In Secondary One, Suhaifiq Bin Suhaidi joined the Red Cross Youth with thoughts of becoming a doctor. Along the way, he discovered a new passion for teaching, a different understanding of leadership, and many more ways to make a difference — earning him the President’s Youth Award at 16.
At 13, Suhaifiq Bin Suhaidi thought he knew exactly what he wanted to be when he grew up: a doctor.
So when it came time to choose a CCA, Red Cross Youth (RCY) seemed like a natural fit.
“In RCY, I could learn about blood groups, blood donations, and even pick up lifesaving skills like CPR! I could even put those skills into practice by rendering first aid to my schoolmates during sports day.”
It seemed like the perfect place to start preparing for a future in medicine. What he did not expect was for his experience in RCY to alter his aspirations.
Over the years, Suhaifiq found himself not only drawn to learning the skills, but to helping others learn them too. Planning lessons for his juniors and guiding them through CCA sessions under the Unit Leader’s Programme gave him an unexpected realisation: he enjoyed being the one helping others understand, grow and find their confidence.
This discovery gradually reshaped his ambitions. Now, he hopes to become a teacher and serve as a medic — combining his love for helping others with his newfound passion for teaching.
More Than Being in Charge
Becoming a leader also changed what Suhaifiq thought leadership meant.
Having members with special needs taught him that being in charge is not the same as leading. A leader, he realised, had to pay attention to the people around him — whether they felt comfortable, heard and included.
So instead of simply deciding what his juniors would do, he asked them. “I did a little survey to find out what they wanted from their sessions, and tweaked my plans based on their feedback,” he says.
The changes were simple; more games and opportunities for interaction. But for Suhaifiq, their response was telling.
“My biggest accomplishment isn’t being the Chairperson of RCY or attaining multiple achievements. It’s seeing the joy on my juniors’ faces and knowing I’ve made an impact on their time in RCY.”
That same attentiveness extends beyond his unit.
During the school holidays last year, he decided to pick up some basic sign language, hoping it would make it easier to communicate with someone who is hard of hearing.
While he has yet to put those skills to use in a real interaction, that has not stopped him from sharing what he has learnt with his friends, in the hope of contributing to a more inclusive society.
It is a small step, but one that reflects the humanitarian spirit he hopes to carry with him beyond his years as a cadet.
The Journey Continues
And his time with the Singapore Red Cross is far from over.
“My Red Cross journey does not end after graduating. I hope to join the Volunteers Instructors Programme and, one day, guide a new generation of cadets, just as my Volunteer Instructors have done for me.”
Receiving the President’s Youth Award is a recognition he is deeply grateful for, and one that he shares with his family, friends, teachers and Volunteer Instructors who have supported him along the way.
“My time in RCY has been a fulfilling and enriching experience, filled with amazing memories that I will never forget. RCY has shaped me into the leader I am today — a compassionate and confident individual.”
