Hello everyone, I’m Owen, a passionate lover of local hawker fare! My taste buds always crave the delicious flavours in every corner of Singapore. But beyond my love for food, I have a deep desire to nourish those less fortunate. That’s why many of my community projects revolve around food, aiming to make it accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
Outside of volunteering, I enjoy cycling, working out at the gym, caring for my cacti and Fu Gui Hua plants, and spending time with my ten terrapins. These activities bring balance to my life, allowing me to recharge and stay connected to nature.
Currently, I work as a community healthcare worker alongside a dedicated group of volunteers serving the elderly in our community.
In 2019, I was fortunate to be one of the finalists for the Silent Heroes Award. Through this experience, I first learned about this incredible award that recognises the unsung heroes in our society. While I didn’t win the prize, it didn’t dampen my spirits. The true joy for me comes from paying it forward and making a positive impact in the lives of others. Winning the Inspiring Youth Award in 2022 was a pleasant surprise. Still, I’ve always believed that the real reward lies in the fulfilment of serving others and building connections with like-minded individuals.
The inspiration behind Project Jiak Simi stemmed from a deep-rooted belief in preserving our seniors’ dignity. Imagine having lived a long life, only to lose the freedom of choosing the food you desire. This realisation motivated me to take action. Collaborating with Thong Teck Home for Senior Citizens, we initiated monthly outings to various hawker centres, allowing the residents to exercise their autonomy and select the food they crave. It may seem simple, but this initiative has brought back a sense of dignity and choice to their lives, meaningfully meeting their basic physiological needs.
Through these outings, we’ve witnessed the joy on their faces as they savour their favourite dishes, relishing the freedom to make their own culinary decisions. Beyond satisfying their physical hunger, the outings have fostered community and camaraderie among the residents. This is a small step towards enhancing their quality of life and reminding them that they are valued members of society.
There’s one particular senior whose life profoundly impacted me through my volunteering work. While volunteering with Cycling Without Age Singapore, I had the privilege of giving trishaw rides to residents at Sree Narayanan Mission Home. Among them, there was a special connection that formed between me and one resident. She became like a grandmother to me, and I would often bring her the food she craved and spend time talking with her whenever I visited the home. Our friendship grew more robust over time.
However, visiting restrictions were implemented when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and I couldn’t see her for a while. It was a challenging period. But one day, her grandson called me and invited me to join their Chinese New Year reunion lunch at her daughter’s place. It was a heartwarming gesture considering the limited number of guests allowed due to COVID-19 restrictions. During that lunch, I noticed her cognitive abilities were declining, and sadly, on April 1, 2022, I received the news from her grandson that she had passed away. I felt honoured to be part of her cherished memories in her final years.
Volunteering with Youth Corps Singapore presented its own set of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was aligning the schedules of high-calibre volunteers with numerous commitments. Finding time for volunteer work became a struggle. However, we utilised technology like Google Docs and held late-night meetings to collaborate and finalise proposals. As for Project Jiak Simi, attracting and retaining youth volunteers was challenging. Balancing work and studies made volunteering a secondary priority for many. Fortunately, I overcame this obstacle by nurturing strong relationships between the youth volunteers and the seniors. Through regular meet-ups, volunteering transformed into a friendship-building experience.
When faced with tough times, I find motivation and focus by envisioning the radiant smiles on the seniors’ faces when they get to venture outside and enjoy a day filled with excitement. Their happiness and the opportunity to make a positive difference in their lives are my driving force. Knowing that my efforts enhance their well-being keeps me motivated, even during the most challenging moments. Their joy inspires me to keep pushing forward and continue serving our community with passion and dedication.
Through Project Jiak Simi, I believe society can benefit. It’s about understanding that small acts of kindness can have a tremendous ripple effect. Even the simplest gestures can bring smiles to our seniors’ faces, reminding them they are valued and cherished. I have even learned the importance of listening to their desires and aspirations.
My ultimate goal with the seniors I work with is to bring them happiness and ensure they never feel alone or devoid of meaning in their lives. I want them to know that society cares deeply for them and their well-being.
Society should actively join them in paying it forward to recognise better and support silent heroes. When everyone starts thinking about how they can become a silent hero in someone else’s life, the world becomes a better and safer place. Let us embrace their selfless dedication and encourage others to follow their lead.
If you’re interested in positively impacting your community, I would advise you to understand the needs of those you serve. It’s essential to prioritise their needs over your own and approach your efforts with genuine care and empathy.
When I look ahead, I want to remind my future self to prioritise happiness over wealth. It’s essential to live a fulfilling life and leave a legacy of joy, love, and positive impact rather than simply pursuing material riches.
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