Nicholas Gabriel Lim 
The Heart and the Brain: A Short Story of Harmony
Posted on January 28, 2025 Leave a Comment
Chapter One: The Great Debate
In a bustling town where emotions danced and thoughts sparkled, lived Mr. Heart and Mrs. Brain. Mr. Heart was warm and passionate, always following his feelings. He believed that love and joy were the essence of life. Mrs. Brain, on the other hand, was logical and wise, preferring to analyze every situation before making a decision. One sunny afternoon, they found themselves in a heated debate. “Feelings are what make life beautiful!” exclaimed Mr. Heart, his cheeks glowing. “But without logic, we’d be lost!” countered Mrs. Brain, adjusting her glasses. Their friends watched, worried that their differences might tear them apart. Little did they know, this was just the beginning of their journey toward understanding each other.
Chapter Two: The Unexpected Challenge
One day, a mysterious fog rolled into town, clouding everyone’s thoughts and feelings. People became confused, unable to decide what to do. Mr. Heart felt the weight of sadness in the air, while Mrs. Brain struggled to find a solution. Realizing they needed each other, they joined forces. “Let’s combine our strengths!” suggested Mr. Heart, his voice filled with hope. Mrs. Brain nodded, her mind racing with ideas. Together, they organized a town meeting, where Mr. Heart encouraged everyone to share their feelings, while Mrs. Brain guided them to think through their problems. Slowly, the fog began to lift, and the townsfolk started to feel lighter and more focused. Their collaboration was proving to be a powerful remedy.
Chapter Three: The Harmony Within
As the fog cleared, Mr. Heart and Mrs. Brain discovered a newfound respect for each other. They realized that feelings and logic could coexist beautifully. “You know, your ideas help me understand the world better,” Mr. Heart admitted, smiling warmly. “And your passion reminds me that life is more than just numbers,” Mrs. Brain replied, her eyes twinkling. From that day on, they worked together, blending their unique perspectives. The town flourished, filled with creativity and wisdom. Mr. Heart taught everyone to embrace their emotions, while Mrs. Brain encouraged thoughtful decision-making. Together, they became a symbol of harmony, proving that differences could create a stronger bond. And so, in their little town, love and logic danced hand in hand, forever united.
Serving the Singapore Psychological Society
Posted on March 29, 2023
I am honoured and humbled to be able to serve SPS again. I am glad I had the opportunity to say yes, because I can. I still have the capacity to do so; more so because I have the task now to look into the regulation of the psychological profession in Singapore. It has always been my interest.
Regulation is not something new for us as psychologist in Singapore. It has been a long standing interest. The heart of it has always been and still is about the well being of users of psychological services.
In 2020, we reported receiving “frequent feedback that includes unethical practice, inappropriate use of the title “psychologist”, and unqualified psychological service providers”. See ST link below.
When I was in the council more than a decade ago, we had to consult psychological associations beyond our shores to guide our actions. There are a few factors to look into for regulation to happen. Here are four:
[1] Critical Mass – Do we have enough psychologists?
In 2020, MP Christopher de Souza, asked in Parliament whether there were enough of us to help cope with the potential increase in mental illness, if not, how are we promoting the profession?
Then, we had about one registered psychologist to every 11,000 people in Singapore. Today, we are just about slightly more. Seemingly, our local degree programs in psychology also ensure the supply of properly qualified psychologists; promoting the profession.
Do we have enough? I personally think we do have enough, but we need more.
[2] Education-Career Pathways
With the exception of Singapore Institute of Technology and Singapore University of Technology and Design, Psychology is offered at the other four Autonomous Universities. It is still uncertain how many Psychology Degree graduates move on to pursue their Masters Degree, and become Registered Psychologists. The word on the ground is less than 1%.
SkillsFuture and the National Council of Social Service have mapped out the career pathways with corresponding competencies required and salary ranges. This is helpful for employers looking into training and budgeting for a psychologist headcount, even useful for new entrants into the profession at the specific levels.
[3] Supervision-Practice Sites
While there may be Registered Supervisors available to provide supervision for psychologists in training. There may not be many practicum sites available.
A large proportion of psychologists are in the public sector, yet not everyone is registered. Conversely, while many private psychologists are registered, they are not many employing other psychologist at their practice-sites, seemingly for practical reasons.
Maybe the private practitioners can consider engaging more Associate Psychologists and the public service engaging psychologists are Post Graduate levels.
[4] Governing Jurisdiction
In 2021, MP Dr Wan Rizal asked in Parliament which body or institution has jurisdiction over the various organisations or individuals that purport to be providing psychological and mental health services.
In 2022, MP Melvin Yong asked (a) whether psychologists are fully regulated under the Allied Health Professions Act; and (b) whether the Allied Health Professions Council has the power to investigate any complaint made against errant psychologists.
In short, psychologist are not regulated by any Board, Council, Act or Legislation. The Allied Health Professions Council does not have the power to investigate complaints against any psychologists, even clinical psychologists who are under the Allied Health Act Lists of Professions.
Nonetheless, psychologists in hospitals will be subject to the clinical governance framework of the hospitals, and existing healthcare legislations such as the Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act.
The journey ahead is going to be an exciting one for me.
In the meantime, I believe SPS will continue to provide guidance on the professional and ethical conduct for its members, whilst maintaining a close working relationship with the government to ensure clients’ interest continue to be safe-guarded.
