Shahril ‘Shahboo’ Hassan has been the soul of the Amber Family since 2008. As a former national rugby player, his ability to be both a leader and a team player is an important asset for Amber. Apart from his ruggedness, a naturally enthusiastic and vibrant character, his exuberant presence in the team is uplifting and highly contagious. Last but not least, a deeply compassionate person that strongly believes in second chances, Shahril is passionate about his work in aiding the development of others.
Never a conformist, Shahril was seen by many as a rebellious student in his earlier years in school. Today however, that ‘rebellious’ streak has translated into an aptitude to view things from a different perspective. Shahril’s desire to continually challenge the status quo has developed his ability to generate imaginative and innovative ideas as well. Such creative tenacity has helped the team produce groundbreaking programs that have been the hallmark of The Amber Initiative.
Shahril’s interest to develop others is not limited to those less fortunate than him. As an aspiring Trainer Consultant, he is also passionate about developing people in the corporate world. This has pushed him to learn more about training and development in his time in university, during his internship, and also from distinguished leaders. His knowledge of such methods and techniques has been, and will continue to be, vital in Amber’s quest to hold radical, distinctive, creative, yet effective conferences for its participants.
His genuine compassion and fierce belief that ‘everyone deserves a chance’ have been the result of his own life experiences. Through the darkest period of his life hitherto, when he was devoid of hope, there were people who there to lend a helping hand. One of those, was Lincoln Tan, Shahril’s rugby coach in Anglo-Chinese Junior College. Not only did Lincoln give him a helping hand, he gave Shahril the opportunity to shine and succeed. This gesture, of a man who went out of his way to help someone he barely knew, has been a regular source of inspiration for Shahril. Such experiences have allowed him to truly empathize with those who have been ostracized, sidelined, banished or shunned; And that is perhaps Shahril’s greatest strength.
Shahril is currently in his fourth and final year at Singapore Management University (SMU). He will be graduating with a Bachelor of Social Science, majoring in both Psychology and Organizational Behavior & Human Resource. Prior to SMU, he was a student of Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) and Anglo-Chinese Junior College. But more importantly, Shahril is Amber for life!
