From NTU History to Advocate: Alumna Lutfa Shazneen Hasan Champions Migrant Workers' Stories
(Image: Instagram @ofchaiandchapters)
NTU History alumna Lutfa Shazneen Hasan (Class of 2025) is applying her degree directly to her mission of building a more inclusive Singapore. Inspired by her parents' journey from Bangladesh, Shazneen's academic journey was shaped by a desire to understand the power structures and immigrant narratives that define societies. Her History professors at NTU equipped her with the tools to critically analyse the past, ensuring her education was not just academically rigorous but also applicable to the real world.
Shazneen’s studies, including modules on the history of migration and public history, directly inform her work today. She now works full-time at the Migrant Workers’ Centre, providing crucial support and advocacy. Furthermore, she is launching the podcast "Stories From Saturday School" to document the lives of under-represented South Asian communities, ensuring the labour stories that built Singapore are remembered with dignity—a goal honed by her historical training. Her story is a powerful example of how an NTU History degree provides the foundation to critically engage with the world and drive meaningful change.
Dr Joanne Chia, a lecturer at SoH who was Shazneen's internship supervisor, recalled how Shazneen felt stressed planning a trip to the bird park during her internship at Sun-Dac, a non-profit organisation serving people with intellectual disabilities. She worried over concerns such as uneven ground and diet restrictions - which could trigger sensory overload in the clients. The outing was successful and became a memorable event in the 10-week internship.
“The real education is not about getting As. To have a cause, to have a feeling and passion will really drive the person further in what they want to learn,” said Dr Chia.
