What if building community isn’t about organising more events, but about helping people feel like they belong?

In this edition of People Behind Purpose, we meet Melissa Kwee at the heart of a Queenstown Kakis gathering, where her actions reveal a simple yet powerful philosophy: communities are built through genuine relationships, everyday acts of kindness, and the belief that everyone has something valuable to contribute. Through stories of Beautiful People and Queenstown Kakis, Melissa challenges us to rethink leadership, belonging, and what it truly means to walk alongside others.

What if education prepared us not just for exams, but for life? Louis Puah shares why authentic learning happens through experience, how curiosity and adaptability matter more than perfect grades, and why creating your own opportunities is the key to thriving in a rapidly changing world.

Why do we celebrate success but rarely talk about the struggles behind it? Faridah Wu, founder of Merlion Project and Treasurer of A Good Space Co-operative, believes that the stories of rejection, failure, and resilience are the ones that connect us most deeply. She shares how curiosity led her to create spaces for honest conversations, why vulnerability builds stronger communities, and how embracing every season of life has shaped her journey.

What does it mean to help someone grow? From police officer to health coach and facilitator, Dean Ng’s journey has been guided by a desire to create meaningful change. In this edition of People Behind Purpose, she shares how purpose evolves, why facilitation is about empowering rather than teaching, and the lessons that have shaped her approach to health, community, and life.