10-year-old who volunteered with parents since she was three wins award for compassion

SINGAPORE – When she was just three years old, Chia Sze En was already accompanying her parents to visit seniors living in rental flats in MacPherson to check on their well-being as part of volunteer work for Lions Befrienders. 

At seven, inspired by her mother who works in the social service sector, she began her formal volunteering journey with the Singapore Cancer Society.

There, at the society’s yearly fund-raising runs, Relay For Life and Race Against Cancer, and other events like Cancer Survivors Day, she helped in the set-up, packing and registration.

One of the fund-raising runs helped raised over $8,000 for cancer patients.

On July 5, Sze En, a pupil of Tao Nan School, was one of the 84 young individuals across 37 schools who received the Singapore Silent Heroes Student Award. Launched in 2023 by the Civilians Association Singapore, it recognises students who led with empathy, selflessness and resilience.

These unsung heroes went above and beyond in service to their communities, from organising donation drives and supporting seniors, to championing mental health awareness and advocating for inclusive education.

Sze En’s spirit of care goes beyond volunteering for cancer-related causes.

In 2023, she helped console and comfort a neighbour whose husband had a heart attack and had to be rushed to the hospital. The man’s wife, who was left alone at home, was distraught and crying.

Reflecting on her time volunteering, Sze En, who is now 10, said: “I am a very shy and quiet person, but when I volunteer, I need to be brave and confident... Everyone is different, but we can make a difference to help others.” 

Speaking at the event, which was held at the Spring Singapore Auditorium, Minister of State for Education and Digital Development and Information Jasmin Lau, said: “Good is not only done in grand gestures, but also small personal acts of kindness.

“It begins with the initial seeds of guidance from our parents and educators who instil in us the values of empathy, respect and responsibility.

“If all of us consistently work to create an environment where quiet compassion can take root and flourish, we can build a kinder, stronger and more inclusive Singapore together.”

At the awards, three Secondary 4 boys from Evergreen Secondary School – Choo Koi Heng, Jeremy Dwight Kristian and Muhammad Aidil Putra – were also praised for their compassion towards a classmate who has a disability. 

Every morning, the 16-year-olds will wait for their classmate, Denzer Chong Yin Kang, who uses a wheelchair, at the entrance of the school where he is dropped off and accompany him to class. During recess, they will help him buy food and accompany him at meals.  

At PE lessons, they ensure that he feels included in the class activities by having him play a less active version of the sport that the class is engaged in.

For instance, if the class is playing baseball, they will split from the class and bat the ball with him instead. 

Besides these routines, the boys also hang out and study with him in their free time. 

The boys feel glad that their inclusivity has helped their classmate open up to the class and were grateful to receive recognition for their efforts.

Jeremy said: “He used to be quite shy and embarrassed in class when teachers called on him in Secondary 2, but now he is not afraid to share his opinions with the class. He is a lot more confident now.”

Aidil felt receiving the award cemented the idea that helping others is the right thing to do. He said: “Even if you don’t get anything in return, you will still feel fulfilled, and that is a reward in itself.”

Added Koi Heng: “Kindness should be authentic and sincere. We should accept everyone for who they are because everyone is human. That means we should not exile them from normal daily life.”