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Articles by Esther Liaw
Tales of Kindness in our Little Red Dot
“Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.” – Bob Kerrey. Indeed, little acts of kindness can often be spotted like beacons of hope in everyday life, and today, we want to share some stories by three individuals recounting acts of kindness they’ve received. Next stop: Kindness station! How often have we strolled to the nearest bus stop, only to find the bus departing just as we arrive? It’s a common scenario we’ve all experienced.
Commentary: Void decks should not be void of people
RESPECT IS KEY Building a cohesive society is a collective community responsibility. No matter where we play and gather, it is vital to be mindful of the needs of others. We should also be aware that some noise is unavoidable when living in a community. When we know our neighbours, and should conflict arise, we can resolve the conflict without first going to the authorities. The bottom line is how best can we build a cohesive inclusive society?
When Two Odd Puzzle Pieces Fit Perfectly
Heartbreak happens. Then, you determine your path – move forward and remain open to the possibility of loving again or close that door forever? Initially, I remained open post break-up until 2010 when I was diagnosed with complications. As I watched my parents age overnight, as their only child kept going in and out of the hospital like it was going out of style, so I made a choice. I contemplated the following questions: Who could possibly want to be with someone like me?
Unity in Diversity: Love Beyond Cultural Differences
Mr Murali Dharan and Ms Sandie Soh’s first dinner date conversation veered far from the typical romantic script. Driven by concerns about Murali’s dietary restrictions, Sandie wanted to seek clarification on his ethnicity and religion. In an attempt to broach the topic, she awkwardly blurted out, “What are you?” Despite the initial surprise, Murali understood her intentions and they shared a laugh afterwards. However, the subject of race continued to linger throughout that evening.
Connecting Generations- Lion Dance with Pride
I remember when I was still in primary school, cheering excitedly as I watched the cool lions prance around on the large stage, bolstered by the jubilant clangs of the cymbals and rhythmic beating of the large drums. Lion dance performances always brought a unique celebratory atmosphere that signalled— Chinese New Year was officially here.
Puppy Pages: Painting a Brighter Future for Shelter Dogs
From a young age, Ms Tan Sze Wei, 43, has always loved books and dogs, adopting her first stray when she was 13 years old. So when she learned from a friend who volunteers at the Forget Me Not Shelter that it costs about $450 monthly to care for a stray, she wanted to help ease this financial burden. “I initially wanted to raise funds with one of my son’s space-themed paintings featuring a dog, but I realise one painting might not suffice. So I thought how about I write a book?” she said.
Shaping a Positive World, One Story at a Time
Stories have an unparalleled ability to captivate, inspire, and, ultimately, change the world. From ancient fables to modern narratives, the impact of stories extends far beyond entertainment—they shape perceptions, influence attitudes, and drive positive change. Many of history’s most significant societal shifts have been fuelled by stories that inspired change. I remember reading about Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
New Year’s Resolutions - Practical or Idealistic?
We are a couple of days into 2024 and how are those resolutions going? How many have going to the gym or doing some form of exercise as their new year resolution? How about getting started on that hobby that they have been saying they will start for years? Or are you a voracious reader like me, and having set higher and higher reading goals have decided to up the ante and increase that already crazy high number by another 50 per cent?
Ikigai: Boss Up to Be Greater in 2024
Let’s be real, if we really wanted to be healthier, do that passion project or finally read that book we’ve been putting off, we could have done it at any time of the year. It’s hard to inculcate new healthy routines you see online or become a changed person within days. I’m sure we all wish that we could tick off a long list of resolutions without losing motivation so quickly. So, for 2024, why not try Ikigai?
All I Want for Christmas is You...to be Kind
You know that Christmas is coming as you can expect a number of things. You will hear Mariah Carey’s money-making Christmas hit either on the radio or at shopping malls being played to death or you will be bombarded with advertisements about Christmas sales that emphasise the materialism of this much-loved season. There has to be more to Christmas than consumerism, right?
It’s More Than a Wee Problem if Coffee Shop Toilets in Singapore are Dirty
Singapore often plays host to high-profile conferences and prominent events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix in September. It is consistently voted as a top Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) destination. On an international cruise last month, I listened to guest speaker and retired Canadian diplomat Terry Greenberg give a glowing picture of Singapore as an extremely clean and green nation as the vessel prepared to arrive in Singapore.
Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe-bidden Fruit?
Ever wondered how ‘A cute corgi living in a house made of sushi’ would look like? With AI-generated art, all you need is a prompt for your imagination to come alive. How our relationship with art has evolved Art has the power to connect. Whether it’s Van Gogh’s paintings depicting his inner world or Monet’s impressionist paintings, each has a story to tell – of emotions and cultural significance.
Heart, Sweat, and Tears: The Grit of Social Workers
The rain pelted the grounds, and lightning flashed dangerously. It seemed a gloomy start to what was supposed to be a day of celebration, highlighting the outstanding social workers who inspired others with their sterling contributions. But none of this could dampen the spirits of the social workers gathered at the Istana to celebrate the awards. And eventually their spirit won. Just before the start of the ceremony at 3pm, the rains cleared.
