There are many inspiring stories about construction foreign workers in Singapore and I recently got to know one who has inspired me…
He is H, a 36 years old Bangladeshi handyman who landed in Singapore 13 years ago with a clear vision, that is to give his extended family a better life and bring them out of poverty. He works extremely hard towards his vision, and with the right mindset and attitude and a good heart, he has come a long way…
H was my sister Michelle’s contractor turned friend and we recently met up with H for coffee. I was so inspired by his story that I have invited Michelle to co-write this article to share his story (with his permission)…
From Michelle … quote
How We Met
We first met four years ago when I engaged his services to paint my house which was looking very old.
-
I was so moved by his humble and sincere attitude. He was very sharp and was able to spot genuine needs to upsell his services to expand his work scope. What started as a paintwork grew into a much bigger renovation project.
-
H and his brothers had transformed my house and completed per commitment. We were both very happy with the entire outcome.
We soon became friends after this project and I have the pleasure to virtually meet his wife over a video call, together with their 7 years old son and a 4 years old daughter.
A Family Man With Selfless Love
H lost his father at the age of 12 and was left with no choice but to step up the responsibility to shoulder the role of a father to his two young siblings aged 8 and 5 then.
He was a very smart boy who always topped in class, but had to give up his studies to support the family.
13 years on since his first arrival into Singapore as a foreign worker, he very proudly and happily shared with me the family progress.
Selfless siblings love…His brother is now a very successful government official and sister has married well to a good husband who is now a practising doctor. They are extremely grateful to H for his sacrifices but he expects nothing in return..
His Heart Is Always With His Family…When he first saw my old computer, he immediately thought of his daughter and his mannerism has somehow prompted me to give him the computer without him even asking.
His next goal is to groom his two children through university and his vision is for his daughter to be a medical doctor.
He Is A kind Soul
H is a really kind soul and always thinking about others above self. When he was doing my house renovation project, he would always make sure his co-workers whom he calls brothers were well taken care. They have been riding through good and bad times together.
Despite his recent success with many jobs line up with a spike in demand due to Covid labour supply shortage, H remains very grounded, humble and not greedy. He once told me no job is too small for him and $1 is still money.
I am grateful for his kind extension of help recently when I needed to get an urgent renovation done. He volunteered to work long hours to help me.
….unquote
There are so many things we can learn from H’s life, a simple man with a good heart. His resilience, kindness and humility has helped him thrived through bad times and come out stronger.
Co-writer Michelle & Lyn 🌻😊
Lyn,
Thanks for sharing your inspiring story. If we make time for people around us, irrespective of race, religion, status, we will notice and be willing to listen to those who care and love unconditionally. We will extend our love, hospitality and giving. Keep up with your good work. We all continuously have to learn from others. Never say we know it all. Goodnight from England.
Absolutely agreed Spring. Many underprivileged individuals are actually very smart and can go very far… sometimes all they need is just a stepping stone that can help open up doors of opportunities.
Very inspiring story! Thanks for sharing Lyn. I believe happy people are those who have a purpose in life!
Glad you find the story inspiring SKL and thank you sharing your thoughts, agreed !
Thanks Lyn for sharing! Very inspiring story of a humble beginning, but happy and fulfilling life. Thankful for foreign workers who toil and make our lives in spore much better.
So happy you can relate with the story. Indeed grateful to our foreign workers for their contributions to Singapore.
Lovely story of a foreign worker. Everyone of them has their own story, its never easy to leave their families behind to earn their keeps in a foreign land. Thanks for sharing this story of a beautiful soul.
Yes everyone has a story.. I am so grateful that H’s story has inspired you and many others. Thanks Viv for sharing your thoughts !
Tks for sharing
Respect a person with good character not their background
You have compassionate heart ❤️
Thanks Huat and totally agree with your point on respect…
Thanks for sharing. Not only is his story inspiring but the fact that you chose to share his story though he is not a celebrity says volumes about you too. There are so many simple minded folks out there who can inspire us only if we bother to look around.
Thank you Sai for your kind comments. Absolutely agreed with you, there many folks out there who live a simple but yet happy and fulfilling life with a purpose.
Lovely story
It’s people like H who remind us about the important things in life
Great point Josh, thank you for sharing !
Thanks Lyn for sharing a story of such inspiring and matured young family man like H. He has shown us, regardless of background, that with grit and belief, one can go on to achieve his dreams.
Hi Bee Eng, so glad you find the story and H’s life inspiring too. Yes indeed with grit and belief, one can go a long way ! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts, thank you !
Be grounded and Connected with the souls are so important for us!
Thanks for the sharing and reminder !
Absolutely on point, the importance of being grounded and connected with souls ! Thanks Dennis for your sharing your thoughts.
Very inspiring! His kindness and sacrifice for his family is tremendous and yet going on without blinking an eye to see the dreams for his children!
Selfless.
Exactly spot on, his kindness and selfless love is what keeps him going to live his life’s purpose ! Thanks NS for sharing your thoughts !