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Serving Communities, Inspiring Change

Photo: Joel Goh

According to the United Nations, the measure of a country’s prosperity can be observed through its availability and access to certain fundamental rights, including key priorities such as food, water, security, education, and healthcare. In 2023, Singapore ranked 1st globally on the Legatum Prosperity Index in the “Health” component category –  an area that measures the overall health of citizens and their respective access to services needed to maintain good health.

To understand Singapore’s success and prosperity in this regard, we’re casting our gaze towards the movers and shakers of industry that are making universal access to healthcare possible.

No other individual exemplifies this commitment than Joel Goh, a seasoned social services specialist with a decade of experience enhancing social services and community well-being. Among his many achievements, Joel has partnered with government agencies and statutory boards to make mental health services accessible to underserved populations, such as migrant workers. He has also led multidisciplinary teams in the recovery and rehabilitation space, designing and implementing interventions for youths struggling with addiction.

Community and Service Leader

When asked to summarise his area of expertise, Joel was quick to downplay his own accomplishments and instead focused on the groups he strives to serve. “I help people and communities thrive, especially when things get tough. I connect them with the things they need and build places where people are valued,” he humbly stated. “I work to make our communities stronger and healthier.

Photo: Joel Goh

Throughout his career, Joel has worn many hats – from his time as a service leader in both residential and community settings, to an administrator of community initiatives, and even as an educator inspiring the best and brightest minds of the next generation – through these roles he was able to identify the critical role that systems-level factors played in shaping individual and community health.

Creating Equitable Healthcare Systems

To achieve his goal of developing equitable healthcare systems, Joel acknowledged that he had to first bridge the gap between his on-the-ground experience and his knowledge of how to influence systemic change. It was imperative, Joel felt, to understand healthcare systems in order to contribute more effectively to shaping healthier communities through program development, advocacy, and collaborative partnerships, and even through identifying the impactful health outcomes to focus on.

Photo: Joel Goh

In that moment, the path forward was clear,” he shared, “Newcastle Australia IHE had a master’s degree that could equip me with the skills, insights, and expertise needed to achieve my goals. The choice was really clear!

Through his time in the Master of Health Economics, Management and Policy (MHEMP) program, Joel believes that he will be able to master healthcare policy in all its forms and be empowered to effectively lead the design and implementation of initiatives that promote safe and supportive environments.

He believes that this is one part of achieving holistic universal healthcare for everyone. He further elaborates on this, stating “a crucial foundation lies in strengthening primary healthcare and community-based services. This involves empowering communities, expanding access to preventive care, and addressing the root causes of ill health.

Back to School

When prompted about how he felt about returning to the classroom as a student, after his time as a lecturer, Joel broke out into a wide smile and began joking. It seems that the humour and juxtaposition of his situation wasn’t lost on him – and for good reason. Joel disclosed that his experience as a student has reminded him of the power of active learning. “It’s been refreshing, that’s for sure! Engaging in discussions, participating in group projects, and applying knowledge through real-world scenarios are crucial for deep learning; these are things I’ll strive to incorporate more into my classroom.

Photo: Joel Goh

Seeing the overwhelming number of healthcare and allied health professionals, in his master’s degree classes, taking it upon themselves to learn more about the policies and systems in place, Joel had this to share with anyone apprehensive about pursuing higher education – “Embrace the adventure! It’s an investment in yourself, a chance to explore new passions and connect with a vibrant community of learners. Don’t let fear hold you back. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Leverage campus resources, build a strong support network, and celebrate every step of the way.

Equipped with first-hand expertise in health economics, management, and policy, aspiring change-makers like Joel can play an active role in influencing and developing initiatives that result in positive change. The Master of Health Economics, Management, and Policy (MHEMP) program imbues students with the unique set of multidisciplinary skills needed to address the complex challenges faced by the ever-evolving healthcare industry.

Contact our Education Consultants at singapore-enquiry@newcastle.edu.au to find out more today!