You're Not On Your Own, Kid
Please note that for this article, names and identifying details have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the clients mentioned. When I used to work in the social services, I often worked with children from the poorest families. Let me take you into the lives of one of them. Joe is the third of five children. With her children aged one, two, four, five, and six respectively, Kathleen, the mother, was extremely stressed when I first met her.
Tell me Why...I Grew Up in the 90s Cause I Want it That Way
The ‘90s in Singapore, as described by the older generation, seemed like a time when the pace of living was slower, the smiles were warmer, and the connections deeper. The contrast of the ‘90s era with the digital chaos of today often leaves me with a bittersweet feeling. It made me long for a time I never had the chance to experience yet feel a deep connection with. Although I was born in the year 2002, at times, I feel like an old soul.
Their Golden Years: Stories of Continued Purpose
I reckon many of us have had our fair share of gripes about the daily grind, yearning for the days when our lives will revolve around endless leisure and relaxation – that elusive retirement dream. But in a world where retirement often beckons once we hit a certain age, here are five senior citizens who are defying that script, crumpling it up, and tossing it out the window.
TGIS: A Book Club for the Curious Soul
Gosh. There are more people in the room than I expected. It’s July 2023, a year since this non-fiction book club started. Against all odds, this book club has been surviving. No, scratch that. You could say it’s thriving. But I can hardly believe it. Because when it first started, I didn’t expect this to last more than a few months. It was more a hopeful toss into the unknown, than a purposeful, intentional effort to make something as hopeful as the community I saw in front of me today.
Let’s Celebrate Racial Harmony during the Festival of Lights
As one of the major cultural festivals in Singapore, Deepavali (also known as Diwali or the Festival of Lights) is a celebration that marks the triumph of good over evil. It’s when thousands of Hindu families, in our country and across the world, transform their homes into beacons of light and share feasts with families and friends. I’ll always remember the breakfasts my mum would make when I was a young boy – thosai with chicken curry that we’ll wolf down before putting on our new clothes.
There Is No Age Limit for Pursuing Your Passion
“All your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arise…” This is a line from a popular Beatles tune but could very well refer to Stephen Gomez’s love for music. “I was young when I realized I wanted to have a life that involved music,” the 68-year-old says. “My father was not happy, but how do I just ignore what I was good at? I just knew I wanted this life.” He knew he wanted to be a musician since he was a young lad in the 1960s, and this belief stayed all the way into adulthood.
Should Commuters be Banned from Watching Loud Videos on their Phones on Public Transport?
SINGAPORE: In the cramped confines of a crowded bus or train, where personal space is a luxury, there are few things more infuriating than the shrill laughter or pulsating music of a TikTok video from a fellow commuter’s phone. It’s a scene that plays out all too often in public transportation. Just as in the realm of neighbourhood estates, where mahjong sessions or karaoke singing can disrupt the peace of others, noise in public transportation presents a unique blend of irritations.
From Skeptic to Advocate: A Deeper Understanding of Volunteering
I’ve never volunteered to volunteer before. The only time I have participated in such activities were during compulsory beach clean-up sessions back in secondary school. Burning under the hot sun, dragging my feet as I looked around me, I didn’t know where to start. The moment I picked up some rubbish, a crashing wave would just send more onto the shore. It was like trying to fill up the sea with pebbles- insignificant and impossible. What was the point? It frustrated me to no end.
TGIS: A Book Club for the Curious Soul
This is the story of Jia Li, the founder of The Saturday Book Club, as told to John. Gosh. There are more people in the room than I expected. It’s July 2023, a year since the book club started. Against all odds, this book club has been surviving. No, scratch that. You could say it’s thriving. But I can hardly believe it. Because when it first started, I didn’t expect this to last more than a few months.
Collaborating with our Migrant Heroes to care for Stray Animals
“If it weren’t for feeding stray animals, I don’t think I’d ever have the opportunity to talk to a migrant worker,” shared Daryl Mah, one of the five co-founders of The Stray Affairs. Driven by a shared mission to help stray animals in Singapore, they care for over 150 dogs and 90 cats who call industrial estates like Kranji and Lim Chu Kang their home. “These are places of work. People go there and then they leave.
B-Greater by Keeping the Vibe on Lock
No matter which rapper created the soundtracks of your childhood, rap music has culminated and reached an audience like never before, especially in an era where music platforms like Spotify and Soundcloud are just a click away, no matter where you are in the world. Rap, or hip-hop, isn’t just a genre; it’s a culture, a community, a voice that tells the stories of the streets, the narratives of the neglected, and the hopes of the hustlers.
Terese Teoh: A Young Advocate Making Waves in Singapore’s Environmental Scene
At just 22 years old, Terese Teoh has made her mark on the local and global environmental landscape. In addition to serving as the President of Singapore Youth for Climate Action (SYCA), she was also the youngest candidate honoured with the 10 for Zero Award, presented to 10 youth advocates for their unwavering dedication to forging a future of zero waste and carbon emissions. But Terese’s achievements extend beyond the national stage.
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