With years of dedication to empowering individuals with special needs, Seah Eng Siong has witnessed countless journeys of growth and independence. In this interview, he reflects on what this milestone means to him, shares heartfelt moments from the field, and offers advice for those inspired to make a difference in the world of inclusive employment.

1. What does this milestone mean to you?This milestone means a great deal to me — I am truly grateful. It feels like a meaningful recognition of the years spent supporting individuals with special needs. More than that, it is also a reminder and encouragement to keep pushing forward in the journey toward greater inclusion.
2. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in this field?To anyone just starting out, I would be upfront — this line of work is not always easy, but it is also not impossible. So much depends on your attitude. If you are willing to try, accept failure as part of the process, and keep learning and growing, you will find the work deeply rewarding. 
3. Can you share a memorable moment with a trainee that reminds you of why you love this work?One moment that really stuck with me was when I followed up on a trainee with autism who had just started her job. Her supervisor had concerns — she would hum to herself and glance away often, which gave the impression she was not paying attention. But after observing her for about ten minutes, we checked her work — it was flawless. The supervisor decided to keep her on. Not long after, her mother told me something I will never forget: for the first time in years, her daughter was able to buy her own new clothes for Chinese New Year — because she finally had a job. That moment reminded me exactly why this work matters.