Singapore's Everyday Heroes - Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact
It’s not every day we get to shout out the people who’ve gone above and beyond to make a difference.
These incredible individuals may come from all walks of life, but they share one thing in common: their selflessness has inspired us all this year, going above and beyond to help others in times of need.
Here are some of the amazing everyday heroes of 2024:
RSAF captain resuscitates man in Hougang
In early Nov, Captain (Dr) Tan Yu Xiang of the Royal Singapore Air Force (RSAF) 1st Medical Squadron was off duty when he noticed a man in Hougang collapse from cardiac arrest. Without missing a beat, Tan sprang into action, performing CPR.
Fellow good Samaritans pitched in, fetching an AED and a medical kit. Thanks to their quick thinking, the man’s pulse stabilised before SCDF paramedics arrived. Tan’s takeaway? "Every member of the public who helped that evening "played a key role.”
Foreign worker duo to the rescue in Canberra Road
On an ordinary lunch run 20 Oct, Bangladeshi worker Jahir spotted something a three-year-old boy standing precariously on a third-storey ledge. Teaming up with Myanmar national Sa Thu Ya Aung, Jahir jumped into action, pulling off a heroic rescue.
For their bravery, the pair were presented with the SCDF Community Lifesaver Award. Jahir’s reason for helping? “When I saw the boy, I felt it could have been my child also, so I tried to help,” thinking about his a seven-year-old son back home.
Retired but not retiring: SPF hero in church stabbing
When a priest was stabbed during service at a Bukit Timah church on 9 Nov, retired police officer Richard Tan Chai Boon didn’t hesitate. Drawing on his SPF Special Operations Command training, he and a fellow congregant Damien Liew Khee Rui disarmed the attacker, preventing further harm.
For their quick thinking and bravery, the duo received the SPF Public Spiritedness Award. A true reminder that heroes never really retire - Richard was formerly a member of Singapore Police Force (SPF) Special Operations Command and led the team responsible for the security of Singapore's founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew.
Deliveryman and neighbour to the rescue in Yishun
On 5 Sep, deliveryman Chua Lee Koon noticed an elderly man was found sitting precariously on the 10th-floor ledge of an HDB block. He immediately called for help, while shouting for him to move to safety. Hearing the commotion, neighbour Saride Venkata Kasi Viswanadh rushed out of his home to assist. Together, they tried persuading the man to climb down.
When the Police arrived, both men worked with officers to bring the elderly man back to safety.
For their bravery and quick thinking, both were awarded the Public Spiritedness Award by the Woodlands Police Division.
Teamwork saves a life in Pasir Ris
Quick-thinking teamwork saved a life in Pasir Ris on 7 Sep. Khairul Ezwan Razman Surya and Affina Nisyyah Binti Azman were at home when a neighbour alerted them to a cardiac arrest incident in a nearby unit. Without hesitation, they rushed over and called 995 for assistance. They began CPR on the man while awaiting help.
Meanwhile, Mark Eli Fernando, who had been notified of the incident via the SCDF myResponder app, retrieved an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) from a nearby lift lobby. Mark handed the AED to Affina, who set it up and administered it. The man regained consciousness before SCDF's Emergency Medical Services arrived. For their life-saving actions, Khairul, Affina, and Mark were honoured with the SCDF Community Lifesaver Award.
Inspired by what he saw during the pandemic, Manfred Neo focuses his career on helping migrant workers access affordable, quality healthcare. | IMAGES: FACEBOOK/@SATA.COMMHEALTH, MANFRED NEO
Championing migrant workers’ health
Manfred Neo, 32, dedicates his time to supporting migrant workers through SATA CommHealth’s Medical Centre for Migrant Workers project. He says, “Migrant workers encounter difficulties in articulating their medical conditions or concerns, often requiring considerable patience to comprehend their expressions.”
From navigating language barriers to advocating for better resources, Manfred’s work ensures these essential workers receive the healthcare they deserve. He says, “Their stories of perseverance and determination have inspired me to dedicate myself to making a meaningful difference in their lives.”
Edwin Chaw shared his story at Beyond The Label Fest in September. | IMAGE: TOUCH COMMUNITY SERVICES
Advocating for mental health awareness
Edwin Chaw, 32, is on a mission to destigmatise mental health. Edwin shares his personal struggles to inspire change at work and beyond as a Beyond The Label ambassador, a nationwide movement to address stigma and promoting social inclusion for persons with mental health conditions.
Edwin offers practical advice for those struggling with mental health. "Don’t be afraid of considering therapy or medication," he says, emphasising that mental health conditions, like physical ailments, require proper treatment and can be managed with the right support. His advice, “Your mental health challenges are just that—challenges, not permanent limiters.”
Our writer joined this year's Rent-a-Craft, Pay-by-Trash campaign to clean up our waters. | IMAGE: NG KAI
Eco-warriors on the water
This December, participants in the annual "Rent-a-Craft, Pay-by-Trash" campaign by People’s Association (PA) PAssion Wave paddled through Singapore’s waters, scooping up marine litter and doing their part to make Singapore a cleaner, greener place.
For a token $1 fee, they rented kayaks or stand-up paddleboards, with proceeds supporting pro-bono programmes like the Kayak ‘N’ Klean programme for underprivileged groups.
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