Whenever we say someone is a typical Singaporean, it usually has a negative connotation.
Aiyah, look at Ah Hock, such a typical Singaporean, queuing up for face masks five hours before the store closes.
Aiyo, look at Ah Hock, selling all the face masks he bought on Carousell for higher prices. Such a typical Singaporean.
Aiyo, look at Ah Hock in this video:
This time, however, someone has good things to say about us.
S’pore President Did a FB Video to Talk About COVID-19 & Said It Brought Out the Best in S’poreans
The COVID-19 coronavirus has been the bane of our existence for the last month or so.
Just yesterday, three more cases were confirmed in Singapore, bringing the total to 96 cases.
But, according to President Halimah Yacob, it has also brought out the best in us.
Facebook speech
In a video posted on Facebook, the President talked about the struggles all of us are facing during this outbreak.
You can watch it here:
She mentioned how Singaporeans are worried about the safety of their families, and how the economy has been affected as well.
But she said that it is “during times like these that I see the best of Singaporeans”.
Us? Really?
Yes.
Healthcare workers
President Yacob first mentioned our healthcare workers, the heroes we need but don’t deserve.
She described how these workers served patients “courageously and tirelessly” despite being “concerned about their own health”.
And as you know, many of them are shunned in public by people who treat them like diseased beings.
That’s why these healthcare workers deserve our appreciation.
President Yacob also mentioned the other essential workers like those who work in transport, environment, and law and order, and how they’ve worked hard so that Singaporeans can “continue to enjoy basic services without disruption”.
The goody thing is that frontline healthcare workers are going to get one-month bonus for their efforts. Pretty lit, isn’t it?
Volunteers
And how can we forget those who took time out of their busy schedules to help others?
President Yacob pointed out that many Singaporeans volunteered their time and resources to support healthcare workers.
Other volunteers “brought the hygiene message” to the community, especially to seniors, children, and persons with disabilities.
Came together in crisis
The President ended her speech with an inspiring message:
“We rallied together because we know that this battle cannot be fought only through medical means. We need the psychological and social resilience as well to overcome COVID-19.”
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“To everyone, I say a big thank you. You have made us proud to be Singaporeans”.
Maybe one day in the future, when another Ah Hock is described as a typical Singaporean, it’ll be a compliment.
Lest you didn’t know, our Prime Minister has also come out earlier to talk directly to Singaporeans earlier this month:
Guess it’s really soothing to hear leaders address our fears.
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Our boss just said that he’s also going to do a video to address Singaporeans…
Reader Bao: Ah, no wonder the Goody Feed YouTube channel has so few subscribers
…which is why we’re still trying to discourage him.
