Up Close - CNA

She overcame her parents' doubts and stigma to become a psychologist helping vulnerable teen girls

Up Close: She overcame her parents' doubts and stigma to become a psychologist helping vulnerable teen girls

As the head of the home HCSA Dayspring, Ms Valerie Wong works with teenage girls who have experienced abuse, neglect and other forms of trauma. She tells CNA TODAY why she keeps showing up – and why we should look beyond appearances when it comes to young people in distress.

27/09/2026

He was given 50% odds of surviving. How childhood cancer shaped a doctor's calling

Up Close: He was given 50% odds of surviving. How childhood cancer shaped a doctor's calling

20/09/2026

'I'd be lying if I said I'm happy': Former para-athlete Dasuki Skate opens up on lost dreams, loneliness and regrets

Up Close: 'I'd be lying if I said I'm happy', former para-athlete Dasuki Skate opens up on lost dreams, loneliness and regrets

14/09/2026

'Somebody has to do this': Is this Teochew master craftsman among the last of his type?

Up Close: 'Somebody has to do this' - is this Teochew master craftsman among the last of his type?

06/09/2026

'I am exactly where I want to be': The primary school dropout living life on his own timeline

Up Close: 'Why are you trying so hard?' A Primary 1 dropout's gritty journey to becoming a trainee teacher

30/08/2026

He grew up caught between two cultures. Now he's preserving his Chinese grandmother's hawker legacy

Up Close: He grew up caught between two cultures. Now he's preserving his Chinese grandmother's hawker legacy

23/08/2026

'Stamps are in my blood': How this 81-year-old stamp dealer keeps the trade alive

Up Close: 'Stamps are in my blood': How this 81-year-old stamp dealer keeps the trade alive

28/08/2026

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'We're a Malay troupe, you okay or not?' How lion dance became this man’s lifelong pursuit

Up Close: 'We're a Malay troupe, you okay or not?' How lion dance became this man’s lifelong pursuit

20/08/2026

From bedridden to 'baddie': How surviving a near-fatal crash spurred this trainer to get mums and seniors moving

Up Close: From bedridden to 'baddie' – how surviving a near-fatal crash spurred this trainer to get mums and seniors moving

02/08/2026

This community gardener doesn't just grow fruits and flowers, he nurtures kampung spirit

Up Close: This community gardener doesn't just grow fruits and flowers, he nurtures kampung spirit

26/07/2026

Broken by years of parental pressure, depression and grief, she's learning to heal – one batch of brownies at a time

Up Close: Broken by years of parental pressure, depression and grief, she's learning to heal – one batch of brownies at a time

27/07/2026

His parents sold their home to fund his education. Now this Singaporean has a Harvard PhD

Up Close: His parents sold their home to fund his education. Now this Singaporean has a Harvard PhD

15/07/2026

Once a banking high-flyer, this expat repairs bikes for free for migrant workers and others in need

Up Close: Once a banking high-flyer, this expat repairs bikes for free for migrant workers and others in need

09/07/2026

He left the corporate world to be a busker. Nearly 30 years on, he's still chasing the next trick

Up Close: He left the corporate world to be a busker. Nearly 30 years on, he's still chasing the next trick

27/06/2026

He wasn't 'smart enough' for studies. Now, he owns five drum schools and holds a Guinness World Record

Up Close: He wasn't 'smart enough' for studies. Now, he owns five drum schools and holds a Guinness World Record

20/06/2026

He runs instead of flies but Singapore's very own Superman is finding a way to leave his own mark

Up Close: He runs instead of flies but Singapore's very own Superman is finding a way to leave his own mark

13/06/2026

'Never poorer for helping': The first Singaporean high sheriff in Wales wants to make volunteerism a norm

Up Close: 'Never poorer for helping' - the first Singaporean high sheriff in Wales wants to make volunteerism a norm

07/06/2026