For many, volunteering is a way to give back to the community. For Sharon Chuo, it is a lifelong, full-circle journey. What began as early lessons in compassion did not remain a childhood memory – it became a guiding force behind her career in social service. Today, as senior manager of organisational development at SPD, Sharon dedicates her professional life to the very cause she once supported as a volunteer.
A lifetime of serving
Sharon remembers spending weekends and school holidays giving back, inspired by her parents’ belief that contributing to the community was an important value to learn.
“One of my fondest memories was helping at the charity food fairs organised by the Catholic Welfare Services (CWS) Council Sarawak during their Open Day,” Sharon shared.
“My parents would spend days preparing for the event – my mum cooking tirelessly, while my siblings and I helped pack food, serve customers, and sell coupons that supported the fundraiser. Although the days were long and exhausting, they were also filled with laughter, purpose and strong sense of community. We never saw it as a chore; instead, we look forward to each opportunity to contribute and be part of something bigger than ourselves.”
Sharon later built a successful 14-year career in the public sector, beginning as an economics officer and eventually serving as a deputy director. However, when her younger son entered Primary 1 and struggled to adjust to a new routine, she made the decision to pause her career.
“I wanted to spend more time with him and made the personal decision to take a career break,” she explained.
Her weekdays soon revolved around supporting her son and strengthening their bond. Once her family settled into a new rhythm, Sharon began searching for meaningful ways to spend her time during school hours. Returning to her roots, she explored volunteering opportunities and discovered SPD, conveniently located near her home in Tiong Bahru.
She began volunteering with SPD in 2012, taking on different roles, from counting donations on Flags Days, to packing goodie bags at the Sheltered Workshop and interacting with clients at the Day Activity Centre. This lasted for about two to three mornings weekly for a year, until an SPD staff approached her with a job offer. Following a conversation with Mr Abhimanyau Pal, SPD’s Chief Executive Officer, Sharon decided to join as a staff.
Her journey with SPD
“My first role at SPD was working with institutes of higher learning to advocate for people with disabilities, while leading the setup of a new advocacy team. I decided to start with a part-time role, so that I could still spend time with my children,” Sharon said.
This opportunity deepened Sharon’s appreciation for the impact of outreach and advocacy efforts, having witnessed firsthand how students’ understanding of people with disabilities grew through these engagements.
Even after leaving SPD in 2023 to pursue personal passions, Sharon found herself drawn back to the organisation’s people and culture. A year and a half later, she returned in a new capacity within human resources and organisational development.
“I moved from creating awareness among the public to focusing on how we can better support our people internally. At the end of the day, every role has an impact. We just need to do it well.”
Continuing the legacy
Today, Sharon carries forward the values instilled by her parents, creating similar experiences of service and compassion for her own children. Her sisters continue this shared family tradition by participating in fund raising events for organisations such as the Home of Peace, an elderly shelter established by the CWS and managed by the Sisters of St Francis of Sarawak.
The family makes it a point to visit residents during occasions such as Chinese New Year, allowing the next generation to experience the joy of giving and meaningful connections.
“Volunteering does not always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it simply means giving your time, lending a helping hand, or showing up consistently for those in need,” Sharon said.
Sharon’s story is a testament to the enduring impact of a childhood rooted in service. What began as weekends spent helping at family charity stalls has come full circle into a career dedicated to nurturing the people who drive social service forward. By passing this legacy of compassion to her children and aligning her professional path with a lifelong purpose, Sharon demonstrates how true impact is not measured by grand acts, but by the dedication to show up again and again for others.