Joy Works is the outcome of a personal transformation that I had in 2009. That transformation marked the beginning of a deep sense of joy, freedom and upliftment in my life. I felt like a light had been switched on inside me.
My experience made me think, “How can I enable others to feel more joyful too?” And in asking that question, I found my calling – to help build a more joyful Singapore.
Joy Works’ first stop is at the workplace. We spend a huge part of our lives at work. Improving our wellbeing there will have positive ripple effects on our health, families and overall fulfilment in life. And a growing body of research is showing that happier people perform better and are more productive at work.
With the will of employees, organisational decision-makers and programmes such as ours, we can transform workplaces in Singapore into more joyful, creative and productive arenas.
Warmly,
Vadivu
Education & Experience
Master of Public Administration, School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University, New York City.
- Relevant Coursework: “Staff Development & Training” and “Politics of Policymaking”.
- Practicum: Conflict Resolution and Mediation at the International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution (ICCCR), Teachers College, Columbia University.
- Relevant Workshops: “Leveraging Emotional Intelligence to Enhance Organisational Effectiveness” and“Building 21st Century Organizational Capability with Cultural Intelligence” at the Corporate Learning Solutions Group, Teachers College, Columbia University.
“Healing and Reconciling Relationships” using Dr Donna Hicks’ Dignity Model at the ICCCR and “Appreciative Inquiry” at Teachers’ College.
Bachelor of Social Sciences (Social Work and Sociology), National University of Singapore.
Licensed Science of Happiness at Work™ Practitioner, iOpener Institute for People and Performance™, UK
Certified Strengths Practitioner (Individual and Team), Realise2, by Centre for Applied Positive Psychology, UK
Certified Facilitator of Appreciation at Work training process, Dr Paul White and Dr Gary Chapman, USA
Certified Transformation Game Facilitator (for Solo and Group games), by Innerlinks, UK
Registered Social Worker, Singapore Association of Social Workers
Attended Online Intensive on Activation of Strengths: Bringing Research on Character Strengths Into Practice, VIA Institute of Character
Attended a course in Companioning (a Listening Skills Process by The Virtues Project), completed the Introduction to the Virtues Project Facilitator Program (New Zealand) and completed the Nonviolent Communication Foundation Training (London). Have attended various other workshops over the years. Yet I love learning most from everyday life. There are unexpected and precious teachers and lessons everywhere.
My work experience has mainly been in social change. It has ranged from improving accessibility and rehabilitation for the vision-impaired to building the capacity of Asian animal welfare organisations as the Asia Representative for the largest international federation of animal welfare societies. Have also played a leading role in various campaigns related to animal welfare, especially the campaign to end the illegal trade in bear parts. I’m enjoying applying my experience in social change to organisational change now.
In 2011 and 2012, I did an experiment to live as if it was my last year to live. Of all the projects I have done, this has been one of the most precious – to learn about life by looking through the lens of death, especially mine. I live more deeply as a result of that. A few of my favourite questions to people are:
If you had a year to live, who would you become? What would you do?
How would you like to be remembered when you die?
I share more of my thoughts at happiness.sg.
I recently took part in a live debate on Channel News Asia, arguing for the motion: Should Happiness be the National Target? You can view the debate online.
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