Ong Cheng Soon (David)

An avid lifelong learner and passionate community volunteer, Ong Cheng Soon (David) transitioned to the adult education sector after decades in the oil and gas and financial industries. His journey as an adult educator and facilitator has been enriched by continuous learning, adapting to technological advancements, and staying abreast of evolving trends in adult education. Embracing his role as a learning facilitator, David has made a significant shift, requiring him to "learn, unlearn, and relearn" to remain current with technological changes and the dynamic landscape of adult education.

ENGAGING & VOLUNTEERING WITH U LIVE AND OTHER PROJECTS

During the COVID-19 pandemic, David actively participated in the nationwide effort to accelerate Singapore's digitalisation – an initiative aimed at equipping every individual and business with the necessary digital tools and skills to thrive in the new social and economic environment post-pandemic. He focused on supporting seniors and heartland stallholders, ensuring they benefited from this digitalisation movement.

Around the same period, David began volunteering with U Live, representing the community by assisting less digitally savvy taxi drivers in renewing their vocational licenses online when the renewal process became fully digital at the U FSE Digital Services Roadshow. This meaningful project was greatly appreciated by senior taxi drivers, who were grateful for his help navigating their digital journey. Additionally, he spearheaded the creation of U Live scam prevention slides and actively participated in Communities Day Out events.

Recognising his passion for volunteering, U Live sent David to the U Live Leadership Training facilitated by the Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute, from which he graduated in 2023. He was also recognised by GovTech for his contributions to the SafeEntry Gateway Call Centre Helpdesk during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

HEAR FROM DAVID

“I dedicated a year to immersive learning under the mentorship and guidance of A*STAR scientists and professors as part of the Digital Transformation and Innovation programme. As a trained 'Digital Transformer,' I leverage digital technologies to foster mindset shifts and organizational model changes, driving meaningful digital transformation that benefits both individuals and organizations. Concurrently, I completed numerous technology and learning-related online courses from renowned universities on the Coursera platform.

The journey of acquiring new knowledge, unlearning outdated information, and relearning essential skills is continuous. This process leads to a more fulfilling life and personal enrichment. Volunteering your time and skills involves dedicating your efforts to help others and contribute to your community. This selfless act not only supports those in need but also fosters personal growth, enhances your skill set, and enriches your life by creating meaningful connections and experiences."