Jesuit Refugee Service Singapore
Accompany . Serve . Advocate
New Executive Director for JRS Singapore
JRS Singapore is delighted to introduce Elisabeth Wong, incoming Executive Director, commencing Jan 2026.
Elisabeth brings extensive leadership experience from across the Asia-Pacific region, where she has built teams, shaped community programs, and developed collaborations that support vulnerable communities. Her long record of Catholic service-including work in pastoral outreach, the Legion of Mary, RCIA formation, and youth ministries, reflects her deep commitment to faith in action.
Elisabeth looks forward to working closely with colleagues across the global JRS network to uphold the JRS mission, scale our impact, and work collaboratively to accompany, serve and advocate for refugees and forcibly displaced people.
Upcoming Initiatives
Exploratory trip to Kampot & Ket, Cambodia
Dates: 26 February to 1 March 2026
Mission Fee: $600 per participant, inclusive of accommodation & meals, excluding airfare
As part of our commitment to learning and walking alongside communities affected by climate change, CCC is organizing an exploratory trip to Cambodia. This journey offers both meaningful engagement and cultural appreciation.
If you are interested in joining us on this journey, please register your interest via our online form by scanning the QR code below.
Trip Highlights:
- Mangrove planting – join local communities in restoring coastal ecosystems.
- Community Engagement – share meals and spend time with ethnic minority communities at risk of forced displacement, listening to their stories and struggles.
- Learning & Solidarity – engage with JRS Cambodia and Jesuit Service Cambodia to better understand their work with migrants and refugees.
- Culture & Nature Appreciation – enjoy dolphin sightings, nature hikes, beach walks, and time in Phnom Penh to deepen your connection with both people and creation.
For queries please email to crisleen.deguzman@jrs.net
Middle East Crisis
Since the attacks started, over 350,000 people in Lebanon have been on the move, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). The government of Lebanon estimates about 1.2 million internally displaced people. Many JRS staff members are also displaced.
As we look to an uncertain future, we call for a ceasefire and remain committed to accompanying those in need.
How are JRS Lebanon and JRS Syria responding to the crisis? (Click here for details on the JRS International website)
Commemorating the founding of
Jesuit Refugee Service
The Jesuit Refugee Service was founded by Fr Pedro Arrupe SJ, then Superior General of the Society of Jesus, on 14 November 1980. 42 years later, JRS continues its mission to accompany, serve and advocate for our refugee brothers and sisters throughout the world.
On our 42nd Anniversary, Affia, a refugee student from the JRS Digital Education Programme, shares her personal experience. This video clip was produced by a fellow refugee student Mukhzan.
Lead, Educate, Advocate & Partner
E3 – Education for
Economic Empowerment
Certified digital education programme focusing on marketing, design, web & IT skills for refugee students
662 Participants
Future-Ready & Life Skills Workshops
Mentoring in key areas of career growth and coaching to promote personal wellness.
703 Participants
Virtual Internships
Partners provide online training, mentorship and work experience to refugees in the region.
105 Engagements
Figures from Jul 2021 to 28 Feb 2025
Building an Inclusive World
In Asia, the situation for asylum-seekers and refugees remains bleak. Limited access to healthcare, education, and legal employment exacerbate the daily battle for survival and represent a significant obstacle as people attempt to rebuild their lives post-displacement.
In 2021, JRS Singapore initiated LEAP@JRS — a community building initiative focused on nurturing professional skills for the individual and developing resilience and self-sustainability for the community.
LEAP@JRS encompasses:
- certified education programmes such as digital marketing, graphic design and Cisco academy courses;
- professional development sessions such as resume writing, interview and presentation skills;
- wellness programmes to better manage stress and enhance emotional resilience and
- virtual internships facilitated with values-aligned partners to prepare asylum seekers and refugees for future employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
“In the name of all those who persecute you, who have persecuted you, those who have hurt you, above all for the indifference of the world, I ask for forgiveness, forgiveness.”
~ Pope Francis in Bangladesh in 2017