There is a Chinese saying: 饮水思源. It means “remember the root of your happiness even as you enjoy your current blessings. While often used to refer to families, we believe it can apply to many other things: our jobs, our health… and even our country.
Singapore is a beautiful country. We have grown from a newly independent city with little infrastructure to a glistening and cosmopolitan nation. Yet all the high-rise buildings and stunning skyscrapers that characterise Orchard Road did not spring from the ground fully formed. The truth is, the backbone of our country was built on the literal backbones of our foreign workers, who work in construction and other forms of menial labour.
These men and women left their homes in search of a better life, and decided to come here to ply an honest trade. Working long hours in the blazing sun for a chance to remit money to their loved ones hundreds of kilometres away. And yet we often overlook these people and pretend they don’t exist.
We celebrate their creations but turn a blind eye to the creators. It’s a thankless job indeed!
As we celebrate labour day, let’s remember our country’s literal labourers as well. They’ve contributed so much to this city we call home. Let’s show them a little kindness in return!
Warm regards,
Shirley Ng
PDS International Pte Ltd
Email: enquiry@pdssafety.com.sg
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