Beyond the Internship: Stories That Stay - Zhong Han and Suguru insights
In June, we welcomed Zhong Han and Suguru for a two-month internship. What they discovered and experienced here turned out to be quite different from what they first expected.
Meet Zhong Han
Zhong Han, a third-year student at Nanyang Polytechnic, joined us with a passion for UX web design, video editing, and crafting. Despite being diagnosed with autism, he has never let it stop him from pursuing a diploma in Infocomm and Media Engineering or from helping others – not just within the autism community, but in society at large.
Meet Suguru
Alongside him, Suguru, a Grade 12 student at UWC Dover, embarked on this internship while exploring ideas for his Systems Transformation project. Our mission resonated with him – he had worked with disadvantaged children and students before, but never seniors. He decided to take on this opportunity to broaden his perspective and connect with a community he had little experience with.
What They Worked On
During their time with us, both individuals were responsible for hosting a crafting session for seniors at Lions Befriends @Ghim Moh. In addition, Zhong Han had extra tasks of enhancing our website and producing engaging social media content. But beyond the tasks, they experienced the warmth of community through conversations with differently-abled crafters.
When asked to sum up their internship in one word, both chose: “eye-opener.”
Q&A with Zhong Han and Suguru
Q1. What was your most memorable experience?
Zhong Han: “It was definitely leading the crafting session. I was involved in the preparation process – drawing stencils for the tote bags and outlining, which I enjoyed since I love to draw. However, leading the session and speaking in front of a large group of seniors was out of my comfort zone. Still, I knew the show had to go on, so I mustered the courage to lead. With the support of the seniors and my team, it turned out to be a successful and fun session for everyone.”
Suguru: “My last visit to Bishan Home stood out the most. When I arrived, one of the crafters recognised me instantly, waved, and called out to me. That small, simple, yet genuine gesture left a deep impression on me. It showed me that the connections I had built were real and that my presence mattered to them. I was also surprised by how skilled and efficient the crafters were. Their speed, precision, and attention to detail constantly reminded me never to underestimate anyone’s abilities.”
Q2. How did your time at Social Gifting help you grow?
Zhong Han: “I definitely learned the importance of communication – especially in a group setting where sharing ideas clearly is key, where others can understand where I am coming from. It prompted me to think from different perspectives. I became more organised, keeping track of tasks and feedback.”
Suguru: “Before this internship, I underestimated how much dedication, planning, and precision went into supporting a cause like this. From the coordination sessions to working patiently with a diverse group of crafters, I gained a new appreciation for the effort behind the outcomes. Planning events with Zhong Han also sharpened my organisational and communication skills, which I know will serve me well in my academic, personal, and professional life.”
Q3. How has this experience shaped your future career aspirations?
Zhong Han: “I want to use my skills to show others that nothing can stop you from doing great things. As technology evolves, so do my UX design skills. My time here gives me confidence that future employers will see my disability as a valuable ability that brings unique strengths to their company.”
Suguru: “This experience has taught me the importance of perseverance, empathy, and looking beyond myself to serve others. The joy I felt from making even a small difference reaffirmed my passion for supporting people in need. Moving forward, I want to keep finding ways to merge my interests with meaningful impact.”
Their journey together wasn’t always smooth sailing, but it was meaningful, memorable, and enriching—for both them and our team at Social Gifting. Over two months, we watched Zhong Han and Suguru step out of their comfort zones, take on new challenges, and grow both personally and professionally. We hope this experience has given them confidence in their abilities and a reminder that their contributions, no matter how big or small, truly make a difference. We’re grateful to have been part of their journey, and we know they will carry these lessons with them wherever they go.
If you’d like to see more from their time with us, check this out:
Written by: Mirabel Giam
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