I applaud Mr Weevyn To for having the courage to allow his story to be told publicly in The Straits Times ("From gangster to social worker"; Monday).

Stories like his will surely act as an inspiration to people who have lost their way in life and who yearn for a second chance.

The various people who made a difference in Mr To's life have acted with compassion and are praiseworthy, including his late grandfather, grassroots volunteer Patrick Chan and Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

It is good for Singapore to have this kind of kindness and compassion in society.

I wish Mr To well and hope that he will fulfil his aspiration and calling as a social worker with deep compassion.

Zee Kok Eng