Aw Su

What I value most about this work is the opportunity to learn and grow with our communities, rather than simply study them. Through SAGE, I have seen how much knowledge, generosity and capacity already exist within communities, and how research can help these strengths be recognised, connected and built upon.

I am a social and behavioural scientist trained in psychology, and my work explores how social and behavioural factors shape wellbeing as we age. I am particularly interested in how communities, relationships and everyday environments can help people remain connected, resilient and able to live with purpose.

As Principal Investigator of a URA Cities of Tomorrow project, I study how social infrastructure, including community hubs that bring different services and activities together, can strengthen social health and community capacity. My work examines how the planning, operation and activation of shared spaces can create opportunities for everyday interaction and participation.

Before joining NUS, I was a Senior Research Fellow at Tsao Foundation, where I worked with communities to translate research into programme design, particularly in community empowerment, resilience and livelihood initiatives. These experiences shaped how I think about resilience, not simply as recovering from adversity, but as strengthening relationships and communities’ capacity to respond together.

My role in SAGE has been formative, helping to connect our three community groups with the wider team and co-create the appreciative inquiry approach underpinning the project. I have learnt tremendously from these communities, through friendships, shared knowledge, resources and culture.

Outside work, I enjoy cycling, spending time in parks and exploring new places with my family.