{
  "id": 15414899,
  "title": "Maid says ‘I want to be the first Filipina helper who earns the most number of engineering diplomas and certificates in Singapore’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/maid-says-i-want-to-be-the-first-filipina-helper-who-earns-the-most",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T12:00:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Independent Singapore",
    "slug": "the-independent-singapore",
    "url": "https://theindependent.sg/maid-says-i-want-to-be-the-first-filipina-helper-who-earns-the-most-number-of-engineering-diplomas-and-certificates-in-singapore"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Jo, a 35-year-old woman, had an eight-year career in a Philippine law firm before she moved to Singapore approximately two years ago. She has decided to become a domestic helper while pursuing her dreams of becoming a contract executive or quantity surveyor in the construction industry. Jo decided to study political science in the Philippines but couldn't finish her degree due to a medical condition. She then worked in healthcare, a call centre, and a law firm, learning skills that have helped her in her new journey. She recently moved to Singapore and secured a domestic helper position within two days of waiting. Jo is now completing two engineering diplomas and three Building and Construction Authority-certified courses, all while balancing her studies with her job. Her long-term goal is to eventually study law at the University of London. Jo's journey has been challenging, as she has had to sacrifice time with friends, social events, and rest to focus on her studies. Despite facing doubts from others about her ability to complete engineering courses, Jo sees her struggles as motivation. She credits her supportive employers for giving her manageable working hours and time to pursue her education. Jo's story demonstrates how education can open doors even when life leads someone far from their original plans. Her path won't be easy, but she is determined to keep learning and making the most of the opportunities available to her.",
  "summary": "Summary Jo, 35, moved to Singapore around two years ago after studying political science and working in a Philippine law firm for eight years. She is now pursuing two engineering diplomas and three Building and Construction Authority-certified courses while working as a domestic helper. Jo hopes to become a contract executive or quantity surveyor before eventually studying law at the University…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}