In 2011, Samuel enrolled into HCSA Highpoint after he finally decided to break the cycle of addiction to drugs of 40 years.

Since he took his first puff of marijuana at 13 years old, marijuana soon turned into methaqualone (MX) pills, which then turned into morphine. As his family was too busy grappling to make ends meet and coping with the death of his father, they didn’t notice his spiral descent with drug addiction.

Samuel has lived through four decades of desperately wanting to change, making good progress and plunging right back into the lifestyle he swore to keep away from. Many had given up on him. Even he had given up on himself.

But through his time at Highpoint, Samuel was able to break free from drug addiction.

Today, he is a programme manager at Highpoint as well as a recovery coach and trainer in the Singapore Prisons, where he journeys with other men through their addictions.

Over the past ten years, he has worked hard for a diploma and a higher diploma in social work, and is now hoping to earn a Masters in Counselling “at the ripe old age of 65” so that he can be better equipped to help those in the throes of addiction.

Link to full story:
Addicted to drugs for 40 years, he had given up on any hope of change. Then this happened - Salt&Light (saltandlight.sg)

Two months before my release from prison, I heard about HCSA and their culinary academy. Even though I had prior experience in F&B - being a hawker before, I wanted to further my knowledge, sharpen my skills and build on my foundations.

I really enjoyed every moment of the course, both the ups and downs. But the moment that I'll always remember will be my graduation day because I was presented the "Best Trainee" Award! It meant a lot that I was able to make my mom happy and proud once again, especially after many rebellious years.

Now, I hope to open a social enterprise café that specialises in great coffee and Western-Indonesian fusion food!

Transformation story:
A Hawker With A Dream - HCSA Community Services >