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Extremely thankful for the HIP team for being such constants and pleasant work buddies throughout 2021. It has been such a “fast but slow” year. Some days felt longer than others but these ladies really filled my work days with much laughter & joy. Despite the lack of physical interactions (which I really miss), I’m glad that we are still virtually connected! 💕 Looking forward to becoming even more pandemic-resilient with all of you in 2022 🙆🏻‍♀️

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Dear P&P Colleagues

This is yet another extraordinary year for everyone. For us, we have been working as a united team to deliver on our purpose - to raise the quality & profile of the EC sector and professionals. A big thank you to everyone for your hard work and commitment !!

While we made progress over the past few years, we know that delivering on our purpose is an ongoing journey. We need to transform to continue to be successful. With our tenacity, resilience and a drive for excellence, I am confident that we will emerge stronger, overcome whatever challenges we face, and continue to succeed together !!

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The past two years have shown us that change is a constant and that we can all be really adaptable. Thankful that with just one step at a time, we have got through a difficult 2021. Within the virtual space, it is heart-warming that we reach out to each other beyond work, to chat and show concern for one another.

Glad that even with so many obstacles and restrictions, as a dept, we were still able to find ways to reach out and engage the sector and keep things moving. Looking forward to a better 2022!

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Who would have thought working from home would become a reality 2 years ago. We thought it'd require a paradigm/cultural shift but all it took was something not even the naked eye could see - a virus. Many have dreamt of such an arrangement (myself included), but when it finally became reality, how we yearned to be back in the office - because life in office wasn't only about work, but the friendships forged, the small talk, the connection. I'm truly thankful for my HIPpy team and HIPpy gals. Every meeting with you all, whether for work or otherwise, is something I look forward to and cherish. Thank you for always being supportive and encouraging, for work matters, personal matters and even frivolous ones. Love y'all loads!!! ❤️❤️❤️

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2021 was a year of many new opportunities and beginnings for me and I cannot be more thankful to have been part of such a passionate and supportive team. A huge thank you to the HIP ladies for all the guidance, support and encouragement, and also for always bringing so much joy & laughter during our virtual meetups and I look forward to the day we can all have lunch together in the office again!

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It has not been easy time at work for everyone. There were many things to grumble about, but there were MORE things and moments to feel grateful about.

The workplace happiness to me is when I have stress, I have someone to share the load; when I have the satisfaction, I have someone to share the joy; when I want to rant, I have someone to lend the ear; when I want to laugh, I have someone to appreciate my non-sense. I am thankful that I have all these ppl around me at work. You girls make "work to be love made visible"! ❤

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ln this 2021, the year where we feel a little more hopeful than 2020, I think it taught me the value of little things that we always take for granted, like the outdoors and face to face meetups. But i also realise that we will adapt, so why not make the best out of what we can?

Even as we worked 'apart' in 2021, I'm grateful that our HIP team is still as strong in spirit, and you ladies have been my source of support and comfort amidst the uncertainty :) I'm sure we'll all have another wonderful year ahead, whatever the challenges may be!!

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BTS from 2021 ECDA awards virtual ceremony

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Every year ends off great cos it concludes with one of the biggest events of the sector - ECDA Awards ceremony!

Big thanks to PE2 for supporting weeks and weeks of publicity efforts online amidst crazy timelines, Klara for bringing the Awards out to the mass media, the team of main secys who saw the awards through from start to end and putting out every fire, and all P&P colleagues for the words of encouragement along the way. And of cos director, for the invaluable guidance along the way and always empowering the team to strive on.

It always reinforces our sense of passion and purpose when we see how our work has impacted the EC fraternity. Here’s to an exciting Awards 10th anniversary in 2022.

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2022 is gonna be a GREAT year! With more than 2 years of experience in dealing with the pandemic, i.e. establishing various protocols, vaccination programmes, etc, we can look forward with genuine confidence in dealing with whatever new challenges the pandemic has to throw at us (omicron eat ****). Exciting times to be at the frontlines of propelling our sector to the digital frontier with the pandemic as fuel. This WILL be the year we FINALLY get to eat, play and work together in-person and yes, TRAVEL too! (JB also counted la) HELLO 2022! Huat ah!

