Purpose and Meaning for Singaporean Society: The Impact of the Future of Work on Individual Purpose and the Role of Education

When we talk about leadership, we often think about strategy, decision-making, and outcomes. But what about presence? What happens when a leader’s way of being – their ability to listen deeply, stay grounded, and respond with clarity – becomes their most powerful tool?

As a school leader in Singapore, I have spent many years focused on outcomes that are visible and measurable: student achievement, staff development, organisational culture and strategic direction. These matter deeply. Yet, over time, I have come to see that the quality of education is shaped just as much by what is less visible — the inner lives of educators, the ways we meet pressure, uncertainty and complexity, moment by moment.

Try starting your day with optimism and hope; it engages the emotion and provides rhythm, metaphor and vivid language to speak directly to feelings. It gives us an emotional lift, energizing and motivating us before we get on with our “to-do” list. A poem of hope and optimism reminds us that there is a space we can create to make reality our own. It gives a sense of purpose and growth potential beyond daily tasks.

When was the last time you described a student by their unique strength—not just a subject they’re good at, or a grade they achieved? How often do you come across students who are bright, yet quietly grappling with self-doubt, comparison, and uncertainty about what lies ahead?