Samuel Wee: Mentor on a Mission

We sat down with Empower Awards winner Samuel Wee to find out more about the mission behind his vision.

In the realm of mentorship, few individuals possess a track record as impressive and extensive as Samuel Wee. He is the Director of Student Support and Career Services at Temasek Polytechnic (TP). Samuel has nearly 30 years of work experience and holds various certifications and accolades. He has an MBA, a GCDF-SG and is a candidate for INSEAD’s Executive Master in Change. Samuel is a certified John Maxwell coach,  a 7 Habits of Highly-Effective People facilitator, and can administer and facilitate DISC, PEAKS and Harrison Assessments.

In an exclusive interview with Samuel, we delve into his journey as a mentor and the profound impact he has made on the lives of those he guides.

Samuel’s venture into mentoring began during his own youth as a member of the Boys Brigade, an organization with a strong mentoring culture between officers and members. He fondly recalls his first mentor, an officer in the Boys Brigade, with whom he still maintains contact. Additionally, Samuel credits an inspiring teacher from his A-Levels for imparting the valuable lesson, “a bird in hand is worth two birds in a bush,” teaching him the importance of making the most of one’s current resources. This revelation sparked his ambition to inspire young minds in the education industry.

According to Samuel, a good mentor-mentee relationship is characterized by the mentor’s ability to add value to the mentee’s life. True mentorship goes beyond transactional exchanges and progresses toward transformational growth. Recognizing the multi-faceted nature of individuals, Samuel believes in tailoring mentorships to specific needs and challenges.

In the context of industry mentoring, Samuel asserts that mentors can open doors and significantly contribute to the mentee’s career advancement. However, the benefits of mentorship extend far beyond professional gains for the mentee. Mentorship provides personal and emotional development, fosters resilience, and imparts life lessons.

For those seeking a mentor, Samuel advises being intentional in the search. Once the mentor is found, active listening, reflections on the lessons received and journaling are useful tools for personal and professional growth.

Drawing from his personal experience, Samuel approached potential mentors with purpose, seeking out individuals with qualities or experiences of interest. The decision to pursue a mentorship relationship was guided by gut instincts and the chemistry shared between mentor and mentee. Samuel acknowledges that not every mentorship will be a perfect fit. Having the ability to discern and make independent decisions are crucial.

He also shared invaluable insights on what it takes to be an good mentor. According to him, employing effective techniques such as asking thought-provoking questions and utilising the “BEST” approach (Building trust, Establishing mutual goals, Sharing lives and thoughts, and Taking action) are paramount.

Beyond mere techniques, Samuel emphasises the importance of genuine care for others. He believes in nurturing a desire to witness mentees grow and flourish, for in doing so, mentors themselves receive immeasurable rewards. Samuel recounts his own experiences mentoring individuals from different cultural backgrounds, highlighting the richness and unique perspectives they bring to the table. Engaging with mentees whose lives diverge from his own has expanded his cultural horizons and added vibrancy to his understanding of the world.

Samuel Wee’s remarkable journey as a mentor showcases the transformative power of guidance and support. His passion for helping others, combined with his extensive knowledge and experience, has empowered countless individuals to navigate life’s challenges and achieve personal and professional success. As Samuel continues his mission to uplift and inspire, his legacy as a mentor will undoubtedly continue to shape the lives of those fortunate enough to cross his path.

In recognition of his unwavering dedication and exceptional guidance, Samuel was the deserving recipient of the Best Mentor award at the inaugural Empower Awards. Find out more about the Empower Awards here.