Category: SurvivorsPage 2 of 4

Afiq: Once an Obese Kid, Boxing Coach Hopes to Transform Lives with Empathy

People of Legends | ““I was that fat kid for most of my childhood. I just remember liking to eat a lot in school. You cannot find many photos of me from back then because I tried to avoid taking pictures as much as possible…

Yiqian: How a Young Woman’s Discovery of Boxing Helped with Her ADHD

People of Legends | “I think boxing has helped me manage my ADHD because it forces me to concentrate and stay calm, which is something I am still working on improving, given that my mind often goes into overdrive.”

Atika: Bullied for Being Different, She Found Comfort in Heavy Metal

“I started experiencing anxiety and depression when I was 10-years-old. Being the only Malay girl in Chinese Dance, I was bullied a lot in school. Although I was accepted by my friends and teachers in the CCA, I was ostracised by people of my own race.”

Jason Lam: Time Lost Behind Bars Spurs Creative to Live a More Courageous, Purpose-Driven Life

“My biggest fear is dying and not having tried, and I have a lot of visions that I want to make a reality. At the same time, I am afraid of putting myself out there because there’s always a fear of failure. But I’d rather fail now than not try at all.’

Gabriel Wong: From Receiving Death Threats After Leaving a Scam Company in Singapore to Becoming the CEO of His Own Marketing Business

“The worst thing I feared came true when I left the company. I was accused of stealing clients’ money. Debt collectors started chasing me and I started receiving death threats from the company’s clients…”

Francisco: At 50, Inspiring Mexican in Singapore Sees Boxing as a Metaphor for Life

People of Legends | “In the ring, you’re by yourself. You may get punched or knocked down, and regardless of whether you win or lose, you gotta stand up and keep going. That’s how things go in real life.”

Firwan Johan: Singaporean Singer-Songwriter Details Heartbreak of Music Career in Malaysia and Why He Never Gave Up

The Prudent People | “I don’t think you should ever give up on something you love, just because times get hard. After everything you’ve been through, you should have given up a long time ago. So why do you suddenly want to give up now? Keep going!”

Thambi Natta: Singaporean Rapper Moves on from Life Behind Bars and Toxic Relationship with Ex to Focus on His Music, Career and Happiness

“I do not condone violence towards women, and I understand why the online community reacted the way they did. But, people do not know the full story, and it’s not their business to know any more than what I – or anyone involved – would like to share.”

Ashley Low: Grit, Hard Work and Surviving Abusive Relationship with Ex-Boyfriend Catalysed Success of her Baby Photography Business

“During those two years, he was sober for only six months. Yet everyday, being sober was a mental battle for him, and I wasn’t aware of it. Whenever he was on edge and I triggered him, it took everything within him to restrain himself from drinking his problems away.”

Azmi: How Surviving Cancer Gave Him a New Lease on Life

The Prudent People | “People always say that they don’t have time to pursue something, but that’s just an excuse. To live life without accomplishments feels like you’re not living at all. If you want to do something that makes you fulfilled, do it. Go do it while you still have the time.”

Jeremy Foo: Heartbreaking Death of Unborn Son Inspired Name and Rebirth of His Business

“I knew that if I had shut down the business, there would be nothing left except to look back in regret. I would forever link the business to the death of my son. That cannot be the case. That cannot be the way I remember my son.”

Detrack: From Struggling Students to Millionaire Business Owners, Husband and Wife Look Beyond Grades When Hiring

“So to all the aspiring dreamers out there, just believe in yourself. There will be external forces saying you’re no good or that you’re lousy, but if you don’t believe in yourself, nobody else will. And if you want to achieve anything in life, you have to fight for it.”

Aylwin Aaron: From Daunting Hardships to Successful Sports Massage Therapist in Singapore

“I started in sports therapy earning less than $50 a month. I was exploited and went through depression and faced so many challenges…but I have a successful career now and I go to work happy to see my clients and loving what I do.”

Hidayah: Self-Care for the Caretaker of a Sibling with Bipolar Disorder

“If I have any advice for other caretakers, it’s to learn to have empathy and compassion for yourself. I think many times we think that we can do better and must do better. But we are human and there is only so much you can do for yourself and your loved ones.”

Kyle Neo: Cancer Survivor Finds Healing Through Buddhism and Creative Design

Inspiring Creatives of Workbuddy | “I’m 40 this year and I’m pleased to tell people I’m 40 because at 33, I was diagnosed with cancer…”

Shakur: Boxing Helps Former Secret Society Member Find Purpose in Life

People of Legends | “When I was in prison, my counsellor told me that since I like to fight so much, why not fight in the ring instead? He told me I was smart but I was letting my friends control me. I can think for myself; don’t be their puppet. I took his advice to heart.”

Chunhui: Not Defined by Handicap, She Gives Back to Society

Humans of Habitat Singapore | “I guess I’m still a work in progress. Maybe one day I would be more at peace and wander around without the artificial arm and not care about anyone staring. Perhaps one day I can fully embrace the person whom God made me instead of hiding it from the world.”

MMA Fighter Amir Khan: Overcoming Tourette, Bullying and Losses to Become a Champion in Life

“That’s what life is about. It’s about winning and losing. And if you do lose, it’s about how you overcome the failures to prove your self-worth. Never give up…”

Azzy Mozerin: From Bullied Student to Aspirational Actor, Writer and Director

“I used to blame myself a lot. Why did you let people bully you? Why did you let people criticise you? You cannot do anything. You suck. But I’ve learnt that forgiveness is very important in life…”

Alex Cates: Bullied for Being Dyslexic, Youth Found Love for Boxing

People of Legends | “Because I’m dyslexic, I got judged for being very behind in class. I was mentally and physically abused by the other kids in school; but, it doesn’t matter anymore because I’ve worked hard to be at the level where I’m at now.”