I got arrested during NS. After I ORD-ed, I couldn't commit to full-time work because I didn't know what my case would bring. I started doing events with a bunch of friends and handled social media marketing, eventually picking up freelance clients.

But freelancing wasn't stable. Clients ran out of budget. After getting probation, I couldn't work nightlife anymore. I was barely scraping by, and then my partner of three years left. I was lost.

My probation officer recommended Kita Studios. It changed everything. I met people from all backgrounds (other probationers too) everyone there to grow. I refreshed my UI/UX skills, learned social media marketing and made it to Demo Day.

A week later, I interviewed with Hatch and landed a full-time role. Learning what they do excited me — I could finally use my skills for good. It felt like my redemption arc.

Then Kita asked me to emcee their launch. I was sceptical but took the leap. People loved it. That same day, I said yes to a wedding emcee gig I'd turned down before. That went great too.

Everything has fallen into place. Now I live with confidence, knowing there's hope.