She grew up in a one‑room rental flat. Her father was in prison for the first five years of her life and later worked as a cleaner with her mother. Even with little money, her parents helped her learn by taking her to the library, renting English TV shows, and asking strangers for help with homework.

With hard work, Shahridah later studied Consumer Science at Temasek Polytechnic and earned a gold medal for her grades. She chose to become a Food and Consumer Education teacher, following her mother’s advice.

Four years ago she started a weekly 'Cooking Sense Series'. The class is for high‑risk and special‑needs students who often skip school. She invites them to cook and eat a special meal together.

The programme has run for four years. Every Wednesday, 15 to 20 students join the cooking session. Some of them have later taken their school exams and finished secondary school.

Ms Shah also walks from house to house to look for students who are not attending school. Even when a family does not open the door, she returns to let them know they are not forgotten.

Her story shows that practical, interest‑based activities like cooking can motivate vulnerable students, help them feel safe, and encourage them to stay in school.