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What the pandemic has taught us over the past 2 years. That we can never take the status quo for granted and be prepared for change and to stay resilient. I think P&P as a department embodies this spirit of innovation and willingness to explore different ways and means of engagement and outreach despite the curbs on physical, social engagement. Indeed, when we think we have gotten the hang of something and embrace the "new normal", a new challenge comes our way.

Our physical reunion this year may be short-lived but I cherish those moments. Till then, this is also an opportunity for self-introspection and self-improvement, to work on a better version of ourselves. I am happy to have had the time to pick up new hobbies, courses and languages along the way and also explore my neighbourhood in a new light. I hope you all did too!

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Yet another year has passed, and we have been working from home for almost 2 years now. It hasn’t been the most easy - work wise and for most people, their physical, mental and social well being. Being stuck at home made me realise how I actually enjoyed the little things. Like commuting to work and having some me-time to prep myself for work/ wind down after work; having lunches and chats with colleagues in office; and establishing a more structured daily routine.

Although it hasn’t been easy, I’m still glad that through it all, the team has been the most supportive and caring! :) Grateful that even while everyone is working remotely, we are all still well connected, and able to continue with our chats and laughters 💕 thankful for everyone! Cheers to a better 2022 :)

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Grateful for really amazing and supportive colleagues esp the SO team! Was very touched by the SSDB finale video at ECC that reminded me that small seeds eventually grow into big trees - every single word / task, regardless of how “small” it may appear to be, can create a huge ripple effect :) looking forward to a fruitful and fulfilling 2022!

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Thank you D/P&P for sponsoring the retreat lunch! :)

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Thank you D/P&P for sponsoring the retreat lunch! :)

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And of course, kudos to the organising team, I am looking forward to the retreat!

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We grow the most in the face of challenges that push us out of our comfort zone, and I think it is safe to say that the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged all of us. While we innovate and find new ways to do our work and lead our lives, it is also apparent that technology can never replace face-to-face interaction. (What we used to take for granted seems to be exceptionally precious now.) Thankful for the H.I.P. team’s virtual support as always and I look forward to the day that we can return to office. 😊

Signing off with love ❤️ and gratitude 🙏.

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A pandemic of the century changes the way we live, work and play. So cliché but so true! It has defined our 'new norm' - yet it is still all so strange to me (WFH, wearing of masks, safe distancing, ART etc). Amidst all that's happening and evolving (new variant, again?), I am grateful to be typing this post in the comfort of my home safely, to have more time with family (less time traveling) and colleagues to count on!

Let's stay safe and stay connected!! <3

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In a blink of an eye another challenging Covid year has passed. Thanks to the STARs team for your hard work, tenacity, adaptability and resilience when the goings got tough. We've made it through another year together! Grateful for our catch-ups even though we can't meet up f2f! 🥳 let's continue to enjoy the meaningful work in the coming year.
P/s welcome our maknae Evan 😁😁

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[Warning: Long-winded post ahead]

It's been a year of learning and challenge in 2021 with a new piece of work - the ECDA Awards.

It offered me a wonderful opportunity to be "on the ground" as I sat through the interviews and classroom observations during the evaluation process. Watching the EC educators in action humbled me and reminded me to be patient and loving towards my own children, just as they were to the children under their care.

Months of preparation with sweat and blood finally culminated in an hour of nerve-wrecking livestream. This had to be my biggest challenge this year (and perhaps my whole working life), particularly for someone who feels awkward in front of camera, can't think on my feet, and generally prefers to be behind the scene. But I'm glad for the opportunity to overcome my own fears, discomfort and insecurities.

It's been a busy and challenging year, and I'm thankful for colleagues and ROs who have been understanding, encouraging and supportive. :)

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Grateful for a year of learnings and opportunities, and super thankful to have wonderful colleagues who made the journey enjoyable 🙆‍♂️ May 2022 be a better year for everyone! 😊

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Grateful for an extraordinary team of constants amid 1.5 years of uncertainty! Without each other's encouragement, efficiency and (virtual) presence, 2021 would not have been the same. Much love to EFPDPSFSAECLC wonder women! ❤️

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The end of 2021 is here! It's been a strange yet reflective year and I hope everybody ends the year with gratitude in your hearts! 💕 💞 🎄 🥳

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Dear team, please feel free to post your reflections, notes of appreciation to your colleagues here, at your own time own target… 🌈