Living Well: When a cert is more important than a cheque

Awards are a source of inspiration, filling people with hope and the determination to succeed despite the obstacles in their way

New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

Many of the certificates or awards we garner through the course of our lives end up in forgotten files stashed away at the bottom of an old cupboard or, worse, unceremoniously in the junk heap.

Sporting trophies may remain on the bookshelves or display cabinets a little longer, but again with shifting life priorities and space constraints, these inevitably end up making way for the Lalique crystal vase or the Baccarat wine glasses that look more appealing than the tarnished bronze trophy that says you were third in a bowling competition 45 years ago.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 19, 2019, with the headline Living Well: When a cert is more important than a cheque. Subscribe