'success' Isn't Just About Grades or Landing a Ga High-paying Job, Says Jihad (Jee) Suhaimi of Membina Community

Success should not be measured solely by academic results, income or a conventional career path, said youth mentor and MEMBINA Community leader, Jihad (Jee) Suhaimi.

Instead, young people should be encouraged to discover their strengths, develop their character and consider how they can contribute to society, he said.

Jee leads MEMBINA Community, a charity that supports children and youths, particularly those facing socioeconomic challenges.

His work focuses on youth development, mentoring, community building and creating opportunities for young people.

Having grown up in a rental flat, Jee said he had met children and youths facing similar socioeconomic challenges. He began mentoring some of them while also receiving guidance from older mentors who had gone through similar experiences.

"People do not always need someone to 'fix' them," he said. "Sometimes they first need someone who believes in them, gives them opportunities and stays around long enough for them to eventually believe in themselves"

Jee shared that young people today have a broader definition of success, with factors such as purpose, mental well-being and meaningful work becoming increasingly important.

Social media has also created greater pressure, with young people frequently exposed to the achievements of others and feeling the need to compare themselves.

Parents can help by recognising and nurturing qualities beyond grades, such as curiosity, resilience, character and creativity, he said.

Rather than simply telling children what to do, parents should take on a mentorship role by listening to their interests and strengths, encouraging them to explore opportunities and helping them navigate challenges.

"Sometimes that means walking alongside them rather than walking in front of them," he said.

For Jee, success ultimately means seeing young people who were once supported grow into confident adults who go on to support others.

"When beneficiaries become mentors and leaders for the next generation, that probably means more to me than any individual achievement," he said.

Jee's call for parents to take a more active mentorship role highlights the importance of conversations about what success means for their children beyond grades.

If you're a parent looking to share your own experiences and perspectives on Singapore's education, join us at Plan B's Education Conversations, supported by MOE on 26 September 2026 from 10am to 1pm at Suntec Convention Centre.