It is often said that Singapore’s “hub” status spans multiple industries: Biotechnology, finance, aviation, trade, healthcare, and the list goes on.

But I would like to recount an incident that illustrates how Singaporeans are more than just datasets on a table and statistics that are used for comparison with another country’s economic status.

As Singapore strives to become a hub in all things measurable and all things material, it would be a shame if we failed to acknowledge our most definitive strengths that, ironically, cannot be measured.

Last month, I went to a coffee shop along Sixth Avenue to take away my usual lunch.

Unfortunately, a stroke of absent-mindedness, coupled with the rush to avoid the lunch crowd and an impending downpour, caused me to misplace my wallet and mobile phone as I hurried home, which was nearby.

It was only two hours after slurping my last strand of wanton noodles that I realised that my pockets were empty.

Panic set in as I scrambled to search for the lost items.

Replacing my phone and its contents would be nothing short of a nightmare.

Even worse, it would be unforgivable to misplace the wallet that my girlfriend gifted me with on my 21st birthday.

Using my computer, I traced the location of my phone and was disheartened to discover that it was in Bedok.

Thankfully, the phone remained near Bedok North Neighbourhood Police Centre, which pointed to the possibility that it was being handed over to the police. 

As luck would have it, my phone and wallet were both returned to the police centre, with their contents untouched.

I did not manage to identify the kind soul who returned my belongings, so I hope that this letter will give me the opportunity to extend a word of thanks and show my immense gratitude for the act of kindness.

The kindness and integrity of Singaporeans rarely make headlines and receive the recognition they deserve.

As the world continues to weather the relentless Covid-19 storm, kindness has never been more important to ensure that no one suffers disproportionately and undeservedly.

I am immensely grateful to be a beneficiary of kindness.

I hope that this account will encourage you to pay it forward and contribute to Singapore’s roaring success as a global hub for kindness.

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