{
  "id": 866343,
  "title": "Two paths, one purpose: How two President’s Scholars found meaning in helping others",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/two-paths-one-purpose-how-two-presidents-scholars-found-meaning-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-14T11:52:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times",
    "slug": "straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/two-paths-one-purpose-how-two-presidents-scholars-found-meaning-in-helping-others"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two President’s Scholars, Samuel Poh and Charlene Tan, discovered the value of helping others while pursuing their academic goals. Poh, a soccer enthusiast at Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), learned invaluable lessons from working with teammates from diverse backgrounds and sharing his time with underprivileged children. Tan, the first female SPF scholar to receive the award, found purpose in community work and volunteering, which helped her understand the impact of small interactions on people's lives. Both scholars were recognized for their dedication to serving the public and making life better for Singaporeans at a ceremony at the Istana. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam emphasized that the true value of the award lies in cultivating humility and excellence, as well as working tirelessly with others to improve the lives of all Singaporeans.",
  "summary": "Samuel Poh from ACS (I) and Charlene Tan from Hwa Chong Institution received the prestigious award.",
  "key_points": [
    "Samuel Poh, a soccer player, found meaning in helping underprivileged children",
    "Charlene Tan, SPF scholar, understood impact of small interactions through volunteering",
    "President Tharman Shanmugaratnam emphasized humility, excellence, and public service"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Their stories highlight the significance of serving others and making a positive impact on society, aligning with the values of humility and excellence emphasized by the President.",
  "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."
}