On the evening of Jan 9, commuters had to get off a train and onto the train tracks near Marsiling MRT station as a result of a disruption on the North South Line.
As they made their way to the MRT station, an elderly man among them was struggling to navigate the uneven tracks. Train captain Goh Kim Han, 51, noticed the man and immediately went up to him. He carried the man on his back, taking him safely to the station platform.
Mr Goh's act of kindness drew the attention of the media and has now earned him an Outstanding Award at the 17th edition of the National Kindness Awards - Transport Gold.
Mr Goh said: "When I help people, I feel happy. Every time at the workplace, if I can help, I help."
He was one of 25 public transport staff to receive an Outstanding Award yesterday. In all, 419 service staff received commendation awards for their exemplary service.
Jointly organised by the Singapore Kindness Movement, Land Transport Authority (LTA) as well as public transport companies and associations, the award recognises service staff who consistently provide excellent service and go the extra mile in the course of their work. It also seeks to promote gracious behaviour in the transport industry.
Said Dr William Wan, general secretary of the Singapore Kindness Movement: "We are very pleased to recognise those who have gone beyond the call of duty for their passengers. Their heartwarming stories show that as long as one makes an effort to reach out to someone with kindness, it can make a huge difference."
Senior Minister of State for Transport Ng Chee Meng, who is also Acting Education Minister (Schools), told recipients that as transport service staff, they were in the best position to make a big impact on the lives of others.
The award winners were picked from five categories - bus operations, taxi operations, rail operations, automotive and engineering, as well as customer service and all other support functions. Five winners from each category were selected for the Outstanding Awards.
Dr Wan noted a rise in nominations and award winners every year. "That goes to show... that this idea of kindness breeding kindness and graciousness multiplying itself is actually working.
"When people see their own colleagues being praised, awarded and recognised, I think others would also like to do the same."
