Chen Xiuhuan’s eldest daughter, Shanisse Tsai, graduated from the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine in April. The 22-year-old has since started working as a houseman at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, and got her first paycheck this month.

Speaking to 8days.sg over the phone, Xiuhuan shared that while she's fully supportive of her daughter's career, she can't help but be worried about Shanisse being on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19.

People always talk about how grateful we are to the healthcare workers and I agree, said Xiuhuan. But now, my daughter is on the frontlines. I can't help but feel uneasy, but being a doctor is her calling so I'll support her wholeheartedly.

Xiuhuan has also taken it upon herself to remind Shanisse to take the necessary precautions to keep everyone at home safe, including her grandparents who are in their 80s.

[Shanisse] is also very mindful about [disinfecting herself], and the hospital has also put in place very stringent rules to guard against the pandemic, so we know that her safety is being taken care of, she added. But it's dangerous working on the frontlines so everyone at home is being very careful just in case.

Xiuhuan also let on that Shanisse was one of the healthcare workers who were shunned by Grab drivers who kept cancelling on her when she was trying to get home.

After we knew about what had happened, her dad and I offered to ferry her, along with any of her colleagues who couldn't get a ride home after work. [Shanisse] turned down our offer as she didn't want to put us at unnecessary risk. Thankfully, the hospital has worked out something and transport is no longer an issue for them.

The actress also shared her hope that healthcare workers will no longer be shunned by the public.

Everyone on the frontlines is having a really tough time. Judging them or shying away from them just because of their workplace isn't right. They're fighting this virus for all of our sakes.

On a more lighthearted note, she revealed on IG that Shanisse spent her first paycheck in a very meaningful way: by giving ang pows to the elders who watched her grow up.

“[I received] a very special red packet. I was very touched and my eyes were brimming with tears when I got it,” wrote Xiuhuan. “My daughter gave me a red packet with the money that she got from her first pay check. I later found out that she also gave one to her father, grandfather, paternal and maternal grandmothers, and godmother. Goodness, she must have spent a bomb! I'm worried that she spent her entire pay check just like that.”

She continued, “Perhaps this is an example of how mothers always worry about their kids; but at the same time, I’m relieved to know that my daughter is all grown up. I’m about to cry [writing this].”

Xiuhuan also posted a photo of the very sweet message Shanisse wrote at the back of the red packet.

“Dear Mum, after 17 years of formal education, I am finally a doctor who just got my very first pay yesterday. I am sometimes still in disbelief that I am living my dream career and I know it’s because of all your love and sacrifices,” wrote the newly-minted Dr Tsai.

“I look back and I see you pushing me to beyond what I can do, encouraging me to always give my best shot at everything. You gave up your dream career so that I may have mine. This sacrifice is insurmountable. Thank you for all the time and effort you spent in nurturing me [and] for helping me achieve my goal with all that you have. I owe this life that I have, all to you. While this may not be much, I wish to express my gratitude for the whole world that you have given me that I may be standing at where I am today. Without your incredible love for me, I would have had nothing. I will continue to work hard and do you guys proud with all that you have taught me. Love you so much!”

Update (Mar 19, 5pm): Grab has since reacted to the recent rise in community cases by recruiting more volunteer driver-partners for GrabCare, which was created last year with the aim of making it easier for healthcare professionals to get to and from hospitals seamlessly.

A Grab spokesperson has also reached out to 8days.sg to share that “more hygiene kits available for our driver- and delivery- partners to collect at predetermined hours to prevent overcrowding.”

Grab added, “Finally, to demonstrate our solidarity and encouragement, we will be providing GrabFood promo codes to all doctors and nurses who are serving [their] Stay Home Notice.”

Photos: Chen Xiuhuan's Instagram, Shanisse Tsai's Instagram