References:
[ST] Important to ensure quality of psychological services, 3 Mar 2020 –
https://www.straitstimes.com/forum/important-to-ensure-quality-of-psychological-services
[MOH] MP Christopher de Souza, 14 Oct 2020 –
https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/availability-of-future-ready-counsellors-and-psychologists-to-help-cope-with-potential-increase-in-mental-illness-cases
[NCSS] FY2022 SALARY GUIDELINES FOR THE SOCIAL SERVICE SECTOR
https://www.ncss.gov.sg/docs/default-source/ncss-documents-and-forms/sector-salary-guidelines/fy2022-salary-guidelines—ncss-website.pdf
[SkillsFuture] Skills Framework for Psychologist
https://www.skillsfuture.gov.sg/skills-framework/social-service
[MOH] MP Dr Wan Rizal, 1 Mar 2021 –
https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/governing-body-for-mental-health-services
[MOH] MP Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye, 11 Jan 2022 –
https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/regulation-of-psychologists-under-allied-health-professions-act_11Jan2022/
[AHPC] Allied Health Professions
https://www.healthprofessionals.gov.sg/ahpc
Morning with Susan Ng, CNA 938LIVE
Posted on July 10, 2022
It’s a wrap! What a meaningful morning!
This morning, I had the opportunity to go on air with Susan Ng from ChannelNewsAsia Radio 938 Live, to not only only talk about my life and work, but to also respond to the comments that some young people made, and whom Susan Ng spoke to in her previous Our Town programme.
One said at one time he didn’t know how to even start a conversation with his mum. (Read in book: “Fill in the blanks”).
Another said he didn’t know how to share his problems with his family. (Read in book: “Keep communication open”)
Another wanted parents to loosen up and listen to them (Read in book: “Be present body and soul” and “Be supportive”)
Another felt that there is a generation gap. And I commented that this “gap” is more developmental than generational. (Read in book: Chapter 4 or briefly read about this “gap”, that I call the “Clash Story” here.
Finally, someone wanted to learn to be friends with his parents. I was delighted to hear this. All youths actually want this. They want to share with their parents or someone they trust about themselves. The reality is sometimes adults unknowingly can become the “dampener”.
Parents and adults working with youths who want to know how to overcome this “gap” or “barrier”, and want to be that trusted adult teens want to share their lives with, you can consider using the developmentally appropriate strategies I proposed from Chapter 10 to 13 in my book.
For more information about my book and work, savour everything on this website.
Izhar Roslan on Going Beyond To Empower Youths.
Posted on June 1, 2022
The best for last!
Introducing Izhar Roslan! One of our speakers for the #YouthHack Learning Video Series! He will be presenting to you the topic on “Going Beyond To Empower Youths”.
I cannot emphasize how much Izhar is an inspiration to youths, and to me as well!
He is a strong advocate of youth and humanitarian causes. On his own, he has also been involved in numerous humanitarian projects, even training and bringing along with him many young people.
Izhar builds capacities of young volunteers, and supports their development by mentoring them, availing training to them and providing numerous volunteering opportunities to them.
Izhar is a former Youth Development Officer Manager with Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) building capabilities. He is a hands-on and dedicated father and a devoted husband.
Izhar will walk you through the following topics to help youths thrive:
- Giving Trust And Space
- Building Trust
- Developing An Outward Approach
- Staying Relevant
- Building A Deeper Relationship
- Challenges and Successes
- Providing Autonomy
- Navigating Future Challenges
- Empowering Youths
To access his videos, and other resources, click here.
Tony Leong on Taking Strained Relationships To Strengths.
Posted on May 27, 2022
Tony reminds me of the Chinese idiom 出门看天色，进门看脸色.
What it means is “when you go out, observe the color of the sky, when you come in, observe the facial expressions (of your family members).”
If you have heard him speak before, I remember him ever saying, “…a lot of times, I feel guilty about not spending enough time with my children; and I will guilt trip myself by saying, maybe I could get something nice for them.”
He goes on to say, “…but by observing their behaviors, looking at them, and sometimes even asking them, all they want from me, is for me to be with them; my presence is more important than my presents. They just want my time.”
May I introduce to you Mr Tony Leong! Our next speaker from the #YouthHack Learning Videos Series about understanding youths!
The above statements, Tony confesses, guides him in everything he does.
Tony is now the Director of Youth Work at Campus Impact, a youth organization that helps disadvantaged youths and families to become meaningfully engaged citizens.
He is a former Assistant Director at National Youth Council and Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities. He is also an author of the book the “Art of Parent-Child Interaction”, a trained counselor, and currently pursuing this PhD in Psychology.
He will be speaking about the topic “Taking Strained Relationships To Strengths”.
He believes that sound mental and emotional health in youths provides an essential foundation of stability that supports the formation of friendships, the ability to cope with adversity and the achievement of success in school, work, and community life.
Tony will walk us through the following topics:
- Recognizing Progress
- Learning Through Play
- Developing Good Responses and Habit
- Parenting Early
- Rebuilding Relationships
- Principle-based Approach
- Future Trends
Here’s a snippet of his presentation. Click to watch the video as a member of the learning and growing community of parents and professionals, interested to help youths succeed. Membership is free.
For more information about the learning videos, my book and more, click here.
Nicholas Gabriel Lim 