for job-readiness. He was then referred to Enabling Services Hub @ Jurong (ESH@Jurong) for continued support and services. For the family, this marked the beginning of a new chapter where Tek Poh could make steady progress in becoming more independent.  

Caption: Tek Poh (left), Mdm Sem (middle) and his sister enjoying a day out at Gardens by the Bay during TOUCH Special Needs Group (TSNG)’s Family Day in 2025. 

Tek Poh joined ESH@Jurong in October 2024, and attending programmes there became a part of his regular routine. Through Continual Education and Learning (CEL) programmes, inclusive events and community activities, he was given opportunities to learn practical life skills, build confidence, and interact with people beyond his immediate family. 

Seeing A Meaningful Change  

For Mdm Sem, the progress she has witnessed has been deeply meaningful. She shares, “Before joining ESH@Jurong, Tek Poh was always quiet and less expressive. Thanks to the wide range of activities offered, including arts and crafts, CEL programmes and outings, his life experiences have been greatly enriched. These activities have also helped him make new friends and become more comfortable interacting with others. He particularly enjoys bingo and interactive game sessions, and looks forward to attending them!”  

Caption: Tek Poh having fun during various interactive game sessions. 

One of the most heartening changes came when Tek Poh, who had previously been afraid of dogs after a negative experience, expressed interest in joining a canine-assisted CEL programme. Mdm Sem was pleasantly surprised to see him gradually overcome his fears with encouragement from staff members at ESH@Jurong. Today, Tek Poh is able to sit near a dog and pet it – a small but significant milestone that reflects his growing comfort and independence.  

Caption: Tek Poh (seated in white t-shirt) and Mdm Sem (in pink) participating in the canine-assisted CEL programme.  

Staff members have also witnessed Tek Poh’s change. “When Tek Poh first joined ESH@Jurong, he appeared reserved and often preferred to observe from a distance,” shares Siew Ling, staff member of ESH@Jurong. “Over time, he has grown in confidence and now participates actively in activities alongside his peers.”  

Tek Poh has also taken part in a cooking CEL workshop series. In the past, he was fearful of sharp objects, heat and fire, but through guided exposure and support, he has become more confident in handling these experiences. “I hope that Tek Poh will be able to prepare his own meals independently one day,” shares Mdm Sem.  

Caption: Tek Poh and Mdm Sem making a delicious snack together during the cooking workshop. 

Caption: Tek Poh enjoying a game of pickleball together with a friend from ESH@Jurong.  

Finding Community Together 

What makes ESH@Jurong especially meaningful to Mdm Sem is that the support has extended beyond Tek Poh to herself as well. When she first joined him at the centre, she initially looked forward to some personal “me time” while he attended the sessions. As she became more familiar with the centre, she found herself drawn into the community too.  

Today, Mdm Sem participates in programmes alongside her son and often volunteers to support other members and caregivers during sessions. What began as a search for support for Tek Poh has become a shared journey of growth for both mother and son. Through ESH@Jurong, Mdm Sem has not only found support for her son, but also found a sense of belonging for herself. 

Siew Ling shares, “Mdm Sem has progressed from focusing primarily on supporting Tek Poh during sessions to actively engaging with and assisting other members in need.”  

Caption: Mdm Sem and Tek Poh participating in ‘Stencil with Me’ - an inclusive art workshop, together.  

Through caregiver programmes, Mdm Sem has also equipped herself with information on where to seek support, including financial and healthcare-related resources. By meeting other caregivers who understand similar struggles, she has found strength and comfort in her caregiving journey.  

Caption: Mdm Sem attending Project Carebear, which consists of four workshops for caregivers to learn self-care and show appreciation for one another. 

For Mdm Sem, ESH@Jurong has become more than a place for Tek Poh’s development. It has become a community that supports both mother and son – one that nurtures independence, encourages confidence, and provides space for each other to grow.  

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Story written in 2026.  

For more information on ESH@Jurong, please click here.