ms. Yusliana Binte Misran
Research Officer
“CPH has given me great opportunities that resonate with my passion and interests. It gives me room for growth while still promoting a healthy work-life environment. I have never felt like I have belonged anywhere else.”
Tell us about yourself.
I have been in the research field since 2015 when I was working with the Ministry of Social and Family Development. That was my first Psychology-related work and I never thought I would feel so comfortable with research. After my contract ended with MSF, I was recommended by my bosses to join the Community Psychology Hub (CPH) in 2017.
How long have you worked at Community Psychology Hub (CPH)?
About 2 years. Since joining in 2017, I was involved in conducting assessments in the adult disability sector. I took a year off work to focus on my child in 2018 and then decided to return to CPH after I realised that the skills I had honed were unutilised (in addition to the lack of socialisation) in 2019.
CPH was very welcoming and patient with my decisions. Like a parental figure, it gave me freedom to spread my wings; yet always provided a place where I could always return to. To me, CPH truly feels like home and something always pulls me back to here.
What do you do here?
As a Researcher in CPH, my team and I are in charge of evaluating programmes and conducting research to guide policy decisions. Generally, my work week consists of fidelity monitoring in various Social Service Agencies, observing structured meetings and analysing and comparing data. I ensure that our partners adhere to relevant work processes needed from the programme, which in turn, will help policy-makers decide if the programme is intended as it should be.
The project I am involved in now works with children with special needs in EIPIC centres. Although I do not work with the children directly, I gain insight into their functional needs and behaviours. The project also allows me to have a better understanding of how our EIPIC practitioners dedicate their hard work in ensuring that the children receive the best care and services.
What do you love most about your work?
I enjoy providing meaningful feedback to stakeholders because through them, I am able to make a difference for children with special needs. I hope that they can receive and benefit from the services and programmes implemented by CPH.
What are some of the challenges?
It can be a little tricky to convince organisations and agencies to adopt new programmes. Naturally, it is understandable that agencies may have certain resistance in trying out new things, especially if it involves adding to the workload. However, we try to always work in the best interests of the children. I always try to stay positive and help them ease through the programme. Currently, I am still trying to improve on my communications skills to assure that CPH is as approachable and open to feedback as it should be.
What drives you to do what you do?
I have always looked forward to going to work because I feel a sense of satisfaction in what I do. Furthermore, since CPH is like a home to me, it is easy to think of going to work as going to my second home. My teammates are always present when the going gets tough, and provides positive encouragement and support when needed.
The Researchers in CPH have a very close-knit relationship even though we sometimes only see each other on Fridays. As they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder and we are very fond of each other.
Apart from that, CPH’s Psychologists are equally great! On Fridays, CPH turns into a huge one-stop centre where everyone gathers and talk about everything under the sun. We also have our ‘Nom-Noms’ lunches as a huge group.
What do you want others to know about CPH?
CPH is the place to be if you would like to know how the psychology works in the Social Service sector. The people here are friendly and open to talking about new ideas.
CPH has given me great opportunities that resonate with my passion and interests. It gives me room for growth while still promoting a healthy work-life environment. I have never felt like I have belonged anywhere else.
What is one quote you live by?
True belonging doesn’t require us to change who we are. It requires us to be who we are. – Brené Brown.