Kaylee Kua: How Daughters of Tomorrow is empowering women to overcome generational poverty

Women across Singapore are driving meaningful change, leading initiatives that uplift communities and create lasting impact. From breaking the cycle of poverty to advocating for financial literacy, healthcare, and corporate responsibility, these leaders are reshaping lives through their work.

In this four-part series, learn how their organisations empower individuals and how you can support their causes.

Breaking the cycle of poverty

Kaylee Kua, executive director of Daughters Of Tomorrow (DOT) tells us why it’s important to break the cycle of generational poverty in underserved communities, and how DOT is empowering its clients. 

In 2025, DOT will launch a major three-year initiative to support young women from lower-income families entering full-time employment. We plan to work more closely with these young graduating women, giving them a stronger start in life, before they face challenges related to caregiving or employment.

To achieve this, we will conduct a landscape study to better understand the career trajectories of young women with primarily vocational training, and collaborate with employer partners to create alternative career pathways. To further strengthen these efforts, we will also work closely with educational institutions and continue partnering with our current referral networks from social service agencies.

Ensuring equal opportunities for all women means addressing the unique barriers that many women face when seeking sustainable employment. We take a two-pronged approach to achieve this: working with the women to increase their personal agency and skills, as well as with employer partners to reduce systemic barriers that limit access and opportunities for women.

That’s why we focus on both immediate and long-term solutions. Our Home-based Childminding Programme offers affordable childcare, allowing mothers to work or upskill with peace of mind, while addressing a major barrier to sustained employment.

We also collaborate with employers to promote flexibility and job redesign, enabling women to balance caregiving and income while meeting workforce needs.

Skills training and confidence building are crucial. Many women we support face career gaps or lack formal qualifications, limiting job opportunities. Our programmes help them rediscover their strengths and gain practical skills, training and mentorship to secure sustainable employment.

For example, the eight-week Job Readiness programme is designed to rebuild confidence, equip participants with essential skills, and help them plan their return to work.

DOT also provides training and job placement across various industries. Jobseekers can attend workshops to explore job roles, career progression, and required qualifications, while career coaches help identify training needs and provide free resources.

Beyond job placement, DOT prioritises job retention and financial growth to ensure lasting economic stability. For women employed for over six months, we offer social mobility initiatives like the Savvy Saver programme, which helps families build savings through matched contributions.

Additionally, the Transformation Fund supports young and mature candidates in pursuing postsecondary education or professional certifications by covering course fees and providing living allowances for eligible applicants.

Photography Athirah Annissa
Art direction Adeline Eng
Coordination Chelsia Tan
Hair Aung Apichai / Artistry, using Kevin.Murphy & Angel Gwee, using Davines
Makeup Benedict Choo, using M.A.C Cosmetics

In honour of International Women’s Day and Singapore’s 60th year, we’re celebrating the extraordinary women who have shaped its story. With Shiseido’s support, we honour the Advocators who are amplifying marginalised voices – and building a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate Singapore.

To learn more about the 60 women who have shaped Singapore as we know it today, click here.