Singaporean of the Year finalists spur others to find their strengths and purpose: President Tharman

SINGAPORE – From volunteers who give hope to those in need to athletes who put Singapore on the world map, the lives and deeds of the Singaporean of the Year finalists motivate others to discover their own strengths and purpose, said President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

Mr Tharman, the guest of honour at The Straits Times Singaporean of the Year Award 2024, said: “That is truly what our strength as a nation is about, the way we lend strength and purpose to each other’s lives.”

Speaking at the ceremony at the Istana on Feb 24, he said the Singaporean of the Year Award, which marked its 10th year in 2024, shines a light on Singaporeans who do “something extraordinary” in different ways.

The award honours a Singaporean or group of Singaporeans that has made significant contributions to society. This includes those who have gone out of their way to better the lives of others, or those who have put Singapore on the world map with their achievements.

Mr Tharman pointed out that the 2024 finalists included household names, or household heroes, as he described them – athletes Yip Pin Xiu and Max Maeder.

Ms Yip, who was born with a disability that progressively weakens her muscles, has won seven gold medals and one silver from five editions of the Paralympic Games.

Eighteen-year-old Max Maeder, who is Singapore’s youngest Olympic medallist, won the bronze medal in kitefoiling at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

In his speech, Mr Tharman cited the contributions of each finalist, among them Dr Lim Hong Huay and Mr Daniel Yap.

Dr Lim started CaringSG, a charity to support caregivers of those with disabilities. This comes after she once struggled to find support when she was raising three children, two of whom have autism.

Provision shop owner Daniel Yap started the Fridge Restock Community after he realised that a huge amount of unsold food went into the bin.

His team of volunteers now rescues about 9,000kg of unsold fruits and vegetables weekly, distributing the food to more than 44 community fridges and collection points islandwide to help those in need.

Mr Tharman said: “All of you have not done this for material gain. Your reward is in bringing us closer together as Singaporeans and lifting all our spirits.”

Mr Koh Seng Choon, the founder of Dignity Kitchen, was named Singaporean of the Year 2024.

Mr Koh, 65, set up a foodcourt hiring people with disabilities in 2010, and the social enterprise has since expanded into a chain of food kiosks called Dignity Kitchenettes, hiring people with dementia and mental health issues, among other conditions.