Join us for an inspiring Fireside Chat featuring real-life stories and thought-provoking insights from wellbeing experts and academics as we spark meaningful conversations about loneliness. Engage in an interactive Q&A with the speakers and discover practical strategies for building authentic relationships.
The session will be graced by Mr Benjamin William, Secretary General and CEO of the Singapore Red Cross, who will be our Guest-of-Honour.
Register now and be part of a transformative discussion that could reshape how we connect and support one another.
Speakers’ Profiles
Dr Jessie Chua (PsyD) is a lead psychologist at the University Counselling Centre, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), where she supports students in overcoming loneliness and building meaningful connections. Her extensive experience has provided her with a deep understanding of how isolation can affect mental health and, consequently academic performance. Dr Chua fosters wellbeing by empowering students with practical strategies to create a sense of belonging and build supportive communities, which serve to cultivate a connected and inclusive environment at NTU.
Dr Paul Victor Patinadan is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at NTU, specialising in health research. He is also a Health Professions Educator with the National Healthcare Group, a Clinical Teacher at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, and a certified Thanatologist with the Association for Death Education and Counselling (ADEC). As an interdisciplinary mixed-methods researcher, his work explores end-of-life care, grief, and loss, examining their connection to social isolation and loneliness and psycho-socio-spiritual wellbeing across diverse health trajectories.
Ms Tan Yi Lin is a social worker at SHINE Children & Youth Services who supports youths in navigating loneliness and social isolation. She uses youth-centred approaches to foster safe spaces for creative expression, addressing underlying causes of loneliness and promoting personal meaning-making. Through mental health talks and advocacy, she encourages open conversations and small steps toward connection and self-awareness. She believes that loneliness can be transformed into an opportunity for growth.
Ms Yong Yee Huei is a Senior Case Manager and Team Lead at the Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health (CHAT) where she conducts mental health checks as part of early intervention for young people. Her current focus is on training young people and community workers to better support youths facing mental health challenges, with an emphasis on loneliness and social isolation.
(The session will be moderated by Assoc Professor Vivien Huan, Associate Vice President (Wellbeing), NTU).