ST Forum: Singaporean of the Year had the conviction to do something for others

Congratulations to all the Singaporeans considered and shortlisted for The Straits Times  Singaporean of the Year award (“Doctor who started clinic for people with intellectual disabilities is ST Singaporean of the Year”, March 19).

It is heartening and inspiring to read about their backgrounds and stories that led them to do what they are doing for their fellow human beings.  

Dr Chen Shiling deserves the award for her decision to unselfishly leave her government hospital job to start a clinic to take care of the intellectually challenged. 

It takes someone with the conviction that she can make a difference to take such a journey in uncharted territory. As in most entrepreneurship journeys, that conviction is the most important factor. Risks, challenges, personal sacrifices and opportunity costs are also key considerations.

I applaud Dr Chen for making it to this part of her journey and wish her well. I hope this accomplishment will motivate more Singaporeans, especially those professionally trained, to strive to make a difference in society – not when they are financially successful, but ideally as soon as they can. 

It’s only when we have each other’s back, look beyond our personal priorities and make some sacrifices that we can say we are a developed nation. We don’t wait till we are in our retirement years to do this.  

I would also like to suggest that the Ministry of Health look closer at the entire medical infrastructure to ensure there are no obvious gaps like those Dr Chen discovered that led her to start her clinic.

Paul Heng